Though we have yet to see the original Grand Canyon in Arizona, nothing prepared us for the awesome visual treat that was awaiting us in Gandikota. From where we were standing, we got a spectacular view of the sparkling aqua-blue Pennar River snaking its way through a 90-metre deep gorge in the Erramalai hill range of Gandikota. Although the place holds a close resemblance with the Grand Canyon of Arizona, it has its own special charm in my memory. The huge red granite boulders blending in with the wilderness of the valley only added to its raw appeal.
My hubby and I soon settled ourselves on one of the rocks soaking in the serene atmosphere of the valley, while my shutter-happy brother lost no time in doing what he loves doing the most – clicking pics! Sometime later, after gorging on Idlis and coffee ( my bro wisely picked from Jammalamadugu) at a popular picnic spot near the Mylavaram Dam, we decided to discover the place more intimately…
The overnight bus journey last evening from Hyderabad has been uneventful. We dosed on and off on the way. So by the time we reached Jammalamadugu/Kadapa about 8 hours later, the perfect winter-blue sky and the crisp early-morning breeze set our mood for the day on a happier note. From Jammalamdugu, it is another hour and a half’s drive by taxi to the picturesque village of Gandikota in Andhra Pradesh.
Although in the recent years, the rocky terrain of Gandikota is making trekkers trickling in from far and distant corners of the country, the quiet solitude of the place is a natural balm for city dwellers like us. Yet, that’s not all, for the place which calls itself the ‘Gorge citadel’; Gandi for ‘gorge’ and Kota for ‘fort or citadel’ in Telegu, is also generating interest because of its historical fort and temples.
Where to stay in Gandikota
Gandikota is yet to develop into a full-fledged tourist destination. Staying accommodations (hotels, lodge, resorts etc.) and restaurants are very basic and limited to nearby towns at Kadapa, Kadiri and Jammalamudugu.
Although, you would find most of the structures inside the fort in ruin, but Madhavarayaswamy temple and the ruins of Ranganathaswamy temple housed inside the fort are definitely worth a visit. Both these temples are believed to be built somewhere between 15th to16th century. We spend some wonderful time looking at the timeless temple carvings and sculptures of animals and Gods of the Vijayanagar era. We also made a quick visit to the impressive Jumma Masjid and its massive granary-turned-tourism office. But as dusk was setting in quickly, it was time to wind up our trip and settle for the night in one of the few hotels at Jammalamadugu before returning back to Hyderabad.
How to reach Gandikota
Gandikota is easily accessible by rail and road from Bangalore and Hyderabad. Nearest railway station is at Kadapa and Yerraguntla. Apart from these, Gandikota is also connected by air from Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad and Tirupati.
Photo credit: Swarat Ghosh
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