Jeita Grotto, Lebanon. Natural Wonder of the World
The longest cave in the Middle East, Jeita Grotto, is situated around 11 miles (18 km) north of Beirut.
It has a length of 5.6 miles and consists of two different yet connected limestone caves (9km).
Jeita Grotto, one of the most incredible collections of stalactites and stalagmites in the entire world, is regarded as Lebanon’s pride and was selected as a finalist in the New 7 Wonders of Nature competition.
Evidence suggests that the caves were once utilised to make swords when prehistoric man lived there.
The current discovery of the caves is attributed to American missionary Reverend William Thompson, who made it in 1836.
Before discharging his rifle, Thompson is claimed to have moved 50 metres farther into the caves.
The echos that followed convinced him that the caves would be quite significant.
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Up until the 1870s, when Maxwell and Huxley of the Beirut Water Company conducted lengthy expeditions of the caves, reaching 1060 metres inside the grotto, Jeita Grotto had not been further explored.
Since the 1940s, Lebanese explorers have descended further into the cave, exposing 5.6 miles (9 km) of the Jeita Grotto.
The underground river that flows through the caves gave rise to the original name for the formations: the Grottoes of Nahr al-Kalb.
Later on, several names were used, including Djaita, Jehita, and then Jeita.
Jeita, which derives from the village where the entrance to the cave is located, roughly translates as the “roar” or “noise” of water in Aramaic.
A 1650-foot (500-meter) electric boat ride along a subterranean, black lake is required for a tour to the lower grotto.
There are first resonant sounds of rushing water and chilly air, but as the boat descends farther into the cave, there is utter silence.
A magnificent sample of the vast 20,300-foot (6200-meter) lower grotto is offered by the boat trip.
A lighting system that illuminates the interior columns and structures improves the experience.
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The upper grotto can be explored on foot, unlike the lower grotto.
A specifically designed, 384-foot (117-meter) long concrete boardwalk is used for access.
Visitors can only explore 2460 feet (750 metres) of the 6990 feet (2130 metres) long cave.
A lot of crystallised formations, including stalagmites, stalactites, ponds, mushrooms, columns, curtains, and draperies, may be seen in the top grotto.
Visitors have access to three chambers.
The white chamber, the cave’s most remarkable formation, is the first.
The 27 feet (8.2 metres) long stalactite there is the longest in the entire world.
The second chamber is called the red chamber because of its colour.
The red chamber is 98 to 160 feet (30 to 50 metres) broad and rises to a height of 106 metres (348 feet).
At a height of 390 feet, the third chamber is the tallest of the three (120m).
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Driving from Beirut is the most effective way to get to Jeita Grotto.
Only 11 miles (18 km) north of Beirut are the caves.
Taking a minibus from Dawra to the Jeita exit on the Beirut-Jounieh motorway is an additional option.
Taxis are standing by to transport you the final 3 miles (5 km) to Jeita Grotto.
You can also get a taxi straight from Beirut.
Every day of the week save Monday, the caves are open for the overwhelming majority of the year.
Checking the official website before planning your trip is advisable because opening hours vary depending on the season.
Each year, from late January to early February, the caverns close for around 4 weeks.
When the water level rises too much during the winter, the bottom grotto is frequently blocked.
Throughout the year, the caves’ average temperature of 61 degrees Fahrenheit (16 degrees Celsius) is maintained.
At the caves, there is sadly no place to spend the night.
Nevertheless, Beirut offers a variety of lodging choices.
