Formations in caverns grow at an extremely slow rate.
Watch your step as you descend into the belly of the Earth to experience caverns and underground caves. The moisture that drips through the geological features can be slippery, and your attention is easily distracted by the surrounding wonder that feels much like being in a gigantic jewelry box, especially when they are lit for your viewing pleasure. The glistening stalactites and stalagmites of calcite, gypsum, limestone and other minerals create stunning displays of various geological interest, and are found around the world in privately owned locations or national treasures.
Basics
Ancient paintings can be found within several underground caverns.
You don't have to be a lover of gems, minerals or geology to appreciate a visit to any of the world's many caverns, although you may find it of interest to read about how they are formed, who discovered them and whether or not they contain pictographs or petroglyphs telling historic tales. From the Postojna Grotto in Slovenia and Eisriesenwelt Cave in Austria, to the giant crystal caves of Mexico and the Jenolan Caves of Australia, the world's caverns have fascinated people for centuries. Whether you plan to join a major tour group at a National Park or venture on your own to do some spelunking, you'll find hundreds of options to choose from.
Famous Caverns
Many seaside caves on the world's islands offer opportunities for exploration.
In the United States, visit Carlsbad Caverns National Park in southeast New Mexico, Diamond Caverns and Mammoth Cave in Kentucky, Howe Cave in New York, Wind Cave in South Dakota and Moaning Caverns in northern California. Aggtelek Cavern is located in northern Hungary. Antiparos Cave is on the Greek island it's named for. In Spain, Altamira Cave features Palaeolithic cave art of horse, deer, bison and mysterious drawings. Lascaux Cave in southwestern France also has ancient cave drawings. You'll find Jeita Grotto in Lebanon, Magoa Caves in China, Lubang Nasib Bagus in Malaysia and Peak Cavern in England.
Sacred and Water Caves
Take care around your head when visiting underground rooms.
Underground sites of reverence can also be found worldwide. Among them are the Corycian Cave and a series of 3,000 Bronze-Age Minoan caves in Greece, the Elephanta Caves of India, Dambulla Cave of Sri Lanka and the Sof Omar Caves of Ethiopia. If you prefer diving or water caves and caverns, visit the Blue Grotto on the island of Capri in Italy or many found on islands worldwide. Another major site to consider is Sistema Sac Actun, in Mexico, which has the world's longest underwater cave.
What to Know
Divers have a unique opportunity for exploring underwater caverns.
Many of the world's caverns that are open to tourists ask for an entry fee. Gift shops will let you purchase souvenirs, so abstain from grabbing any part of the materials in the actual cave. Always wear good, nonslip shoes. Dress for the local climate, and bring a light jacket in case it's cool, even in the desert. Make sure you ask if photography is allowed. If you plan to go spelunking where allowed, make sure someone knows your plans, and take along a flashlight or headlamp, water and whatever else is suggested, and leave no trace that you were there.
Tags: caverns have, National Park, world caverns
