Gandikota Fort & Canyon gorge

India / Andhra Pradesh / Jammalamadugu /
 temple, canyon / gorge, reservoir, mosque, dam, fortification, nature conservation park / area

Gandikota was founded in 1123 by Kapa Raja of Bommanapalle village] The town played a significant role during the Kakatiya, Vijayanagara and Qutub Shahi periods. The fort was made more impregnable by Pemmasani Thimma Nayudu. The fort was under the control of Pemmasani Nayaks for over 300 years.
The fort of Gandikota acquired its name due to the 'gorge' (in Telugu it is called 'gandi'), formed between the Erramala range of hills, also known as Gandikota hills and the river Pennar that flows at its foot, reducing its width to a mere 300 ft (see the river image below). Situated amidst beautiful landscape and wild forests, it is endowed with vast natural resources.
Nearby cities:
Coordinates:   14°48'59"N   78°17'7"E

Comments

  • It's a great and good fort.
  • gandikota is one of the great fort it is build at 13 century it is looking like good
  • History : Gandikota was founded in 1123 A.D. by Kakaraja, a subordinate of Ahavamalla Someswara I, the Western Chalukyan king of Kalyana. The town played a significant role during the Kakatiya, Vijayanagara and Qutub Shahi periods. Gandikota is a small village (Lat. 14° 49'5" N and Long. 78° 16'58 E) on the right bank of the river Pennar, 15 Km from Jammalamadugu in Kadapa district, Andhra Pradesh in India. The fort of Gandikota acquired its name due to the 'gorge' (in Telugu it is called 'gandi'), formed between the Erramala range of hills, also known as Gandikota hills and the river Pennar that flows at its foot, reducing its width to a mere 300 ft (see the river image below). Situated amidst beautiful landscape and wild forests, it is endowed with vast natural resources. Surrounded by a deep valley and impassable hills, with massive boulders of red granite and the river Pennar that flows about 300 ft. below on the west and northern sides, its location affords strong natural defence to the occupants of the Fort. The exploits of Pemmasani Nayaks, rulers of Gandikota and commanders in Vijayanagar army to protect the honour of Telugu land are well known. Vemana, the famous Telugu poet, native of Kadapa district and believed to have lived in Gandikota area. Major features : The area within is full of the debris of ages and many ancient structures in varying stages of decay. The fort has a Masjid, a large granary and a temple. The Jamia Masjid has two adjacent minarets. The large granary, with a vaulted roof, is now used as the traveller's bungalow. Within the fort are two ancient temples, dedicated to Madhava and Raghunatha. The other structures within the fort, include another large granary, a magazine, a graceful 'pigeon tower' with fretted windows and an extensive palace built by bricks with some plastered decorations and some wells. There is an old cannon still lying in the fort. There is also the 'Rayalacheruvu' with its perennial springs irrigating some lime and plantain gardens. It is said that this 'Cheruvu' was connected to a fountain in Jamia Masjid by pipes, traces of which can still be seen. There were other gardens and springs. There is an undated inscription on a boulder, near the 'Nagajhari' outside the fort, recording the gift of two gardens at the place to the temple. There was also a garden called 'Parebagh' with a waterfall at the foot of the hills, on the bank of the Penneru.
  • By Road: Gandikota is located 15 kms from Jammalamadugu and 77 Kms from Kadapa by Road. Preferable way: Kadapa ---> Mydukur -----> Proddatur -----> Jammalamadugu -----> Gandikota By Train: Nearest Railway station : Kadapa, Yerraguntla Gandikota is located 77 Kms from Kadapa and 219 kms from Tirupati. By Air: Hyderabad, Tirupati, Bangalore, Chennai Airpots.
  • gandikota is very good nice historical place, iam proud of about that
  • it is a wonderful port
  • very good fort
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This article was last modified 7 years ago