Grand Canyon of India – Gandikota
“I am your child,” the words escaped my mouth involuntarily.
“Ssssss,” came back the answer with the wind in approval.
A sense of freedom settled in my heart. I was freer than free. I was at eternal peace. It was as if I had left behind all the woes of the world for that moment. My office tension, chattering friends and even the memory of my beloved family disappeared in the background. I was welcomed with an open arm by Mother Nature, amongst the less travelled road, in a practically unknown village named Gandikota.
My spirit took a flight. It soared up to the sun, bidding its goodbye for the day. All the colours blurred in my eyes. The palettes of blues, greens and reds all merged to be one – gold!
Was I crying? Yes, but my eyes were not playing tricks. Everything had actually turned into pure raw gold! What Gandikota gave me was sure to be etched in my memory for a long time to come.
Not only two countries but also two continents apart, lay an exact replica of god’s creation, the Grand Canyon. Yes, you heard it right, an EXACT replica. Known as the ‘Grand Canyon’ of India, Gandikota, is secured away from the hawking glare of civilisation.
I believe it takes a true traveller’s spirit to discover what is worthy to be found. A keen eye to find beauty in every small detail. A spirit free from the fear of failure, to tell you the story untold.
Gandikota provides breather to lost souls. A chance discovery of this tiny village left me in great awe. The wealth of nature that surrounded it, humbled me to my core. The sanctity touched the deepest chord of my heart.
Situated at about 8 hours’ drive from Hyderabad in the Kadapa district, Andhra Pradesh, is the village of Gandikota. It was a weekend retreat for my companions and me to unwind. Prior to our drive, none of us was expecting to witness the panoramic view that God had in store for us.
Although either bus or train could reach Gandikota, we opted for a drive. The nearest railway station is Muddanuru. Following the map, we soon left behind the concrete man made jungle to be welcomed in the sprawling open countryside. We reached Gooty, the closest junction. From here onwards, we started meandering along the hilly roads with a rapture of green abundance on either side.
We reached our destination the Haritha Resort, provided by the State Tourism. The resort was surrounded by the treacherous hills of Erramala range, where a primitive silence prevailed.
Venturing on our feet now, we discovered, the rich emerald foliage cutting right across the Pennar Gorge. River Pennar flowed lazily at its foothills at a steep downfall of about 300 ft. Nestled amidst the bountiful nature was the Gandikota Fort.
Founded by Kapa Raja in 1123, the fort acquired its name from the Telegu word ‘gandi’, meaning gorge. The surrounding ravine provided a natural defence to the Fort. Although today it stands amongst its own ruin, every brick and mortar of the Fort narrated a story as old as 300 years old.
Amidst the wreck of the Fort stand two magnificent ancient temples. One dedicated to Madhava and the other to Raghunatha. The sculptures and curving on the wall carried evidence of great artistry and workmanship. The Jamia Mashjid stood arrogantly with its sprawling ground.
Scattered around the Fort were untamed gardens and springs. Reminding us of the remnant of the beautiful gardens and water bodies that had once adorned the place.
The skeletal structure of the Jail stood in a clearing. The large granary stood in one end. The entire Fort was a well-planned engineering concept. The rear of the Fort opened unto the gorge itself.
The gorge was truly, a look alike of the Grand Canyon, Colorado. What a remarkable sight it was to behold. Who would have guessed that God had recreated one of His greatest creations in such oblivion? The view was truly magical.
Standing at the very edge of the cliff, I could feel the pages from history whirl back into times. I beheld a glorious sunset. There were riots of colours everywhere. Moments ago the boulders, which were the colour of flaming red, transformed into that of molten gold. We had unexpectedly discovered God’s own goldmine, a true Pandora’s Box.
Freedom that is what I tasted standing there at the very brink of eternity. Free for being who I am – a blessed traveller and ardent worshipper of Mother of all, Nature.
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