GANDIKOTA - BELUM CAVES (FROM HYDERABAD)

At a distance of 45 Kms from Yaganti, 70 Kms from Nandyal, 82 Kms from Ahobilam, 95 from Mahanandi, 109 Kms from Kurnool & 318 Kms from Hyderabad, Belum Caves are the second largest caves in India and the longest caves in India.

Situated between Nandyal and Tadipatri in Kurnool district, the caves are 3229 meters long. These caves have long passages, spacious chambers, fresh water galleries and siphons. The deepest point of caves is at 120 feet from entrance level. The caves were formed due to erosion in limestone deposit in the area by Chitravati River, millions of years ago. Now Chitravati River flows almost 30 km south of caves.

There is a big Buddha statue near the caves. This place was used as Meditation Hall by Buddhist monks in ancient days. AP Tourism has developed pathways and bridges for easy access of the caves. A resort is run by AP Tourism near the entrance of the caves. .....

At a distance of 1 km from Gandikota Bus Stop, Madhavaraya Temple is an ancient Hindu Temple situated inside the fort complex of Gandikota, Andhra Pradesh. Located in the west of Gandikota village, it is one of must visit in Gandikota.

Madhavaraya Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is believed to have been built during the reign of Sri Krishna Deva Raya of Vijayanagara Kingdom. This is the grandest structure in Gandikota or perhaps, in the entire region. The main deity from the sanctum sanctorum of the temple was shifted to Mydukuru after the Nizams finally broke the fort security. Though the sanctum sanctorum is empty but the ornately decorated mandapa is still intact.

The Madhavaraya temple displays a fascinating architecture with many sculptures of Hindu Gods and everyday rituals of common people carved on its pillars and walls. The five storey Madhavaraya temple tower dominates the skyline of Gandikota which can be seen from any edge of the town. It is an excellent .....

At a distance of 500 m from Gandikota Bus Stop, Jamia Masjid is an ancient mosque situated inside the Gandikota Fort. Also known as the Central Mosque of Gandikota, it is one of the must visit places in Gandikota as part of Bangalore 2 day trip.

Spread over miles, the massive 12th century Gandikota fort, made in red sandstone, comprises of gorgeous palaces with intricate carvings, religious places and a 5 mile perimeter wall. Jamia Mosque is one of the most noted architectural masterpieces inside the fort complex. Located besides a Hindu temple, the mosque set a great example of unity in diversity. The mosque was later addition to the fort than the temple of Raghunatha.

With simple architecture, the Jamia Mosque of Gandikota is quite grand in size and looks similar to Charminar in Hyderabad. Though the walls of the mosque have lost its sheen over time, it still manages to bewitch travelers with its simple, yet elegant Islamic architecture. Visitors of the masjid are first .....

At a distance of 500 m from Gandikota Bus Stop, Raghunatha Swamy Temple is an ancient Hindu Temple situated inside the fort complex of Gandikota, Andhra Pradesh. Adjacent to Jamia Masjid, it is one of prime places to visit in Gandikota.

Raghunatha Swamy Temple in Gandikota is a complex system of pillars, hallways, and corridors. Though there is no statue inside the sanctum, but remnants of the temple are ideal for photographers. Made out of red granites, the temple is a small one but the architecture and sculptures in the premises are typical of Vijayanagara temples.

The sheer size temple is currently in ruins but there are mantapas and pillars along the perimeter of the temple. The carvings on the walls and pillars are still quite impressive. The Dasavathara stories have been sculpted on the pillars. Lord Narasimha killing Hiranyakasipu is the notable one.

One can take a leisurely walk along the temple premises and even witness some boulders with legible inscriptions .....

At a distance of 1 km from Gandikota Bus Stop, Pennar River Gorge is a viewpoint situated in the small village of Gandikota. Often called as the Grand Canyon of India, it is one of the must visit places in Gandikota.

The Pennar Gorge is formed by river Pennar that cuts through the Erramala hills also known as Gandikota hills. A gorge is a narrow valley between hills or mountains, typically with steep rocky walls and a stream running through it. In fact, gorges are formed because of rock erosion over a long period of time. The Pennar River gorge is almost 300 feet deep from the cliff. It is difficult to imagine that the Pennar River in Gandikota could carve such a huge gorge but the continuous flow of its water eventually cut a deep trench through the landscape, exposing many layers of rock and creating the spectacular site we see today.

Due to the striking similarity with Grand Canyon of Arizona, this stunning piece of Nature's architecture has come to be known as the Hidden .....