The incredible Gandikota - A must visit place in Andhra Pradesh for nature lovers, heritage explorers, hikers and for everyone who is traveler at heart

One of the most exciting places we visited during our road-trip from Noida to Rameshwaram is Gandikota and there are multiple reasons for that. This blogpost will share more about Gandikota, the amazing places to explore around it, along with specially curated list of tips by Travellingcamera.

Gandikota is a small village located in the Kadapa district of Andhra Pradesh, India. It is situated on the banks of the Pennar River and is known for its magnificent fortress, which dates back to the 13th century. There is a beautiful canyon near this fortress which is often referred to as the "Grand Canyon of India" due to its striking resemblance to the famous landmarks in the United States.

As you reach close to Gandikota, the landscapes start changing and it's little hilly in comparison to it's surrounding towns. It was raining on the day we were driving to Gandikota and little fog also added to the mood.

Above photograph shows a view of Mosque inside Gandikota Fort. The Gandikota Fort was built by the Pemmasani dynasty in the 13th century and was later passed on to the Vijayanagara Empire. It was used as a strategic military stronghold and served as a key point of defense against invasions from the Bahmani Sultanate. The fort is a unique blend of Islamic and Hindu architectural styles, which can be seen in its various structures such as the Juma Masjid, Ranganatha Temple, and the Madhavaraya Temple.

What is best time to visit Gandikota? - It's from October to Feb, when it's pleasant, otherwise this part of the country is super hot after feb till Aug/Sept.

Above photograph is clicked from the path which connect Fort with canyon viewpoint. The most striking feature of the Gandikota Fort is its massive red sandstone walls that stand at a height of 100 feet. These walls enclose the entire fort and are punctuated by a number of gates and watchtowers. Visitors can take a walk along the top of the walls for a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape.

Inside the fort, there is a beautiful gorge created by the Pennar River. The river has carved its way through the rock formations, creating a picturesque natural wonder that is a sight to behold. Visitors can also explore the many caves and granaries that are carved into the walls of the gorge. It was a foggy/rainy day when we visited Gandikota, otherwise one can see the waterbody on other side of the mountain you see in above photograph.

The nearest railway station for Gandikota is Muddanuru and there are regular bus services that connect the village with other parts of the state.

Gandikota is not just a place for history and architecture enthusiasts, but also a perfect destination for nature lovers, photographers, and adventurers. The breathtaking views of the Penna River Gorge and the surrounding landscape, the historic fort, temples, and the peaceful atmosphere of the village, make it an ideal location for a weekend getaway.

What are main places to visit and explore around Gandikota, Andhra Pradesh? :

1. Gandikota Fort

2. Canyons around Pennar River

3. You can also visit Belum Caves

4. Rayalacheruvu Lake

5. The Architecturally Rich Temples

6. The Jamia Masjid Of Gandikota Fort

Let's touch upon a little about how to reach Gandikota ?

By Air - Tirupati Airport at Renigunta and Bengaluru International Airport at Bangalore are the nearest airports to Gandikota. One can take a flight to either of them and cover the rest of the distance to Gandikota by bus or private cab. Bengaluru Airport is ~340 km from Gandikota while Tirupati Airport is ~220 km away from the same.

By Train - The nearest railway stations to Gandikota are at Jammalamadugu (18 km away), Kadapa (77 km away), and Tirupati (219 km away).

By Road- Gandikota is well connected to major cities like Bangalore, Hyderabad and Vizag through the NH 7. Owing to the fact that roads in Andhra Pradesh are in excellent condition and connected to various link roads and state highways, one can have a smooth, hassle-free road trip to Gandikota. In fact, Gandikota is rather frequented by backpackers and bikers than normal tourists.

Above photograph shows Madhavaraya Temple , which is a 16th century Hindu temple located in the Gandikota Fort, in the Kadapa district of Andhra Pradesh, India. Dedicated to Krishna, this temple is also known as Madhava Perumal Temple or Madhavaraya Swamy Temple. The Government of India has designated it as a Monument of National Importance.

The Madhavaraya Temple is a Hindu temple located inside the Gandikota Fort in Andhra Pradesh, India. It is believed to have been built in the 14th century during the reign of the Vijayanagara Empire. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is an example of Vijayanagara architecture. The temple is built with large stone blocks, and the entrance is decorated with intricate carvings of deities and other motifs. The temple features a garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum) and an antarala (vestibule) and a pillared hall. The temple is known for its well-carved sculptures of various deities including Lord Vishnu and Lord Narasimha. It's one of the popular tourist spot inside the fort.

Above photograph shows a structure which you see just after entering into the main gate of the fort. You can see a group of men sitting and have some conversations. There are houses inside the fort which are also visible in above photograph. There are more house than what you see in this photograph of Gandikota Fort in Andhra Pradesh.

Things to note when you plan for Gandikota -

1. It's a small place and you may not find lot of options to stay. In fact, many of the stay options around Gandikota looked average. It's important that we share the disclaimer that we didn't stay in Gandikota, so our viewpoint is on the basis of options we checked online and some of the properties we noticed on our way or around Gandikota fort area.

2. Everything worth seeing is inside the Gandikota Fort, so you have to just go to the fort and walk around to explore the beauty of Gandikota.

3. You can go inside the fort and till last point.

4. There is no entry ticket or parking charges at Gandikota.

Gandikota is a hidden gem (I am scared to use this term these days :) ) in Andhra Pradesh that is worth visiting. The fort and its surroundings are a perfect blend of history and natural beauty, making it an unforgettable experience for visitors. It's a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history, architecture, and natural beauty.

Related Blogposts -