India's 5 coolest underground gems you can actually explore :•

India is known for its soaring peaks, sprawling deserts, and chaotic bazaars—but what if we told you some of its coolest secrets lie under the surface? No, we’re not talking about conspiracy theories or lost cities (though those are fun too). We're talking about real, awe-inspiring underground destinations that’ll make you feel like a character in an Indiana Jones movie. So grab your torch (or flashlight if you’re less dramatic), and let’s dig into five underground spots in India that are as mysterious as they are magical.

So next time someone says “been there, done that,” take them underground. Bet they haven’t done this.

1. Ajanta Caves, Maharashtra

Ajanta caves

Hewn out of a horseshoe-shaped cliff face above the Waghora River, the Ajanta Caves are a World Heritage Site and gateway to ancient Buddhist art. Dating back to the 2nd century BCE, these 30 cave sites contain exquisite murals and Buddha's life and teachings. Forgotten by the passage of time, the caves today are a spiritual journey into India's history. Their serene ambiance, rich in history, gives a close-up glimpse into ancient piety and artwork, far removed from the strife of the world outside

Borra Caves, Andhra Pradesh

The Borra Caves of picturesque Araku Valley are quite possibly the most fascinating network of Indian limestone caves. The million-year-old caves are replete with remarkable stalactites and stalagmites, each of them having been shaped by running water through rock. These are beautifully formed like some of the creatures, complete with an eerie atmosphere. Well below the earth, some 80 meters beneath, they are an otherworldly but visually appealing spectacle. A visit to Borra is a dive into the wonderful strength of nature to fashion great masterpieces within the earth, a trip that's just from another world

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