Reach:
Train - via Muddanuru (MOO), Kadapa and then take a bus to Jammalamadugu, Kadapa (1hr)
Bus - via Jammalamadugu, Kadapa
Regular service autos are available from Jammalamadugu to Gandikota, and an occasional bus.
Grade: Easy. There is no limit to what can be done here - so change your grade as you require.
Notes: I have been to this trek with a club. The route chosen was to go uphill towards the lone village, camp there and explore the valley views 2 km from it. The unique rock formations formed along side R. Pennar are brilliant and reminded me of Paulo Duro although this is formed by chunks of rock falling off. The rock is most-likely red sandstone which is weathered off by water and time, more than air. We climbed the vertical rock-pile structure beside Soodi gundu, whose top stands 150m+ from ground. These twin pillars are a beauty to watch along with the incredible canyon. The temple is brilliant - happy that it isnt used but well preserved. The bathing ghat is incredibly beautiful - pure water gushing out as a waterfall - small caves around and lot of rock formations there. The entire scenery is mesmerizingly beautiful, specially if watched from the top of guard towers. Many different camping spots and treks are possible here and is absolutely safe except for the abundance of snakes around which shouldn't be a big deal. Mylavaram dam nearby is also a good place to visit. There is an unconfirmed talk of Marsh crocs in the Pennar river here. Summers can be too tiresome and extremely hot as the rock is unfriendly then. It is an awesome visit during rains or in the winter, especially on full-moon days.
This fort was used regularly by the Reddy kings and many smaller kings. It shined a bit with the fall of the Vijayanagara kingdom when this fort and Penukonda were taken as temporary shelters of the king. The fort did not see any great war by its geographical setting is ideal for a good defense.
This fort was used regularly by the Reddy kings and many smaller kings. It shined a bit with the fall of the Vijayanagara kingdom when this fort and Penukonda were taken as temporary shelters of the king. The fort did not see any great war by its geographical setting is ideal for a good defense.
No permissions are required. You can do a lot of climbing but beware of the chipping patches and blocks of rock. The scrub forests around are thorny with small rocks typical of Cumbum formations that will test your ankles. Don't under-estimate the danger it poses to your ankle, seriously.
This trek is most recommended.
