Hyderabad to Gandikota - The Grand canyon of India

[sagar]

Monsoon Drive Meetup at 'The Grand Canyon of India' Gandikota Fort & Gorge, Belum Caves and Orvakal Rock garden - August 20th and 21st 2016

 

Start point - Gachibowli (ORR)

End point - Harita Resort, Gandikota.

Start time - 5:15 a.m.

Total Distance - ~810 kms

Objective - A weekend monsoon drive to enjoy the sudden drop in temperature and thank the pre-monsoon showers.

 

Participants:

1) Maruti Suzuki Wagon R

2) Hyundai Grand i10

3) Hyundai i20 Elite

4) Maruthi Suzuki Swift Dzire

5) Hyundai Creta (Red)

6) Hyundai Creta (White)

7) Honda Civic

 

Cover Pic: 

Route taken: Hyderabad (Gachibowli) - Kurnool - Gooty - Belum caves - Gandikota - Orvakal - Kurnool - Hyderabad

[sagar]

All the 'India-drive men' have gathered at the meet up point by 5 15 a.m. and after a brief introductory session about the rules and their position during the convoy, the drive towards the 'Grand Canyon of India' was set to track as the clock swept 5 30 a.m. The cars got tattooed before the drive was set to pace and yes we were 'Road-Trippin' at the moment

 

We took our first pit stop at the 'Hill-Park Drive-Inn' to grab some Indian breakfast delicacies followed by minutes of interactions and interesting conversations.

 

All the cars of the drive line up to pose for a click before we steered on to the highway post breakfast

 

Our 2nd pit-stop was to re-fill the car tanks after we crossed Kurnool

 

We took a quite 5 minute break after the refueling to stretch ourselves before we headed to our first destination of the drive i.e. 'Belum Caves'

 

And so we commenced the drive towards Gooty

 

We drove down the highway along the convoy to elaborate safety and eliminate risk:D

 

[sagar]

Here is something that you would get used to while driving in a convoy with 'India-Drive' - That's how you space up with the car ahead of yours

 

We then broke free from the drive after we reach our first destination by 12 30 p.m.

 

Destination description:

 

Belum Caves:Belum caves, supposedly the longest caves in India after Borra, is about 80 kms from 'Orvakal'. Belum Caves have long passages, fresh water galleries and siphons. It is a natural underground cave formed by the constant flow of underground water. The caves reach its deepest point of 150 feet known as 'Pataalaganga'.With all fresh faces we pose at the entrance of the cave before we started to explore

 

Only point in the cave where the sunlight creeps in is this entrance

 

We were all set for a cave photo walk

 

Carves formed by the flow of underground water

 

Unlike the Borra Caves in Vishakhapatnam the Belum Caves have long passages and spacious chambers

 

Muted lighting adds to the mystery and beauty of these caves

 

 

[sagar]

Few glimpses of the caves captured during the photo walk

 

Everyone of us got involved in clicking some beautiful pics

 

 

 

 

 

 

And we head out to exit the cave

 

[sagar]

Some really unique Buddhist relics have been found at the Belum caves. The serene 60-foot Buddha statue built here by the Andhra Pradesh Tourism

 

After a tiresome photo-walk inside the caves, we moved out to recharge ourselves with the Rayalaseema delicacies for lunch.Post lunch, we resumed the drive and steered towards the Gandikota to sight the gorge during the sunset time

 

We had stopped by for a small break to click some pictures on the open road

 

 

The sun behind the dark clouds reminded us about the sun set at the Gandikota gorge and we started the drive towards our next destination

 

Destination description:

 

Gandikota:

The name Gandikota was acquired from the picturesque gorge formed between the Erramalai hills. A deep valley with massive boulders of red granite resembling the Grand Canyon surrounds the fort. The Penna river flows between the gorge which is ~100 meters below the western and northern sides of the fort.

 

We had reached the fort area by the sun set time but we still knew that we were late by a quarter

 

On our way towards the gorge, we spotted a Raghunatha swamy temple around which is being maintained by the ASI.

 

[sagar]

We trekked on to the edge of the cliff to sight the beautiful 'Gandikota gorge' before the light dimmed down

 

After an evening exploration at the gorge, we decided to revisit the place the next morning for the sunrise and headed back to the Harita resort where our accommodation was reserved. The Harita Resort in Gandikota is located just a Half kilometer away from the fort area which is quite easily walk-able.

 

And our exploration the next morning has begun

 

Few glimpses while we trekked down towards this beautiful landscape

 

The little kid had no looking back while he traced his path towards that point

 

Everyone of us had explored the place all over cheering and wondering at the geography that looked similar to America's Grand Canyon!!!

 

 

A deep valley and impassable hills surrounded by massive boulders of red granite, does remind us of the Grand Canyon.

 

 

[sagar]

The huge red boulders added to the magnificent background and the landscape looked majestic

 

 

We spent there for about 2 hours exploring and resting at the top edge of the cliff and clicking hundreds of pics

 

One our way back from the gorge we stopped by the fort and the architecture of the mosque looks complete with the intricate carvings on the Minar.

 

All these 13th century built Jama Masjid, Temples and Forts around the Gorge are being maintained by the ASI

 

 

We then started back from the fort area to the resort for breakfast

 

 

[sagar]

The accommodation which was reserved for a night stay at Gandikota Harita resort was quite decent and immensely spacious

 

There is a provision to park your car beside your room

 

 

After a sumptuous breakfast at the resort, we were all set to start our drive back to our next destination

 

There they pose bold at the entrance of the resort before we exited the place

 

As the Marshall lead the convoy, our drive continued towards Orvakal to sight the Natural igneous rock formations

 

 

[sagar]

Destination description:

 

Orvakal:

Orvakal is a place situated about 30 kms from Kurnool on NH-18 which is the Kurnool-Ongole route. It is famous for its natural igneous rock formations. A slight drive up-hill, we had a decent view from the top with the rocks in the background.

 

After a session long drive of about 3 hours, we reached the Orvakal rock garden and had our lunch at the Harita rock garden resort

 

Post lunch, we explored the natural rock formations sight and our principle photography session had begun

 

A glimpse of the rock garden along with our run machines

 

A group pic with the most famous natural igneous rock formation which was formed by the mix both of sandstone and limestone

 

And then the rock alone

 

We stopped by a small broken wooden bridge to get a click while we were exploring this picturesque landscape

 

Drawing down to the final pic of the drive before we started back to the start point around 5 p.m., I have no doubt in saying that this drive meet wouldn't have been so much fun without these high spirited souls. Cheers to all these 'India-drive men' flag.

 

[Gowtham]

We had a perfect overnight meet, Thank you all for making the drive successful.

 

Cannot find proper words to express, drive was fantastic.One of the best till now.

 

Had so much fun walking around in caves (missing the routes) and trekking at Gandikota.

 

Meeting new members, late night conversations, resort with beautiful view all together made my weekend amazing.

Hope to see you all again in the upcoming drives.

 

Excellent travel log 

 

Felt like I am on the trip again, Thank you for sharing.:clap:

Will try to post the videos, when I get time.

[brteja]

Wonderful meet up report sagar. You have made us relive our trip through this travelogue.. Reading this makes me itch to do this circuit again. Thanks a ton for sharing

[Balakrishna]

Brilliantly written mate.. The pictures look really awesome.. The convoy pics you articulated so explicitly needs a special mention.. :clap:

[kamal]

Wonderful travelogue and extensive photographs too.. I'm sure you guys must have had an amazing time. I'm definitely not missing the next drive

[bpt]

Superb landscape and amazing pictures. The cottages that you guys have booked also looks very neat. Thanks a lot for sharing this

[sharma]

Beautiful narration of the entire drive sagar .. It really makes me think why i did not join this convoy..

[raman]

Excellent and meticulously planned drive and your pictures never fail to disappoint us. Great to see the cars follow a convoy and the rules which is quite a departure from Indian nature to follow rules. Can't imagine this kind of convoy amidst the western ghats. Waiting for your next with an even longer convoy.. Good luck India-Drive.flag

[balag]

Fantastic travelogue and beautiful photographs  .. Drives like these are best enjoyed i'd say. I feel like kicking myself for missing such a drive.. Are you guys planning any drive for the upcoming long weekend.. Sept 3,4,5. ?:Dont know:

[Ravi]

It was hard to drag myself to the office on monday morning after such a wonderful weekend.Lovely convoy of cars, meeting fun loving like minded people, beautiful landscapes and whats more memories to be cherished for a very very very long time to come. What else can you ask for over a weekend??

P.S : For all those who couldnt make it to the trip, Do make sure you wont miss any in the future.To spice things up... Have a look at my contributions to the gallery.

 

The Convoy

 

 

 

The First Glimpse of the rocky terrain and the mangled remains of the fort

 

The Gorge

 

 

Selfie??? At the edge of a cliff?? who cares??? say cheeseeee!!!

 

 

With a view as spectacular such as this, you won't realise time fly by!!!

 

[Ravi]

The Gandikota Fort

 

 

 

 

 

[Gowtham]

It was hard to drag myself to the office on monday morning after such a wonderful weekend.

Lovely convoy of cars, meeting fun loving like minded people, beautiful landscapes and whats more memories to be cherished for a very very very long time to come. What else can you ask for over a weekend??

P.S : For all those who couldnt make it to the trip, Do make sure you wont miss any in the future.

To spice things up... Have a look at my contributions to the gallery.

Beautiful pictures Ravi, Specially sunrise picture.

Next time you should conduct some photography sessions (free of cost).

[sagar]

 Exceptional pictures buddy.. I loved the Sunrise pic at the Gorge and the Minar pic too.. Great going

[sagar]

[Thanks a lot guys.. It indeed was one of the best convoys I have done so far and for all the guys who have missed this, We have a lot more to come and hope you make it up for those drives ahead

[Ravi]

sagar said:

 Exceptional pictures buddy.. I loved the Sunrise pic at the Gorge and the Minar pic too.. Great going

thanks sagar , special mention to you and goutham, you people have pulled this off one really well.

@goutham : yeah il shall take up classes in the next over night drive.

[Pralay]

Really nice to see you all guys!! pictures are great.. so as the write up.. great work.

Btw, I saw a blog, that Gandikota haritha is permanently closed but it seems it was for that day. Also it was written that road to Gnadikota from Belum is under construction and closed. Seems that too was only for the day!!

[ullas]

Fabulous report for a fantastic overnight road trip. Great pictures sagar and Ravi. I'm sure it must have definitely been a task for the coordinators. Hope to be a part of one such trip in future

[hsudhir]

Kudos to the whole team for organizing such a drive. It was indeed quite meticulous. Hope to read about another such drive post soon

[uday]

Fantastic pictures sagar and Ravi.

Trip came out very good.

Thank you sharing the report.

[sagar]

Thanks a lot guys.. Hope to see you guys for the next drive meet up. The information which you received was wrong coz, we tried getting in touch with the resort for the booking and has been full almost every time we tried to book. After asking the hotel staff they said that it is full every saturday and sunday.. And the road after Gooty is not as worst as I heard too.. All the patch work in the village roads is done recently and was decent enough to escape the potholes.

[Naveen1]

Good to see meet up's are going on at the regular intervals.

Would love to joining the next meet.

Very good report sagar, Would love to see more pictures.

[vivek]

Wonderful pictures .. It looks like the cars were posing for you to shoot.

[Pralay]

yeah mate..! actually I read in a blog recently. can share the link if the policy of the forum permits. It was really hurting when I saw the hotel is closed, but again felt happy that the info was not correct

[Gowtham]

Pralay said:

 yeah mate..! actually I read in a blog recently. can share the link if the policy of the forum permits. It was really hurting when I saw the hotel is closed, but again felt happy that the info was not correct

Resort is fully functional and staff is very friendly.

They have upgraded all the rooms with air conditioner.

We don't have any alternatives in that area. No private players. 

Rooms are decent enough, I loved the location and architecture.

[ujwal]

Amazing location and beautiful pictures .. Basically a nice start by organizing roadtrips flag

[sai86]

Amazing drive!!!

Feeling bad for missing this, waiting for the next meetup.

[Kashyap]

Sent from my iPhone using India-Drive

[Gowtham]

Updating the latest road condition shared by vamshi.

Hyderabad to Gandikota road condition.

 

Route taken:
Hyderabad --> Kurnool --> Somayajulapalli --> Bethamacharla --> Banaganapally --> Kalvakuntla --> Jammalamadugu --> Gandikota

 

Hyderabad to kurnool : Fantastic, 4-lane toll road.
kurnool bypass to somayajulapalli : Good roads but drive cautiously. 

Somayajulapalli to Bethamcharla : Average
Bethamacharla to banaganapally : Average 
Banaganapally to kalvakuntla :  Bad road 
Kalvakuntla to Jammalamadugu : Average
Jammalamadugu to Gandikota : Worst road

 

[sagar]

@vamshi Thanks much for updating the current road status to us. Please post a few pictures of your drive if possible. TIA

[RedCruiser]

This has again inspired the traveller in me. Was wondering where to plan my next drive when came across this travelogue. Very well put up with all the necessary information.

[Naveen1]

4 hours ago, RedCruiser said:

This has again inspired the traveller in me

 

Place is fantastic try to visit before March 1st week.
When the temperatures pick up, it is not a worthy place.

Toursim resort is good and economical. 
Can be done in two days. 

 

Don't miss the sunrise at the gorge.

[sagar]

3 hours ago, RedCruiser said:

This has again inspired the traveller in me. Was wondering where to plan my next drive when came across this travelogue. Very well put up with all the necessary information.

 

Make sure you do the bookings at this Haritha resort well in advance. It runs full almost all of the weekends.

[vivek]

Any drive meet planned to Gandikota this year? I wish to join the crew

[Gowtham]

5 hours ago, vivek said:

Any drive meet planned to Gandikota this year? I wish to join the crew

 

We have many drive meets lined up for monsoon.
This are we are planning to explore WesternGhats.

Gandikota can be added to quick weekend getaway. 
We will update you, If there is any plan.  

[sagar]

Please do share your ideas on places to explore in and around the western ghats for this monsoon coming ahead ...

[Jagan24]

On 4/13/2018 at 10:45 AM, Ranger said:

 

We have many drive meets lined up for monsoon.
This are we are planning to explore WesternGhats.

Gandikota can be added to quick weekend getaway. 
We will update you, If there is any plan.  

Western Ghats.. sounds cool.. so the trip would be a longer one? like how many days approximately?

 

Jagan

[Gowtham]

18 hours ago, Jagan24 said:

Western Ghats.. sounds cool.. so the trip would be a longer one? like how many days approximately?

 

Usually it takes us around 4/5 days to cover a particular point in western ghats. 

 

[sagar]

21 hours ago, Jagan24 said:

Western Ghats.. sounds cool.. so the trip would be a longer one? like how many days approximately?

 

Jagan

 

Hey @Jagan24, Check the link below for last year's monsoon drive meet..

 

 

[sagar]

Here's another one from the year 2016.