The TDP-led NDA government in the state is keen on developing Gandikota into a tourism spot to let the present generation know the past grandeur of the place.
Published Dec 21, 2024 | 12:00 PM ⚊ Updated Dec 21, 2024 | 12:00 PM
Gandikota's Grand Canyon. (Supplied)
The rocks stand 300 feet tall, and the Penna leisurely flows down between two hillocks. A robust wall rises on the far side of a 1,000-year-old fort. The beauty casts a spell on any visitor to Gandikota.
As the sun rises the rocks reflect its golden rays, unveiling a magnificent sight. A stray cloud covering the sun dims the light falling on the rocks, taking the visitor into a trance in the interplay of lights, and shades on the rocks.
The rocks present a wonderful sight. They are arranged artistically as though a great sculptor took an interest in chiseling them out of the hillocks. They remind one of the Grand Canyon in Arizona state in the US. The Penna River resembles the Colorado River meandering its way to Lake Mead and beyond.
The distant echo of Penna’s giggles is heard everywhere as the river flows through the hillocks of Gandikota, gently kissing the banks and moving further down. People call this unique place the Grand Canyon of India.
Like the Grand Canyon in the US, the tourism department has found it to be ideal to introduce adventure sports.
Inside the Fort. (Supplied)
The TDP-led NDA government in the state is keen on developing Gandikota into a tourism spot to let the present generation know the past grandeur of the place.
Union Minister of State for Rural Development Pemmasani Chandrasekhar has taken up the issue with the Tourism Ministry for release of funds to develop Gandikota.
Interestingly, Pemmasani’s dynasty had ruled Gandikota for about 400 years. As he belongs to this dynasty, he probably wants to perpetuate the grandeur of his ancestors. This apart, a developed Gandikota could emerge as a major tourist attraction.
“Pemmasani dynasty had ruled Gandikota for about 300 to 400 years. They were not only part of the military but also were the rulers. At a personal level, this project is important to me. It would give a new identity to the Rayalaseema region. People in this area would get employment opportunities,” the minister told the South First.
Fort wall. (Supplied)
French traveller Jean-Baptiste Tavernier in his visit to the area in 1652 AD, described Gandikota as a heritage treasure comparable to Hampi. The rulers of Gandikota, had built 12 temples in the fort. Of them, only Madhava Raya and Raghunatha temples stood the test of time and remain as relics of their past grandeur. Though the fort is in ruins, its magnificence can be felt in the crumbling structure.
The fortress which was constructed at a height of 1,570 ft has three centralised walls and 42 turrets. The fortress was known as impregnable. It became a setting for shooting of Gandikota movies, serials and web series.
In March, next year, the state government wants to introduce a seaplane service to Gandikota. The adventure sports here are expected to increase its attraction quotient. A boat ride on the Penna through the two hillocks, the pleasant waterfalls and adventure water sports would be an irresistible attraction to the youth who love the adrenalin rush.
The river flows for a distance of seven km between the two hillocks. There is a trekking facility in Gandikota. It is convenient for adventure sports like parachuting.
Inside the Ranganayaka Swami Temple. (Supplied)
There is historical evidence that in 1123 AD, King Kakaraju had ruled Gandikota. Pemmasani Nayakas (military officers of Sri Krishnadevaraya) also ruled Gooty and Anantapur with their headquarters at Gandikota. There is also evidence that the vassal kings of Kakatiyas and Kalyana Cholas had also ruled the area.
In 1323 AD, after the Kakatiya empire fell to Muslim invaders, Gandikota came under their rule. It is said that they had destroyed several buildings in the area.
In 1420-1448, China Thimma Nayudu who ruled Gandikota, had turned the fort into an impregnable one.
A photo of Archaeological Survey of India board. (Supplied)
China Thimma Nayudu, Ramalinga Nayudu and others who ruled Gandikota took several steps to deal with drought, a regular calamity in the area. They had constructed large lakes and dug wells and built granaries.
In 1652, a Muslim king, Mir Jumla invaded Gandikota fortress but the then ruler China Thimma Nayudu resisted the onslaught. Jumla, unable to conquer the fort, returned but later plotted and ensured Thimma Nayudu was killed by poisoning. China Thimma Nayudu was the last king of Gandikota.
The fortress comprises three sub-forts: Jala Durgam, Vana Durgam and Parvata Durgam. Jala Durgam is protected by water from three sides while Vana Durga has forest as its protector.
To prevent the enemy from entering the fort, trenches were dug. Paravta Durga is the fort on top of the hillock. As it is at the top, it is not easy for the enemy to reach it. If any one tries to scale the hill, the soldiers in the fort would begin attacking them from the top.
Reaching Gandikota:
Canyon view point board. (Supplied)
It is 12 km from Jammalamadugu in YSR Kadapa district.
290 km from Bengaluru
364 km from Chennai
386 km from Hyderabad
227 km from Tirupati
75 km from Kadapa airport
The fortress was made popular by an NT Rama Rao-Jayalalithaa starrer, Gandikota Rahasyam (Secret of Gandikota) released in 1969.
(Edited by Majnu Babu).
