Cave Exploration: Underground Discoveries in Ancient Places

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Try cave exploration around the world and discover ancient secrets. These underground caves abound with history and natural beauty, and they are all waiting to be explored.

Cave of the Thousand Buddhas: Western China

Hidden away along the Silk Route is a series of over 400 caves with preserved murals and painted statues spanning back 1,000 years. Monks carved the first caves, stretching one mile into the cliffs in Gansu Province. These magnificent caves, listed collectively as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offer a fascinating look at Buddhist art and the history of the area. One mural depicts a cultural exchange along the Silk Road with a camel pulling a cart. Others show workers in the fields, warriors, rivers, cities, temples, and caravans.

Skaftafell Ice Caves: Iceland

An ice abode in sparking blue surrounds you in a winter wonderland. This chilly cavern is only safe to enter in the winter months when the colder temperatures harden the ice. These caves are for adventure seekers who won’t be bothered by the cracking sounds of the ice as the glacier moves. Needless to say, warm layers of clothes are a must to admire this remote and stunning cave.

Elephanta Caves: Mumbai, India

Take a boat from the Gateway of India to a remote island off the coast of Mumbai to see this UNESCO World Heritage Site. A climb up a mountain path lined with local artisans and curious monkeys takes you to the Elephanta Caves. Dating back to the 5th century, see towering statues of Hindu deities that were lovingly chiseled into the rock formations with pillars separating the various sections.

Skocjan Caves: Trieste, Slovenia

Located in the southwest portion of Slovenia, the Skocjan Caves shelter one of the world’s largest underground river canyons. The vast underground halls and chambers expose limestone bedrock. The roaring rapids and waterfalls here support endangered species, including the cave salamander and a number of crustaceans. This is one of the largest underground wetlands in Europe and a cave worthy of extended exploration.

Blue Grotto: Capri, Italy

This cavern located on an island off the coast of southern Italy in the Tyrrhenian Sea is a popular destination and was once the personal swimming hole for the Roman Emperor Tiberius. Hop onto a rowboat and make your way into the narrow mouth of this sea cave. Within, you’ll float atop a brilliant pool of blue light.

Cave exploration around the world is possible in so many places. Add one of these captivating caves to your next custom journey and contact your Ker & Downey luxury travel expert to start planning.

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