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If you are mesmerised by the allure of the stunning Grand Canyons in the United States, there is a version of it in India too. Gandikota, located in the South Indian state of Andhra Pradesh is referred to as the Grand Canyon of India and rightfully so. The beauty of the stunning gorge carved by the Pennar River through the Erramala hills makes Gandikota a place worth visiting for every nature lover. Not limited to this famed canyon, with many different places to visit in Gandikota, you must have a well-planned itinerary to execute the vacation properly.
10 Places To Visit In Gandikota
With its ancient forts, temples, and mesmerising landscapes, the best places to visit in Gandikota offers a unique blend of adventure and history:
1. Pennar River Gorge Viewpoint
Photo: Daniel Beilinson / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Among the most popular tourist attractions in Gandikota is the Pennar River Gorge Viewpoint, which offers uninterrupted panoramic views of the surrounding canyons and the lush greenery. The viewpoint is roughly one kilometre from the main town bus stand, making it an easily accessible option. The gorge is formed by the expansive Pennar River, which cuts through the Erramala Hills.
Location: Gandikota, Andhra Pradesh
Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM
2. Madhavaraya Temple
Photo: Subodh Thapa / Wikimedia Commons
Another popular sightseeing spot that you must visit when in Gandikota is the Madhavaraya Temple, which is quite close to the bus stand. This is an ancient Hindu temple that resides within the complex of an ancient fort. The temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and was built by Sri Krishna Deva Raya of Vijayanagara Kingdom. Some legends depict that when the Nizams attacked the fort, the residents took the idol of Lord Vishnu and transferred it to Mydukur.
Location: Gandikota, Andhra Pradesh
Timings: 24 hours
3. Gandikota Fort
Photo: Obulreddytavva / Wikimedia Commons
Gandikota Fort is one of the top places to explore in the town. It is located on top of a hill, overlooking the surrounding beauty of the Grand Canyon of India. According to historical evidence, the fort was constructed by the Pemmasani Nayaks and features a blend of Persian and Indian architectural styles. Inside the fort, you’ll find the ancient Jamia Masjid, with its beautiful domes and intricate carvings, and the Ranganatha Swamy Temple, featuring ornate pillars and sculptures.
Location: Gandikota Village, Kadapa District, Andhra Pradesh
Timings: 24 hours
4. Raghunatha Swamy Temple
Photo: Harish Aluru / Wikimedia Commons
The Ranganathaswamy temple is located inside the Gandikota fort and is one of the top Gandikota tourist places to add to your travel plans. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and features a sanctum sanctorum, a large hall, and intricately carved pillars depicting various deities and mythical creatures. However, that doesn’t take away from the stunning skill and craftsmanship of the artisans of the Vijayanagara Empire, which you can witness in the architecture of the temple.
Location: Inside Gandikota Fort, Kadapa District, Andhra Pradesh
Timings: 24 hours
5. Jamia Masjid
Photo: Bharat Kumar Jonnalagadda / Wikimedia Commons
Another important religious site that is located inside the Gandikota Fort is the Jamia Masjid. The Masjid is a remarkable example of intricate Islamic architecture, which features the staple dome-shaped structure with the tall towers surrounding it. The masjid was built by the Qutb Shahi dynasty and it features two large minarets, a central dome, and a spacious prayer hall. Inside the mosque, the beautiful yet intricate floral work and architecture will leave you awestruck.
Location: Inside Gandikota Fort, Kadapa District, Andhra Pradesh
Timings: 24 hours
6. Belum Caves
Photo: Daniel Romanson / Wikimedia Commons
Located around 61 km from the main town of Gandikota, Belum Caves is one of the must-visit places in Gandikota. It is the second-longest cave in India and draws the attention of tourists from across the world. These natural underground caves feature stunning stalactite and stalagmite formations, long passages, and spacious chambers. Also, inside the caves lies a meditation hall called “Dhyana Mandir,” where the Buddhist monks used to meditate back in history.
Location: 1/1, Opposite Indian Oil Petrol Pump, Kolimigundla, Andhra Pradesh
Timings: 10 AM to 5 PM
7. Mylavaram Dam
Photo: Ramireddy.y / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Adding to the list of places to visit in Gandikota Andhra Pradesh, we have the famous Mylavaram Dam, which is renowned for its engineering. This irrigation project is around 10 km from the main town of Gandikota. It is built across the Pennar River and reportedly offers irrigation to around 75,000 hectares of area. Getting to witness this engineering marvel and knowing about its significance and purpose adds to the experience of the trip further.
Location: Kadapa district near Mylavaram
Timings: 9 AM to 6 PM
8. Owk Reservoir
Photo: Reshma Chand / Wikimedia Commons
While on the topic of Mylavaram Dam, another nearby tourist place in Gandikota that you must visit is the Owk Reservoir. A short drive from Gandikota, Owk Reservoir offers a refreshing escape from the canyon’s rugged beauty. It is surrounded by lush greenery and is a haven for bird watchers, especially during the winter months when it is peak migration season. Beyond witnessing the reservoir from a distance, you can also indulge in a boat ride to witness it from up close.
Location: Andhra Pradesh
Timings: 9 AM to 6 PM
9. Yaganti
Photo: P. Madhusudan / Wikimedia Commons
Yaganti village is one of the spots that must be on your Gandikota tourist places list without fail. One of the main attractions in this village is the Uma Maheshwara Temple, which is one of the oldest Shiva temples in the state. Inside the temple lies the idol in the form of Ardhanareeswara, which is made out of a single stone. This is the only Shiva temple in India where he is worshipped in the idol form inside of a lingam.
Location: Temple Gopuram, Yaganti Rd, Yaganti, Andhra Pradesh
Timings: 6 AM to 1 PM and 3 PM to 7:30 PM
10. Bugga Ramalingeswara Swamy Temple
Photo: Ms Sarah Welch / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
A little farther out from Gandikota, Bugga Ramalingeswara Swamy Temple is another popular tourist attraction that you can consider visiting. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is a popular Hindu pilgrimage site. The temple’s architecture is a blend of Dravidian and Vijayanagara styles. The construction of the temple dates back to the 14th and 15th centuries by Pemmasani Ramalinga Nayudu I, during the Vijayanagara Empire reign.
Location: Sunkulamma Palem, Tadipatri, Andhra Pradesh
Timings: 6 AM to 11:30 AM and 5 PM to 07:30 PM
There are forts, temples and natural wonders to add to your list of places to visit in Gandikota. With how diverse the experiences are, many tourists often plan to visit the Grand Canyon of India to have an enriching travel experience. Book your vacation with TripXL so you can explore the depths of the Belum Caves, enjoy the tranquil ambience of Owk Reservoir, or capture the vistas from Gandikota Viewpoint!
Cover Photo: PJeganathan / Wikimedia Commons
