Gandikota Fort overlooking India's own Grand Canyon

While planning a trip to Belum Caves in Andhra Pradesh , we were looking for a place to stay overnight.

We discovered Haritha Hotel run by Andhra Pradesh tourism which happens to be half km away from Gandikota fort. So we decided to visit Gandikota Fort which overlooks a beautiful gorge cut by river Pennar.

Gandikota Fort gets its name from a gorge/canyon , which is called 'gandi' in Telegu formed when the Pennar river cuts through Erramala range.

Gandikota was first identified and made into a sand fort in 1123. Being surrounded by a deep valley, a river which cuts a gorge, impregnable hills and red granite boulders, this is a perfect set up for a fort due to the natural defense provided to the occupants

Gandikota was ruled by a powerful Telegu dynasty known as the Pemmasani Dynasty. This was one of the prominent forts of the country.

Gandikota came into the hands of the Pemmasani rulers from the ancient Mikkilineni royal family

through marriage.

A century later Hyder Ali conquered the Fort from whereon it went into the hands of the Britishers

As you enter the fort gate , you are mesmerized by the beautiful outer structure which still stands strong. There are many open spaces where you can park, there is no ticket to visit the place.

I suggest to park the car right at the entrance rather than drive through the village as the road gets a bit narrow further up and many cars are parked on all sides makes the area more constricted

I loved to walk through the fort area to finally be treated to the grand canyon, more like a finale.

The resident village leads a slow life as is very apparent. i could see them huddled up chit chatting.

The kids played around, their favorite game seemed to be to put up a rope to stop the car and then push you into paying up. Somehow i did not find it funny or amusing. Is this how the future generation is being oriented? To coerce gullible tourists into paying up?

There are 2 main temples inside the fort complex, a Jail, a granery (which is watchman's quarters ),

Jama Masjid with 2 minates alongside.

All structures seem to be in varying stages of decay, piling up debris bearing testimony to years of neglect.

With a beautiful place to stay nearby this fort has the potential to become a major tourist hub, hope the current government takes steps to preserve this piece of heritage and culture