echo caves tours

Look inside the Echo Caves

Curio shop & restaurant, guided tours for young & old, accommodation for everyone, welcome to the echo caves.

An underground wonderland...

on the border of Limpopo and Mpumalanga, South Africa, waiting to be explored. The caves, today declared a National Monument, are situated near Ohrigstad and were opened as a tourist attraction in 1959. We offer Guided Tours and Accommodation and have an on-site Curio Shop and Restaurant. Visit us and explore the natural beauty and unspoiled heritage of one of South Africa’s longest caves.

What we offer

Inside the Caves

The Echo Caves consists of impressive stalactite and stalagmite formations.

The spectacular limestone and dripstone structures inside these natural caverns make for interesting imaginary figures, which can be seen in chambers throughout The Cave as it winds through the mountain.

Come and see the natural beauty and unspoiled heritage of one of South Africa’s longest caves.

Did you know?

You can experience the wonder of the Echo Caves comfortably and safe from walkways with electric lights, railings and staircases that have been installed for safety and convenience.

For the more adventurous, a special tour can be organised to go deeper into the cave.

The end of the cave has not yet been found and it is said that the end of the Echo Caves is somewhere close to the Strijdom Tunnel.

Guided Tours

We offer daily guided tours from 08h30 to 16h30 that takes about 45 minutes to an hour.

It is suitable for young and old!

The end of the caves has not been found yet… so make sure you don’t lose your guide.

Accommodation

A comfortable, calm and peaceful experience…

We offer 9 rustic double rooms with en-suite bathrooms and 2 self-catering units that sleeps 4 to 6 people.

Our Youth Hostel, with 10 rooms, is perfect for larger groups, as each room can accommodate 8 – 15 people.

Curio Shop and Restaurant

Relax at our Restaurant while the kids play under the indigenous trees in our beautiful gardens. 

Take home a souvenir from our Curio Shop.

Other Places of Interest in the Area

Museum of Man, Blyde River Canyon, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, Mac Mac Falls, God’s Window, The Shoe, Abel Erasmus Pass.

• Mountain Hiking
• Bird watcher’s paradise
• Various animals on the premises
• Diverse and special fauna and flora
• Beautiful Gardens with indigenous trees
• Close to other major tourist attractions along the famous Panaroma Route in Mpumalanga

Shhht – animals are sleeping… Too much noise in the caves is not allowed. Remember we have animals sleeping in the cave and those animals are protected. So, if we are making a lot of noise, we will be violating their rights.

Did you know that you are welcome to take photographs of the caves when on a guided tour “not everybody trusts paintings, but people believe photographs.” so snap away, the echo caves is an underground wonderland on the border of limpopo and mpumalanga, south africa, waiting to be explored. the caves, today declared a national monument, are situated near ohrigstad and were opened as a tourist attraction in 1959. we offer guided tours and accommodation and have an on-site curio shop and restaurant., visit us and see the natural beauty and unspoiled heritage of one of south africa’s longest caves., you can pay via credit card or electronic funds transfer. we do not accept cash. thank you.

• (013) 2380015 / (064) 809 9898
• info@echocaves.co.za / bookings@echocaves.co.za

World of Caves

UnderGround Cave Adventures Await

Ultimate Guide to Indian Echo Caverns, Pennsylvania (Tours, Pricing, History, Map)

We may have been compensated for this post. Please keep in mind that it affects you in no way financially. If an item is being reviewed, we are not obligated to give a positive review and always use our own words. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. If you would like a review done contact Dannelle at [email protected]

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Indian Echo Caverns in Hummelstown, Pennsylvania, is rich in history that spreads over 440 million years. Through the tours, you will learn how Nature shaped this geological wonder over the years and how this beautiful limestone cave has been delighting visitors since 1942. 

Indian Echo Caverns, Pennsylvania

People can explore the cave with the help of guided tours. The caverns were commercialized in the late 1920s, and it was during this time, that the large entrance was sealed to ward off unwelcome guests and visitors now have to enter the cave through a small entrance. 

History of Indian Echo Caverns

The earliest known inhabitants of Ithese caverns were the Susquehannock Indians, who used the caverns for shelter and storage. It is believed that in the 17th century, the early European explorers and hunters discovered the mouth of the caverns while navigating the Swatara Creek and wrote home about how they used these caverns. William Wilson, a Pennsylvania hermit, was one of the famous residents of these caverns, and he called the cave his home from 1802 to 1821. 

In 1919 a group of teenagers discovered a small wooden chest known as the Mystery Box. They found several stones, jewelry, and foreign coins inside the box, and the oldest piece in the box was a Moroccan coin that dated back to 1288. Even today, no one knows about the ownership of the box, but visitors can take a peek at its contents at the Gift Shop. 

The caves were accessible to the public in 1929 by Mr. John Bieber. He made the paths in the caverns safe for visitors and even opened several earlier rooms closed off by the mineral deposits. Today, the caverns attract hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. The caverns are now owned and operated by a local family. 

Geological Cave Formations in Indian Echo Caverns

This is a set of limestone caves that have been naturally formed. It is home to some of Pennsylvania’s largest and most well-developed formations. Contrary to people’s beliefs, the Indian Echo Caverns is not a ‘dormant’ cave system. The formations inside the cavern are alive, and they continue to grow. 

Like most caverns in the mid-Atlantic states, the Indian Echo Caverns are pure limestone caves. They have been formed from Beekmantown limestone and are over 440 million years old. The caves were formed through the erosive properties of the water. The caverns are alive and continue to grow at a steady rate. It can take 35 years to grow just 1 inch of formations.

If you look around inside the cave, you will find stalactites and stalagmites, although the main attractions are the formations that look like Hershey’s Kisses, and it seems that they are perfect for this region! 

The most photographed spot in the caverns is Crystal Lake, a 6 ft deep pool of water. The rock beneath the lake is not as porous as the remaining grounds, so the water that seeps down from the surface sticks around for some time. The water is not drinkable as it contains a lot of magnesium and will give you diarrhea as soon as you drink it. 

Wildlife in Indian Echo Caverns

Since the caverns are fully operational and suitably maintained by the administration, you will not be able to see many animals inside the cave. However, there is an occasional chance to see a bat or a salamander. 

Is Indian Echo Caverns Haunted?

There are no spooky stories associated with Indian Echo Caverns, but in 1919 a couple of youths chanced upon a mysterious box while exploring the caverns. The box had strange designs, and the contents inside the box included random coins from across the World; some of these were minted as early as 480 BC.

There was also some jewelry, moon rocks, and instructions on making diamonds. The young man had this box for many years, but eventually, he decided to share the discovery with others. The proprietor of the Indian Echo Caverns purchased this trunk, and it is now displayed in the gift shop. 

How Big is Indian Echo Caverns?

No factual information is available on the actual length of the Indian Echo Caverns. 

Indian Echo Caverns Tours

Indian Echo Caverns has been welcoming visitors since 1942, and the cave tours are a great way to know more about the history of the caverns and their ecology. The tours start at the top of the hillside, and you need to go down 71 stairs to the cave entrance.

The stairs are well-maintained, but you need to keep aside an additional 15 minutes for walking to and from the cave entrance. The Indian Echo Caverns was known for its massive entrance, but that was walled up many years ago to block the entry of unruly visitors. There is a small entrance available through which the visitors enter the cave. 

Like most caverns, the entrance to the Indian Echo Caverns is not particularly beautiful. However, the real beauty of the caverns comes to the forefront when the tour proceeds through the passages of the caverns. Throughout the 50-min tour, the guide will tell various details about each room and passageway, and you will also get to know William Wilson, the hermit who lived here for 19 years. 

The cave’s main chamber is the Indian Ballroom, from where all the other passages emanate. It is a huge room, and different guides would lead different tour groups, and through this cacophony, you need to make out what the guide is saying. It is also when the tour guides will turn off all lights to let you experience the darkness inside a cave. 

Visitors to the cave enjoy the North Passage leading to a narrow room known as the Wedding Chapel. Almost every large cave you visit has an area resembling a pipe organ where weddings are performed. The Wedding Chapel at the Indian Echo Caverns is one of the most beautiful rooms, and weddings are performed here from time to time.

The Wedding Chapel is narrow and along a wooden walkway adjacent to the Wedding Cake formation. People say that around forty weddings have taken place here, but the last one was performed in October 1997. After you have toured the Wedding Chapel, you need to make your way to the Indian Ballroom to make your way out of the cave finally. 

Indian Echo Caverns Tour Prices and Discounts

The admission rates of Indian Echo Caverns are 

• Adults – USD 20
• Seniors – USD 19 
• Children (2 to 11 years) – USD 12
• Children (under 2 years) – Free

Is Indian Echo Caverns Cold?

The temperature of the caverns remains at 52 degrees throughout the year. 

What to Wear?

The temperature inside the cave remains a bit chilly throughout the year. You should bring a sweater, sweatshirt or a light jacket for the tour to keep you warm. As for footwear, boots, tennis shoes, sneakers, or any shoes that cover your toes are highly recommended. Sandals and flip-flops are not recommended for cave tours. 

Indian Echo Caverns Hours

The caverns are operational from 10 am to 4 pm on all days except Tuesdays and Wednesdays in January. However, from Memorial Day to Labor Day, the caves are open from 9 am to 5 pm. It remains closed on Thanksgiving, New Year’s Day, and Christmas Day. 

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What to Do at Indian Echo Caverns (Beside Tours)

From petting a goat to gem panning, there is so much to do above ground at the Indian Echo Caverns that you will never get bored for a moment. Here are a few activities that will keep you busy here. 

Petting Zoo

You get an opportunity to come closer to the adorable farm animals at Echo Dell. There are pheasants, goats, peacocks, alpacas, and even a turkey whom you can pet! All the animals are trained and friendly towards humans. There are coin-operated machines in the vicinity from where you can buy a handful of snacks to feed them. 

Gem Mill Junction

The Gem Mill Junction is where you pan for coins, arrowheads, fossils, and gemstones. You need to purchase a bag of sand and goodies from the gift shop and then take it outside to sift through it. When the water washes away the sands, you will have tiny treasures that you are allowed to keep! The Gem Mill Junction is operational from April to October only. 

At Indian Echo Caverns, you will not find any concessions, but you can always plan with a packed lunch and use one of their free-to-use picnic tables. If you have come here with the kids, they would love the playground area, which has monkey bars, a climbing wall, slides, and swings. 

Best Time to Visit Indian Echo Caverns

There is no specific time to visit. You can come here any time of the year at your convenience. 

How to Get to Indian Echo Caverns

They are located at Middletown Road in Hummelstown and is close to Route 322. The caverns are between Harrisburg & Hershey. 

Hotels near Indian Echo Caverns

The area in which the caverns are located has an abundance of bed and breakfasts, guest houses, hotels, and motels to suit every budget. Some of the notable hotels in the area include Hilton Garden Inn Hershey, Holiday Inn Express Hershey & Comfort Inn at the Park. 

Places To Stay Nearby

Indian echo caverns fun facts.

• Visitors are encouraged not to touch any rock formations inside the cavern as the natural oils from the hands can prevent the formations from growing. 
• The limestone in the caverns is more than 440 million years old. 
• Due to the narrow passages and stairs, wheelchairs and strollers are not permitted inside the caverns. 

Indian Echo Caverns Details 

• Length: No information available 
• Time Recommended: 2 to 3 hours
• Difficulty: Easy
• Kid-friendly: Yes
• Dog-friendly: Yes
• Fees: USD 20 for adults
• Hours: 10 am to 4 pm

Download our Indian Echo Caverns Guide (Unofficial) 

Visiting the caverns.

Do you need more information before visiting these caverns? Call (717) 566 – 8131 or  email them  through the form for an information packet. 

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At Echo Dell – Indian Echo Caverns , there’s a lot to explore, above ground and below! From year-round limestone cavern tours to a free petting zoo, discover the wonders at this accessible and affordable family attraction in Hummelstown between Hershey and Harrisburg.

Guided Tours  

An underground, guided tour of Indian Echo Caverns features winding paths framed by ancient rock formations and natural beauty. Guides are ready with fascinating facts and history about the limestone caverns and its first inhabitants. The caverns are well-lit, and its pathways are clear of debris, but you may encounter low ceilings and small puddles after a rainfall. Tours last approximately 45 minutes, with an additional 15 minutes for walking to and from the cavern entrance.

The caverns maintain a consistent 52 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, making it cool in the summer and warm in the winter. It’s a good idea to dress in layers. When it comes to footwear, wear comfortable shoes for walking and ones that cover your toes.

The Caverns  

The limestone in the caverns is more than 440 million years old. As water flowed from the surface through the limestone, it eroded the rock, giving way to more and more openings and crevices. Geological forces led to an “uplift” of the limestone.

The formations in the cave are stalagmites (a type of rock formation that forms from the ground up), and stalactites (formations that form from the top down and “hang” from the ceiling). The caverns are always changing and growing, ever so slowly. It can take anywhere from 35 to 150 years to grow 1 inch of new formation!

One of the most Instagrammed spots inside the caverns is Crystal Lake, a six-foot-deep pool of water. The rock below the lake isn’t as permeable as the rest of the ground, so water seeping down from the surface sticks around for a while!

Outdoor Activities at Echo Dell  

Make a discovery like a real pioneer at the Gem Mill Junction, where you can pan for gemstones, coins, arrowheads, fossils, and more. Purchase a bag of sand and goodies from the gift shop then take it outside to sift it. As water washes the sand away, you’ll uncover several small treasures that are yours to keep! It’s free to visit with the adorable farm animals at the Petting Zoo outside at Echo Dell. They have goats, alpacas, chickens, a rooster, a turkey, peacocks, and pheasants. *Check website for seasonal hours.

History Lesson  

The caverns’ earliest known inhabitants – the Susquehannock Indians – used the caverns for shelter and storage. In the 17th century, early European explorers and hunters most likely discovered the mouth of the caverns while navigating the Swatara Creek and wrote home about their use of the caverns. One of the caverns’ most famous residents was the Pennsylvania hermit, William Wilson, who called the caves home from 1802 to 1821.

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Indian Echo Caverns & Echo Dell

368 Middletown Road, Hummelstown, PA 17036

• PHONE: (717) 566-8131
• FAX: (717) 566-0875
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• Motorcoach Parking
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Echo Dell And Indian Echo Caverns

368 Middletown Rd. Hummelstown, PA 17036 Phone: 717-566-8131 Region: Dutch Country Roads

A 45 minute guided tour of Indian Echo Caverns reveals stunning natural underground beauty. (A non-walking tour is also available.) Also, be sure to visit Gem Mill Junction to pan for gemstones and on the way out stop at the spacious Gift Shop which offers an array of fine items and local souvenirs. Open daily and year round.

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Going Into These 8 Caves In Idaho Is Like Entering Another World

Super-rad musician, scholar, photographer, and traveler. The Mountain West and larger PNW = home, but can be found wherever there's adventure.

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The same incredible geologic processes that formed Idaho’s awe-inspiring mountains and carved our breathtaking rivers also formed yet another Idaho wonder: caves of every size, shape, and color — some impossibly located, others utilized by Native Americans as shelters long ago.

There are 3 basic types of caves in the Gem State: corrosion, solution, and lava, all of which make phenomenal exploring grounds for the daring and non-claustrophobic. Some of these caves may take some extra hiking to get to, but if adventuring in underground tunnels or historic hideaways is your thing, Idaho is definitely the place to be. So grab a flashlight, don a jacket (it’ll be chilly in there!), and check out these 8 Idaho caverns:

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It’s safe to say that Idaho’s underground network is an adventurer’s paradise, but there are dozens more caverns that we haven’t listed and/or need photos of. If you’ve ever explored an underground paradise or lava tube in Idaho, please share your stories and pictures below!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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Your 48-hour tour guide of Moscow this winter!

9 am – Visit the Red Square 

Christmas market on Red Square

The first thing that every tourist should do by default is visit the very heart of Moscow – it’s main and most beautiful (which ‘krasnaya’ actually meant in Old Russian) square! 

There are several ways to explore it:

• Take a selfie with Spasskaya Tower
• Have a warm drink at the Christmas market (which lasts until mid-January)
• Visit Lenin’s Mausoleum
• Shop in the gorgeous adjacent GUM department store
• Visit St. Basil’s Cathedral (and learn that it’s actually several churches under one roof).           

11 am – It’s Kremlin time! 

Inside the Moscow Kremlin

Entering the Kremlin is, actually, a bit of a quest, as it’s a presidential facility with no general access. You need to buy a ticket or, better still, book a guided tour. Inside the Kremlin’s walls, you will find ancient cathedrals, in which Russian tsars used to be crowned and buried, as well as explore the magnificent architecture of the Kremlin that reflects the rich history of the country. And, finally, you could also make a quick visit to the Moscow Kremlin Museums and admire artifacts from various Russian tsarist eras: carriages, thrones, crowns and the most incredible armory and jewelry. 

For more information, visit the official website of the Kremlin . It’s open from 10 am to 5 pm (and it’s closed on Thursdays) in winter.

2 pm – Watch the changing of the Guard

The honor guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

A very spectacular (and free) thing to do is watch how the honor guard does their ceremonial change at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Eternal Flame, situated in Alexander Garden, right next to the Kremlin wall. Every hour, from 8 am to 8 pm, the 1st Company of the Kremlin (Presidential) Regiment performs this rather old and beautiful tradition. But, be warned, it's often overcrowded. 

3 pm – Enjoy a green oasis just in the center

Florarium in Zaryadye

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The floating bridge in Zaryadye Park

The park also has an underground museum, an “ice cave” and a 3D cinema, where you can take part in a virtual adventure – a flight over Moscow! However, the piece de resistance is a floating boomerang bridge over the Moskva River, one of the best places to take a selfie.

You can also grab a quick lunch or relax with a cup of coffee or tea in the park.

7 pm – Arrange a ballet night

The Bolshoi Theater

Of course, the most fancy way to finish your day in Moscow would be to go to the ballet at the Bolshoi Theater (in a perfect world, to see ‘The Nutcracker’!). However, getting tickets to the Bolshoi is not an easy task and should be done well in advance of your visit. 

But, don’t be upset if you don’t manage to get tickets to the Bolshoi. Moscow has dozens of other options to see a ballet (or opera). No less brilliant performances can be seen in the Stanislavsky and Nemirovich-Danchenko Music Theater or in The State Kremlin Palace (by the way, this is another way to get a quick glimpse inside the Kremlin!).

10:30 pm – Have a late dinner in a fancy restaurant

Dr Zhivago restaurant

There are not so many other cities with such a big choice of restaurants in a range of tastes and styles. In 2021, the authoritative Michelin guide announced their pick of the best of Moscow’s restaurants. And here’s our guide to all the places with Russian cuisine for any budget. But, if you happen to be in the area of the Bolshoi or Nemirovich-Danchenko Theater, then ‘Dr. Zhivago’ would definitely be a nice option (and it’s open around the clock).

DAY 2 

9 am – grab a moscow coffee.

Winter festivities mood in Moscow

Moscow is definitely a coffee city! You can find coffee shops on every corner and they all offer a huge range of drinks. Try a ‘raf’ coffee, a sweet, creamy drink that was created in Russia, or dare to pick one of the very unusual offers, like cheese coffee or a Soviet candy style one (check out our coffee guide here ).

10 am – Take a river cruise

Winter boating along the Moskva River

Another exciting way to explore Moscow is to observe it from the water. Boats cruise along the Moskva River all year round. Most begin their route from the Hotel Ukraine, one of Stalin's ‘Seven Sister’ skyscrapers, and will bring you back to the same spot after passing the medieval Novodevichy Convent, Moscow State University and Luzhniki Stadium, the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour and giant monument to Peter the Great and many other sightseeings. 

It’s always at optimum temperature inside the boat, which also has huge panoramic windows. Select boats also offer a full dining experience, so it is also a nice place to have breakfast or lunch.

If you are not a water person, then discover other, unusual sides of Moscow – pick one of the activities we’ve prepared for you here ! 

1 pm – Visit ‘Russia’ Expo and taste a bunch of Russian regional cuisines

Russia Expo at VDNKh

Until April 2024, the Soviet-era VDNKh exhibition park is hosting the huge ‘Russia’ expo, with tons of activities and expositions devoted to Russia, its culture, science and nature. Check out our special guide on what to do there!  

An entire ‘House of Russian Cuisine’ has been opened at the expo. You will find 15 food stands with flagship dishes from Kamchatka, Siberia, Karelia and other regions of Russia. Imagine trying a range of cuisines and dishes in one place without even having to travel anywhere, be it Altai pelmeni, Tula kalach or Caucasian pies! A perfect place to grab some lunch.

House of Russian cuisines at VDNKh

The VDNKh exhibition park is a great place to visit, in general! Its pavilions are the perfect example of Stalinit Empire style architecture and you can almost feel as if you’ve traveled back in time! You will also find several interesting museums in the park – devoted to space exploration, Russian history and even a ‘Special Purpose Garage’, which showcases the various vehicles used by the country’s leaders. 

'Sun of Moscow' wheel

And, finally, you can ride Europe's tallest panoramic wheel – ‘Sun of Moscow’ – that will give you panoramic views of the city – from a height of 140 meters!

5 pm – Ice skate with view & mulled wine

Ice skating rink on Red Square (GUM department store on the background)

Ice skating is one of the most popular and affordable activities in Moscow. There are several great ice skating rinks in picturesque locations that are open all winter long. One of the biggest rinks in Europe is also at the aforementioned VDNKh or you can visit the one in Gorky Park, another very popular Moscow spot, or the small, but fancy rink – right on Red Square! 

All the parks offer ice skate rental, so the only things you need are warm clothes, a charged phone to record your memories and a good mood!  Moscow also gets dark at 4:30 pm in winter and hundreds of lights are switched on, turning the city into a giant fairy tale! 

A mulled wine with a view

And, if you are not a sports person, we’ve picked several other unusual activities that you could do in Moscow instead. For example, did you know that there is an entire district of dacha (countryside) houses, just 10 minutes from the center, surrounded by giant new highrises? How about taking a stroll there and feeling the early Soviet atmosphere?

8 pm – Warm up & laugh out loud

After all these outdoor activities, what could be better than a warm cozy bar with a hot drink and nice company? Moscow is a city full of entertainment for all tastes. So, if you know the Russian language or want to practice it, go to a theater or catch a stand-up comedy show. Moscow even has comedy shows in English, where you can hear both Russians speaking fluent English or foreigners (including Brits and Americans) who live in Russia speaking in broken or heavily-accented Russian (Check their show dates on the ‘ Moscow English Comedy ’ Telegram channel)!

11 pm – Finish by partying the night away!

Propaganda club in Moscow

Moscow never sleeps, as you might have heard. Which means there are plenty of bars and nightclubs where you can have a drink (or two or three; be sure to check out how Russians make Black Russian and White Russian cocktails) and chat with incredibly different people. Have fun and don’t miss your flight (or miss it and stay longer in the best city in the world!)!

That's it! See you soon in Moscow

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