Ultimate Travel Guide Of Gandikota, The Grand Canyon Of India

Gandikota is a small village in the Kadapa district of Andhra Pradesh. It is famous for its eye-catching gorge made by the Pennar river cutting through the Erramala hills. This bewitching beauty that is visited by numerous travelers is also popular by the name the Hidden Grand Canyon of India.

One of the most popular tourist attractions near the village is the magnificent Gandikota fort. The fort is situated on the top of the gorge. It is a perfect place for history lovers as well as adventure seekers. The charm of this village adds to the beauty of the gorge.

Why visit Gandikota?

People always seek peace and fewer distractions during their vacations. Gandikota Andhra Pradesh is a small and untouched beautiful village. People don’t know much about this offbeat destination because it is not commercialized. This is the best part of visiting the village. You will find fewer tourists and less noise. Most importantly less crowd means less garbage. Gandikota is a perfect place to visit in South India. It is one of the weekend getaways from Bangalore.

Why is Gandikota called the ‘Arizona of India’?

Gandikota is an unexplored place situated in Bangalore. It is a wonderful and pleasant weekend gateway from the city.

It is called Arizona of India because we generally do not witness gorge formations. It is similar to the Grand Canyon in Arizona made of remarkable rocks gathering, cut, and layered in an impressive way. It is also known as Indian Grand Canyon.

Best time to visit Gandikota

In the month of  September to February, the Grand Canyon of India has comfortable and pleasant weather which makes it the best time to visit Gandikota Andhra Pradesh. In the summertime, the temperature rises up to 40-45 degrees Celsius. The hot and humid weather at that time makes it difficult to visit the Grand Canyon India gorge.

Gandikota History

According to an ancient grant, the king of the neighboring village of Bomanapalli, Kapa, made a fortress in Gandikota. The first emperor of the Vijayanagara dynasty, Harihara, is assumed to have constructed a temple in Gandikota. However, the claims of a 16th-century Persian historian Firishta suggest that the fort was built in 1589.

The Qutab Shahis captured it and Mir Jumla presided over it in the 17th century. Later, Juma Masjid was built by Jumla and widened the fort. Eventually, the Nawab of Kadapa was handed over to the citadel and then it was passed on to Hyder Ali. In 1800CE, the British gained control over the fort, following the treaty with the Nizam.

Things to do in Gandikota Andhra Pradesh

Gandikota may be famous for the hidden Great Canyon of India, but this stunning gorge is only one of the many attractions of Gandikota. There are various things to do in Gandikota Grand Canyon that one must indulge in during their visit:

There are plenty of things to do in Gandikota Grand Canyon. The hidden Gandikota canyon is not the only attraction of the place. One can indulge in various activities during their trip to the place.

Here we have listed a few attractive places that will bring a smile to your face:

1. Bewitching views of The Gorge and The Pennar River

The Pennar river flows peacefully through the bright stone gorge which is an artwork in itself. Witnessing the massive gorge is one of the best experiences to enjoy in the Grand Canyon of India. Climbing up the rocks can be a difficult task but once you reach the top you won’t complain. Just like the Grand Canyon in Arizona, this vast gorge is incredible.

Watching groups of pelicans fly over the green river while sitting on top of the rocks during the sunset will make your trip to Gandikota grand canyon a memorable one.

Always make sure to carry your food when you visit the gorge as there are few food options near the gorge and the fort.

Location: Chikkaballapur District, Andhra Pradesh-562101

Timings: No specific timing

2. Walk through the Ruins of The Gandikota Fort

The Gandikota fort was built in the 13th century. The fort is made up of red sandstone and has beautiful palaces with complex sculptures, some perennial springs to supply water for irrigation, and 5-mile-long walls guarding the fort. The ruins of a Gandikota temple built in the same century and a mosque that was added later are great examples of unity in diversity.

One can take a peaceful walk along the walls of the fort and can enjoy the sight of the soothing river and watch the change colours at the time of dusk. Once you get to hear the century-old history of the Gandikota fort you will realize that an entirely different civilization existed at that time. This will definitely make your trip to the Gandikota fort worth a visit, It is one of the best places in Gandikota Andhra Pradesh.

Location: Gandikota Fort, Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh–516433

Gandikota Fort Timings: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm

3. Impressive interiors of Belum Caves

The attractive pictures of the Antelope Canyons in Arizona are really fascinating. One can enjoy the same in India as apart from the Indian version of the Grand Canyon we also have Belum Caves which can be called the Indian version of Antelope Canyons.

Belum Caves being the second largest cave system in India has great importance in terms of archaeology, geology, and architecture according to the geologists who studied the area. The geologists have also found residues of Quartz in the stalagmite and stalactite formations of the cave.

Location: 1/1, Opposite Indian Oil Petrol Pump, Kolimigundla, Andhra Pradesh 518123

Belum caves timings: 10:30 am to 4:00 pm

4. Spend time on the Banks of Rayalacheruvu Lake

Adjacent to Gandikota fort is a beautiful lake that is believed to have been made by the emperor Sri Krishnadevaraya utilizing water from the Pennar river. While sitting on the bank of the lake one can enjoy the beauty of nature, the clear water in front, and Erramala hills in the back. You can also witness many migratory and native birds peeping out of the thickets. According to recent developments, the lake now will be used for irrigation to help farmers of the village.

Location: Rayala Cheruvu Rd, SBI Colony, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh 517501

Timings: No specific timing

5. Visit the architecturally rich temples for solace

The Madhavaraya temple and Raghunathaswamy temple are two of the spectacular and architecturally rich temples near the village. Of course, visiting these temples would be the best thing to do in Gandikota.

The Raghunathaswamy temple is made of red granite, the structure consists of a system of pillars, hallways, and corridors which gives this place a mysterious feel since the temple doesn’t have a single idol of God and goddesses.

The Madhavaraya temple has beautiful architecture with sculptures of Hindu Gods and rituals of common people carved on the walls. The art on the granite walls of this Gandikota temple dedicated to the life and culture of kingdoms preserves Gandikota history.

Location of Madhavaraya temple: R77M+7HQ, Gandikota, Andhra Pradesh 516434

Location of Raghunathaswamy temple: R78M+PXJ, Gandikota, Andhra Pradesh 516434

Timings of the temples: Both the temples are open throughout the day

6. Participate in adventure activities at the Gandikota canyon Gorge

Gandikota canyon has something for everyone. Gandikota is now getting commercialized as a place for tourists and many travelers are showing excitement to stay in the village. One can go for adventure at the gorge and can do many adventure activities like rock climbing, trekking, rappelling, and kayaking in Gandikota.

The average cost for the activities: Rs. 1000

7. Pay Your Respects at The Jamia Masjid of Gandikota Fort

The old walls of the mosque have lost their shine with time, but the elegant Islamic architecture still manages to bewitch travelers with its beauty and Gandikota history.

The first thing that visitors of the masjid get to see is its grand multi-arched entrance, then comes the main prayer hall where thousands of people used to gather to pray together.  One can spot the Gopuram of the Madhavaraya temple from the top of the entrance as it is located close by. The mosque and the temple stand beside each other in peace and harmony.

Location: Gandikota Fort, Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh – 516433

The Jamia Masjid of Gandikota Fort timings: 6:00 am to 6:00 pm

8. Gandikota waterfalls

There is a hidden waterfall in Gandikota which is not known to many people. To reach Gandikota waterfall one has to descend from the cliff for about 2km passing rocks and boulders. One can find painting spots which will guide you to the waterfall.

There is a small pond and a waterfall with clean water where one can soak themself as the water is not very deep.

How To Reach Gandikota

By Air

Nearest airports: Tirupati Airport at Renigunta and to commute from Bangalore to Gandikota, the Bengaluru International Airport at Bangalore. The rest of the distance to reach Gandikota can be covered by bus or a cab.

By Train

Nearest railway stations: Jammalamadugu (18 km away), Kadapa (77 km away), and Tirupati (219 km away). You can also take a direct train too as it will be more comfortable than the bus.

By Road

Andhra Pradesh roads are in good condition (smooth and connected to highways and other road links) so is the Gandikota road. It is connected to important cities like Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Vizag through the NH 7 highway.

Where To Stay In Gandikota

There are a lot of stay options in Gandikota. Numerous hotels, resorts, and camping sites are available in the village. To name a few are APTDC Complex, a property spread over an area of 10 acres with 12 cottages, a dormitory, a dining hall, and a parking space. The cost is approx. Rs. 1680 per night, you can also camp at the Pennar river, if you wish to stay amidst nature and sleep under the stars with the river gushing by then camping at Gandikota will be the best option for you. The cost is approx. Rs. 1599 per night.

Where To Eat In Gandikota

There are some amazing places to eat in Gandikota offering You can get a wide range of options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in Gandikota. Some of the best places to eat are Gandikota Penna River View, Sri Sri Lakshmi Narayana Bhavan, and Abhiruchi Family Restaurant. Options near Gandikota Fort are Andhra Spice and Nirmala Bakery.

Gandikota is one of the best places to visit for backpackers as the place is easy to reach by public transport and has a lot of adventure, stay, and food options. Gandikota fort is a must-visit place in Andhra Pradesh, India.

Also read: Lambasingi – The Kashmir Of Andhra Pradesh Where It Snows In South India