Gandikota - The Grand Canyon of India #offbeatplace #photoblog

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Photo of Gandikota - The Grand Canyon of India #offbeatplace #photoblog by Sinjana Ghosh

Located in the south Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, Gandikota is a village named after the Gandikota fort, a 14th century fort that was established during the powerful Pemmasani Dyanasty. The fort in turn got it's name from the peculiar landscape formed by the Pennar river cutting through the Erramala Hills forming a giant gorge. The word Gandikota literally translates into the "Gorge Fort" ("Gandi" in Telugu means gorge and "Kota" means fort). Often dubbed as the Grand Canyon of India, Gandikota is an unique landscape, a natural wonder, but still remains unknown to many travelers.

Photo tour of Gadikota Fort and Landscape

Located in the south Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, Gandikota is a village named after the Gandikota fort, a 14th century fort that was established during the powerful Pemmasani Dyanasty. The fort in turn got it's name from the peculiar landscape formed by the Pennar river cutting through the Erramala Hills forming a giant gorge. The word Gandikota literally translates into the "Gorge Fort" ("Gandi" in Telugu means gorge and "Kota" means fort). Often dubbed as the Grand Canyon of India, Gandikota is an unique landscape, a natural wonder, but still remains unknown to many travelers.

Things to watch out for in Gandikota

Ruins of the Gandikota Fort

Photo of Gandikota, Andhra Pradesh, India by Sinjana Ghosh

Two temples dedicated to Madhhava and Ranganatha

Photo of Gandikota, Andhra Pradesh, India by Sinjana Ghosh

The second temple with incredibly beautiful sculptures

Photo of Gandikota, Andhra Pradesh, India by Sinjana Ghosh

The mosque at Gandikota called Jama Masjid ; Photo Credits: Praveen Kumar (Flickr)

Photo of Gandikota, Andhra Pradesh, India by Sinjana Ghosh

The Charminar - pigeon house at Gandikota

Photo of Gandikota, Andhra Pradesh, India by Sinjana Ghosh

The dreadful prison now inhabited by bats

Photo of Gandikota, Andhra Pradesh, India by Sinjana Ghosh

Watch the sunrise or sunset

Depending on what time you reach, this is an excellent spot to welcome the morning Sun or bid the Sun goodbye. So, time your visit accordingly if this is a day-trip.

Which looks more exotic? This one or the other Grand Canyon?

Photo of Gandikota - The Grand Canyon of India #offbeatplace #photoblog by Sinjana Ghosh

Hike down to the river

The Pennar river cutting through the granite mountain is a sight to behold in the monsoon when the river actually exists and the weather is relatively cool. In summer the river would have dried up leaving a marshland in the gorge.

Photo of Gandikota - The Grand Canyon of India #offbeatplace #photoblog by Sinjana Ghosh

Camp at night

Imagine camping in this location, looking at the clear star-studded sky at night and waking up to the golden sunrise. They have organised camping facility, where they would provide you with tents at Gandikota, but you can bring your own tent and plant it there for a night.

Photo Courtesy: Flickr photostream by Arnab Phani

Photo of Gandikota - The Grand Canyon of India #offbeatplace #photoblog by Sinjana Ghosh

Small footnote: The entrance fee to this breathtaking place is - ZERO!

Disclosure: All photos are taken by the author unless otherwise mentioned in the caption. If you liked this photo story, follow our couple and family adventures on www.backpacknxplore.com

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