In India, somewhere about 15 km from Jammalamadugu in the Kadapa district, in Andhra Pradesh, there lies a village called Gandikota. It lies on the right bank of the river Pennar. This river creates a deep gorge while it runs through the ancient red granite rocks of the Erramala hills, whole big bolders of them, a magnificent sight! About seven years ago I was there. It was new years day of 2010 and together with some friends we visited the fort there and the temples and mosque all well maintained ruins now. Gandikota Fort was constructed around the 12th century during the Pemmasani Dynasty, and became one of the most prominent forts in the country. Gandi is the Telegu name for gorge and the village and Fort got their name as a result of that. There was quite a bit to see at Gandikota, most immediately when you enter the area there is the impressive ancient Jamia Masjid mosque with its beautiful architecture, its elegant arches. Then there is the granary which is a very robust and dark building, very cool inside while intense heat outside, only air vaults letting in a tiny ray of sunlight. Before long the eye catches another interesting building, this is the ruin of the Ranganatha Swamy Temple, very impressive with its magnificent carvings and pillars. The carvings depicting scenes from the Mahabharata and Ramayana. There are also the ruins of the Madhavaraya Temple and some other ruins in the vicinity.
The rock structures of the gorge are magnificent, the red granite majestic in huge blocks precariously grace the tops of the gorge, you have to climb over them to get to the edge and see the view. Granite is an igneous rock made up of a variety of mineral, like quartz, feldspar, mica, and hornblende. The composition of small amounts of mica, amphiboles, and other mineral is what gives granite its red colour.
I spent many months in this vicinity over several years but alas it is now seven years ago I was there last. This visit was one of the outstanding natural and archaeological beautiful places that I visited in Andhra Pradesh, but there are many more. It’s been too long since my last visit to India, me thinks.
Wonderful pictures! So nice to relive the experience, I’m sure.
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It is Jodie, I was looking through some older photos and could not help going down memory lane 🙂 Thanks for your comment. I’ll try and do another blog later this week about Christmas in Gozo.
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Memory Lane is a lovely place to visit. I have a slide show of photos from 20 years of past Christmasses that I add to and play every Christmas season. I keep getting stuck watching it instead of baking /wrapping/ etc. Some photos make me laugh every year! Enjoy your Christmas and enjoy your memories. : )
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Thats really wonderful Jodie. Have a wonderful Cristmas time x
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Amazing gorge. Why did you visit so often in the past – for its beauty or some other attraction?
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I used to do some voluntary work with children in Mylavaram which is close by this place. But I also travelled to Tiruvanamalai, visiting Ramana Maharshi’s Ashram and friends, and have good friends in Cochin in Kerala where I also spent time, I love India.
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I hope you can go back sometime soon, Agnes!
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Yes who knows Helen, life presents unexpected turns and twists, but for the moment it is not on 🙂
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Yes, life has its twists and turns!
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Looks like an amazing place
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It is all right, both from a geological and an archaeological point of view.
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Thank you so much for sharing these wonderful photos with us. I wish you a very Happy X’mas, kind regards Mitza
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You are welcome dear Mitza, thank you. And I would like to wish you also a beautiful Christmas. Enjoy a peaceful time. Keep warm.
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I was also in Andhra Pradesh in 2010. Very nice photos!
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Oh that is nice Brenda, where in Andhra Pradesh were you? Did you enjoy?
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My husband and I lived in Visakhapatnam (or Vizak for short). We managed a children’s home and school there for a few years. We loved the children so much! =)
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Sounds very nice Brenda, yes children can bring so much happiness. Lovely that you were there too. Do you still go back?
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No, we managed the project from 2006-2016 and don’t plan on going back. BUT, I guess you never know. =)
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My thoughts exactly Brenda, I would love to go back once more but for the moment that is not to be. Wish you the very best for 2018
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Wishing you too a very happy (blessed) new year, Agnes!
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Thank you!
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Thank you for sharing, Agnes. It reminds me of some of our gorges in Australia.
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Prachtige post vol knappe foto’s en een massa goede informatie.
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Dank u Marylou, en beste wensen voor een jaar vol pracht en mooiheid, vol goede gezondheid en blijdschap. Happy Newyear!
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oh! this is amazing.I live really close to this place but have never been there.After reading this blog i’ve already started packing up :p
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You will love it Sanchi, it is so beautiful and the rocks are so impressive apart from the historical place too. Enjoy! By the way, I was in Mylavaram, a lovely little village, you know it?
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i’ve heard a little about it ma’am.I think it’s near vijayawada,isint it? I live in hyderabad ma’am.You should definitely visit hyderabad too! 🙂
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I only was in Hyderabad because I arrived there by plane, but I know Vijayawada a bit as I stayed there for a few days. I believe Hyderabad has a lot of beautiful buildings too.
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oh that’s very nice.I hope to be as capable as you to travel this much one day!
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Hello Gaia, it’s great to read about Gandikota fort and the (near) trek up to see the gorge! The carvings are beautiful and you’ve given so much practical information as well!
I would be really thankful if you could share your feedback on the visit to Gandikota https://localfeedback.org/submit-a-review/thevillagefeedback/
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Thank you for your comment, much appreciated. I will do as you ask with pleasure. Kind regards, Agnes
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You’re most welcome Agnes! Really appreciate it 🙂 Do let me know if you have suggestions on how i could improve the website
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I just posted it, I hope it is all right. I could only load one photo.
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Thanks a lot Agnes! The review has been published here… it is very insightful and informative 🙂
https://localfeedback.org/2018/02/13/gandikota-fort-andhra-pradesh-india-66-7/
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Thank you very much I am very happy to be of use and for people to enjoy my notes. Cheers!
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You may have received an email from our official ID too. Would be happy to publish more reviews by you!
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Thank you, you are always welcome, I have a few unwritten reviews which at some stage I will get around to writing too.. Yes I received your an email from official ID.
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Will look forward to receiving your review!
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