"Cave and a gorge - One of its kind in the country!"
Written on : 28 October 2018
Visted During : September 2015 and January 2018
Some more Information
Most important information while travelling from Bangalore towards any place in Hyderabad is - availability of food. There are hardly any restaurants on the way from Bangalore to Gandikota. Kadapa is the only city nearby to both Gandikota and Belum. However, there are not good restaurants in Kadapa as well.
Harita lodge in Gandikota is the only good option for stay nearby. Other small lodges and hotels are available in Kadapa, Tadipatri, Jammalamadagu. (Cost ranging from INR 1000 - 2000)
My Experience and Opinion
Belum and Gandikota are 1 hour distance apart from each other. While planning a trip, do visit both the places. Belum caves is open only between 10 AM to 5 PM. You need at least 1-2 hours inside Belum caves. Belum caves is a natural wonder and one of it's kind in India. It is the longest natural cave open for tourists.
Gandikota is open throughout the day and the time required there is upto you. On a fine day, I would not mind spending half of my day sitting near the gorge and enjoy the breeze. Best part in Gandikota according to me is the breezy evening with sunset. Plan accordingly so that you dont miss the sunset in Gandikota. Gandikota is vast, neat, breezy, calm and has got a stunning view of gorge.
If you prefer a relaxed weekend getaway, then plan to visit Gandikota on day 1, visit belum on day 2 and head back to Bangalore.
Gaandikota
Gandikota fort is close to 10 centuries old. You can drive your vehicle inside the fort and there are no charges/ticket. The vehicle can be drove till the mosque where most of the tourist vehicles are parked. There is a small museum within the fort, a temple, a mosque and a fort that still stands strong. The most beautiful and breath taking view is when you climb small rocks to see the gorge. From my 2 visits to the places, one thing I enjoyed the most is the breeze near the gorge and the view. Sunset also looks stunning since the area is very vast and creates a perfect backdrop for a silhouette photo!
Belum caves
After travelling numerous places in India, I confidently say, Belum is one of it's kind place in entire country. Belum cave visit does not take much time. It's hardly one Kms and takes less than an hour to complete the cave walk.It is a different experience to walk inside a natural cave for such long. The cave is very well maintained and kuddos to APTDC for the maintenance. Cave has artificial lights, air supply. The color of the lights keep changing giving different look. Do carry drinking water since the temperature inside is high and is humid. You sweat a lot inside the cave and get tired.
Drive experience from Bangalore to Gandikota - Belum
Drive experience from Bangalore to Gandikota and Belum is pretty good. Most part of the drive is in Highway. The non Highway part is not great but some parts of the drive is beautiful. There is a short stretch that resembled route from Leh to Nubra! This route is good for both drive and bike rides. There are no restaurants throughout and it is better to have a good breakfast.
Photos
Gandikota fort view.
Gandikota temple inside the fort
Gandikota gorge view
Gandikota - Rocks near gorge view
Belum cave entrance
Inside Belum cave
Natural structures inside cave
Passage inside cave
The Most Important asset while travelling - Google Maps
