Gigantic Gandikota – Grand Canyon of India – 13th century formation
Situated at Andhra Pradesh, Gandikota is termed as the Grand Canyon of India. It is no less breathtaking as compared to the Grand Canyon in USA, and it goes one scale up if you were to imagine the backdrop holding a sprawling lush green backdrop surrounded by huge Rocky Mountains and beneath flows the Pennar River. Sit on the rock and capture the panoramic view as it’s an epic Geographical creation that will force you to give an awestruck view.
The Gandikota fort premises
The fort premises look ancient and rustic, all thanks to the promising huge walls that stand as the protector. Its huge gate and immersive structure has witnessed a lot in the past.
The Jama Masjid & Chaar Minar
Huge held constructions and little minarets at the entrance make both Jama Masjid & Chaar Minar a perfect backdrop and a spokesperson of historical evidences. Imagine yourself surrounded by the great some great music, sprinkling the melody of love.
Madhavaraya temple
Dedicated to Vishnu, Madhavaraya temple has protected some small statues and sculptures of Hindu Gods carved over the Gopuram and walls of the temple. Preserving the royal odyssey, every brick and sculptures becharms the magnitude of the old kingdom that once exists there.
Ranganatha Swamy Temple
The temple was very much ruined but the main sanctum stood on an elevated platform. Despite of withstanding and witnessing so much, this temple has yet not lost the shine and elegance.
The Granary
Once used for storing grains, the Granary has space for storing a lot of grains and many huge pillars stand erect.
The Royal Water Tank
It is a perennial spring irrigating some lime and plantain gardens. Just sit besides it and take a deep understanding of how useful it must be for ancient civilizations then.
Village
The local village is scarcely populated has a school, hospital and their own panchayats. Strolling around the village is permissible, it just adds up to the rustic charm. Remember those bullock carts and playing kids…Oh!! What a nostalgic feeling.
Jail & Other Viewpoints
There exists an ancient jail, a few tunnels and many viewpoints that give different perspective of the Grand Canyon.
Mylavaram Dam & Pennar River View – Walk for 2 kms for strolling around the rivers and spending blissful time.
Belum Caves – India’s Largest & Longest Caves - Walking through these underground caves will leave you thrilled and give you a bone chilling experience. There’s sufficient oxygen supply and orange rope lights to ensure you enjoy the caving experience. These natural caves were formed centuries ago when Chitravati River penetrated and emerged in making this Geographical mystery. Get to see pot holes and amazing formations all around the caves interiors. Along with geographical mysteries that leave you spellbound, this caves also seem to have historical importance. Many say that Jain Jains and Buddhists monks occupied these caves centuries ago for medidation. At the entrance itself, you’ll get to see a HUGE WHITE MAHAVIR STATUE. Inside the caves, Patalaganga is the key attraction and you have to go 150 ft under the ground level to see it. Cross narrow pavements and crawl around to see those amazing wonders.
Mumbai to Mumbai by Sleeper Coach Non AC Train Tickets: 6799/-
Mumbai to Mumbai by Sleeper Coach 3AC Train Tickets: 9799/-
Tadipatri to Tadipatri ( Train Ticket Not Included ): 5799/-
Twin Sharing Accommodation will cost 2000 rs extra for each room.
NOTE : AC Tickets are depend on the availability, Incase for any reason we are not able to provide AC tickets, then we will provide you confirmed sleeper coach train tickets and difference in fare will be refunded back to your account in 3-5 working days. To get confirm tickets please make sure you book 30-60 days in advance.
Day 1:
Board Train for Gandikota 12163 LTT-MAS Express from Lokmanya Tilak Terminus
18.45 – LTT
19.05 – Thane
19.25 – Kalyan
22:00 - Pune ( Pune Participant can join us from here )
Day 2:
09.00 am - Breakfast in the Train
10.00 am - Reach Tadipatri Station
10.15 am - Start our journey for Gandikota (2-hour journey )
12.15 pm – Reach Hotel and Freshen up
01.30 pm – Lunch - Veg
02.30 pm – Explore Gandikota fort and Historical Monuments
05:00 pm – Enjoy breathtaking view from Penna Gorge - The grand canyon of India.
07.00 pm – Come back to the hotel
08.00 pm – Dinner – Veg & Non-Veg
10.00 pm – Play games, share stories and enjoy a fun time with the group
11.00 pm – Off to bed
Day 3:
08.00 am – Wake up
09.30 am – Breakfast
10.30 am – Check out & Leave for Mylavaram Dam
11.00 am - Reach & Explore Mylavaram Dam
11.30 am - Leave for Belum Caves
01.00 pm:- Reach Belum Caves - Caving and thrilling walk 150 ft beneath
02.30 pm – Come out of the caves and explore the surroundings
03.00 pm – Leave for Oak Reservior for Lunch
03.30 pm – Lunch at River View Restaurant
04.30 pm – Leisure Time at Lake ( People can opt for Self Paid Boating too )
05.00 pm – Start return journey towards the Tadipatri.
07.30 pm - Board MAS CSMT EXP (22160) from Tadipatri Station
10.00 pm – Overnight Journey in the train
Day 4:
08:30 am – Reach Pune
10:47 am – Reach Kalyan
11:22 am – Thane
11:52 am – Dadar
Places to be covered in Gandikota and Belum Caves Tour
- Gigantic Gandikota – Grand Canyon of India
- The Gandikota fort premises
- The Jama Masjid & Chaar Minar
- Madhavaraya temple
- Ranganatha Swamy Temple
- The Granary
- The Royal Water Tank
- Jail & Other Viewpoints
- Mylavaram Dam & Pennar River View
- Belum Caves – India’s Largest & Longest Caves
- Sri Bugga Ramalingeshwara Swamy Temple.
NOTE : AC Tickets are depend on the availability, Incase for any reason we are not able to provide AC tickets, then we will provide you confirmed sleeper coach train tickets and difference in fare will be refunded back to your account in 3-5 working days. To get confirm tickets please make sure you book 30-60 days in advance.
What is included in the tour
- Train Travelling Mumbai to Mumbai in Non A/C Sleeper Coaches
- Dormitory Accommodation (15 minutes walking distance from Gandikota fort)
- Day 2 - Breakfast , Lunch, Dinner, Day 3 - Breakfast, Lunch
- Private transport for exploring places
- 5% GST
- AC Tickets is depend on the availability , Incase for any reason we are not able to provide AC tickets , then we will provide you confirmed sleeper coach train tickets and difference in fare will be refunded back to your account in 3-5 working days.
What is NOT included in the tour
- Meals during train journey
- Personal expenses like soft drinks & water bottles
- Anything not mentioned in the above inclusions
- Gandikota – Penna Gorge View Point
- Gandikota Fort - Historical Structures
- Penna River & Mylavaram Dam
- 1.5 Km Belum Caves Walk (Total Caves area 3 km)
- Formations & Geographical miracles of Caves
- 13th Century Ram-Shivlinga Temple
- What is Gandikota and Where is it?
Gandikota derives its name from two Telugu words ‘Gandi’ meaning George and 'kota' meaning Fort. Gandikota, also known as the ‘George Fort’, is a small village and a historical fort in the Kadapa district of Andhra Pradesh. The fort was the centre of power for various dynasties, such as the Kalyani Chalukyas, Pemmasani Nayakas, and the Golconda Sultanate. The village is majorly known for housing the spectacular gorge which is famously adjudged as the ‘Grand Canyon of India.’ The stunning gorge has been created by the waters of the famous river Pennar that streams from the Erramala hills.
- How to reach Gandikota?
There are no direct trains from Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, or Chennai that leads you to this town. The nearest railway station is Jammalamadugu that is located 18 km from Gandikota. If you plan to come by train to Jammalamadugu, catching a train from Vijayawada Junction is a good option as it has direct connectivity.
- What is the best time to visit Gandikota?
Though Gandikota remains open throughout the year, the best time to visit is during the months of September to February. The summer months are especially to be avoided as the weather is hot and humid with temperatures going all the way to 45 degrees Celsius.
- Is there anything around Gandikota to explore?
Yes, there are several places to explore around Gandikota Fort such as Madhavaraya Temple, Raghunathaswamy Temple, Jamia Masjid, all at a distance of hardly 500m – 1 kms. Mylavaram Dam, Qwk Reservoir, are backwaters covered at a distance of 6-10 kms. Belum Caves, Yaganti are pilgrimage areas situated at a distance of 45-55 kms.
- Is it safe to go Gandikota for a solo trip?
Usually, people are camping on the site on Saturdays and Sundays as these are non-working days. If you find yourself alone in the middle of the camping site worrying about your safety, be rest assured that its 100% safe and you need not worry about anything.
- What are the special attractions at and around Gandikota?
The River Pennar cuts the Pink Granite, which forms the bed rock here. While it is not an easy process to cut an Igneous, acidic, very hard and compact mass of granite the natural decomposition of the rock, made it weather fast.
There are no restrictions here. In fact, you can camp wherever you want around the vantage points offering you a view of the Gandikota Gorge view.
- What is the history behind Gandikota?
Ramalinga ruled Gandikota (1509-1530 CE) during the time of Krishna Deva Raya. Ramalinga had 80,000 soldiers under him and he played a crucial role in the victory of Krishna Deva Raya over the combined armies of Kalaburagi, Golkonda and Ahmednagar. His exploits in the battle were extolled by many Telugu poets.
- What sort of facilities are available at Gandikota?
When you visit Gandikota, you need to remember that you will be staying in the middle of a forest. Hence, there are semi-standard cottages available with decent hospitality and food services. You might face issues regarding cellular network and wifi connectivity, however Jio is cellular services are available. You may also face power failure at nights.
- Is it worth visiting Gandikota?
This is a very beautiful place. There are 2 amazing temples, one big Mosque, gorge view, a spectacularly maintained huge sized jail and many other places. Hotel and tent option is available for stay there. The best is to travel during winter months.
- Are there any other activities one can pursue at and around Gandikota?
Yes, Gandikota Tourism offers a wide variety of adventure activities such as Kayaking, Camping, Rappelling, Trekking, Canyon / Gorge Sight Seeing, Campfire, Waterfalls, etc.
- What can I shop from Gandikota?
There are no shops in the vicinity of the Fort. It is best suggested you carry enough water before entering and exploring the fort area.
- Any special health related suggestion for This Gandikota and Belum caves Tour?
Private automobiles travel all the way to the fort area. The combined area to be covered by the fort, mosque, and temple is around 1 km. Because it is a rough ascent, the gorge view trek may be challenging for elderly people and young children. The route is not very lengthy, though.
- ID Card
- 2 ltrs water
- Camera (Optional)
- Enerzyl Powder or Glucon D powder
- Snacks & Biscuits
- Extra Pair of Clothes
- Clean napkin or small towel
- Rain coat/ Poncho/ Wind cheater (Avoid umbrella)
- Cap, sunglasses, scarf
- Haversack or Backpack (No sling bags)
- Please carry medicines if you need any
- Hand Sanitizer
