One of the longest caves in the Indian subcontinent that was the first to be explored by a British official in 1844 – Mawmluh Cave in Sohra (locally known as Krem Mawmluh), has been chosen as one of the “First 100 IUGS Geological Sites”. Not only is this a UNESCO site but evidence gathered from this cave has led to the initiation of a time scale or a Geological Age known as ‘Meghalayan Age‘.
What is “Meghalayan Age”?
We might just have to retrace our step backwards a few million years! We all are aware of the Jurassic Period (the movie made sure of that!). The mass extinction of dinosaurs helped geologists to determine the geologic scale of our beautiful planet. Since geology is the study of the sediments that are left behind, generation after generation, for millions and billions of years, when something as big as an extinction event happens, the rock strata become the witness!
Holocene which is the current epoch that started 11,650 Cal years ago is split into three parts, out of which one is the Meghalayan Age that started 4,200 years ago with an abrupt mega-drought that caused a collapse of several civilizations in Egypt, Greece, Syria, Palestine, Mesopotamia, the Indus Valley, and the Yangtze River Valley. Geologists from the International Union of Geological Sciences found proof of this significant event in Meghalaya’s Mawmluh Cave system. And hence, we Indians have a geological age named after one of our states!
A geological treasure, the Mawmluh Cave where the slow dripping of rainwater for over 1,000 years from the ceiling in the same spot led to the gradual formation of calcium carbonate towers from the minerals of the water. Those calcium carbonate towers are known as stalagmites.
What is it like inside the caves?
Exactly like walking inside the maw of a large dinosaur! The stalagmite formations inside the cave resemble jagged teeth, and the caves themselves give one the sense of walking in forbidden, dark places at times and then suddenly opening into grand echoing cathedrals of nature. It’s thrilling, and nothing compares to the feeling of walking through history, visible in the stone. The striations that geologists’ study are front and center here – visible to the naked eye!
Since these caves are located in Sohra that is in Cherrapunji, some scientists are studying the stalagmites to help predict monsoon patterns and droughts.
Best Way to Reach Krem Mawmluh Cave
By Flight
Shillong has an airport where direct flights from Kolkata fly in. From all other major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai or Hyderabad there are stopover flights to Shillong. Head to Police Bazaar to board the bus for Sohra or opt for a cab. Hail a taxi from Sohra to Mawmluh Village.
By Train
The nearest railway station is Guwahati Railway Station which is 135 kms from Shillong. You can either opt for a bus (Assam State Transport Corporation) or book a cab to Shillong. Once you reach Shillong you can take the bus (Meghalaya Tourism Development Corporation – MTDC) from Shillong to Sohra (Cherrapunjee) or book a cab. The buses that ply from Shillong to Sohra depart from the MTC Bus Terminus in Police Bazar. Once you reach Sohra, hail a taxi to Mawmluh Village.
Best Time to Visit Krem Mawmluh Cave
Between November to February (you don’t want to be caught up in the monsoon!!)
Things to Remember
• Use a guide to ensure your safety and who can show you the best possible local places.
• Get rubber boots. Those are recommended as you would be wading through water (as more often than not water accumulates because this place is extremely wet!!)
If you are into caving, Meghalaya is the place for you as this state is known to have lots of extensive cave systems. And some of these cave systems are still in the process of being mapped out!!
If you want to focus of exploring Shillong, then refer to the Shillong Guide.
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