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Meghalaya

Siju (Dobakkol Caves)

Limestone bat caves and a bird sanctuary on the Simsang river

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Best time to visit Siju (Dobakkol Caves)

peak shoulder off-season avoid

  • Go: November to February
  • Shoulder: March and October, quieter, and the weather is less of a sure thing
  • Skip: June to September

Planning a specific month? JanuaryFebruaryNovemberDecember

Siju (Dobakkol Caves) season by season

Winter December to February Prime time

Nov-Feb is the only safe caving window: the Simsang is low, the passages are wadeable and the air sits at 12-26 C.

Summer March to May Shoulder

March-May turns humid and 35 C at this low altitude, and pre-monsoon storms can put water into the cave fast.

Monsoon June to September Do not go

Jun-Sep the Simsang rises into the cave mouths, the road south of Tura slides and caving is off the table.

Autumn October to November Prime time

October drains slowly and the river drops enough to enter by late month, with the sanctuary at its greenest.

What Siju (Dobakkol Caves) is actually like

One basic lodge and a forest rest house; you hire a village guide with a torch and meet no other visitors

Things to do in Siju

The local places worth your time in and around Siju, with how far each sits from the centre. Tap a name to open it in Google Maps.

  • Siju Wildlife Sanctuary

    Wildlife · 1 km out

    Wetland and forest on the Simsang beside the caves, known for hornbills and winter ducks; take a village guide, no marked trails

  • Simsang River

    River · in town

    The green river the cave mouth opens onto; villagers will paddle you along the cliffs for a small fee, lowest in winter

Getting to Siju (Dobakkol Caves)

Shared Sumo from Tura 2.5 h on the Baghmara road; bring your own torch and cash, facilities are minimal

Practical ways in: road

Trip facts

How long to stay
1 day
Budget
Shoestring
How busy
Quiet at its peak
Solo travel
Doable solo with some planning
Altitude
223 m
State
Meghalaya
Coordinates
25.3536, 90.6570

Common questions

When is the best time to visit Siju (Dobakkol Caves)?

November to February is peak season in Siju (Dobakkol Caves). March and October is shoulder season: thinner crowds, a bit more risk in the weather. Avoid June to September. October drains slowly and the river drops enough to enter by late month, with the sanctuary at its greenest.

How many days do you need in Siju (Dobakkol Caves)?

1 day is the usual stay. One basic lodge and a forest rest house; you hire a village guide with a torch and meet no other visitors.

How do you get to Siju (Dobakkol Caves)?

Shared Sumo from Tura 2.5 h on the Baghmara road; bring your own torch and cash, facilities are minimal. Practical ways in: road.

Is Siju (Dobakkol Caves) expensive, and does it get crowded?

Shoestring by Indian travel standards, and it runs quiet at the busiest time of year. Doable solo with some planning.

What are the best things to do in Siju?

Siju Wildlife Sanctuary and Simsang River. Wetland and forest on the Simsang beside the caves, known for hornbills and winter ducks; take a village guide, no marked trails.

Nearby, and where to go next

More places to visit in Meghalaya

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