Trek to Gandikota-The Grand Canyon of India,Belum Caves & Orvakal Garden

We would be visiting the following:

Oravakal Rock garden

Belum Caves

Gandikota- The Indian grand canyon

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)

Tentative Itinerary :

Only 10 slots available

Day1 : Thursday night 11:00 pm start to Gandikota by a private vehicle/self cars.

Pick up point to be decided later depending on members.

Day2: Friday morning reach Kurnool and Vist Oravakal rock garden, followed by Belum Caves and By night reach Gandikota and do camping.

Day3:

04:30 AM-Wake up call
05:00 AM- Watch the beautiful Sunrise from Grand Canynon of India
11:30 AM-Explore Gandikota Fort and Nearby Places
02:30 PM- Board bus and Start back to Hyderabad ( Lunch on way)
10:00 PM-Reach Hyderabad

Cost Approx TBD/- . We will have to share extra expenses if needed and if it is below TBD the refund will be done on the same day/after the trek.

Cost breakup:
Rs. TBD/ - Private Vehicle(Hyderabad - Gandikota -Kurnool-Hyderabad) includes Toll and state taxes.

Rs. TBD - Organizer(s) Reimbursement.

Rs.TBD/-Belum caves entrance fee

Rs.TBD/-Misc

Rs. TBD/- Club Charges@10%

Rs.TBD/- GST @5%

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 :- Rs.TBD/-

*** The above amount excludes food, Pay for your own food ***

(GHAC Refund Rule Applies)

Things to Bring

This list is just an indication, please pack light .

1. A good and positive mood.
2. 2 track pant/loose trousers( full length ).
3. 2 T-shirts ( please avoid bright colored and shiny clothes).
4. A rucksack or a hiking bag to keep all the things.
5. Mosquito repellent cream.
6. Sun hat / head gear (It might be will be very hot in the afternoon. Please get at-least a scarf to protect yourself from the sun).
7. Walking /Trekking /Sports shoes used previously along with 2 pairs of new socks.
8. Digital / Video Camera, if you don't want to miss capturing the beautiful views.
9. Torch / Flashlight /Headlight with spare batteries.
10. Medicines you need.
11. Refreshments / Chocolates / Energy bars/ Energy Drinks / Sugar or Salt mixture.
12. Water bottle - 2 Liters. Get your own bottles, we avoid buying of plastic bottles.
13. Photo Id ( Passport, Employee/College Id, Pan card/Election Card/ Driving License) with a xerox copy.
14. Toiletries (tooth brush, paste, small towel / napkin, comb).
15. 2 biodegradable plastic bags medium size to carry waste.

Responsible Trekking: Most of us may not be serious trekkers but all of us have equal responsibility in protecting our beloved earth. GHAC earnestly requests all its members to be socially responsible whilst the treks and avoid any littering, shouting when in wild or causing anything that would disturb the normal ecology. Try to avoid plastics as much as possible.

Important Instructions:

1. No smoking and No alcohol.
2. No littering and No pollution of water.
3. This is not a luxury trip, but out most care has been taken to make your trip comfortable.
4. Ladies and Gents accommodation in separate tents.
5. Food will be mostly vegetarian.
6. We carry Basic First Aid and if you need anything you can ask the organizers
7. If you feel unwell bring to the notice of the organizers immediately.
8. If you can't swim please don't go deep into the water.
9. Event hosts decisions are final

Event Host: Anurag @ 9052701505 ( Drop SMS/Whatsapp if calls is unanswered)