Krem Liat Prah is the longest natural cave in South Asia. Krem Liat Prah (Krem is the Khasi word for "cave") is one of approximately 150 known caves in the Shnongrim Ridge of the East Jaintia Hills district in the state of Meghalaya. Its current length is 25 km but is expected to be more when full exploration is done.
Krem Puri sandstone cave, Meghalaya
The world’s longest sandstone cave, the Krem Puri, was discovered in Meghalaya in 2016. This 24.5 km sandstone cave is home to dinosaur fossils, especially the Mosasaurus, a giant reptile that lived 66-76 million years ago.
Four Holy Caves Of Bayul Demazong, Sikkim
There are many big and small caves in Sikkim. Among them are four holy caves located at the four cardinal directions of Tashiding - the spiritual heart of Sikkim in the west district, and each cave is believed to have a particular significance.
The spiritual description of these caves has been made in various religious texts, which contains many secret notes about the places of worship, lakes, streams, as well as the instructions to follow while making entry into this land. It is said that Lord Avalokiteshvara, God Indra, and Five Sublime Incarnates showered their blessings on this Hidden Land in time immemorial in the past.
In the 8th Century, Guru Padmasambhava at the request of the Tibetan King Khri - Srong Ide btsan (775-797), began to spread and establish his Buddhist teachings in Tibet. During his travels throughout Tibet, he also visited Sikkim, consecrated the land, and prophesied that Buddhism would flourish here in Sikkim in the future. During his journeys, he hid many “spiritual treasures,” so-called “termas” in the lakes and caves of Sikkim. Guru Padmasambhava predicted that at the right time in the future, these would be discovered by the holiest and purest lamas of that time who would decrypt them for the benefit of humanity.
In Sikkim, Bhutan and Tibet Guru Padmasambhava is regarded as the “second Buddha” and worshipped as the incarnation of the historical Buddha Shakaymuni. People here simply refer to him as “root-teacher” - “Guru Rimpoche.
In Sikkim there are four holy caves:
• Sharchhogbayphung - the secret cave
• Khando Sangphuk - the cave of the fairies
• Lharinyingphug - the old cave of the hill of God
• Dechenphu - the cave of happiness
The East Sharchog Beyphug or secret cave is situated between the Tendong and Maenam hills. The cave can be reached on foot from Sangmoo, which is at a distance of 5 km from Ravangla. It is a huge cavern that is said to extend from the Tendong to the Maenam Hill, with its height varying from five feet to one hundred or two hundred feet.
The South Lho Kando Sangphug or the cave of the occult fairies lies close to the Reshi hot springs on the Jorethang-Legship road. The cave and the hot spring can be accessed on foot across the river Rangit across a pedestrian bridge. On a rock one can still see many footprints believed to belong to fairies.
The North Lhari Nyingphug or the old cave of God is located on a hill situated north of Tashiding (in West Sikkim). It is known to be the holiest of the caves and commands a 3-day walk from Tashiding.
The West Nub Dechenphug or cave of great happiness is difficult to access and is situated near Dzongri. It is best reached in autumn when there is no snow.
The entire northeast of India has the perfect karst typography for both limestone caves and river caves; hence, it is undoubtedly an incredible region for all the cavers and offers the best caving potential in the country.
