Gandikota Grand Canyon

Discover India's Hidden Gem

Gandikota Fire Camping

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Gandikota's majestic gorge, adventure activities, and ancient caves.

Natural Wonder

Gandikota's Majestic Gorge

Carved by the Pennar River over millions of years, Gandikota's stunning gorge stretches over 300 feet deep, revealing layers of earth's ancient history in spectacular rust-red formations.

Witness breathtaking sunrises and sunsets that paint the canyon walls in golden hues, creating a photographer's paradise and a soul-stirring experience for every visitor.

Gandikota Gorge

300ft

Canyon Depth

Thrilling Experiences

Adventures Await

From adrenaline-pumping activities to peaceful explorations, discover your perfect adventure.

Rope Trekking

Rope Trekking

Scale the canyon walls with expert guides on thrilling rappelling adventures

Kayaking

Kayaking

Paddle through the serene waters of the reservoir surrounded by canyon views

ATV Adventure

ATV Adventure

Conquer rugged terrain on powerful all-terrain vehicles

Horse Riding

Horse Riding

Explore ancient trails on horseback through scenic landscapes

Stay & Connect

Camping Under the Stars

Experience the magic of camping at the canyon's edge. Enjoy peaceful nights, cultural warmth, and breathtaking views.

Luxury Camping

Premium tents with modern amenities under starlit skies

Bonfire Nights

Gather around crackling fires with traditional music and stories

Cultural Experience

Immerse in local traditions and authentic regional cuisine

Stargazing

Crystal-clear skies perfect for astronomy enthusiasts

AC RoomsPremium

Sat & Sun₹2500
Mon – Fri₹2000

Camping TentAdventure

  • Per Person₹1500
  • Includes: Night campfire, dinner & morning breakfast
  • Minimum 2–3 people
  • 12-hour stay
  • Parking available
Camping tentsBonfire
Cultural foodStargazing
Explore More

Nearby Attractions

Discover beautiful places around Gandikota — perfect for sightseeing, photography, and adventure.

Pennar Reservoir
2 km

Pennar Reservoir

A vast water body perfect for boating and water sports, surrounded by stunning rock formations

Boating Adventures
2 km

Boating Adventures

Enjoy peaceful boat rides with panoramic views of the canyon and ancient fort

Belum Caves
75 km

Belum Caves

India's longest cave system with stunning stalactite and stalagmite formations

Shri Laxmi Narasimha Swamy
75 km

Shri Laxmi Narasimha Swamy

Ahobilam, located in the Nallamala Hills of Andhra Pradesh, is one of the most powerful and ancient pilgrimage sites dedicated to Lord Narasimha, the fierce avatar of Lord Vishnu.

Yaganti Temple
70 km

Yaganti Temple

Home to the growing Nandi idol, natural caves, sacred Pushkarini, and ancient Shiva temple surrounded by Yerramala hills

🌄 Gandikota – The Grand Canyon of India

Gandikota is a stunning fusion of ancient heritage and natural canyon beauty — a place where time slows down and the Pennar River has carved a masterpiece over millions of years.

1. Ancient History of Gandikota

A thousand-year-old legacy shaped by dynasties, trade routes, and stone architecture.

Gandikota’s origins trace back nearly a millennium. It served as a strategic fort, a cultural hub, and a protective outpost for multiple South Indian empires.

⭐ Origin of the Name

The name Gandikota comes from:

  • Gandi — narrow gorge
  • Kota — fort

Together meaning “The Fort beside the Gorge”, perfectly describing the magnificent Pennar River canyon.

2. Rulers of Gandikota Fort

Five major dynasties influenced the architecture, culture, and military importance of Gandikota.

Kakatiya Dynasty (12th–13th Century)

  • Built early fort structures.
  • Strengthened walls and watchtowers.

Pemmasani Nayaks (Vijayanagara Empire)

  • Golden era of Gandikota.
  • Expanded fort complex.
  • Built Madhavaraya & Ranganatha Swamy Temples.
  • Developed granaries, water tanks & military zones.

Qutb Shahi Dynasty (Golconda Kings)

  • Captured the fort after Vijayanagara collapse.
  • Added Islamic architecture like Jamia Masjid.

Mughal Empire

  • Taken under Aurangzeb.
  • Used as a strategic military base.

British Colonial Rule

  • Lost strategic importance.
  • Fort was abandoned but remains historically rich.

3. Architecture & Points of Interest

Gandikota blends Indo-Islamic, Vijayanagara, and ancient stone craftsmanship.

  • Madhavaraya Temple (Hampi-style carvings)
  • Ranganatha Swamy Temple
  • Jamia Masjid with twin minarets
  • Granaries, wells & water storage systems
  • Cannon points facing the canyon
  • Royal living quarters & old armoury
  • Stone walls stretching over kilometres
  • Multiple canyon viewpoints

4. Places to Visit In & Around Gandikota

A curated list of must-visit spots inside the fort and nearby areas.

📍 Inside Gandikota Fort

  • Gandikota Canyon Main Viewpoint
  • Madhavaraya Temple
  • Ranganatha Swamy Temple
  • Jamia Masjid
  • Granary building
  • Old prison & armoury
  • Watch towers & fort walls
  • Pennar river edge viewpoint

📍 Nearby (1–3 km)

  • Pennar River Boating Point
  • Rayalacheruvu Reservoir
  • Trekking points around canyon ridge

📍 Around Gandikota (30–80 km)

  • Belum Caves (75 km)
  • Yaganti Temple (60 km)
  • Owk Reservoir & Waterfalls
  • Mylavaram Dam
  • Gooty Fort

5. Midnight Experience at Gandikota

Gandikota camps offer peaceful nights, starlit skies & unforgettable moments.

🔥 Bonfire Glow

  • Warm gatherings under the sky.
  • Crackling fire and calm canyon breeze.

🌠 Starlit Skies

  • Milky Way visible on clear nights.
  • Perfect for astrophotography.

🏞 Silent Natural Ambience

  • Only wind, footsteps, and fire sounds.
  • Feels like an untouched ancient world.