Gandikota is a hamlet and ancient fort on the right bank of the Penna River in Kadapa district, Andhra Pradesh, India, 15 kilometres from Jammalamadugu. The name is made up of two parts: ‘gandi,’ which means canyon, and ‘kota,’ which means fort. In fact, this is the name of the whole community in the region.
Facts about Gandikota
Various dynasties wielded authority at the fort, including the Kalyani Chalukyas, Pemmasani Nayakas, and the Golconda Sultanate. For more than 300 years, Gandikota was the capital of the Pemmasani Nayakas. The massive fort at Gandikota, with 101 towers, was built by Pemmasani Ramalinga Nayudu to replace the earlier sand fort built by Kaka Raja, Vassals of Kalyani Chalukya monarchs. The ‘gorge’ formed by the Erramala series of hills, also known as Gandikota hills, and the river Pennar that runs at its foot, decreasing its breadth to a meagre 300 feet, gave the fort its name.
Nearby Locations
- Madhavaraya Swamy temple
- Raghunatha Swamy temple
- Mylavaram dam
- Belum Caves
Details about stay : Resorts, Hotels, Camps available
Best time to visit : June to September
How to reach :
- Nearest Airports – Tirupati Airport in Renigunta and Bengaluru International Airport
- Nearest railway station – Jammalamadugu
