Belum Caves, The Largest Cave system of the Indian Sub-Continent

Belum Caves

The Belum Caves is the largest and longest cave system open to the public on the Indian subcontinent, known for its speleothems, such as stalactite and stalagmite formations. The Belum Caves have long passages, galleries, spacious caverns with fresh water and siphons. The caves reach its deepest point (120 feet from entrance level) at the point known as Pataalaganga.

Grand Canyon of India, Gandikota

Grand Canyon of India, Gandikota

Trivia: Located in the Kadappa district of Andhra Pradesh in a small place called GandiKota. Gandi in Telugu means a Gorge and Kota means fort. The place derives it name from the fort located on the Gorge of the Penna river.

From the top of the fort, you can have a breathtakingly panoramic view of the surrounding forests and valleys.  Nearby, is the picturesque Mylavaram Dam which is a popular picnic spot because of the sparkling waters, lush trees and cool breeze, which make you want to stretch out and relax.

Attractions

Gandikota (Gorge Fort)

Stay: One can either stay at Haritha Hotel or pitch a tent.

Transport: The nearest railway station is 26 km away at Muddanuru (railway code: MOO) in Kadapa District. There are number of trains from Gooty Junction.

The nearest town is Jammalamadugu. There are buses available from Jammalamadugu Old Bus Stand (Gandhi Statue Junction) to Gandikota.

Inside the fort there is no means of transportation except to walk by foot. It is ideal to engage a guide as the fort area is huge. There is a good downhill trek through the canyon that leads to the riverbed. There is a dam upstream (Gandikota Dam) and a dam downstream (Mylavaram Dam).