Krem puri – World’s longest sandstone cave

The experience of exploring new worlds is often the most satisfying aspect of travelling. Most new worlds, while differing from the familiar by way of language or culture, still maintain a sense of familiarity with the known. Roads, cars, buildings and the like.

Then there are other worlds. Ones that are radically different from anything experienced before. Places where light and space are scarce commodities and silence is in abundance. Where fauna assumes a strange alien like quality designed to survive under these conditions.

Worlds so narrow and low that standing up straight becomes a luxury. Reserved only for a few spots where it is physically possible.

The absence of change here makes it seem like time ceases to exist. But there is change. Only that change happens over millions of years. Change that creates canyons and new rock formations from water.

Places that reveal themselves only after a debt of physical and mental effort has been paid. Krem Puri is such a place. A 24 km long maze like cave that covers an area of 13 sq km at the foothills of a hill near Mawsynram in Meghalaya, India. It’s as if the mountain gods created a portal for mortals to witness the inner workings of this secretive cave. A fascinating world within a world.

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Inside the cave

1. Caving!

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2. Stalactites, stalagmites and flowstones.

Stalactites are a mineral formation that hangs from the ceiling of caves. The corresponding formation on the floor is called stalagmites. They rise from the floor of a cave due to the accumulation of material deposited on the floor from ceiling drippings.

Flowstones are sheetlike deposits of calcite or other carbonate minerals, formed where water flows down the walls of a cave.

3. The beach.

4. Fauna.

5. Other interesting structures.

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Guide details

Guides are absolutely necessary. As one of the initial explorers of Krem Puri, Brian D Kharpran puts it, “If you get lost inside, you may never be able to find your way out“.

Guides will be available at the entrance. You can also call +916009311406 to arrange guide services.

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Time and distance

A short 30-minute hike down a 200 ft cliff takes you to the entry point of the cave.

Pace inside the cave is slow as most places involve crouching, crawling or climbing.

Timeline for a 5 km route in the cave,

• At the entry point of the cave – 11 a.m
• At the beach – 12:40 p.m
• At the final point, the flowstones, stalactites, stalagmites – 1:10 p.m
• Out of the cave – 2:25 p.m
• Total time taken = 3.5 hours.

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Essential things to carry

• A torch or a headlamp with extra batteries: The cave is pitch dark. The light you carry will be the only source.
• Good sports shoes.
• Water: There is no drinking water inside the cave.
• Helmet.
• Full sleeves, quick drying upper-wear.
• Full, flexible pant.
• Gloves.

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Suggestions

• Caving in Krem Puri is not advisable for first time cavers. Visit other caves to gain experience.
• Do not visit in monsoon as Mawsynram is the wettest place on Earth and water levels in the cave are unpredictable.
• Do not venture alone. Stay with your group.
• If you are claustrophobic, caving in the narrow passages of Krem Puri might be challenging.

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Jobs fill your pocket, but adventures fill your soul.

Jaime Lyn Beatty

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References

1. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/travel/things-to-do/new-discovery-reveals-that-meghalaya-is-home-to-worlds-longest-cave/articleshow/63380710.cms ↩︎
2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mosasaur ↩︎
3. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/travel/things-to-do/new-discovery-reveals-that-meghalaya-is-home-to-worlds-longest-cave/articleshow/63380710.cms ↩︎