Deep in the forest of Kingbulei, stands a giant cliff in whose heart is a fascinating cavity. The natives of the nearest village of Tsoiphu under Noklak district call this cavity ‘Piolingka’ which loosely translates to ‘the bats cave’. The name was given by locals as bats can be found dwelling in the cave.

The natives of the land say that the cave was a secret fortress known only to a few. A place for village folks to hide when attacked by foes. The natives say the cave was a haven for the cauldron of bats, and for birds and troops of monkeys when they needed to hide from their foes, humans. During winter, tigers, bears and stags would take shelter here from the freezing cold.

All have passed, but the rocky cliff still stands, carrying the Piolingka cave inside it.

But to get to the cave is not for just any so called ‘explorer’. Interestingly, ne must first obtain permission from the owner of the cave.

Yes, the Piolingka cave is somebody’s property.

The entry to the Piolingka cave in the Kingbulei forest of Tsoiphu village, Noklak.

Upon being granted the permit, the journey starts from Tsoiphu village on foot. The challenging trek, through the dense forest and the mountainous terrain, will take two hours or many more depending on many factors like the weather or the expertise of the trekkers. There is only one route to go to the cave and one must take the same route while returning.

The entrance of the cavity is narrow, and time comes to a still once the threshold is crossed. As one walks further in, the cave widens into a passage with tall walls of rocks on either side. Darkness descends and all noise fades. The only sound allowed inside Piolingka cave is the sound of the dripping water from the ceiling. It echoes.

With the help of an excellent torch light, one can see that a small well has formed as a result of the water droplets continuously hitting the ground. The naturally filtered water is safe for drinking and refreshes the explorers after the rough and long exhausting trek.

The passage inside the Piolingka cave in the Kingbulei forest of Tsoiphu village, Noklak.

The cave is 300 ft deep, 30 ft wide and the roof is 150 ft high. The magnificent abdomen of the Piolingka cave is filled with Stalagmite and Stalactite; testaments of just how ancient it is.

The enchanting cave looks as though it is perfectly polished and well cleansed.

The Nagaland Tourism Department explored the cave this year on the occasion of World Tourism Day, celebrated on 28 September. The mesmerizing cave is indeed a tourist potential in Nagaland guaranteed to excite adventure lovers from near and far.

There are said to be eight caves in the forests of Tsoiphu Village and among them Piolingka cave is the only one that has been explored in the present day because it is nearest to human settlement. The other seven are too far and the trek is said to be dangerous and gruelling.