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Arwah Cave Meghalaya: Discover Ancient Fossils in Cherrapunji’s Hills
Most caves draw us in with their uniqueness, Arwah Cave in Meghalaya offers fossil impressions within its limestone walls – remnants of an era when the area’s geology was vastly different to what we see today.
Looming near Sohra (otherwise known as Cherrapunji) the cave presents an accessible forest walk trail with the chance to delve into limestone formations and uncover the region’s distant past. Here’s the lowdown – what to expect, and what you’ll need to know prior to paying a visit.
About Arwah Cave
Situated in the East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya, near Sohra – Arwah Cave is a natural limestone cave popular amongst those who’d like to discover a quieter side of Cherrapunji.
As you venture deeper into the cave you may spot fossil impressions upon the limestone walls, hanging stalactites, ground stalagmites – and in some areas – water flowing underground. While the accessible portion of the cave may not stretch for miles, it’s certainly worth exploring as a short expedition.
Getting to the Cave
Your adventure to Arwah Cave commences with the forest trail, which stretches from the car parking area. The trail is a pleasant walk and will be accessible to those who are able to navigate a forested area. While the walk itself shouldn’t prove too challenging – you may wish to factor in a little extra time if the trail becomes a little slippery following rainfall.
- Walking time: You’ll want to factor in roughly 15-20 minutes for the walk to the cave, depending on how quickly you’re willing to traverse the terrain.
- Trail: A forest trail which begins at the car parking area.
- Difficulty: Manageable for most who can walk, with the potential for some uneven terrain along the way.
- What to expect: A pleasant trail amongst trees which will lead you to the entrance of the cave.
What to See at Arwah Cave
Ancient Fossil Impressions
The fossil impressions are certainly a highlight of the cave, offering an insight into the area’s distant past. With that said – some are harder to discern than others, and a local guide may be able to indicate where some can be seen.
Limestone Formations
The formations within the cave are certainly worth seeing – from the stalactites hanging from the ceiling to the stalagmites which rise from the ground. Formed from dripping limestone water, these fascinating speleological features are sure to captivate your attention.
Water Within the Cave
In some parts of the cave there may be shallow streams or damp areas – the amount of which will depend on the local weather conditions. It’s certainly best to factor this into your footwear choice rather than assume the ground will always be dry.
Dark Areas Within the Cave
There are areas of the cave which might prove a little dark – a handy torch or phone flashlight may assist you in seeing some of the fascinating formations and fossil impressions. Be mindful not to damage any delicate formations or fossil impressions within the cave.
How Challenging is it?
With the exception of the trail to the cave, Arwah isn’t a challenging expedition. The cave itself has some uneven patches which may prove a little slippery following recent rainfall. It’s also important to remember that the accessible portion of the cave is only a small proportion of the whole. With that said – it’s a great day’s activity and well worth the visit.
- Wear suitable walking shoes with a strong grip.
- Be mindful of uneven terrain within the cave.
- Be prepared for dark patches within the cave.
- Be mindful of accessibility if you intend to bring very young children and/or anyone who has difficulty walking.
- Follow local guidelines and restrictions on the accessible portion of the cave.
If you’re comparing it to some of Cherrapunji’s other popular caves – it’s certainly a little more laid back at times. That said – it can get busier at certain times of the year and on weekends.
Entry Fee and Opening Hours
Entry fees, guide cost, photography restrictions and opening hours can change – it’s always best to double check with the local authority or an up-to-date listing online. It’s common for entry fees to change on a yearly basis. In previous years an adult ticket has cost roughly ₹20–30 and a guide has been an optional extra, which might cost a similar price to that of the entry fee. This should not be considered an accurate reflection of the current charges.
Always double check with the local authority for the most updated admission, photography, and opening hours ahead of your visit. It’s also a good idea to carry cash with you in case you need to pay for an entry/optional guide.
When is the Best Time to Visit Arwah Cave?
The dry season can be a good time to visit – months of October to April tend to be the driest on average. It’s important to factor in suitable footwear if visiting outside of the monsoon period.
The monsoon season delivers the majority of Meghalaya’s rainfall – the terrain around the trail and within the cave may become more slippery and wet following recent rainfall. The trail can become more challenging to navigate as well. If you have a morning departure in mind following the cave visit – it’s a good idea to factor this into your morning itinerary to ensure there’s enough daylight remaining.
Before travelling, it’s always a good idea to consult the official Meghalaya Government website – for general state information and any travel related restrictions.
Essential Items to Bring
- A torch or phone flashlight for navigating the darker areas within the cave.
- Walking shoes with a strong grip.
- Water for the trail walk – particularly on warm days.
- Cash for potential entry and/or guide fees.
- A light rain jacket if the forecast suggests rain.
Factor in roughly 30-45 minutes for a short visit – assuming the trail, any waiting time, and accessible portion of the cave are manageable. You may need a little extra time if you have a slower pace, wish to examine the formations closely – or hire a guide.
Plan a Day Around Cherrapunji
If you have an interest in seeing more than just the local waterfalls you can fit in a short cave visit around your Sohra itinerary. If you have an interest in waterfalls as well as caves you could potentially structure your day as follows:
- Morning: Arwah Cave – visit earlier in the day to give yourself enough time for the trail.
- Late morning/midday: Dainthlen Falls – assuming road conditions and your itinerary allows.
- Afternoon: Choose an alternative: Nohkalikai Falls or Seven Sisters Falls – depending on the weather and your itinerary.
- Evening: Return to Sohra or head to Shillong if your transport allows.
The distances and driving times between attractions can vary – it’s always best to factor this in ahead of your travels. Prioritise safety over seeing as much as possible in one day if the weather turns nasty following heavy rainfall.
If you enjoy waterfall stops, you can also read our guide to Dainthlen Falls to learn about another scenic attraction in the Cherrapunji area.
Who Should Visit Arwah Cave?
Arwah Cave is a good option for:
- Travelers with an interest in fossils, limestone formations and geology.
- Nature lovers who enjoy the short walk within a forested area.
- Families with older children who can navigate uneven and potentially slippery terrain.
- Those who wish to seek out a less well known attraction with an interesting twist.
- Those who prefer to navigate at a relaxed pace.
It it may not necessarily be the best option for those with significant walking difficulties or those who are uncomfortable with potentially slippery ground. Be mindful of current accessibility conditions if you have specific requirements.
Pros and Cons
What to Know
- Fossil impressions offer an interesting insight into the region’s distant past.
- Intriguing limestone formations within the cave.
- The trail provides a nice walk alongside the forest.
- It can be combined with other waterfalls and attractions in the local area.
What to Consider
- Some areas within the cave may be a little dark.
- Wet ground following recent rainfall may prove challenging to navigate.
- The accessible portion of the cave is only a small percentage of the whole.
- Admission fees, guide availability and opening hours are subject to change.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What makes Arwah Cave special?
Its fossil impressions found upon the limestone walls and the intriguing features of the cave itself. The forest trail also provides a nice walk, making it a little different to some of the region’s other caves.
2. How much is the entry fee?
Entry fees do change – in recent years an adult entry fee has cost roughly ₹20-30, with an optional guide. Always check with the local authority or an official source ahead of your visit for the most up-to-date information.
3. Do I need a guide?
A guide may not be compulsory, depending on local conditions – a guide can prove useful to identify fossil impressions within the cave. Always check with the local authority ahead of your visit.
4. When is the best time to visit?
The dry season is often the most comfortable time to visit, with months of October to April typically being the driest on average. It’s also a good idea to factor in suitable footwear if you intend to visit outside of the monsoon season.
5. Is Arwah Cave suitable for children?
Older children with a willingness to explore may find it an interesting experience – younger ones might find the terrain a little challenging to navigate. Always consider your own comfort and the conditions before entering the cave with very young children.
6. How long should I plan for the visit?
Factor in roughly 30-45 minutes for a short visit – this will depend on how long the trail takes, if you need to wait to enter the cave, and whether you wish to hire a guide.
Conclusion
Arwah Cave is a great stop for those who enjoy a mix of natural history as well as the beauty of the outdoors. The trail, accessible cave and the unique fossil impressions make it stand out from a standard cave visit. While it doesn’t offer an extended exploration it’s a rewarding visit for those willing to make the short walk to the entrance.
If you are planning a Meghalaya trip, consider adding Arwah Cave to your Sohra itinerary alongside a few nearby waterfalls. Wear suitable shoes, check local access conditions and explore at your leisure.
