Siju Cave, Meghalaya

Located in a small hut on the bank of the Simsang River, I waited for the rain to subside so we could enter Siju Cave. This subterranean cave system in the South Garo Hills of Meghalaya is among the longest in India. But I had mixed feelings about exploring its depths. When it comes to damp, dingy places where creatures of the dark thrive, I’m a bit of a scaredy-cat. Add to that, the fact that Siju was partially flooded due to recent rains and is filled with bats.

The cavernous labyrinth has a perennial stream running through it, and the water was surprisingly warm. It was fine at first but as we ventured deeper, the water level rose to our knees and the current grew palpably strongerThe only sound resonating through the chamber was the muffled sound of flowing water.

Sure, I had a firm grip on my friend’s hand throughout the trip, but the caves were still a wonderful experience. Standing on a boulder, I found myself inches away from an arachnid as large as my palm. My most memorable experience from Siju Caves however, was when I saw nothing at all. Since there wasn’t a single light source, my eyes could not adjust. It was exhilarating.

When I asked how deep I had gone, he chuckled, and said, “Maybe 300 metres.” I made a mental promise to return, for a proper caving expedition. It’s not every day in India that you find caves without shrines or glaring lights. Here, the subterranean adventure is as pristine as it comes.

Situated: 132 kms from tura.