Satre’s limestone cave a geological marvel for nature lovers

Keri: Nestled in the forests of Sattari is a rock formation that has caught the fancy of nature enthusiasts.

Located at Acri-Cockri in Krishnapur on the Karnataka-Goa border, a trek in the forested pathway from Surla to

Satre

near the Kalasa nalla leads to a limestone cave that is being considered a natural wonder.

As the cave lies beneath the surface, acidic groundwater seeps inside, creating natural cavities. Algae undergoes photosynthesis, releasing oxygen, while the inner portion of the rock is exposed to dry surroundings. With time, rainwater and the weak carbonic acid dissolves the limestone, and this chemical reaction had formed intriguing shapes and textures within it.

Pankaj Lad, a wildlifer and a post graduate in geology, said, “When I saw the limestone cave for the first time, I was mesmerised to see nature’s wonder. There is a need to explore the limestone caves of Sattari that showcase the geological heritage of our land.”

“This cave is purely natural in existence and has been standing in the forest for over millions of years, offering shelter to tigers, bats and other forms of wildlife. The cave, with its cool interiors, is enveloped in darkness as sunlight hardly enters it,” said Vithoba Gaude from Caranzol.

Vachan Kerkar, a trekker from Keri-Sattari, pointed out that the continuous natural flow of spring water inside the cave also attracts wildlife to quench their thirst.

“This cave is spacious. Rainwater has been eroding the limestone, creating a variety of genesis within the cave’s walls. It is enthralling experience to visit the cave during the winter season, after trekking the forested pathway from Surla to Satre. There is a need to explore the cave in a scientific manner that can shed more light on many unknown geological and ecological facts,” he said.