Mylaram caves cry for attention

The caves, which have stalagmite and stalactites formations, can be developed as a major tourist attraction.

 

Jayashankar Bhupalpally: Despite having great potential to become a major tourist attraction, the Mylaram caves in the district are crying for attention of the Tourism Department authorities. Neither tourism nor the Telangana State Tourism Development Corporation (TSTDC) has taken steps for the promotion of the caves which are located about 18 km from the historical Ramappa temple and 55 km away from Warangal city.

The caves, which came to limelight about four years ago, have stalagmite and stalactites formations similar to that of Belum and Borra caves of Andhra Pradesh. Though the eco-tourism wing of the district forest department is promoting the Pandava caves as the tourist centre, it seems it is not bothered to take measures to promote this site which has at least 10 caves. The height of these caves ranges from 5 feet to 100 feet. Since they are situated inside the Nallaguttlalu (hillocks) on the outskirts of the Mylaram village in (Mulugu) Ganapuram mandal, one has to climb and enter the caves through a very narrow passage and climb down at least 20 feet to reach the surface of the cave.

 

Inside the caves, there are many stalagmite and stalactites formations which resemble various living and non-living creatures.

“A stalagmite formation, which looks like a Shiva Linga, similar to the one at Amarnath, is the major attraction at the caves, while several other formations like an old man, a huge tree, dolphins and folded saree pleats also attract the visitors,” said Aravind Ayra Pakide, an archaeology and history enthusiast who captured wonderful pictures of the caves.

Another major attraction of the caves is the rock arch or natural arch, which is said to be bigger than that of Tirumala hills.

It may be added here that authorities including TSTDC former MD Christina Z. Chongthu and Commissioner of Tourism Sunita M Bhagwat also visited the place. Former chairman of the Telangana State Tourism Development Corporation (TSTDC) Pervaram Ramulu even announced that they would allot funds for the development of the caves. But nothing has materialized so far.

S Ravinder, a local resident, said that these caves should be recognised as tourist place. “Since there are several popular tourist places such as Pandavula Gutta, the historical Ganapuram group of temples and Ramappa temple are located near to the Mylaravam caves, these caves can be developed into a major tourist spot,” he opined.