Kachargadh Caves

Useful Information

Location:	Dhanegon Dahanegon, Darrekasa, Maharashtra 441916. 55 km from Gondia in Salekasa tehsil. (21.287352, 80.602354)
Open:	no restrictions. [2022]
Fee:	free. [2022]
Classification:	Erosional Cave
Light:	bring torch
Dimension:
Guided tours:	self guided
Photography:	allowed
Accessibility:	no
Bibliography:
Address:	Kachargadh Caves, Dhanegon Dahanegon, Darrekasa, Maharashtra 441916.
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History

Description

Kachargadh Caves are a series of small natural caves located on a hillside. This is quite exceptional, as there are actually no natural caves in the state, due to the geology, and all other sites are manmade caves. They are located in Maharashtra, just south of the place where the three Indian states Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh meet. From the town Darrekasa, follow the main road named Dogargarh Road through the town towards Salekasa. After the bridge across Darekasa jamakodu river, keep right and in the small suburb keep right again. There is a paved road 2.5 km to the caves, but it seems the end is destroyed and visitors have to park and walk the rest. The place is well visited, but mostly by locals for worshipping. It is not yet a tourist destination and visited only by trekkers.

The main cave has a size of 55 m by 34 m and is 17 m high. The oldest human remains found in the cave from the Paleolithic age are estimated to be 25000 years old.

The area is called Gondwana, probably you have heard the name from the super-continent which existed 200 Ma ago. Obviously the geologists were inspired by this name, obviously the geology of this area helped with plate tectonics theory. However, the name Gondwana is this area of forested hills where Gond tribes are spread all over the forest in small groups. Every tribe has a chieftain which they call King and his wife Queen. The Kachargadh cave is a gathering place for the Kings and Queens of the Gond people. This event is once a year and takes sometimes over a month. They share their experiences, perform small skit or dance, and make important decisions. One of thos important decision several years ago, was to not cut the bamboo from the forest for industry. They lost the income, but their forest is still healthy. And there is also a religious part, they pray to Gods, Goddesses, and the Jungle for their welfare.