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GANDIKOTA:INDIA’S GRAND CANYON 

 

Gandikota & Belum Caves: Hidden Marvels of South India

 

Tucked away in the arid yet stunning landscapes of Andhra Pradesh, Gandikota and Belum Caves are two of India’s most underrated destinations that deserve a spot on every traveler’s bucket list.

Gandikota, famously known as the Grand Canyon of India, offers a surreal landscape where the Pennar River slices through reddish-brown cliffs, creating a vast and dramatic gorge.

Just an hour away lies Belum Caves, a natural underground wonder shaped by the forces of time and water — the second-longest cave system in India, rich with history, mystery, and natural beauty.

 

These two spots are not just visual treats but also carry centuries of heritage and geological significance — ideal for nature lovers, history buffs, and adventure seekers.

 

How to Reach

 

By Road:

From Bengaluru: 280 km (6–7 hours) via NH44

From Hyderabad: 380 km (7–8 hours) via Kurnool

Roads are smooth and scenic, with ample pit stops and food joints.

 

By Train:

Nearest railway station: Jammalamadugu (18 km from Gandikota)

Local autos or cabs are easily available to reach both Gandikota and Belum Caves.

 

By Air:

Nearest airports: Kadapa (80 km), Tirupati (220 km)

From there, hire a cab or take a bus to reach Gandikota.

 

Where to Stay-

 

Gandikota Camping Grounds:

Offers both AC and Non-AC tents, with clean washrooms, campfire setups, and scenic proximity to the canyon.

 

Haritha Resort (AP Tourism):

Budget-friendly rooms located inside the Gandikota Fort premises. Early booking is recommended.

 

Hotels in Tadipatri or Jammalamadugu:

Basic lodging options for those looking to explore Belum Caves and surrounding areas.

 

Exploring Gandikota: The Grand Canyon of India

 

Gandikota gets its name from two Telugu words — Gandi meaning “gorge” and Kota meaning “fort.” The fort was strategically built on the gorge for natural defense and was considered impenetrable during its prime.

 

Key Attractions:

 

Gandikota Gorge Viewpoint

Watch the mighty Pennar River meander through rugged sandstone cliffs that resemble the American Grand Canyon — especially magical during sunrise and sunset.

 

Gandikota Fort

 

Built in the 13th century by the Pemmasani Nayaks under the Vijayanagara Empire, this fort complex features:

Majestic fort walls and bastions

 

Madhavaraya Temple – Known for its five-tiered gopuram and fine carvings.

Ranganatha Swamy Temple – Offers panoramic views of the canyon.

Jama Masjid – Constructed in Indo-Persian style during later Muslim rule.

British-era Jail – Once used for political prisoners.

 

Adventure Activities

 

1. Ziplining across the gorge
2. Boating in the Pennar River
3. Hiking and Trekking around the fort ruins and rocky terrain

 

 

Windmill Farm Views

The landscape is dotted with wind turbines, giving the region a modern yet surreal backdrop for photography.

 

 

Unveiling the Mysteries of Belum Caves

 

Located around 60 km from Gandikota, the Belum Caves are a network of underground passages and caverns formed by limestone erosion over millions of years. These caves were first explored in detail by German speleologist Herbert Daniel Gebauer in the 1980s.

 

Highlights:

 

Total Length: 3.5 km (1.5 km open to tourists)

Deepest Point: Pathala Ganga at 46 meters below ground

Temperature: Naturally cool inside, even during hot summers

Air Circulation: Maintained by pumps and air shafts for comfort

 

 

Points of Interest Inside the Caves:

 

Saptasvarala Guha (Musical Chamber): Known for its echo effects and natural acoustics

Meditation Hall: Believed to be used by Buddhist monks, with relics now housed in the Anantapur Museum

Thousand Hoods: A rock formation resembling a cobra’s hoods

Kotilingalu Chamber: Features stalactites resembling Shiva Lingas

 

Spiritual and Archaeological Significance:

 

Artifacts and relics found inside the caves indicate that Jain and Buddhist monks inhabited the caves centuries ago.

A giant Buddha statue greets visitors near the entrance, symbolizing peace and heritage.

 

Nearby Attractions (Optional Day Trips)

 

Yaganti Temple: Famous for its growing Nandi statue and natural cave sanctuaries (85 km)

Orvakal Rock Garden: A geological park with fascinating rock formations (90 km)

Ahobilam Temple: Dedicated to Lord Narasimha, nestled in the Nallamala Hills (130 km)

 

Best Time to Visit

Visit between October and February for pleasant weather. Summers can be harsh, especially for cave exploration and hiking.

 

Transport Options

 

Self-Drive or Rental Car – Best way to explore both locations flexibly

Private Cabs – Available from Kadapa, Kurnool, or Anantapur.

AP State Buses – Budget-friendly but less frequent for remote areas

Local Autos – For short transfers between attractions and accommodations.

 

For More Travel Inspiration

 

Gandikota and Belum Caves aren’t just hidden tourist spots — they are stories of earth and time, carved in stone and silence. Whether you seek the thrill of ziplining over a canyon, meditative walks through underground wonders, or simply the beauty of watching a river cut through history, this route offers it all.

 

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