Take the train. It goes straight there and is $1 each way.
Go to this cave (Ramayana) as well. $2 and you pretty much get it to yourself. Way more interesting than the bigger free cave. Right there at the train station exit.
It is a shame. The caves are worthy of building a train line for, yet this cave has zero attendants and is covered in graffiti.
Bring a hand fan. The climb is hard work in humid weather.
I saw many people taking photos of pigeons. It is as if people need to validate or even own the experience with photos. I only take photos when I am trying to be artistic, or it would be easier to explain something to someone later. Of course shared memories count if you travel with others.
Board the return train early if possible. I was 30 mins early, got a seat, and it has air-con.
Imagine being at an intimate restaurant with your girlfriend. Then imagine the same restaurant with one thousand tables, and one thousand strangers dating replicas of your girlfriend. Doesn’t feel quite as special. That’s how I feel at tourist attractions. The Waitimo caves in NZ feel a lot more special and interesting than here.
Look for photos of the main cave online. There are more and better than I can do.