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 Indias 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 areas 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 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.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Gandikota: A mini-hike to the Penne river, Kayaking, visit GRAND CANYON of India and Campfire at
night
- Reach Gandikota tourist house, freshen-up and have breakfast.
- Head out to the Penna river (a mini-trek to the bottom of the Gandikota gorge).
Play and Swim your soul in the river (life jackets will be provided)
- Afterward, head back to a tourist home to have lunch and relax for an hour.
- Head out to the magnificent Fort, Take a lot of Selfies, Visit The GRAND CANYON of India and try some bouldering. The higher you go, the better it looks. Louder you shout into the valley, loudest you hear your echo from different directions.
- Head back to the campsite where the tents are pitched.
- Enjoy the Hot dinner(veg or Non-veg).
- Party till late at night. Play some games, socialize, and enjoy the Bonfire. Make friends for life and later retire for the day with a relaxed soul.
Day 2: Belum Caves and Return to Bangalore
- Pack your bags, fill your empty stomachs and check-out from the campsite.
- Between sunrise and sunset, set out in your bus towards the 2nd longest caves of India, Belum Caves, just 60km from this canyon.
- Have a self-sponsored lunch route.
- Wind up the tour after you get dropped back.
Mandatory things to carry:
2Ls of Water Bottle
Good Tracktion Shoes
Head Torch
Personal Medical Kit
Toiletries
Rain Coat/ Poncho
Extra Trousers & Inner-wears
Inclusions:
✓ Permission from Forest Dept
✓ Local and experienced guides and trek facilitators
✓ First aid kit
✓ Bon-fire
✓ To and fro Journey
✓ Accommodation*(Tentstay/Homestays)
✓ 2 breakfasts, 1 lunch & 1dinner
✓ Lots and lots of Fun
