A bike ride of about 250 - 300 kms and then camping in the night. This was our requirement for the weekend ride. As we spoke to people, we were told about the Grand Canyon of India in Andhra Pradesh.
As I did some research online I came across quite a bit of information online and lots of photos. One look at some of the photos and you wouldn't be blamed for thinking it was the Grand Canyon of the United States. The similarity between these 2 geographical structures is uncanny.
Ride/drive from Bangalore
About 70% is Highway and the roads are very good. After that, you get out of the highway and the roads are narrow and bad. So plan your travel so that you reach Gandikota when you have daylight. The last few kilometres are quite bad as there was road work going on when we went.
You can visit Lepakshi which is on the way. It is a beautiful temple dedicated to Veerabhadra, a form of Lord Shiva.
We had one car (to carry our tents and other provisions) and 4 bikes
Camping - It is quite organized with provision for camping and other related activities like a bonfire. We saw many groups with girls and it is quite safe. When you approach the fort, the camping guys will come to you and offer the services. If you are carrying your own tents, they can help you with a spot and also arrange a bonfire.
Food availability - There are one or 2 small hotels near the camping area with decent food. If not you can carry your stuff and cook next to where you camp. We carried portable stoves, marinated chicken and half-cooked chapatis. So we were able to cook our own delicious dinner and breakfast. Haritha resort close by has a restaurant.
Restrooms - The guys who manage camping there have contacts at Haritha resort (which is no more than 1 km from the camping site) and take a small fee so that you can use the restrooms at the resort. They are quite neat. But it does get crowded in the morning when everyone goes there.
Other activities - there is kayaking and trekking which can be arranged. You can also walk down to the river where you get the GRAND CANYON view and go for a boat/kayak ride.
Early morning the view is amazing and it is worth the drive/ride. Even if it isn't the original GRAND canyon, it is a GRAND destination if you love camping and nature.
