Trip to Gandikota Belum Caves and Lepakshi

About the Activity:

Everybody is familiar with the USA’s Grand Canyon, one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World. But did you know that there is a hidden Grand Canyon in India as well? There is, and it is nothing less than breathtaking. It’s true – in the Southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, there is a small village in the Kadapa district named Gandikota, and it is home to India’s Hidden Grand Canyon. Carved by the Penna River that snakes its way through the Erramala Ranges in Andhra Pradesh, experts believe the canyon is more than a thousand years old. The best part is that the untouched and unexploited natural beauty blends seamlessly with the area’s rich historical past.

The gorge is known for its spectacular views and scenery, but the area also offers several other beautiful attractions that are worth checking out. One prime spot to explore is the 13th-century Gandikota Fort, a red sandstone structure with intricate carvings, protected by a five-mile-long (eight kilometers) rocky wall. The fort includes 101 bastions, all of which are more than 40 feet (12 meters) high, and a gorge that stands at over 300 feet (91 meters) above the Penna River. The view of from the top is majestic. And when the sun goes down, the gorge becomes all the more spectacular with a beautiful color palette covering its cluster of rocks. While it’s amazing, the hike to this spot isn’t an easy one, with treacherous rocky terrain throughout and no human presence whatsoever. But once you reach the summit of the rock and see the beautiful views of the surrounding hill forests, gorge and Penna River, you’ll know that it was worth it.