A village and historical fort situated besides the blue Penna river, Andra Pradesh, Gandikota is a beautiful destination bursting with a rich history. Known as the ‘Grand Canyon of India’, a spectacular gorge has been created by the waters of the river and the streams from the Erramala hills. The fort was once the center of power for many majestic dynasties such as the Kalyani Chalukyas, Pemmasani Nayakas, and the Golconda Sultanate.
The massive fort at Gandikota consists of 101 towers and was built by Pemmasani Ramalinga Nayaka. The site has been submitted to receive world heritage status and with the azure river winding through the reddish rock formations, its natural beauty is undeniable.
Camping in Gandikota allows you to wander through the winding paths of this historical site, discovering past stories embedded in its very foundation. Climb your way to the peak of the rock formation and gaze out onto the vista of the landscape!
Camping out on the rim of the gorge is one of the best camping experiences near Bangalore. Although Gandikota does not have designated camping sites, the fortress itself is open for camping. You can bring your own tent and camp near the viewing point, taking in the canyon and the reddish, rocky landscape around. Stock up on your own food supplies if you'd like to try solo camping in Gandikota. However, in case you need tents or a trekking guide, you can find plenty of providers at the start of the trail i.e at the basecamp.
Gandikota gets hot in the morning, so it would be best if you made your way to the viewing point before 10:00 AM. Camping in Gandikota also allows you to take in the sunrise from the viewing point and the sunlight touching the rocks is a sight to behold.