Dranchi Dupka is a shaft cave in the Dervent hills, about 2 km south-west of the village of Melnitsa, Elhovo municipality, in the Manastircheto area — 40 m south of the Manastircheto cave. It is also known as Morfel and "the Water Cave". It has been protected since 1968.
The cave formed in marbled limestone. It is wet, with water inside, a single branched level and a total depth of 32 m. It was mapped in 1965 by Petar Tranteev of the Akademik club, Sofia, and remapped in 1968.
A local legend says a pig fell into the hole and was found some time later at a spring about 500 m down the river. The spring is still called Domuz Bunar — "the pig well".
The cave is an important roost for protected bat species: long-fingered bat, Schreibers’ bent-winged bat, lesser and greater mouse-eared bats, Mediterranean, Mehely’s, greater and lesser horseshoe bats.
The cave is not developed. It starts with a vertical drop, so going in needs a rope, a helmet and caving experience. Do not visit without an experienced caver, and do not disturb the bats — especially in winter and the breeding season.
Melnitsa is about 18 km from Elhovo, roughly 20 minutes by car. The cave is reached on foot from the village.
Elhovo and Yambol.
Haskovo region
19.3 km away
Yambol region
23.9 km away
Yambol region
34.9 km away
Haskovo region
41.9 km away
Dranchi Dupka Cave is located in Yambol, Bulgaria.
Dranchi Dupka Cave is most easily reached by car. Use the coordinates above to navigate, or open the location in OpenStreetMap or your preferred maps app for turn-by-turn directions. Public transport options vary by region — for remote destinations a rental car gives the most flexibility.
Caves can be visited year-round — the temperature inside stays roughly 10–12°C regardless of season. Spring and autumn are quieter than peak summer. Bring a warm layer and sturdy footwear; some caves close in winter when access roads become impassable.
Access to caves varies. Show caves typically run guided tours during posted opening hours; wild caves require proper equipment and experience. Inside, the temperature stays cool year-round (~10–12°C) — bring a warm layer, sturdy non-slip footwear, and a torch even on guided tours.
