Borra Caves, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Andhra Pradesh’s picturesque Araku Valley, has seen a dramatic dip in tourism revenue due to unfavorable weather conditions, especially cyclones. This year, visitor numbers have fallen, leading to a substantial decline in earnings for the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Department. From January to October, Borra Caves generated only ₹265 lakh in revenue, compared to ₹376 lakh during the same period last year.
Discovered by British geographer William King in 1807, Borra Caves boast a million-year-old natural history, with intriguing stalactite and stalagmite formations that are a visual treat for tourists. The presence of stone tools dating back 50,000 years hints at ancient human habitation, adding a layer of historical significance to the site.
Located just 36 km from Araku, Borra Caves are accessible by train from Visakhapatnam, with visitors disembarking at Borra station. However, frequent train cancellations due to adverse weather have significantly reduced footfall, especially among tourists from Odisha and West Bengal, where viral weather updates have deterred potential visitors.
Tourism manager Gauri Shankar expressed concerns over the low visitor turnout: “If we don’t earn around ₹10 lakh in the next few days, the overall income for the year will be drastically affected.” According to him, fewer visitors to Borra Caves often translate to fewer visitors to other Araku Valley attractions, amplifying the impact on local tourism.
On the weekend of October 12–13, about 5,400 tourists visited Borra Caves, generating ₹2,70,000 in revenue. However, the following weekend saw only 4,200 visitors, contributing ₹2,10,000. Visitor numbers during weekdays now range from 1,500 to 1,800, much lower than usual. This downturn is concerning, given that Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC) took over the caves in 1990, enhancing the site with gardens and lighting installations to improve visitor experience.
The Borra Caves situation highlights how weather conditions are affecting tourism across Araku Valley. Despite efforts by APTDC, the unpredictable weather continues to impact tourist numbers and, by extension, the revenue and livelihoods that depend on a thriving tourism sector. The region hopes for clearer skies and an influx of visitors soon to restore its vibrant tourism scene.
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