Krem Khung

Krem Khung, situated in the East Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya, is one of the most fascinating limestone caves of the region. Located at an elevation of about 98 metres above mean sea level, the cave begins with a tall, triangular entrance measuring nearly 7.4 metres. This entrance lies within a sinkhole set on a cliff, making the initial descent into the cave both dramatic and visually striking.

Beyond the entrance, the cave floor is layered with mud, and the roof rises sharply to a height of almost 60 metres. As explorers move deeper, they encounter several pools filled with slushy to knee-deep water, which must be crossed to progress into the primary cave system. Krem Khung trends in a north-east direction towards the Kopili River and serves as a major natural sink, absorbing substantial amounts of water during the monsoon season.

One of the most defining features of Krem Khung is its meandering passage, which causes daylight to fade quickly—barely 100 metres from the entrance, the cave plunges into complete darkness. The main passage leads to a breathtaking chamber named the Paradise Chamber, an awe-inspiring space roughly 50 metres in diameter and 14 metres in height. This chamber is adorned with an array of speleothems, including multi-coloured stalactites, stalagmites, and pillars. Many stalactites display a bright yellow shade, attributed to sulphur-based bacterial activity, adding to the cave’s uniqueness.

Formed within Eocene-age limestone, Krem Khung also reveals fossil evidence of Nummulites, further highlighting its geological significance. Stretching to a mapped length of 7,349 metres, Krem Khung is currently recognised as India’s tenth longest cave, offering both scientific value and natural splendour.