Gandikota - Arizona of India

Gandikota is a small village is situated in the Erramalai hills on the right bank of the river Pennar in Kadapa District. It is 15 km from Jammalamadugu in Kadapa district, Andhra Pradesh, India and 345km(6hrs) from Bangalore.




Nearest Railway station is 26 km away at Muddanuru(Railway code: MOO) in Kadapa Dist. There are number of trains from Gooty Jn. Nearest Town is Jammalamadugu(18km away). There are buses available from Jammalamadugu Old Bus Stand (Gandhi Statue Junction) to Gandikota. Inside the fort there is no means of transportation except to walk by foot. Ideal to engage a guide as the fort area is huge. There is a good downhill trek through the canyon that leads to the riverbed. There is a dam upstream (Gandikota Dam) and a dam downstream (Mylavaram Dam).


                                     


Gandikota was one of the greatest forts of south India. Surrounded by a deep valley and impassable hills & with massive boulders of red granite and the river Pennar that flows about 300 ft. below on the west and northern sides, its location affords strong natural defence to the occupants of the Fort. The exploits of Pemmasani Naidus, Gothram: Musunulla, Rulers of Gandikota and Commanders in Vijayanagar army to protect the honour of Telugu land are well known.





It also consists of  beautiful palace with exquisite carvings. Perennial springs constantly irrigating the fruit and flower gardens. Ancient temples providing a feel of ancient sculptures on walls, pillars, ceilings and floors. A Mosque built by rulers.

Fort is protected by a deep Gorge on one side which is 4 km long and 700mtr deep which create a natural defense(thick border) which made tough for conquerors to attack.

The deep Gorge is compared to Colarodo River in the Arizona State, USA. There is a vast history behind the area which played a significant role in some of the well known dynasties that once ruled southern India. It is believed that the fort was constructed during the 12th Century by a subordinate of a Chalukyan King and has also served many a crucial role during the reign of the Vijayanagar, Qutub Shahi and Kakatiya Dynasties.

The fort of Gandikota gets its name due to the 'gorge' (in Telugu it is called 'gandi'), formed between the Erramala range of hills, also known as Gandikota hills and the river Pennar that flows at its foot, reducing its width to a mere 300 ft. Situated amidst beautiful landscape and wild forests, it is endowed with vast natural resources.


At the entrance can find four tiered tower names as Charminar. As you pass you can a find Jail constructed using bricks.  


Within the fort are two ancient temples, dedicated to Madhava and Ranganatha, both are in ruins and the fort area is full of the debris of ages and many ancient structures in varying stages of decay. The large granary, with a vaulted roof, is now used as watchman's quarters. The Jamia Masjid has two adjacent minarets. A heritage festival is held every year in fort area.









The other structures within the fort, include another large granary, a graceful 'pigeon tower' with fretted windows and an extensive palace built by bricks with some plastered decorations and some wells. There is an old cannon still lying in the fort. There is also the 'Rayalacheruvu' with its perennial springs irrigating some lime and plantain gardens. It is said that this 'Cheruvu' was connected to a fountain in Jamia Masjid by pipes, traces of which can still be seen.







There were other gardens and springs. There is an undated inscription on a boulder, near the 'Nagajhari' outside the fort, recording the gift of two gardens at the place to the temple. There was also a garden called 'Parebagh' with a waterfall at the foot of the hills, on the bank of the Penneru.
It is said that the the soldiers used to use hidden caves and tunnels to comprehend the depth of the Canyon. One of the caves are been still used by the locals which is found near the western edge of the fort.








The best thing about the fort is Gorge view, Sunset and sun rise. 
To stay in Gandikota you can book a cottage built by APTDC. There are around 12 cottages in 10 acres of land which consists of a dormitory, a dinning hall and kitchen and huge parking space and kids play area.



Source :  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gandikota

http://wanderheads.com/?p=170


Location: Gandikota, Andhra Pradesh, India

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