Located in the tiny village of Kadapa between Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh lies the secret nesting of the medieval ruins of Gandikota, untouched by tourism. The vast gorges of this village are dubbed the Grand Canyon of India and provide breathtaking views all year round. A relatively unknown location, Gandikota is a favorite amongst nature lovers and adventure seekers. Put these beautiful gorges on your must-see offbeat location list to enjoy an exhilarating experience of the quiet surroundings.
Gandikota Fort
Built in the late 14th century by the ruling Telgu dynasty, the Gandikota fort on the banks of the Pennar River evokes an amazing sense of history, with its temples, gardens, and palace. The ruins have many hidden stories and are an excellent place for every art lover to come and experience its mysteries. Let your imagination run wild on paper while exploring the lengths of this fort. A living village is also located within the fort. Walk through the village and get a glimpse of the life of these villagers living in harmony with the ancient architectural wonder. The most prominent structures in the ten-acre fort are the Jama Masjid flanked by two temples on either side. A granary and a prison are also in close proximity to these structures. The ruins are currently being restored.
The Gorges of Gandikota
As you walk past the Jama Masjid in the Gandikota fort, the path drops down to show boulders after which unfolds the amazing view of the canyon. As you trek across the boulders, you can also see the fort wall that follows the river as it cuts across the landscape.
The beauty of the Gandikota canyon is an unparalleled sight and experience. It is an awe-inspiring sight to see the graceful yet mighty river flowing across the hard, red granite earth over thousands of years. Some parts of the canyon can be trekked through, although immense caution must be exercised while doing so. There are no marked trails and getting help n the remote regions can be hard.
Getting to/Staying in Gandikota
Gandikota can be accessed from two major cities – Bangalore and Hyderabad, and the best option is to drive, as it is not well connected by train. Even the state bus transportation is limited. Rent a car in Bangalore and drive down the distance of 280 km to Gandikota. When travelling from Hyderabad, you will find several Hyderabad to Gandikota cabs to complete this journey. Hiring cabs in Hyderabad and travelling to the Gandikota Canyon is also an option.
Stay options in Gandikota are limited to just one hotel that is run by the Andhra Pradesh state government. You can choose to stay in the nearby Jammalamadugu for more choices in accommodations. Prior booking isn't necessary most of the time, and you can just walk into any one of the hotels for stay.
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