THE ULTIMATE TRAVEL GUIDE OF GANDIKOTA

WHY ARIZONA WHEN WE HAVE GANDIKOTA?

The Grand Canyon reminds us of Arizona in the states and eventually, we all have a dream to experience there once in our lifetime. But there is also a hidden location in India that is popular as the grand canyon of India, Probably a mysterious location which we are not yet aware of its beauty. Located at the bank of the Penna river in the Kadapa district of Andhra Pradesh, it’s a perfect location for the weekend trip or you may add in your itinerary for the south India tour.

A canyon is a deep, narrow valley with steep sides. “Canyon” comes from the Spanish word cañon, which means “tube” or “pipe.” In India, we usually do not witness gorge formations and thus it is called the Arizona of India or the Indian version of the grand canyon. Similar to the Grand Canyon in Arizona, this gorge is a stunning assemblage of rocks, cut and layered in the most amazing way.

Apart from this Beautiful location, there are several attractions nearby including the Gandikota fort, Ranganathaswamy temple, Gandikota fort Jumma mosque, camping at the bank of Penna river, and exploring the Belum cave (India’s largest cave), these things make Gandikota the perfect destination to some days.

THE VIDEO BELOW WILL HELP YOU TO UNDERSTAND MORE ABOUT THIS HIDDEN GEM

The word Gandi refers to Canyon and Kota refers to Fort in Telugu. India Gandikota was discovered by Kakatiya in the early 12th century, After that this fort was managed by many dynasty rulers till it became the part of British India.

THINGS TO DO IN GANDIKOTA

EXPLORE THE GANDIKOTA FORT

The Gandikota Fort

Since Gandikota has been ruled under many dynasties, the architecture reflects us the same in this fort, the fort is the mixed architecture with a mosque and temple in it. The fort has two Indian temples, dedicated to Madhava and Ranganatha. The other structures in the fort, include a magazine, a graceful ‘pigeon tower’ with fretted windows, and an extensive palace built by bricks with some plastered decorations and some wells.

VISIT THE BEAUTIFUL ARCHITECTURE OF TEMPLES

Madhavaraya Temple, Photo by @sayhi2vim on Twitter

The madhavaraya temple and ranganathaswamy temple – visiting this beautiful architecture is one of the best things to do in Gandikota. Where Madhavaraya Swamy temple is a fascinating architecture with Hindu Gods Idols and daily pooja rituals by the common people. The Ranganathaswamy temple on the other hand is made of stones with pillars, hallway, and corridors, not a single idol of god and goddess. This temple is only a complex with a beautiful structure.

BE A PART OF ACTIVITIES IN CANYON

In November 2015, Andhra Pradesh government cited a plan to develop Gandikota as the next major tourist hub of Andhra Pradesh. After that many activities including Rock climbing, Camping at the bank of Penna river, and Kayaking is in trend, all are managed by APTDC (AP Tourism development corporation). 

EXPLORING INDIA’S LONGEST BELUM CAVE

Photo Courtesy : Life and trendz

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Just 60 kms north of Ganikota, Belum cave is the longest Plain cave in the entire subcontinent. Located in the Belum village of Kurnool District in AP. This cave was formed due to erosion millions of years ago. History indicates that this cave was once a home of Jains and Buddhist monks centuries ago. This cave was being used to dump wastes till 1988, later it became one of the great tourist attractions in Andhra Pradesh, with the entrance fee being just INR 65. It’s worth visiting this location.

HOW TO REACH GANDIKOTA

Photo by @Zpr27 on Twitter

Jammalamadugu is the nearest railway station which is 16kms away from Gandikota. Station is well connected with the rest of the state. Jammalamadugu is a new Station Inaugurated in 2016, Once you reach the station, there are many Buses that run frequently to gandikota.  

TRAVEL TIPS

  • There is no entrance ticket for the grand canyon or Gandikota fort.
  • There are hardly any places for stay near the fort, The only trusted place is APTDC Resort.
  • There are many travel agents available near resorts, who organize camping & other activities on the canyon.

Gandikota, Grand Canyon is indeed a perfect destination to spend some days. From the Heritage temples to the beautiful Penna river to India’s Longest Belum Cave, Gandikota has everything to amaze you with the real feel of Arizona. So next time, When you plan for the South India Trip, Don’t forget to add The Grand canyon in your Itinerary.

Thanks for Reading

Timmy Handa:
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