From glow-in the-dark to massive caverns: 8 most unique caves that exist

Precious Rongmei, TIMESOFINDIA.COM, TRAVEL TRENDS, WORLD Updated : Sep 23, 2024, 13:06 IST

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From glow-in the-dark to massive caverns 8 most unique caves that exist

Not many people in the world have a fascination for caves. Maybe it’s the feeling of claustrophobia, or just the fear of the unknown. But for those who find caves fascinating, there’s nothing more exciting than the unique formations, and sometimes the otherworldly appearance. Here we have a list of caves that are most unique and impressive. From glowing chambers to the icy formations, these caves are some of the most interesting ones on Earth.

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Waitomo Glowworm Caves – New Zealand

The Waitomo Glowworm Caves are probably one of the most recognised caves in the world. The caves are famous for their luminescent glow worms. These tiny creatures light up the cave walls with a surreal, starry glow. Once inside, you will feel like you have stepped into the world of fairies.

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Son Doong Cave – Vietnam

Son Doong Cave is the largest cave in the world. Located in the Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park, this massive cave has its own ecosystem, a weather system, a river and a jungle. Only a limited number of visitors are allowed to enter the cave every year, that too, through only one adventure company– Oxalis. Researchers believe that the cave is home to several yet-to-be-discovered plants and animal species.

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Krem Puri, India

Krem Puri in Meghalaya, with a length of approximately 24.5 kilometres, holds the distinction of being the longest sandstone cave in the world. The cave was discovered and mapped in 2016. Unlike many caves in Meghalaya, which are primarily limestone, Krem Puri is a sandstone cave. Inside Krem Puri, plenty of fossils were discovered that date back to the Mesozoic Era, the age of dinosaurs.

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Fingal's Cave – Scotland

Fingal’s Cave is one of the most curious-looking caves in the world. Located on the uninhabited island of Staffa in Scotland, the Fingal’s Cave is most popular for its stunning hexagonal basalt columns. These basalt columns are the result of the volcanic activities.

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Eisriesenwelt Ice Cave – Austria

Eisriesenwelt in Werfen, Austria, is the largest ice cave in the world. The cave’s glistening ice formations and frozen waterfalls look ethereal. The cave, measuring over 42 kilometres in length, is partially open to visitors.

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Carlsbad Caverns – USA

Carlsbad Cavern in New Mexico is one of the most visited caves in the world. This cave system has an extensive network of over 119 caves formed by sulfuric acid dissolving limestone. Thousands of visitors visit this cave every year to see the extraordinary formations, and the star of the cave – the Big Room, one of the largest underground chambers in the world.

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Mammoth Cave – USA

Mammoth Cave in Kentucky, with over 400 miles (685 km) of explored passageways, is the longest cave system in the world. The cave's vast network has underground rivers, massive chambers, and unusual stalactite and stalagmite formations.

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Skaftafell Ice Cave – Iceland

If you thought the Vatnajökull glacier was incredible, wait till you see the icy caves underneath it. This cave has stunning translucent ice walls that keep changing as per the melting and freezing cycle of the glacier. Winter is the only time anyone can visit the cave.