For a one-of-a-kind Limestone Caving adventure
Caving is one of the most exciting and uncharted areas of adventure. It has a different and more powerful adrenaline rush. The term "caving" basically refers to the exploration and discovery of different caving systems as well as learning about them. Caves, like waterfalls, are one of the most natural wonders that can captivate you. It has a distinct aura about it that will make you wonder. Even on holiday, we see a lot of hills, parks, and rivers, but caves are something we see very little.
So, if you visit Jaintia Hill District in Meghalaya, you cannot afford to miss Umlawan Cave. It is one of the rare experiences that you will get. It is a limestone cave which is situated in Lumshnong Village. As a result, this cave is also known as Lumshnong Cave.
Lumshnong Village is a village Panchayat in West Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya. It is 60 kilometers from Jowai, and the Umlawan cave is located in this area. Despite the fact that visiting caves is not very prevalent in general, the Umlawan cave is quite popular among tourists. If visiting Jowai, tourists should not miss out on this golden experience.
One cannot deny that the existence of Lumshnong village was not widely known. The discovery of the Umlawan Cave brought this village to public attention. Umlawan cave has been confirmed to be the longest and deepest in the subcontinent. This has resulted not only in Meghalaya being proud but also in increased tourism. After all, it's not every day that you get to explore the subcontinent's longest and deepest cave.
According to records, the Umlawan cave is more than 100 kilometers long and 100 meters deep. Aside from the Umlawan cave, two other caves are linked to it. The other two cave names associated with the Umlawan Cave are Krem Khot Sati and Umskor Cave.
Aside from that, there are numerous caves in Meghalaya with spectacular stalagmites and stalactite formations that have yet to be explored and surveyed by many.
One interesting feature of the Umlawan cave is that the villagers frequently use it as a washing place.
Isn't it bizarre?
However, one must be aware that in order to enter the cave, one must swim through it. This is during the monsoon. Isn't that an exciting sense of adventure?
Nevertheless, the monsoon season is not the best time to visit this magnificent cave because the entrance is submerged due to heavy rain. However, if they do, they must be extra cautious about the path. After all, safety takes precedence over leisure.
Tips when visiting Umlawan Cave
If a tourist wishes to explore this glorious cave at any time of year, they must dress comfortably. A good pair of shoes is essential for walking along the narrow pathway, especially when it rains and the rocks become slippery. To have a clear vision inside the cave, it is always preferable to carry a torch.
Insights into Umlawan Cave
The entrance to the Umlawan cave is in the heart of Lumshnong village. It has a total of 24 horizontal and vertical entrances. Interestingly, no part of the cave is more than an hour away from the nearest entrance.
The Umlawan Cave is one of its kind. Among the 24 entrances to this rare beauty, a few are named Krem Kotsati, Krem Umtyongai, Krem Umsynrang Liehwait, and Krem Wahjajew. Krem Lalit, Synrang Thloo, Krem "Washing Place Inlet," Krem Umshor, Put Lyer, Garage Pot, and Thloolong Kharasniang.
Caving is indeed an adventure. Because crawling through the cave's narrow opening requires techniques and cautiousness. The explorer visiting the Umlawan cave must walk through the darkness, surrounded by projecting stalactites and stalagmites. The caves have a rougher, rockier path, but they also have a larger pathway than the majority of the caves. As a result, tourists who suffer from Claustrophobia should exercise extreme caution when exploring these caves.
The distinct thing about the Umlawan Cave is that they have gastropod fossils on the insight, which is something new and rare to look at. Gastropods are snails and slugs that we frequently encounter during the monsoon season. However, several fossils of this group in the form of shells can be found in the Umlawan Cave. As a result, explorers are frequently captivated by them.
The best time to visit the Umlawan cave is between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Because the inside of the cave is dark, it is best not to explore it in the evening for safety reasons.
Nonetheless, the Umlawan Cave is an ideal location for true adventure seekers. Exploring this place gives you a rush of adrenaline. It is one of the most natural forms of beauty that one could ever come across. Some people may even become frightened. However, one cannot help but appreciate the art.
Yes, it is an art form. Art is a creation, and the Umlawan Cave is a natural creation. Despite its rough appearance, it stands gracefully in the center of Lumshnong village, interconnecting 24 caves. Where will you get the chance to do something like this?
It also teaches you discipline. Exploration cannot be carried out in a ruthless manner. The rules must be followed. One must also take care not to destroy the cave in any way. If you destroy nature's home, she will use her power and strength against you. As a result, one must always proceed with caution.
Even though extra care is required, it will not detract from your pleasure. Visiting caves is a unique experience in and of itself. It's worth looking at the structure and foundation. The insights of the Umlawan cave may surprise you. A cave adorned with limestone is a sight to behold.
The Umlawan cave is a must-see attraction, especially if you want to experience the true essence of nature and its treasures. It is definitely not a site for every age group to visit. However, if you may; enjoy this experience to the fullest. The Umlawan cave is a rare but magnificent jewel of the Jaintia Hills in Meghalaya, India.