Gandikota: Visiting India’s ‘Grand Canyon’

 

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Overview: The road from Kadiri to Gandikota traverses through varied landscapes. At certain places we could see barren land spread across miles together and the next moment we see greenery and sunflower blooming giving a pleasing look. At one point we saw a small bridge cutting a rocky terrain with a temple hiding between the rocks. A small waterfall could also be seen behind the temple flowing in the westward direction. 
     
Around 1km before reaching Jammalamadugu town, there is a deviation to the left which leads to Gandikota. The roads are really narrow and rough and its good that at least they are laid and the drive is not so uncomfortable. Just before reaching the fort, there is a resort run by APTDC with AC/Non-AC rooms and Dormitory as well.
 

We proceeded further and entered the historic fort. We could see the fort walls around us and soon we could see the tall Gopuram of the Madhavarayaswamy temple. The Madhavaraya temple belongs to the Vijayanagara times and probably built during the times of Krishnadevaraya. Another attraction is the Jumma Masjid belonging to the Qutub Shahi rulers. There is a huge granery as well which is used as a the tourism office is also worth seeing. 
            

Next to the Masjid is another temple dedicated to Ranganathaswamy. Though its in complete ruins now, the pillared walls still contain carvings of the Gods and animals like elephant and lion. At certain angle, one can see the Gopuram of the Madhavaraya temple between the pillars of the Ranganathaswamy temple. 
  

After savouring the beauty of the forgotten temple, we proceeded towards our known surprise, the Grand Canyon of India. Even from the temple it doesn't appear as if something is hidden worth watching, once we come close to the rocks, Lo and Behold, the scene is unbelievable. Its hard to imagine that something like this exists in India as well. The river Pennar cuts through the rocky gorge which is several feet deep. The colour of the rocks also is brick red giving it an alien look. We climbed further up towards the top and we could see the panorama of the river flowing from west to east. We sat there for sometime being lost in another world. Though the rocks are quite stable and can be easily climbed, one has to be careful for surprises. After spending a while at the gorge, we set off for our next destination. As it was almost evening, we decided to wind up for the day and head towards Banaganapalli and halt there.
  
How to reach: Bus: From Bangalore, there are direct buses to Kadapa. From there one can get buses to Jammalamadugu. From there private transport can be hired to reach Gandikota.
Car: From Bangalore, head on NH7 towards Hyderabad road and on entering the AP state, watch out for a signboard indicating directions for Kadiri and Puttaparthi. Turn right at the signboard near Palasamudram to reach Kadiri. From Kadiri continue towards Pulivendula and Muddannur. Just 1 km before Jammalamadugu, there is a deviation towards left which leads to Gandikota which is around 10 kms from there.
Food/Accommodation: APTDC runs a resort near Gandikota for tourists.

Comments

  1. Awesome photos , This place has been on my list for a very long time now .

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  2. Amazing place. The gorge looks awesome. Thanks for sharing this beautiful place.

    www.rajniranjandas.blogspot.com

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  3. Wonderful description and images. The gorge looks beautiful.

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  4. Beautiful! Awesome! Class Captures. Great place.
    Rajesh Naik.

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  5. Amazing pics. But it seems deserted! Very beautiful.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Arti.. Yes this place is a bit deserted. One can only see a few locals around as it is not known to many ppl.

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  6. Wow! this was jaw-dropping. I'm ashamed of myself coz I hadn't heard about this place. This gorge is a hidden treasure. I'm really so thankful to you for this piece of info and those awesome pictures.
    Btw, The Grand Canyon, AZ is on my 2012 wishlist; I can't wait.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks for the big words.. really is an encouragement for me :).. And all the best for your Arizona trip..

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  7. Never knew such a place existed... wow!
    thanks for the info :)

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  8. Thanks for sharing this post. Though I live in Hyderabad and have traveled around nearby places, this was a new find, and will surely be one that I will check out. Loved the pictures, they are gorgeous. I loved the one with the parrots.

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  9. Shit!!..this place is awesome!

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  10. Thanks Santosh, Subhorup & Keerthana..

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  11. Arun, In the route section, do also include the rough time estimates to cover sections between cities & the road condition also.

    Jaw dropping pics man!! Kudos to you to explore these places & jalai'ing us badly!.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Sripurna! Please read the main post for detailed route/time info. The link is below:
      http://arunthetraveller.blogspot.in/2012/01/rayalaseema-ap-driving-along-very.html

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  12. I could not believe it was India! Beautiful, thanks

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  13. wow...lovely pics..AP sure has some surprises

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  14. excellent photo capture...

    thanks

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  15. Thanks everyone for the comments..

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  16. Nice write up and snaps. Thanks for bringing these unknown treasures into the light.

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  17. Truly enchanting pics of the landscape, the temple ruins, the fort area and the "Grand Canyon". Nice virtual tour to Gandikota.

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  18. Can anyone update me with the road conditions now?

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  19. Thanks man! This is jaw-dropping. I am going there, as early as possible. Just one question; can't we go there down and walk through along the river? And please suggest more such deserted places. I am a lone traveler and would like places with zero population and just nature. Thanks in advance.

    Regards,
    Siraj

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  20. I am ashamed. I come from kadapa and stay at phoenix. So, phoenix grand canyon is my regular visiting place and i am not aware of kadapa grand canyon, where i grew up for 20 long yrs. Thanks for letting me know.

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  29. Nice blog. Great details about this place.
    Can you tell me, during which season you have visited and when is the best time to visit this Place? During which season we can see more water in this river?

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Ravi. I visited this place in December. The best time probably would be post monsoons when the river is full with water.

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  30. keep up the good work. I have never ever heard or seen this place. Thanks for sharing it!! Breath-taking place and pictures too....

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  31. Arun, thanks soooo very much. I was like.... no words. The pics were just lovely. A.M.A.Z.I.N.G, WONDERFUL, LOVELY few words to express. Pics were sooo nice that towards the end I felt as if am done with the visit! No exaggeration this is! Am sooo happy for being ignorant of this place for the way you had presented it over here, man! Thank you so much for this post and the blog, bookmarked it already.

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  32. Wow! I especially love your photos of the areas. Your spot is always and brings new insights to every excursion. But you added a great new human element to this posts and it's much appreciated. Keep up good work.

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  33. This is so gorgeous! Honestly I had never heard of this place before. Any good stay options nearby?

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  34. Awesome Place....Thanks for the detailed information...infact it is like a virtual tour :)
    -- Lakshmi

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