In yet another proud moment for Meghalaya (and India), Mawmluh Caves are now among the first 100 UNESCO IUGS Geological Sites in the world. By Anushka Goel
Mawmluh Caves in India have made it to the First 100 International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS) Geological Sites, according to the latest release. Meghalaya Chief Minister took to Twitter to share the happy news. Their listing comes months after the state’s Living Root Bridges were included in the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Mawmluh Caves become the latest addition to UNESCO sites in India
Mawmluh Cave in Sohra, Meghalaya known for the ‘Meghalayan Age’ has been selected by @theIUGS (@UNESCO) as one of the ‘FIRST 100 IUGS GEOLOGICAL SITES’ in the world. @narendramodi @kishanreddybjp @JoshiPralhad @GeologyIndia pic.twitter.com/wA5eNwVYmQ
— Conrad Sangma (@SangmaConrad) October 1, 2022
The caves, also called Krem Mawmluh, are the fourth longest in the Indian subcontinent. These caves, located at an altitude of about 1,290 metres, are 4,500 metres long, and are best known for their stalagmites and other rock formations. Located about 60 kilometres from Shillong, these caves were first explored by Lt Yule, a British official, back in 1844.
Apart from the stalagmite and stalactite formations, these caves also feature a small pool inside, which is said to have been formed by five rivers finding a way inside them. The Mawmluh caves are located in Sohra, and it is said that the stalagmites help predict monsoon patterns, droughts etc. What’s more, researchers from the USA have studied the last 50 years of growth of a stalagmite here!
Meghalaya is among the rainiest places in the world, and makes for a beautiful destination to travel to. Be it destinations such as Dawki with its many root bridges and unique villages, there are enough natural destinations to explore here, and with the addition of the Mawmluh Caves on the UNESCO list, the tourism here is expected to get a boost.
Hero and Featured Image: Courtesy of @SangmaConrad/Conrad Sangma/Twitter
Related: These UNESCO World Heritage Sites In East & Northeast India Will Leave You Spellbound
Anushka has previously worked with publications such as the Times of India and Being Indian. A graduate from Xavier Institute of Communications, she specialises in entertainment, food and travel. She also likes to write about sustainability and beauty. When not working, you can catch her reading a book, tending to her plants, cooking or playing an instrument.
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