Gandikota- "The Grand Canyon of India" is an ultimate offbeat get away location for my perfect weekend trip from Hyderabad which is less known, not yet commercialized and slowly spreading as one of the best tourist attractions in South India.
Gandikota is a small village in the Kadapa district of Andhra Pradesh on the bank of the beautiful river Pennar covered with the region of Erramala hills. It is situated 15km away from a village called Jammalamadugu in Kadapa District.
It is just 390kms which hardly takes about 5 hours to travel by road from Hyderabad via Kurnool and Kadappa districts through NH7. The roads are fantastic, safe and are in best condition for your hastle free journey. It is often called as "The Grand Canyon of India" as its beauty and structure resembles Arizona, USA.
How to travel:
By Road: One can take a private vehicle and drive to the location as it is well connected to major cities like Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Vizag through NH7.
By Train: Reach the nearest railway stations like Jammalamadugu(15kms away) or Kadapa(75kms away).
By Air: The nearest airports are Renigunta(Tirupati), Hyderabad(RGIA) or Bengaluru(Kempagowda)
Stay: The nearest location to stay is Haritha Hotel and Resorts. You can book it online or by directly contacting them.
So, let's start the journey starting with beautiful "Gandikota Penna river view" and ending with breathtaking "Sunset" covered with natural beauty
The journey started with an outstanding view of "Gandikota Penna river view", this view will definitely rejuvenates your mind and refreshes you with its fresh air and natural beauty on banks of the river. The architecture is mindblowing, you can take best pictures of this site and test your photography skills in all the angles. The camping is allowed in early mornings and late evenings, you can contact the resort coordinators for the arrangements.
Gandikota Fort was built in 13th Century AD. It is made of red sandstone comprises of wonderful architecture with internal carvings and a long wall guarding the fort.
The fort of Gandikota acquired its name due to the 'gorge' (in Telugu it is called 'gandi' and 'Kota' means Fort). Gandikota area was first identified and made Sand fort in 1123 by Kapa Raja of nearby Bommanapalle village and a subordinate of Ahavamalla Someswara I, the Western Chalukyan king of Kalyana. Vemana. The Telugu poet, native of Kadapa district, believed to have lived in Gandikota area for a short period.
The forts was annexed by Mughal invaders of Khilji Dynasty. Later, in 13336, the famous Vijayanagar kingdom of Hampi drove the Khilji Clan out and took over the region. The Gandikota was given to its commanders known as "Kamma Kings". Kamma Kings ruled for over 200 years and expanded the fort.
The historical and majestic gateway of Madhavaraya Temple stunned me out as the path taking the footsteps ahead close to the temple was amazing .Each and every wall of the temple has marvelous carvings of the ancient india related to hindu mythology. The buildings, walls, architectures, sculptures looks as if they were live and breathing.
Gandikota Jail:
The old jail of the fort is located just beside the Madhavaraya temple. It has deep underground and one can imagine, how scary the place might have been for prisoners.
Note : (The Photographs used are all original, cannot be used without my permission. Trip cost is for single person)
