Gandikota, on the right bank of the river Pennar, is a small historic village in Kadapa district, Andhra Pradesh, India.
The Pennar river near Gandikota
Gandikota was founded in 1123 A.D. by Kapa Raja of Bommanapalle village ( a nearby village) and a subordinate of Ahavamalla Someswara I, the Western Chalukyan king of Kalyana. Gandikota Fort was one of the most significant forts in south India during its heydays. Many wars were fought for this grand fort. Hyder Ali of Mysore was one among those who conquered the Gandikota fort from the Vijayanagar emperor in the 17th century. Later on, the fort went into the hands of The British.
The picturesque Gandikota fort ruins and nearby Grand Canyon (called the ‘The Grand Canyon of India’ or Indian Equivalent of the ‘Grand Canyon’ ) are the main tourist attractions here.
There are ruins of a massive granary near the Canyon. The building can be seen, though it’s damaged over the course of time. There is a mosque behind the granary.
Madhavaraya temple (believed to be constructed by Vijayanagar kings who conquered the fort) is one of the main attractions here. Many sculptures can be seen on the walls and pillars of this temple. Some invaders partly destroyed the temple.
A Jail and Ranganatha Swamy Temple are other important tourist places worth visiting. This temple was built in the Chalukyan style of architecture by the Chalukya dynasty rulers.
The features of the fort include a gorge at around 300 feet above the Pennar River. The fort comprises 101 bastions, all over 40 feet in height. This fort was built using red granite stones, with a 20-foot-high entry gate. The fort wall runs around the 5 miles in perimeter. Gandikota Fort is one of the best tourist places in India with its exquisite carvings, ancient temples co-existing with a mosque, and perennial springs. Gandikota and its surrounding areas offer trekking opportunities in the fort ruins and the canyon. Numerous viewpoints in the area offer breathtaking views of the scenic site.
Gandikota acquired its name from the Telugu word gandi (which means gorge ). Telugu is the local language of Andhra Pradesh state. This fort is situated in the Erramala hills range, and the Pennar River flows at the foot of these hill ranges.
It seems that there are no guides to explain these things at this fort.
How do I go to Gandikota?
Jammalamadugu city is the nearest city to Gandikota and is at a distance of around 15 kilometers. Local buses take you to Gandikota Fort from Jammalamadugu city bus station. Jammalamadugu to Gandikota bus timings are as follows: 5.30 a.m., 9 a.m., 2.30 p.m., and 6 p.m.. Gandikota to Jammalamadugu Bus timings are 6.30 a.m., 10 a.m., 3.45 a.m., and 6.45 p.m.
Kadappa, which is formerly known as Cuddapah, a significant town in Andhra Pradesh known for its Black Limestone, is around 77 kilometers away from Gandikota.
Muddanuru (also spelled as Muddannur) railway station, with station code MOO, is the nearest railway station to Gandikota. Most of the express trains stop here. It is around 26 kilometers distance from the Canyon.
Tadapathri is another major railway station, which is at a distance of around 28 kilometers from Jammalamadugu. The station code for the Tadipatri Railway station is TU.
Tips for Gandikota Visitors
You need to carry food, water, and other essential items. You can also buy them at Jammalamadugu. There are no hotels or restaurants in close proximity, except Hotel Haritha, a guest house from the Andhra Pradesh State government, which offers food and accommodation.
You can put up your tent in the canyon area.
Belum Caves are a nearby attraction. It is the second-longest cave in India.
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