Visit Gandikota: Hidden Grand Canyon of India in Kadapa, AP (2024)
Gandikota, a small village in Andhra Pradesh, is abode to several picturesque views between the canyons. It is one of the best places to visit in Andhra Pradesh, where you can relax and witness the beauty of earth. The Erramala hills cutting through the river Pennar offer a breathtaking perspective amidst clear blue skies. This place in Kadapa district of Andhra Pradesh is often termed as the Hidden Grand Canyon of India.
Gandikota: The Arizona of India
The enchanting beauty of the Gandikota village is one that cannot be missed if you are planning a trip to Andhra Pradesh. For people who do not like to spend holidays in crowded places, this is just the place for you. It is away from the city hustle. Having different formations and structures of hills and valleys, it is the Arizona of India when you look closely.
The waves between the rocks, the sunsets from the hilltops, and the gorge at different places make the place worth visiting. The calmness and silence in these canyons are the ones that people long for at various tourist destinations but fail to find. You can find it here.
Visit Gandikota: Hidden Grand Canyon of India in Kadapa, AP
Often places like these get commercialized as soon as they are discovered. The Gandikota Fort is situated in a small offbeat village that only locals are aware of. Since word of mouth travels fast, people have started to discover this Indian version of Grand Canyon.
Consequently, it has become a must-visit place in Gandikota, however, it hasn’t been commercialized yet, and that is why it’s the most significant advantage. People often compare them with Arizona through pictures that are similar to that place. The difference is only that it hasn’t been exploited by the tourists yet.
What Are The Places To Visit In Gandikota
Other than the Gandikota Fort alongside the river Pennar, there are several other attractions in this small village as well mentioned as under:
The Jamia Masjid
There are many illustrations of great architecture in Gandikota village, one amongst them is Jamia Masjid. It is an old structure having a multi-arched entrance for the tourists. It also has a hall inside where people can pray in silence. You can experience peace and calmness, looking at the architectural beauty of ancient times. 
The Rayalacheruvu Lake
This lake was built by King Sri Krishnadevaraya, as the local folklore goes. The locals believe that it was created from the water of the Pennar river. Sitting by the lake, you can enjoy a beautiful view of Erramala hills and the grand canyon alongside. You can also see the horizon meeting the sky with perfect reflections of sunrise and sunset.
The Belum Caves
The Belum Caves falls under the list of places to visit in Gandikota, which cannot be missed at any cost. They are the second largest system of caves in the subcontinent of India. Lesser known to tourists, geologists have said that it has a fine amount of Quartz within the stalagmites arrangements of the caves.
The Temples of Gandikota
If you are looking for religious places in Gandikota, then there are many. The mosques and temples of Gandikota were built in the same century; they offer an insight into the perennial carvings, drawings, architecture, and history of the civilization of the people who made them. While walking through the walls, you can also witness several takes narrated by the makers through scriptures and pictures.
Things To Remember Before Going To Gandikota
It is always advised to have your trip planned in advance by doing all the research beforehand. Some of the following points can help you plan your vacation to Gandikota is a better way:
How To Reach Gandikota?
By Air: You can board a flight to Bengaluru international airport or Tirupati airport at Renigunta. From there, the remaining journey can be covered by hiring cab services.
By Rail: The nearest railway stations to Gandikota are Jammalamadugu and Tirupati. You can board a train to these railway stations and then hire a private cab to cover the rest of the kilometers.
By Road: One can take the route to reach NH7, which connects major cities like Hyderabad and Bangalore.
Best Time To Visit Gandikota
You can experience a moderate climate in the canyons if you visit between September and February. Ideally, you can see the place throughout the year; however, the best time to visit Gandikota is not during the summer months as it can get hot and humid.
Timings
The Gandikota Fort can be visited between 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on all days. All the tourists are allowed to visit the fort and witness its beauty with sunrise and sunsets.
Accommodation
You don’t have to worry about accommodation. There are various hotels in the area of APTDC (Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation). These hotels provide top quality services to the tourists and visitors that arrive at the destination throughout the year. They have comfortable bedrooms, parking spaces, and traditional and continental food for all types of guests.
What To Eat And Where
There are several restaurants, cafes, and eatery places in Gandikota, where you can enjoy the traditional taste of South India. Sri Lakshmi Narayana Bhavan, Abhiruchi Family Restaurant, Gandikota Penna River View, Nirmala Bakery, and Andhra Spice are some of the top listed places for tourists. They can enjoy various local delicacies and different food items at these places.
Conclusion
This guide can provide you an overview of why and how you should visit Gandikota. There are only a few places in India that have still been left undiscovered. Most often than not, whether a tourist place gets exploited, it loses the capacity to offer peace to mind.
People leave the chaos of cities for weekend getaways to find calmness and composure by spending time with nature. But most of the tourist places in Andhra Pradesh are filled with visitors throughout the year. So Gandikota canyons, fort, and other attractions are a great way to find peace in the valleys, rivers, and rocks. That is why your next vacation destination must be the village of Gandikota.
