Exploring Atsumog - The deep Limestone cave of Salomi Village !
The rich forests of nagaland are a storehouse of surprises. If high hills of Nagaland has beckoned you to summit it. The remote limestone caves too are not less interesting to attract chiropterologists, speleologists to explore the sheer wilderness. One such cave called Atsumog near to Salomi village in Naagland is worth visting if you are adventure enthusiast !. Give a try
Vishwanath Radhakrishna 
The incessant rain was hampering our itinerary
The bad roads was a nightmare
But the connectivity in the region and identity regulation of visitors made me feel better than the previous visit to the land of festivals !
Still i remembered the Phrase and felt how true it is -
BAD ROADS LEAD TO EXOTIC DESTINAIONS
We had just past Khongsa checkpost. Being part of event and elated after participating in the Millet festival we reached the village of Salomi by 10 am !
The bright blue sky seemed ideal to explore the wild environs. Accompanied by guides Mete, Puno, Solinto and Among we walked past the alleys of Salomi Village !
The village folk looked busy in their daily chores, Women weaving shawls,stocking vegetables, young boys busy in the fields.We walked through the corn and ginger fields and finally were out of the narrow slippery path in the canopy of dark forest.
I could spot cabbage butterfly Common Batwing Blue Pansy , Water snow flat, Brush footed butterfly, 5 Ring butterfly and horned grasshopper in the bushes.
The forest opened up as we walked through the canopy. At the lands end we can witness the valley with high hills and sprawling forest.A narrow zig zag path led us downhill. After a hip hop we negotiated the boulder blocking the path.We held the grass grown onto waist and cautiously followed the guide.Since the walking path and space is narrow, few were jostling for space to stand.The valley down was spectacular with clouds moving up with lush forest cover !
A small little bright flower glowing beside the rock, drew my attention and greeted me.
The downward path snaked through the bushes and finally culminated at a opening in rocky path croping out.The guide mentioned it as a exit part and a deep hole here is about 300 feet deep with a diameter of 2 -3 feet.We posed at the rock and soon continued towards the oriface which led to the entry of the cave !
We followed the instructions of guide, slowly we gained entry into the cave.The rocks seemed slippery eventually.I felt the caves are home to some species of BATS.!. Soon i come spot few moving around at a lightening speed.
The cave seemed to be about 15 -20 feet high and 10 feet wide, narrowing downward.The flying mammals flapping their wings seemed flying arbitarily without sense of direction. I flet that i was disturbing their privacy with permission.Though i could see a colony of bats but not able to photograph them !
Nature's underground masterpiece
The stalactitie formations,the color of rocks, few in the shape of Udder of a calf, nature work of Art - Mesmerised me !. The water dripping from the ceiling was soothing.The unique step by step patterns was a sight to behold.
Few moved downward to explore the cave.Our guides said the path leads to a gorge and rises above to 300 feet above with a narrow circular opening !
- I came to know that the dark cave at Salomi is home to about 4 - 5 species of Bats. Located in the far east corner of Nagaland, a north-eastern state in India bordering Myanmar is known for its unique landscape and rich biodiversity. However, high hunting pressure and a fast-shrinking forest has been a cause of concern in this area
- About the Species !
- Great Himalayan Leaf-nosed Bat (Hipposideros armiger): A larger insectivorous bat species identified during field studies in the area.
- Serotine Bat (Eptesicus serotinus): A common vesper bat found roosting within the limestone cave system.
- Chocolate Pipistrelle (Pipistrellus affinis): A small insect-eating bat species recorded during local surveys.
- Big-eared Horseshoe Bat (Rhinolophus macrotis): A distinct horseshoe bat species known to inhabit the caves.
- Nectar Bats - A species to inhabit the caves
Mammals in Threat
Traditionally, every year thousands of cave-dwelling bats are hunted for consumption as well as to make traditional medicines in some villages in Nagaland. At the Indo-Myanmar border, every year around mid-October, a bat harvest is organized and within 2 days, about 7000 – 25000 bats are harvested for consumption from various caves . In other parts of Nagaland also, hunting of bats is quite prevalent, though no other traditional harvests are reported
Finally we reached the tip of the cave. It began to rain heavily. We felt we were fortunate to be at right place at right time !
Few things to consider while visiting Salomi Cave !
1.Dont go alone, as the caves are remote !
2.Go with local and experience guides.
3.Stick to the group and dont get into exploration without proper guidance.
4.Carry poweful torches / Head lamp.
5.Avoid visiting in the rainy season.The trail is slippery.
6.Dont write on the rocks or do any art work.Leave them as they are !
7.Dont play music or songs. Maintain silence and watch mammals.
8.Visit cave during bright light and return before dark.
9.Respect the tribe and locals.
10.It is not a picnic spot.Dont litter and keep the environs clean.
Do let us know about your experiences in the comment below. If you have visited this cave earlier.
If you are willing to visit, please be free to get in touch with us for any arrangements !
Write to us summitersadventures@gmail.com
