Bangalore to Gandikota – A Trip Idea for Andhra Pradesh

Gandikota is a village on the banks of Penna River in the Kadapa district of Andhra Pradesh, India. Known for its mesmerizing landscapes and picturesque fort, Gandikota is surely one of the top places in the list of weekend getaways from Bangalore. Depending on who you talk to, there are some travellers who’ll tell you that Gandikota is quite literally the Grand Canyon of India. While that may seem to be an overstatement, it’s still one of the most enthralling canyons you’ll find in India. Intrigued enough to learn how to make it from Bangalore to Gandikota and what to do when you get there? Keep reading.

I visited Gandikota recently and had an amazing time. It’s really beautiful and the sunrise there was the best I saw that year. You can read about my trip to Gandikota here (Opens in a New Tab).  Here I talk about how to reach to Gandikota from Bangalore. I have also shared what are the best attractions around, options to stay and more. Hope you find this to be helpful.

Bangalore to Gandikota – The Route

Surrounded by lush green forests and rocky landscape, Gandikota is 282 km from Bangalore. Thankfully, the place is easily accessible no matter what means of transportation you pick, whether it’s car, train, bus, or flight.

By Car

Bangalore to Gandikota by road is full of enchanting scenery and breath-taking views. One can take the National Highway 44 (NH44) from Bangalore and reach Gandikota in 5-6 hours. Be prepared to encounter a few patches of rough drive for a few kilometres, which fortunately wouldn’t last for a long duration. The roads are quite smooth overall, and one can surely enjoy the drive.

By Bus

The distance of 282 km from Bangalore to Gandikota can also be covered by opting the APSRTC and KSRTC state-owned buses on the Bangalore-Gandikota route. One can travel from Bangalore to Jammalamadugu, and from there, choose to take a private or state-owned bus to Gandikota. The other route that can be chosen is Bangalore to Kadiri – Kadiri to Jammalamadugu – Jammalamadugu to Gandikota. One can also choose private buses; however, this route is slightly longer compared to the government-run buses.

By Train

Gandikota is well-connected by train from Bangalore. You can board a direct train that runs between Bangalore and Jammalamadugu, which is just 18 km away from Gandikota. The other train stations are Kadapa (77 km away from Gandikota), and Tirupati (219 km away from Gandikota). Being one among the major tourist attractions in Andhra Pradesh, many trains halt at the Jammalamadugu station, thus, making trains one of the best and least time-consuming ways to travel from Bangalore to Gandikota.

By Flight

The nearest airports to reach Gandikota are Kempegowda International Airport at Bangalore (345km), and Tirupati Airport at Renigunta (220 km). It would take approximately 6 hours and 4.5 hours respectively to reach Gandikota from the two airports. After reaching the airport, one can opt for a bus, car, or train to first reach Jammalamadugu and then head toward Gandikota.

Best Time to Visit Gandikota

With temperatures soaring up to a range of 40 to 45-degree Celsius, summers are definitely not the perfect time of the year to visit this place. Summers are hot and humid, thus making it a difficult time for the travellers. September to February is considered to be the ideal time to visit Gandikota. As the weather is pleasant and comfortable, it proves to be a good time for travellers to witness the gorge and its surrounding natural beauty during daytime.

Key Attractions

Gandikota is the perfect example of a small place with various hidden gems. The most famous attraction here is the beautiful gorge situated in the Gandikota Fort. It is because of this gorge that tourists have named it the Grand Canyon of India. But this is just one among the various other key attractions that you can experience when you travel from Bangalore to Gandikota.

Follow history at Gandikota Fort

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The stunning and massive Gandikota Fort was built in the 13th century under the supervision of Pemmasani Kumara Timma Nayaka. Made out of red sandstone, this fort comprises of fine carvings and perennial springs. It also has a temple and a mosque inside the fort premises, both built during the 13th century itself. Spread over several miles, this fort is a classic tourist attraction in itself. No trip to Gandikota is complete without visiting the Gandikota Fort, which is waiting to reveal the forgotten stories of our ancient civilization.

Get Trekking along the Canyon to Witness Breath-Taking Sunset

One would have to first trek for a few kilometres before reaching the summit of the rocks, and this trek can prove tiresome for many. But all the tiredness vanishes after reaching the top where a splendid sight awaits your presence. The sight of river Penna and the extraordinary work of art that nature has created in the form of the stone gorge, proves to be enchanting and soothing.

Get Awestruck with the Interiors at Belum caves

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The Belum caves can surely be called the Antelope Canyon of India. Being the second-largest cave system in the Indian subcontinent, Belum caves are very important because of their archaeology, architecture, and geology. These caves have various formations with huge deposits of Quartz. The interiors of the caves are sure to leave the travellers awestruck with other-worldly scenes.

Unwind at the Rayalacheruvu Lake

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Clearwater, quaint landscapes of the Erramala hills, blue sky, and migratory birds – What better way to unwind and relax after a long and tiring day? Situated just near the Gandikota Fort, Rayalacheruvvu Lake is the perfect place to sit and watch the sun go down. As the belief goes, this lake was established by emperor Sri Krishnadevaraya by using water from Penna River. This is the best place to end a beautiful trip to Gandikota.

An excellent display of art and culture can also be seen at the Madhavarya temple and Raghunathaswamy temple in Gandikota.

Stay Options

For those travelling from Bangalore to Gandikota, one should not expect to have four or five-star hotels and resorts here. What a person can get hold of would be a basic stay with normal amenities and local Andhra food. However, if you choose to stay in Kadiri or Kadapa, you can expect to find some good lodging options.

APTDC Complex

This APTDC complex-Haritha Hotel is spread across acres and has cottages, dormitories, car parking, dining area, and a playing area for kids. The hotel promises to provide all the standard facilities you can expect to find in Tier-II cities. Since this hotel does not have any online registration system, one should make a call and make room reservations over the phone.

River Penna camping site

If one wants to explore the unconventional way of staying, the option of riverside camping is also available here. Freakouts Adventure helps travelers by providing comfortable and easy camping opportunities, along with adventure activities  like rock climbing, kayaking, and rappelling. It is suggested to make prior calls and book your reservations early before heading from Bangalore to Gandikota.

We have already covered Gandikota Fort in our key attractions above. Nevertheless, you might be looking for other valid reasons to visit this fort. Here are a few of them.

Why Should You Visit Gandikota Fort?

1. Witness the Grand Canyon of India

Gandikota Fort isn’t just a fort; it’s a dramatic landscape carved by the Penna River over millennia. Towering red sandstone cliffs, reminiscent of the American Grand Canyon, rise hundreds of feet above the river, creating a visually stunning spectacle.

2. Immerse Yourself in History

Built in the 13th century, Gandikota Fort has a rich and storied past. Explore the ruins of palaces, temples, mosques, and granaries, each whispering tales of battles, empires, and everyday life. Imagine the fort bustling with activity centuries ago, and feel the weight of history in its crumbling walls.

3. Embrace Adventure and Nature

Gandikota Fort is more than just a historical site; It’s a haven for adventure seekers and nature lovers. Trek through the rugged terrain, rappel down the sandstone cliffs or take a thrilling coracle ride on the Penna River. Spot crocodiles basking on the rocks, and witness the vibrant birdlife soaring through the canyons.

Bonus reason

Gandikota Fort is located in an off-the-beaten-path destination, offering a unique and authentic Indian experience. Escape the crowds and connect with the local culture, enjoying the warm hospitality of the people and the simple pleasures of village life.

Here are some additional factors to consider

• The best time to visit Gandikota is during the winter months (October to February) when the weather is pleasant and the river is flowing.
• The fort is located in Andhra Pradesh, about 400 kilometres from Hyderabad. You know about Gandikota distance from Bangalore. So, you can plan your trip accordingly.
• Accommodation options are available in the nearby village, ranging from budget guesthouses to luxury tents.

You might be a history buff. Otherwise, you might be an adventure seeker. Else, you might be just looking for a unique and beautiful place to escape, Gandikota Fort has a touch to offer everyone. So pack your bags, lace up your hiking boots, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure! This rule applies not just to people travelling from Bangalore. Yes, if you are travelling from Kadapa to Gandikota, you will get the same experience from your own state. Kadapa to Gandikota distance by road is just 91 km. So, you can cover Kadapa to Gandikota distance within around 2 hours.

Why Visit from Bangalore to Andhra Pradesh?

Not only Gandikota, but your Bangalore Andhra Pradesh trip can be worthwhile as the state houses many wonderful things. When you travel from Bangalore to Andhra Pradesh, you can explore a whole lot of things under different categories like those given below:

Cultural Delights

• The state houses a lot of temples to explore
• The vibrant cuisine of the AP has been widely appreciated particularly by spicy food lovers
• It is needless to mention about the rich heritage of Andhra Pradesh

Natural Wonders

• Andhra Pradesh houses a lot of backwater spots and indeed beaches
• National parks and hill stations in the state attract a lot of tourists
• There is no dearth of adventure activities in Andhra Pradesh. So, if you are an adventure-seeker thinking about the Bangalore Andhra Pradesh trip, the state will not disappoint you.

Unique Experiences

• Are you a person thinking about unique experiences when you travel from Bangalore to Andhra Pradesh? If so, you can check out:
  • The tribal culture of the state
  • Textiles and handicrafts
  • Kalahasti Dance Festival

Easy Accessibility from Bangalore to Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh is well-connected with Bangalore by air, rail, and road, making it convenient to reach any part of the state. You can choose from budget-friendly options to luxurious experiences, catering to different travel styles and preferences.

So, whether you’re seeking cultural immersion, natural beauty, or thrilling adventures, Andhra Pradesh promises an unforgettable journey from Bangalore. Pack your bags, embrace the warm hospitality, and discover the wonders this diverse state has to offer.

Things to Remember

In order to have a beautiful and well-planned trip, it is suggested to keep in mind certain important things.

• Be clear about the mode of transportation for reaching Gandikota. If you choose to take the car or bus route, make sure to carry enough food and beverages. The national highway in this route doesn’t have enough places to stopover for eating.
• Make sure you make prior reservations for your stay, either with APTDC Complex or Freakouts Adventure, and avoid facing any kind of difficulties.
• Avoid traveling to Gandikota during summers, and also during monsoons. You won’t be able to witness the beauty of the place during these seasons.
• Carry a first-aid box, as you might find it difficult to get one here.
• Try carrying walking or trekking shoes.

Also ready my post on a Trip to Gandikota.