KALIKA GUFA
28.333300,83.566700
Description
Three cave entrances (12 m wide and 3 m high, 7 m wide by 2 m high, and 4 m wide by 1.3 m high) are situated about 20 minutes south of Khaniaghat (or Khanyagar) on the western (orographically right) bank of Kali Gandaki river. ETYMOLOGY: The cave name suggests that this cave is associated with Kali (note 1). APPROACH: They are easiest reached by the trail between Nayapool (Nayapul = new bridge; north of Shastradhara) and Baglung by starting at the almost motorable route to Dorpathan, but leaving it just before a tiny settlement with one large solitary tree, then crossing the Kathe Khola river and passing by a five metre long through cave at the bottom of the edge of the southernmost corner of the Baglung River Terrace. Then head for two big Bodhi trees and contour along the small band of fields above the Kali Gandaki till you reach the river bend. The cave lies just beyond and below a walled, park-like garden with about one dozen of locally scarce adult trees. The cave is developed in conglomerate and the river seems to use it as a shortcut when it's waters are high.
NOTE 1: »Kâli, personifying eternity, that black and fathomless abyss, by which Kâl (Time) shall itself be destroyed, is arrayed in attributes supreme over those of her spouse« (HERVEY 1853, 1: 99 note).
Caves nearby
| Distance (km) | Name | Length (m) | Depth (m) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.0 | KALIPOOL (Cave at) | ||
| 0.0 | Baglung | ||
| 3.9 | Myagdi Shelter | ||
| 5.6 | GALESHWAR GUFA | ||
| 8.1 | BHAISHIRI (Cave at) | ||
| 8.1 | BHAISHIRI SHELTER | ||
| 8.1 | BHAISHIRI SHELTER 2 | ||
| 8.5 | KANYAGAR CAVE (Caves near) | ||
| 11.3 | GALKOT COPPER MINE |