Gandikota

Gandikota is a small village in the Kadapa district of Andhra Pradesh that is known for its spectacular gorge formed by river Pennar that cuts through the Erramala hills. The closest town to this is Jammalamadugu (15 km away).

Gandikota acquired its name from the picturesque gorge (called Gandi in Telugu) formed between the Erramala range of hills. A deep valley and impassable hills with massive boulders of red granite, reminding one of the Grand Canyon, surround the fort, situated amid wild forests. The gorge formation is such that the Pennar river flows about 90 metres below on the western and northern sides and is said to have offered strong natural defense to the Kakatiya, Vijayanagar and Qutub Shahi kings who ruled from the fort.

This handsome piece of Nature’s architecture has come to be known as the Hidden Grand Canyon of India by travelers who visit it and get bewitched by its beauty.

The great canyon of Gandikota has also played an important role in Andhra history. The town played a significant role during the Kakatiya, Vijayanagara and Qutub Shahi periods. The Pemmasani Nayadus, who ruled over Gandikota for almost 300 years were commanders of the Vijayanagara army. The fort fell into hands of Qutubshahis of Golconda in 1650 CE.  The magnificent Gandikota fort, which was once famous for being one of the most impregnable strongholds of its time has remains of temples and a mosque and is today scattered with debris. The fort is built in such a way that the gorge provides a natural defence on its west and north sides.

The history of this place dates back to 12th century A.D. According to Khaifiyat of Gandikota a certain chief Kapa Raja, a subordinate of Ahavamalla Someswara I, the Western Chalukyan king of Kalyana, founded Gandikota in 9th of January 1123 A.D. According to the same record, the Chief Kakaraja while on his way to Mulkinadu via Bellary and Gooty was impressed with the romantic landscapes like high cliffs and thick bushes and several water springs and along with the divine vision of Vishnu, he laid the foundations for the fort and ordered his architect Gurikandlu and Ayakandlu to build a fort in that place. He is also said to have built several bastions, which were called after the names of Ramabanamu, Virabhadrabanamu and Madhava Chakram, and several temples inside the fort. 

Gandikota was a capital of Udayagiri Mandalam (region) during the Vijayanagar Empire . In the second half of the 16th century, Gaddiota and Pemasani leaders Tummanaudu and Ramalinga Naidu ruled as kings of Vijayanagara kings.  When the Vijayanagara Empire collapsed, the Abdullah Qutub Shah in the middle of the seventeenth centurySenani Meer Jumla Kumara Timaani was taken into custody by the poisoning by Minister Podhuli Linganga. In these days the villages were divided into three categories. Bandarawada, Amara and Manti divisions. The Bandarawada villages were controlled by Emperors. The monasteries were owned by the temples and Brahmins. Amara villages were under the control of the fortresses of the fortress. The beautiful valleys of the valleys are seen here. 

The fort has a very rich history. Many kings, dynasties, and political and social situations, it is worth to be. Visit the fort and visit the fortresses of warrior kings, battles and rulers of the old kings. 14 km from Jammal mall Giri Durgam is the area where the exterior of the peninsula is on the peninsulaWas called. AD In 1123, this fort was first built by the king of Someshwara, the king of Kavarakatta. Its surrounding areas have 21 temples. Pennin is flowing in the west and north. At a depth of about 300 feet wide, 250 feet from the castle pennanadi kanpistundadam said. The jummassi here is very popular. The mosque is surrounded by 64 rooms inside and outside the 32 rooms.