Proud moment for Andhra Pradesh as Belum Caves get GSI tag
VIJAYAWADA: The Geological Survey of India (GSI) has granted Geo Heritage Site status to the historic Belum Caves. With this recognition, Belum Caves becomes the seventh site in the State to receive this prestigious status.
Tourism Minister Kandula Durgesh hailed the recognition as a proud moment. 'Glad that the GSI has given special recognition to the world-famous Belum Caves in Kolimigundla of Nandyal district. These are not just natural wonders but ancient cultural sites that deserve national and global attention,' he said. Belum Caves is the country's second-longest publicly accessible limestone cave system.
Formed by a tributary of the ancient Chitravathi River, the site also features archaeological remains, including pre-Buddhist pottery and relics linked to Buddhist and Jain monks.
The caves were first documented in 1884 by British geologist Robert Bruce Foote. They were later explored in the 1980s and declared a protected site in 1988 before opening to the public in 2002. Durgesh said that the inclusion in the GSI list is expected to increase both domestic and international tourist footfall. 'With this announcement, Belum Caves will become even more popular as a tourist destination. The tag will also bring infrastructure improvements,' he added.
He said Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu is committed to strengthening tourism in the State. 'We will ensure more publicity for Belum Caves to attract foreign visitors and highlight its geological and cultural significance,' Durgesh said.
The tourism department plans to enhance connectivity, upgrade amenities, and promote the site to align with the international attention it is now poised to receive.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hindustan Times
8 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Spotting Purvanchal of 1800s in the Caribbean
It is 2022. I am in the queue at the immigration section in Mumbai airport, holding my passport with a crisp boarding-pass neatly tucked in it. Even though I have made many such trips, the act of playing it cool stays like a muscle memory. I have a fellow traveller who got his passport made especially for this trip. So, he is a bit nervous. Two counters are vacant, and we occupy these. The immigration officer looks like a strict 1990s dad about to check your report card. I throw in a bit of English to assure the officer I haven't sold my ancestral land to fund this trip and never return. The drama is at the other counter. Cricketer Nicholas Pooran, on being asked if he wishes to some day return to his ancestral land to search for his roots, didn't seem very interested. (AFP) 'So, where are you traveling?' the officer asks my friend, even though the boarding pass mentions the destination. 'Sir, West Indies' 'What? There is no country like that' My friend panics. I pitch in, 'Sir, Trinidad & Tobago, that's where we are going'. I say this with a broad smile. The immigration officer isn't amused. I sound like a trafficker. 'Sir, we are going to cover the India vs West Indies series. Check the letter of invitation from the West Indian cricket board,' I build our case further. The familiar palm-tree-on-an-island logo of West Indies on the letterhead finally assuages him. After sufficient inquiry, he stamps the passport. The mechanical sound of the stamp is the sound of success. The year is 1845. The imperial world has just abolished slavery, so there is a huge shortage of workers at the sugarcane plantations. All the tropical islands in the Commonwealth need more hands, including Trinidad & Tobago. So, the colonisers dangle a work agreement to people in British India, especially the Purvanchal region. 'Agreement' gets colloquialised into girmit and the people who sign it are now girmitiyas – mostly outcasts, widowers, landless, and, in general, with not much to lose. After a basic health check, they are bundled into a ship at the Calcutta port. After a 90-day journey via the Cape of Good Hope, they land at Port of Spain, Trinidad's capital. A British clerk asks their names. A guy named Shravan answers in a Maghai accent, 'Sarwan'. The clerk promptly records the phonetic spelling in English. Shravan's descendants bear the mis-spelled last name for generations, one of them being the cricketer Ramnaresh Sarwan. That's how a Shiv Narayan becomes Sivnarine, a Devi Prasad is a Davy Persaud, and so on. There are no last names. They left caste behind in India. The labourers tried to create a caste system in Trinidad, but due to the sheer shortage of women and a lot of inter-marriage, it died out pretty soon. Their religion, music and cuisine did not. And that's how I could have chhole bhature outside the Brian Charles Lara Cricket stadium in Port of Spain. They call it 'double' because, back in the day, they served two bhaturas with chana sandwiched in the middle. I was in Port of Spain with influencers and journalists from India to cover the India versus West Indies cricket series, staying at the same hotel as the players. Such proximity is always fun. At one point, I helped Arshdeep Singh pick the right ingredients for his omelette at the breakfast buffet. And even searched for the right dal tadka with Hardik Pandya. But these are trivial pursuits one can even chance upon in a hotel in Mumbai; hence, being a purvanchali, I was fascinated more by the history of this unique place. For me, it felt like finding the Uttar Pradesh/Bihar of the 1800s preserved in the West Indies. Thankfully, the locals emigrated before the invention of gutka, hence the roads and walls are spotlessly clean. Imagine the Bihar of the 19th century, sans the caste system, paan masala, poor civic sense, but all the amazing food, the music, the sweet dialect, and devotion to their gods. Everyone's great-grandfather was an indentured labourer, everyone started from scratch, with no systemic inequalities, no caste privilege. One can only dream of such utopia. I asked the cricketer Nicholas Pooran if he wishes to some day return to his ancestral land, to search for his roots. He didn't seem very interested. I don't blame him. Notably, the African-Americans celebrate the Day of Emancipation, the day when they were freed from slavery, but the Indo-Carribeans celebrate the Day of Arrival, the day they landed in the country. I asked a bunch of people in a queue at the stadium entrance, who looked of Indian-origin, with a bit of sarcasm, 'So, which team do you support?' They looked at me with some distaste and revealed the maroon jersey. This is the place their grandparents were born, who spoke Creole, not Bhojpuri. For them, I was the village cousin. They were curious to know more about me, but that's about it. They aren't coming back to investigate their roots. That ship, as they say, has sailed. Abhishek Asthana is a tech and media entrepreneur and tweets as @gabbbarsingh. The views expressed are personal.
India.com
10 hours ago
- India.com
Explore Delhi Off The Beaten Path: Unique Neighborhood Walks To Try!
Delhi, India's bustling capital, is known for its iconic landmarks, grand monuments and noisy markets. However, beyond what tourists visit lies a goldmine of neighborhoods filled with life, culture and stories. Strolling through these unexplored parts of Delhi is the best way to experience Delhi like a local. Let's explore seven exceptional neighborhoods that best show the hidden beauty of Delhi. 1. Majnu Ka Tilla: Little Tibet in Delhi Also known as Tibetan Colony, Majuna ka Tila is a colorful enclave that acts as a slice of Tibetan culture. Begin your walk through the narrow lanes filled with cozy cafes, bookstores and shops serving Tibetan artifacts. The area boasts of fluttering prayer flags in the wind, and the exquisite smell of momos and thukpa blends beautifully in the air. Head over to the Buddhist monastery for a peaceful escape from the bustling neighborhood. Highlights: Tibetan handicrafts, monastery sights, and incredibly mouth watering authentic Tibetan food. Local Tip: Try butter tea from Cafe AMA. 2. Mehrauli Archaeological Park: Where Nature Comes Together with History Mehrauli Archeological Park provides a historical stroll in a green area away from all the people at Qutub Minar. The park has several monuments from different periods like the Jamali Kamali Mosque, Rajon Ki Baoli (a stepwell), and Metcalfe House. This area very well combines the panorama of the ancient world with that of the modern city. Strolling around here is akin to traveling back in time. Highlight: More than 100 notable buildings, unnoticed stepwells, hidden in the thick of the woods, and numerous pathways through the forest. Local Tip: Early morning visits are recommended. 3. Hauz Khas Village: The New Thing within the Old Thing Hauz Khas Village is simply a mix of modern sophistication and middle age charm. Start your walking tour from the core of the village around the 14th century Hauz Khas Fort and lake, then further browse the streets with many art galleries, souvenir shops, and cafes. It opens an example of how modern life lives with the past in Delhi. Highlight: Ruins of the fort, a beautiful peaceful lake, and modern cafes. Local Tip: I would recommend the Social café to see the lake from the rooftop. 4. Nizamuddin Basti: Spiritual and Cultural Heritage The Nizamuddin Basti area is a center for spirituality that captures the essence of Sufi traditions in Delhi. Begin your walk at the tomb of one of the most respected Sufi saints, Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya. Indulge in soulful Qawwalis on Thursday evenings. While walking through the streets, you will see Mughal tombs, heritage houses, and restaurants that serve traditional Mughlai food. Highlights: Nizamuddin Dargah, Mughlai cuisine, and Humayans tomb which is just a few steps away. Local Tip: Have a serving of Kebabs at Ghalib Kabab Corner or Karim's. 5. Champa Gali: A Hidden Artistic Alley This hidden alley in Saket is filled with coffee shops, boutiques, and art studios. Champa Gali is a perfect place for casual walks as it encourages you to absorb the creativity around you. This alley is loved by the locals for its unique beauty and artistic charm, making it a hidden treasure. Local Tip: Try Blue Tokai Coffee for an excellent brew. 6. Chandni Chowk's By-Lanes: Off the Beaten Track Chandni Chowk not only comprises deftly marked streets and landmarks such as the Red Fort, but also feature by-lanes that encompass the heart of Old Delhi. Stroll along the narrow Paranthe Wali Gali, Kinari Bazaar (a favorite for wedding jewelry), and Dariba Kalan (the jewelry street). These by-lanes are a literal mazy trail which will mesmerize you with sights and smells like none you have ever experienced before. Highlights: Street culinary delights, wholesale markets, and architectural wonders. Local Tip: Come in the early morning for a quieter time. 7. Sanjay Van : The Urban Forest in Delhi If you want an escape from the hustle of the city, then Sanjay Van is your respite. This broad national park in Vasant Kunj is a place for nature lovers. As you walk through the trails and admire flora, you may also come across peacocks, jackals, and various birds. The park also contains the remains from the times of the Sultanate of Delhi, so there's some history to enjoy as well. Highlights: Thick forests, animal sightings, and ancient ruins. Local Tip: Wear comfortable shoes and bring along some moisture for your hike. Advice for Walking Around Delhi: Know What Times to Go: Late afternoon and early morning times are the most suitable for leisurely strolls. In these times, the sun is not at its full blaze and walking around is comfortable. Wear loose and breathable clothing as well as sturdy shoes if you plan on taking long walks. Keep a water bottle with you at all times, especially during summer. Show some courtesy: Some places like Nizamuddin Dargah mandate traditional clothing as a sign of courtesy. Local Guides: For heritage walks, you may consider buying the services of a local guide for detailed explanations. Delhi offers offbeat neighborhoods that showcase a completely new perspective of the city. Once you step off the beaten tourist path and begin to enjoy the vibe, there is a lot of culture, history, and hospitality enriched in Delhi. So put on your walking shoes, and prepare yourself to discover the heart of Delhi like a local.
New Indian Express
11 hours ago
- New Indian Express
High tea with hints of the empire at Kochi's Brunton Boatyard
Fort Kochi has always been a mix of cultures. The Dutch, British, Portuguese, and Jews. Their influence extends to everything, most notably architecture and food. And nowhere is this amalgamation more profound than at Brunton Boatyard, a CGH Earth heritage hotel perched on Calvathy Road. Indeed, at their History restaurant, one is serenaded by way of a scrumptious fine dining experience that very thing: the history of Fort Kochi, through 32 cuisines from all the communities that make up the place. However, at their Armoury Restobar, this emphasis on the local quietens down to bring to the fore the old-world English charm. And what better way to do it than with the traditional high Tea? This is precisely what the hotel leans into.
