Gandikota – The Grand Canyon of India

About Gandikota

Gandikota, situated on the banks of the river Pennar, gets its name from Telugu words Gandi (George) & Kota (Fort)." Also referred to as "George fort," it is a stone fort situated on the top hill. The entrance gate of the Gandikota fort is 20 feet tall with 101 towering bastions giving an impressing sight.

Constructed during the 13th century A.D., Gandikota left a profound impression on the French traveler Tavernier. He remarked that its grand monuments make a striking resemblance to those found in Hampi Vijayanagara.

Gandikota lies 77 kilometers away from Kadapa district in Andhra Pradesh and 15 kilometers from Jammalamadugu. Within the fort, there are numerous interesting sights for exploration, including the ancient temples like Ranganatha and Madhavaraya temple. This 15th and 16th century temple has detailed sculptures and architectural styles from the Vijayanagara period.

From the fort's summit, you can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the surrounding forests and valleys. Nearby is the scenic Mylavaram Dam which has natural beauties like clear waters, lush trees, and refreshing breeze. Visitors can relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere at this place located at the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.

Best time to Visit Gandikota

The grand canyon of India sits at an elevation of 320 meters above sea level and mainly undergoes a local steppe climate. Like many other places in India, the village encounters three main seasons: Summer, Winter, and Monsoon.

During the summers, Gandikota and its surrounding areas endure extremely hot and humid conditions. The region doesn't receive significant rainfall, resulting in minimal change in weather during the monsoon season.

Winters in Gandikota fort are quite pleasant, making it the ideal time to visit. The average annual temperature hovers around 28°C, with an annual rainfall of approximately 567 mm.

The best time to visit Gandikota is from September to February when the temperatures are more suitable for travelers. 

Travel remains feasible throughout the year, although summers can present uncomfortably high temperatures for travelers.

 Places to visit near Gandikota Fort

Belum Caves

Explore Belum Caves, one of the largest caves in the Indian subcontinent, located just 61 kilometers from Gandikota. These incredible caves offer a remarkable experience, with stunning natural formations & fascinating geological features. 

Visit Gandikota and Belum Caves for an unforgettable adventure that will leave you in awe of nature's wonders.

Yaganti Temple

Yaganti Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and has interesting facts. This place is located at 45 kms from Belum towards Kurnool. This ancient temple is known for its Pushkarini, a freshwater pond, & three caves which was named after residing saints.

A notable feature of the Yaganti temple is the growing idol of Nandi. According to the Archaeological Survey of India, the idol increases in size by 1 inch every 20 years.

Oravakallu Rock Garden

After exploring the Belum caves, you can make a visit to the Oravakallu rock garden. It offers a breathtaking view of the sunset. It is 60kms away from Yaganti Temple. Numerous movies have filmed at this rock garden, making it renowned for its scenic beauty.

Visitors can spend a couple of hours here, indulging in photography and soaking in the scenic beauty. The rocks formed from quartz and silica here are definitely extraordinary.

How to reach Gandikota 

By Train:

Gandikota has limited direct railway routes, with no direct trains from major cities. The nearest railway station is Jammalamadugu, situated 18 km away from Gandikota.

 By Road:

Reaching Jammalamadugu by road is likely the most convenient option. Gandikota has great road access to major cities like Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Vizag, and Vijayawada via NH 7. You will feel comfortable during your bus travel on these well-maintained roads.

 By Air:

Gandikota does not have its own airport, so travelers planning to fly will need to reach the nearest airports. The Bengaluru International Airport in Bangalore and Tirupati Airport in Renigunta are the closest airports to Gandikota.

Pro-tips - Activities to indulge at your Gandikota Trip

Explore the ancient Gandikota Fort and discover its key attractions. Visit the Large Granary, House of Drums, Old Cannons, Gardens Jails, Charminar, Jail, and Pond - Red Koneru. These viewpoints offer a captivating glimpse into the fort's rich history and are well worth experiencing.

Indulge in the dreamy view of Pennar river: Feel exactly like you are at the Grand Canyon in Arizona. Get adventurous by climbing the rocks & watch the mesmerizing view of sunset. The stunning view gives you amazing clicks that your will cherish forever.

Adventure activities: Indulging yourself in adventurous activities like rock climbing, rappelling, kayaking, trekking, and camping at Gandikota.

Stay or Hotels in Gandikota

Experience the beauty of the gorge and explore the historical fort by staying in Gandikota. 

Accommodation options in Gandikota are limited, but nearby towns like Jammalamadugu or Kadapa offer additional choices for lodging. Consider staying in these towns to enhance your travel experience while visiting Gandikota.

You can also opt for homestays, or camping options in your trip to Gandikota. People frequently opt for Gandikota tent stay as it gives entirely a beautiful experience.

Visit Exoticamp’s Gandikota Canyon Camping

Experience Gandikota Camping with your family & friends in a classic location. Enjoy all the required facilities right from clean restrooms to dining area. Explore rock climbing & kayaking with our experts to make your trip more interesting. Gather around the campfire with like-minded travelers, share stories, and make unforgettable memories together!

Gandikota Canyon Camping @ Exoticamp:

 https://www.exoticamp.com/site/camp/gandikota-canyon-camping

Elite amenities you will find at Exoticamp Gandikota Campsite: Dome tents, western toilets, parking facility & bedding with blankets.

 FAQs

Is it allowed to camp at Gandikota?

Yes, you can camp at Gandikota. You can enquire some of the camping facilitators for a seamless experience. 

Is it safe to camp in Gandikota?

Camping in Gandikota is safe provided you choose reputable camping sites with great amenities and security measures in place.

How much is the entry fee for Gandikota fort?

There is no entry fee to visit the Gandikota fort.

What is the visiting time for Gandikota fort?

You can visit the Gandikota between 8:00am to 6:00pm on all days.

How many days trip should I plan for Gandikota?

It's recommended to stay for 2 days to explore everything Gandikota has to offer. You will also get more time to fully indulge in activities.