The Lost Glory of Gandikota
 #Thread
Everyone knows about USA’s Grand Canyon, one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World. But did you know that there’s a hidden Grand Canyon in India as well?
The forgotten Gorge of Gandikota is situated on the Pennar River in Andhra Pradesh

and is known as the Grand Canyon of India.
 
Gandikota was identified as strategic area and a mud Fort was constructed by Kakatiya Raja in 12th Century, Further developed by Kumara Thimma Naidu of Vijayanagar Empire and made Gandikota his capital.
He developed Gandikota as an impregnable fortress building huge boundary walls and watch towers on three sides with the Pennar river gorge forming the natural boundary wall on the fourth side.
During his reign he constructed a large temple probably Veerabhadra temple,
along with a tank which was fed by spring water which is known as Koleru. The same temple complex has been perhaps demolished to raise a Masjid and a granary has been constructed by Mir Jumla after capturing Gandikota in 1594.
 
The magnificent Gandikota fort,
is built in such a way that the Gorge provides a natural defence on its west and north sides. The Fort got the name from a big gorge formed by the Penna river (through erosional process) between the Erramala range of hills, called Gandikota hills.
In Telugu Gandi means Gorge and Kota means Fort.
Breathtaking views of gorge and the Pennar River a deep valley and impassable hills, with massive Red/pink granites and river flows about 300 feet. Layers and layers of rocks, it appears as if they’ve been arranged purposefully.
In no time one can start meditating on cliff of the gorge. The fort includes House of the Drum (drums were used to alert the army in case of invasion), Charminar, Jail (where in the prisoners were held captive) and Red Koneru (red pond - typically by dipping swords in it)
The structures that enamour visitors are the two Temples dedicated to Mahadev and Ranganatha - both are in dilapidated state. The Mantapas and intricately carved pillars still have a story to tell..
The hillock on the Gandi Gorge, also has a Viewpoint which is picturesque!
What stops the Govt to revamp this and build our tourism? Shouldn’t people be aware of their rich heritage?
 
Places to see around Gandikota are also
Belum Caves
Yaganti Temple
Oravakallu Rock Garden
Kurnool Fort

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