Siju Cave (Dobakkol)

Siju Cave, locally called Dobakkol, is a limestone cave system near Siju village in South Garo Hills district, Meghalaya, on the bank of the Simsang River. Extending about 4.7 kilometres, it is among the longest cave systems in the Indian subcontinent. Known for stalactites, stalagmites, underground river passages and a large bat colony, it lies near the Siju Wildlife Sanctuary and is visited with a guide.

Visitors can expect a natural limestone cave with dark interior passages, stalactite and stalagmite formations, narrow chambers and sections with ankle to knee-deep water from the Simsang River system. The cave is accessed by a short walk from Siju village and exploration is on foot with a local guide using torches. The surroundings include forested hills, riverbank and the adjacent Siju Bird Sanctuary area. Interior is unlit and slippery with low ceilings in places.

Siju Cave is a natural limestone cave system formed by river action over geological time. It has been documented by speleologists since the early 20th century and is noted as one of the earliest explored and longest cave systems in the Indian subcontinent.

In the Garo language, Dobakkol means 'bat cave', reflecting the large bat population inside. The cave is locally known by this name and is part of the natural heritage of the Garo Hills region.