Gandikota – The Grand Canyon of India

Gandikota is a beautiful tourist place on the banks of Penna river around 15 km from Jammalamadugu town in Kadapa district of Andhra Pradesh around 390 kms from Hyderabad. It is famous for the gorge formed between the Erramala hills and is known as the Grand Canyon of India. There is a fort on top overlooking the Penna river and was the center of power for various dynasties, such as the Chalukyas, Pemmasani Nayakas and the Golconda Sultanate. The places to visit in Gandikota are Gandikota fort, few temples(ruins only) like Madhavaraya temple, Ranganayakula temple, a mosque(Juma Masjid), it’s own Charminar(much smaller) at the entrance, a jail, kattula koneru, Granary, etc.

One can trek down the hill to the Penna river and also up the hill to get a breath taking view of the gorge and the Penna river. This is also a very good place for view of Sunrise and Sunset. Few Telugu movies were shot here like Maryada Ramanna, Akhanda, Radhe Shyam, Indian 2, Saamy, Sahasam, Polimera 2, etc . Even now, the place is famous for photo shoots for pre and post wedding. There is a village inside the fort where people live.

There is a Haritha resort for stay and other private resorts around. You can get food from Haritha resort restaurant. One can easily spend a day or two here. There are also some tents available for camping. Zip lining and boating activities are also there. This is a very good place to visit with both family and friends.

How to reach: It is very close to Jammalamadugu town in Kadapa district and around 170 kms from Kurnool around 50 kms from Allagadda on the Rayalseema Expressway(NH40). If you are going from Hyderabad, take NH44 to Kurnool and then merge on to NH40.

The APSRTC buses are available from Jammalamadugu and also there are a few autos.

One can also plan to visit Belum caves which is around 45 kms from here.

You can read about my Road trips here