Kutumsar Cave

Inside the dense forests of Kanger Valley National Park, Kutumsar cave is one of the most fascinating natural caves in India — famous for its blind fish, impressive stalactite and stalagmite formations, and its 330-metre length descending to a depth of 72 feet. Located about 40 km from Jagdalpur, the cave is close to Tirathgarh waterfall and both can be visited on the same trip.

How to Reach Kutumsar Cave 🔝

If you are coming from Vizag, Koraput or Jeypore side, take a left turn at the first entrance gate of Jagdalpur. Ask for Sahid Park and take a left turn again. From Guru Govind Singh Chowk take left and go straight towards Tirathgarh. After travelling 14 km from Jagdalpur take a left turn at Keshlur for Tirathgarh. Just after this left turn you will cross the railway line and travel on a wide road with many bends. After 13 km on this road you will reach the entrance point for both the cave and the waterfall.

• Left side road → Kutumsar Cave (10 km further)
• Right side road → Tirathgarh Waterfall (6 km further)

There is a common ticket counter for both Kutumsar Cave and Tirathgarh waterfall. Complete your entry formalities here before proceeding.

Entry Fees 🔝

Fees are approximate — verify current rates at the ticket counter.

Jungle Jeep to the Cave 🔝

Private vehicles and taxis are not allowed beyond the entrance point. You must hire an open jeep to cover the 10 km jungle road to the cave. Cost is Rs. 1,500 per jeep — this can be shared among your group.

The jungle road to the cave is a single-lane kutcha track with large trees on both sides and speed breakers before every bend. Overtaking is not possible and giving way to oncoming vehicles can be tricky. The open jeep ride through the dense jungle is an experience in itself.

Timing and Queue Management 🔝

The cave closes at 3:00 PM — plan accordingly. Peak visitor time at the cave is between 11 AM and 1 PM. At the ticket counter, ask about the current queue for cave entry. If there is a long queue, visit Tirathgarh waterfall first and return to the cave later. Minimum 30 minutes are required inside the cave. Tourists enter in batches — entry is regulated to avoid overcrowding.

Inside the Cave 🔝

The entrance of the cave is narrow — you have to crawl for the first few metres. Only one person can enter at a time. A short section requires moving in a sitting position before a circular staircase takes you down to the cave floor. Once inside, the cave opens up into a wide passage with hand railings along a walkway. Local tribal guides carry powerful lights and will lead you through the cave. The cave is 330 metres long with a depth of 72 feet.

Tips for visiting: Carry your own torch as the guide's light is shared across the whole group. Use a camera with flash or good low-light capability. Do not carry bags inside — keep both hands free. Avoid high heels or pointed shoes as the cave floor is uneven, wet and muddy. Do not carry food or drink inside the cave.

Blind Fish Inside the Cave 🔝

One of the most unique features of Kutumsar cave is the presence of blind fish in the water pools inside. Because the cave is in complete darkness, the small fish living in the water deposits have lost their eyesight over generations of evolution — they literally cannot see. You can gently touch them with your finger and they will not react. Ask your guide specifically to show you these fish — they are a remarkable natural curiosity and not to be missed.

Stalactites and Stalagmites 🔝

The cave contains impressive natural formations of stalactites (hanging from the ceiling) and stalagmites (rising from the floor) formed over millions of years by mineral-rich water dripping through limestone. Several of these formations are worshipped by local tribes as Shiva Lingas, giving the cave a spiritual significance in addition to its natural wonder.