Day 1
On reaching Haritha Resort, got refreshed, filled tummy and headed for kayaking. Catch hold of the stunning windmills drawing orders from winds in and around resort. A downhill trek for 30 min will lead you reach the base of Penna river, which will unleash the first sight of Gandikotta (Indian Grand Canyon). Gorge is standstill, stunning with cut through broad & curvy penna river. Kayaking with travel partner was super fun singing songs & doing our best to paddle as per the direction. While you pass through less current penna, imagination helps to visualize many structures with those steep rocks. As attempted to exceed the boundary limit, loud voices howled to ensure we return back.
Post kayaking, reached the resort for lunch which led to grogginess, group rested for a while under a tree playing cards, while I had my power nap to regain energy. Later the group geared up for Rappelling, reached the spot to rappel 55mts down.
Our travel freak Arun took the first slot and couple of others decided to be next, I was 3rd or 4th to reach the base. My rappelling attempt 8 years back helped me. While I was half way, lost the power in hands & just loosened up the grip and glided down. The base spot was quiet mesmeric, everyone added few profile pictures to their kitty. As time was passing by, checked for the sunset spot. We attempted & missed the sunset as sun was in a hurry to retire. After everyone completed rappelling reached the common view of Gandikotta. My solitude thirst was fulfilled for next hour to enjoy the sky/shying moon/gorge/river. To my surprise, sky was painted pink, canyon was magical with its stillness & birds winged across.
With doubled joy, now time to fill the tummy with bread omelet & egg dosai with Andhra kara chutney. Walked to the resort, my sixth sense pushed me to refresh again. For the sake of food ordered, had little food. Group indulged in fixing the tents in a barren land close to resort, lots of options available near gorge to camp though, lucky enough to burrow in a single tent for queen-ish sleep. with 10 minutes I heard the group singing songs & enjoying the bonfire while I passed off in 10 minutes.
Day 2
Early to rise & ready for sunrise. Group reached the spot little ahead and while waiting, the ever beautiful sun surprised us with different shades & intensity of light slowly rising high. With engrossed moments & started walking around the fort. Group were influenced by food for breakfast. Post the breakfast group were indulged in packing up the tents, power naps & head again to visit other areas.
Enthralling view is guaranteed climbing Madhavaraya swamy entrance. Destroyed mosque & Charminar has its own customary architecture with several rooms covered. Prison was stinky & has a dungeon infected with bats, one of the window view will be exposed to windmills.
Raghunatha Swamy Temple had attractive pillars & inscriptions, with its gopuram destroyed. First sight will be painful to view such harmed gopurams which expose the ruthless idea of hate/jealous/resentment. Learnt about Yazhi - a mythical animal through my travel partner, had to unlearn that its lion.
Spent solid time in the temple, chit chatting with the group. When everyone assembled, a truck went by requested him to drop by resort. Again its food time, had a light lunch and team was enjoying the standup comedy by Mala, ditched the fun for my power nap. Finally, my language was quiet useful in connecting with the locals (ordering food/seeking help/claiming free rasa vada/asking questions etc)
Gandikotta temples, mosque, prison, fort must have heard many prayers, human howls, war & blood and history to convey. Apparently gandikotta was existent since 13th century and ruled/conquered by several kings of different religion which portrayed through temples/mosques. Currently its deserted to a merely a picnic spot/wedding photography shoots/camping. While you walk around, you could make few interpretation & assumptions as take away, as no evidence about heritage site available. After several invasions finally underrated gandikotta belongs to itself.
Hyggeys Organization
Group can be fragmented into youngsters, over protective mom, comfort level travelers. Trekking group run by 3 youngster & trip coordinator was enduring handling tantrums/ragging & the fun punches. Any new comers/solo females can avail trips through this organization without hesitation.
Contact Details
Yogesh : 7402357569 www.hyggejourneys.in
Yogesh : 7402357569 www.hyggejourneys.in
Places to see/Activity to do
Hikes/Kayaking/Rappelling
Prison|Granary| George Fort & walk around demolished walls |Mosque|Madhavaraya swamy Temple |Raghunatha Swamy Temple
TransportRare bus facility to gandikotta, best way is to hire a car from prodattur.
Food Several spicy street food are available to suffice for couple of days
 Sunrise  |
| Basking in Vitamin D |
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| Groupie |
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| Capturing smiles |
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| Fort Gate |
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| Sunset Belum Caves |
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| Prison |
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| Village Walk |
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