Caves you just have to Spelunk!!!
One of nature’s most beautiful creations. Here are some information on some unusual caves in the world
Cueva da los Cristales: Mexico- was discovered in 2000. It is full of crystals that are over 35 feet long and weighs over 50 tons. These fantastic caves maintain a high temperature, 136 c . Crystals cover the floors, walls and ceilings. Even with adequate gears and safety procedures, visitors entering this cave can last less than 10 minutes. Staying any longer would mean certain death.
Sof Omar: Ethiopia- part of the longest ( 15.1 Km) system of caves in Africa. These caverns were formed by the Web River and was considered an underground religious center for centuries. The river disappears into a huge underground paradise with arched portals, vast eroded ceiling and deep vaulted echoing chambers. Luckily these vast chambers can be explored by anyone.
Voronya or Krubera: Georgia- was scientifically explored for the 1st time in 1960. This mammoth cave is over 2000 metres deep. Its name means ‘Crow’s Cave’ in native dialect, due to the large flocks of crows that nest at its single entrance. Exploring this cave can be done only by experts.
Blue Grotto: Italy- located in the Isle of Capri this cave can be entered only by boat. it was used as a private pool by the emperor Tiberius. It is a beautiful sea cave that is illuminated by vibrant blue light reflected from the sun. Originally called the ‘Gradola’, it was avoided by the locals who believed it was haunted by evil entities.
Postojna Grotto: Slovenia- is famous for spectacular stalactites, made from the mineral calcium carbonate. The deposition of calcium carbonate by drops of mineralized water over millions of years is what forms stalactites that hang tight to the ceilings. It has beautiful and unique formations in pristine condition. It has so many formations and it is the largest cavern in Europe.
Actun Tunichil Muknal: Belize- is a wonderful cave and it is most famous for a formation called ‘ The Crystal Maiden’. It is a real skeleton that has been crystallized by the natural forces in cave formation. Access to this cave is made by wading across a large pool of water and then climbing in to cave entrance. The cave was found with other objects that lead scientists to believe that this cave was used for religious ritual sacrifices.
Kungur Ice Cave: Russia- is one of the most unique caves in the world. It has many unusual features. The snow flakes that change in size over seasons. Some grow as large as a grape fruit. It has so many grottos and a lake inside, that is fed by Sylvia river. Many become very dizzy when they enter due to high oxygen levels. Any visit her would be a spelunker’s fantasy.
Hastings Caves: Australia- the formations in this cave are made of dolomite which gives them the rich lovely pink colour. They were accidently discovered in 1917 by timber workers cutting trees near the entrance. This complex features natural springs and unlike many caves it is spacious and well lit.
Mammoth Cave National Park: USA- is the longest cave system in the world. Spelunkers and tourists from around the world swarm here to be the first to find a new grotto, formation or passage. It is truly one of the world’s natural wonders. It is an UNESCO World Heritage site and an International Biosphere.
Son Doong: Vietnam- is the world’s largest natural cave. The entrance to this cave by founded only in 1991 by a local man while searching for aloe. Formed in limestone, it runs for approximately 9 kms and is connected by an underground river. The cave also contains the tallest stalagmites in the world. Permits are required to access the cave and are made available on a limited basis.