Gandikota-The Grand Canyon of India,Belum Caves,Yaganti & Orvakal Rock Garden.
Details
We would be visiting the following:
Gandikota- The Indian grand canyon
Yaganti and Belum caves
Oravakal Rock garden
Note : Please read the whole page before RSVP.
The Indian Grand Canyon
Gandikota acquired its name from the picturesque gorge (called Gandi in Telugu) formed between the Erramalai hills, which are also called the Gandikota hills.
We will explore the surroundings of the penna river and visit the Gandikota Fort and Gorges,
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A deep valley and impassable hills with massive boulders of red granite, reminding one of the Grand Canyon, surround the fort, situated amid wild forests. The gorge formation is such that the Pennar river flows about 90 meters below on the western and northern sides and is said to have offered a strong natural defense to the Kakatiya, Vijayanagar and Qutub Shahi kings who ruled from the fort.
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The Mosque in Gandikota Fort
Belum caves :
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Famous for their stalactite and stalagmite formations, Belum Caves, about 110 km from Kurnool town are the second longest natural caves in the country next only to Meghalaya caves.
When you drive into the entrance of the site that houses the caves, you might think you landed up in the wrong place. The vast expanse of flat land betrays the presence of these impressive caves right beneath you. When you climb down the first 20 meters, the magnificence of this natural wonder will blow you away. You get to walk around 1.5 kilometers of the well-lit caves and even dip your foot in the Patala Ganga (underground Ganges), a natural perennial stream that flows through the caves.
Orvakal Rock Garden
A miniature Grand Canyon of sorts, Oravakallu is an interesting landscape of majestic rock formations around a long winding water body.
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This natural architectural wonder makes for a great trek as you climb up the red rock formations of all shapes and sizes. After a tiring walk up to the highest point, you are rewarded with an amazing view of the water body set against the backdrop of gorgeous open spaces and clear blue skies.
The park has been a site for film production for famous movies like Baahubali: The Beginning (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baahubali:_The_Beginning)
Yaganti
Yaganti is famous for Sri Yagantiswamy Temple (also called Umamaheshwar Temple) dedicated to Lord Shiva, constructed in the 15th century.
An amazing feature of this temple is its Pushkarini with very pure water. No one knows how the water flows in & out of Pushkarini in all the seasons. Devotees consider that a bath in the holy Pushkarini before visiting Shiva is highly beneficial.
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It is said that the Nandi idol in front of the temple is continuously increasing its size, at the rate of 1 inch per 20 years.
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The place is renowned for caves like the Agastya Caves, Venkateswara Caves ,and Veera Brahmam Caves. One can enter the Agastya cave by climbing 120 steep steps while other two are easier to climb.
Tentative Itinerary :
Day 1 : Friday night 11:00 pm start to Gandikota by a private vehicle. Pick up point to be decided later depending on members.
Day 2: Saturday morning reach Kurnool and Visit Yaganti followed by Oravakal rock garden. By night reach Gandikota and camp.
Day 3:
04:30 AM-Wake up call
05:00 AM- Explore Gandikota and watch the beautiful Sunrise
10:30 AM-Start to Belum Caves
12:30 AM-Explore Belum Caves and have lunch
04:00 PM-Start to Hyderabad
Cost Approx 3400/-
Cost breakup:
Rs. 1375/ - Private Vehicle(Hyderabad - Gandikota -Kurnool-Hyderabad) includes Toll and state taxes.
Rs. 1000/ - Food (Both days: Breakfast +Lunch+ Dinner)
Rs. 273 - Organizer(s) Reimbursement.
Rs.50/-Belum caves entrance fee
Rs.300/-Misc
10% - Club Fee (Towards club maintenance and equipment).
3.75% - Service Tax.
Add yourself to Waiting list and you will be moved to YES list after receiving the payment on a first come first Serve basis.
Payment Link:
http://www.eventdunia.com/index.php/meetup?event_id=146840942
or
Account Holder Name: GHAC Travel and Leisure
Account No: 913010051044763
Account Type: Savings
Bank: Axis Bank Limited
Branch: Road No 2, Banjara Hills.
IFSC Code: UTIB0001379
and while making the payment enter the meetup id_ name eg. 146840942_raghu
Important Instructions:
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No smoking and No alcohol.
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No littering and No pollution of water.
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This is not a luxury trip, but out most care has been taken to make your trip comfortable.
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Ladies and Gents accommodation in separate tents.
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Food will be mostly vegetarian.
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We carry Basic First Aid and if you need anything you can ask the organizers
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If you feel unwell bring to the notice of the organizers immediately.
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If you can't swim please don't go deep into the water.
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Event hosts decisions are final
Event Host: Raghu Nath Vaidya: 8125693165
Mounika-8143833501
