Gandikota – Grand Canyon of India!

Gandikota is a place with a combination of historical significance & natural beauty. Its a long weekend activity from Bangalore – and a good drive too.

Gandikota is a small village on the right bank of the river Pennar, 15 km from Jammalamadugu in Kadapa district, Andhra Pradesh. The fort of Gandikota acquired its name due to the ‘gorge’ (in Telugu it is called ‘gandi’), formed between the Erramala range of hills, also known as Gandikota hills and the river Pennar that flows at its foot, reducing its width to a mere 300 ft. Situated amidst beautiful landscape and wild forests, it is endowed with vast natural resources.

Within the fort are two ancient temples, dedicated to Madhava and Ranganatha, both are in ruins and the fort area is full of the debris of ages and many ancient structures in varying stages of decay. The Jamia Masjid has two adjacent minarets. A heritage festival is held every year in fort area.

Gandikota is really an amazing place to see. The size and scale of the place, if not as huge as the Grand Canyon, is such that pictures cannot do it justice. You have to see it for yourself to really appreciate it. So go visit!