Gandikota Gorge: The stunning Grand Canyon of India
Most of us have come across photos and videos of the magnificent Grand Canyon of USA. It’s even a popular desktop image. But as few Indians know, a breath taking gorge with a sparkling river, dotted with dramatic ruins and forts can be seen in our own country. We are talking about the Gandikota Gorge, also known as the Grand Canyon of India.
How did the Gandikota Gorge form?
Gorges are formed when rivers erode through gigantic rock formations over thousands of years. In this case, the swift flowing waters of River Pennar cut through the pink granite rocks near the village of Gandikota century after century, naturally eroding the rock and forming a deep valley with strikingly steep walls. Anyone travelling along the river at the bed of the gorge can see the layers of rock exposed by the cutting action of water. Gandikota got its name from ‘gandi’ the Telugu word for ‘gorge’.
What is the historical significance of the Gandikota region?
The Pemmasani Nayadus ruled over the village of Gandikota and the adjoining region for over 300 years. In 1650, the fort and the village went to the Qutubshahis of Golconda. The magnificent medieval fort with its towers and castle has been witness to many rulers of history.
What can tourists do in Gandikota?
Some famous places to visit in the Gandikota Gorge are:
- Pennar River Gorge Viewpoint: Tourists have to trek up one kilometre from the fort to reach a breath-taking view of the river flowing 300 feet below through the gorge
- Madhavaraya and Raghunathaswamy temples: The imposing Madhavaraya temple dominates the landscape around the Gandikota village, and is probably the largest man-made structure of that region. The Raghunathaswamy temple is in ruins and has no statue inside, but its pillared corridors make it mysterious, eerie and worth visiting
- Jamia Masjid, Gandikota Fort, Buddha statue inside Belum Caves: These are some other places to visit at Gandikota. Apart from the romantic charm of ancient history, the dramatic locations of these historical structures add to their appeal for tourists
Visitors can choose their holiday activities according to their own taste. For those who want a relaxed vacation, floating along River Pennar, clicking photos and visiting the many historical locations can mean a wonderful time. For the more adventurous, the options of rock climbing, river boating, exploring deep caves and underground streams are good choices. And for those who want a glimpse of history, there are the forts, mosques, temples, sacred hot springs and mysterious old ruins.