Gandikota
Situated on the banks of the river Pennar, Gandikota derives its name from two Telugu words 'Gandi' meaning gorge and 'kota' meaning fort. Also known as 'George Fort', it is a stone fort built upon a hill. Guarded by a huge entrance gate that's 20 feet high and 101 bastions each over 40 feet high, it still remains very imposing structure.
Believed to have been built during the later half of the 13th century A.D., Gandikota impressed the French traveller Tavernier,so much that he opined thst it resembles Hampi Vijayanagara in its massive monuments.
With in the fort, there are many interesting places well worth a look. The Ranganatha and Madhavaswamy temples, built during the 15th - 16th centureies, are adorned with sculptures and are in an architectural style reminiscent of the Vijayanagara period.
Nearby, is the picturesque Mailavaram Dam which is a popular picnic spot because of the sparkiling waters, lush trees and cool breeze , which make you want to stretch out and relax.
The fort inside is full of deities of ages and many ancient structures in varying stages of decades.
The Jumma Maszid has two majestic minarets. Within the fort there are two ancient temples dedicated to Madhava and Raghunatha. Apart from this there are also others like Granary, Pigeon tower and so on.
How to Reach
It is situated about 15 Kms from the west of Jammalamadugu and 77 kms from Cuddapah
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