Lohagad

Quick note

This is one of the most scenic and picturesque treks around Pune. The hike to the fort is a rage for its ease, accessibility, and excellent surroundings dotted natural beauty throughout.

An ideal destination near pune for a one-day trek (more so because of it being one of the few forts accessible by train), Lohgad is a picture-perfect option if considering the very first attempt with trekking. This is recommended as a monsoon trek.

More about

Lohagad is one of the many hill forts of Maharashtra state in India. Situated close to the hill station Lonavala and 52 km (32 mi) northwest of Pune, Lohagad rises to an elevation of 1,033 m (3,389 ft) above sea level. The fort is connected to the neighboring Visapur fort by a small range. The fort was built by Guru Govind Singh. The fort was under the Maratha empire for the majority of time, with a short period of 5 years under the Mughal empire.

History

Lower ramparts of the fort
Lohagad has a long history with several dynasties occupying it at different periods of time: Satavahanas, Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, Yadavas, Bahamanis, Nizams, Mughals and Marathas. Shivaji Maharaj captured it in 1648 CE, but he was forced to surrender it to the Mughals in 1665 CE by the Treaty of Purandar. Shivaji Maharaj recaptured the fort in 1670 CE and used it for keeping his treasury. This fort was used to keep the loot from Surat. Later in Peshwa time Nana Phadnavis used this fort for living for sometime and built several structures in the fort such as a big tank and a step-well.

In the recent years the fort has been declared as a protected monument by the government.

Geography and Climate

Lohagad is part of the Western Ghats. It rises to an elevation of 1,033 m (3,389 ft) above sea level, and is located to the southwest of the larger Visapur fort. The range divides the basins of the Indrayani and Pavana rivers. Lohagad overlooks the Pavana reservoir, located to the south of the mountain. The hill extends to the northwest to a fortified spur, called Vinchukata (Scorpion's tail) because of its resembling shape. The four large gates of Lohagad are still in good condition and reasonably intact.

During the monsoon, the top of the fort is covered with mist and clouds and becomes particularly wet with growing moss. The roads and trails leading to the hill are quite slippery at this time of the year and precautions are necessary to be taken while venturing the routes.

Accessibility

Lohagad fort can be accessed by various modes of travel. The nearest airport is the Pune International Airport. The proposed Navi Mumbai International Airport will serve as the nearest airport in the coming future.

The nearest train station is Malavli, which can be accessed by suburban trains between Lonavala and Pune. The nearest major train station is Lonavala, on the Mumbai-Pune railway line. Lohagad is connected by the Mumbai-Pune Highway and can also be accessed from Paud via Kolvan and Dudhiware Khind for all vehicles.

People can also hike all the way to the fort. Bhaja Caves is on the way to Lohagad if a small diversion is taken. This walk is a particular favorite of trekkers, especially in the monsoon season. It is a simple, very scenic and pleasant trek and the distance from Malavli and Lohagad can be covered in around two hours. The trekking route becomes slippery during the rainy season and is dangerous to hike to the fort during this time. A variety of birds and insects can also be spotted in these hills.

Kalsubai

Quick note

Kalsubai (1,646m) is the highest peak in Maharashtra. Invariably a fort well balanced atop this cliff calls for adventure and magnificent views. The trek takes just over 4 hours from the base village, with well-marked trails thanks to frequent trekkers and pilgrims visiting the small temple of Kalsubai.

The perfect climate to scale the peak is all through winters when the post monsoon weather carpets the ambience with wild flowers. It is safe to camp at the fort and a clear night sky makes for an exotic frame for avid photographers.

Geology

The mountain range was formed by the same historical events  that gave birth to the Western Ghats. Resting on the Deccan Plateau geologically identified as a large igneous province, it consists of solidified Flood basalt dating back to the Cenozoic era.

Geography and topography

The peak along with the adjoining hills spans along a downward-slanting east to west axis eventually merging with the formidable escarpment of the western ghats at almost right angles.Along its length they form a natural boundary demarcating the Igatpuri Taluka, Nashik district at its north from the Akole Taluka, Ahmednagar district at its south.The mountain itself lies on the Deccan Plateau with its base at an elevation of 587 meters (1926 feet) above mean sea level.[4] The mountain along with adjoining hills forms an enormous catchment area for the Arthur Lake which it overlooks.

Reaching Kalsubai

The mountain can be viewed, in its entirety, from Bari village located on its eastern side,about six km from Bhandardara. It can be reached by road, via Igatpuri on the Mumbai-Nasik route. Trains leaving from Mumbai provide an alternate mode of transport till Kasara railway station with connecting State transport buses, plying on the Akole-Kasara route, leading up to the base village. Private vehicles from Kasara provide yet another alternative to public transport.

Trekking

The peak attracts a large number of trekkers and devotees determined to scale the mountain.To reach the summit there are well designated trekking routes.The most popular route is through the eastern mountain face taking off from the base village Bari. The Waki river, a tributary of Pravara, takes origin on its eastern slope and flows as a stream through the outer fringes of Bari. A short distance away from the stream a Hanuman temple has been built. This provides an important landmark to commence the trek as well as a resting post for those nearing the final lap of their trek. The route from behind this temple takes the hiker straight to the summit. The trek along this route is a mix of easy to ascend slopes as well as treacherous rocky outcrops overlooking the valley below. Considering the increasing foot fall in recent years, the government has built iron ladders along the vertical hill slopes. These assist trekkers to allow for a convenient and safe ascent.

The route via Indore is relatively unexplored as not many people are aware of it. Unlike the regular route via Bari, which has fixed ladders, cemented steps and several people flocking during the monsoon, the route via Indore is raw with stone steps and a huge iron chain for support at the dangerous patches.

Kalsubai temple

The truncated summit provides a modest area of flat land which holds a sacred temple of a local deity. Local legend[6] says that kalsubai was a house maid residing in a nearby Indorey village. She is believed to have disappeared near the mountain while trying to escape her employer's relentless torment. This lends the mountain its current name as well as a reason for this temple to be built in her fond memory.

A traditional prayer service is held every Tuesday and Thursday by a priest. During the festival of Navratri a fair comes to be organized each year with many stalls being set up near the summit to provide pooja materials to the devotees. On these special occasions local villagers participate in this fair which helps to supplement their livelihood and as well as provides them an opportunity to revere the mountain.

Ecology

Kalsubai comes to be protected under the precincts of a sanctuary.It nurtures nature in the vast stretches of forests nestled along their slopes and valleys. Open high-altitude forests dominate the scene. In the post-monsoon period the region witnessnes a dramatic makeover with flowers of different colors and varieties blossoming along the landscape. This attracts hoard of butterflies,bees, dragons and other insects to feed upon the precious nectar.

During winter mornings, reptiles like lizards and snakes could be spotted sun-bathing near the ladders.kalsubai is one of the peace point in maharashtra.

Places of Interest

Bhandardara Dam, located 6 km away, impounds the Pravara river to form the Arthur Lake.
Arthur Lake: The clear and placid lake is bounded by thick canopied forests of the Sahyadri hills. The Lake gets its water from the Pravara River. It also attracts one's attention from the summit.

Umbrella falls are formed as water from the Arthur e is released periodically to drain downstream.

To the north of the mountain range forts such as Ramsej, Harihargad, Brahmagiri, Anjaneri, Ghargad, Bahula, Tringalwadi, Kavnai can be seen. To the east one can spot Aundha, Vishramgad, Bitangad, to the west Alang, Madangad, Kulang, Ratangad (south west) and to the south Pabhargad, Ghanchakkar, Harishchandragad can be seen.

Culture & News

Touted as the most unusual wedding, on 28 December 2014, in the presence of close family members, a couple tied knot at the temple situated on the summit.

Celebrations for India's 69th Independence Day took place at the summit where the Navy unfurled the largest flag of India measuring 60 feet in length and 40 feet in breadth.

Raigad fort

Quick note


Best known as Shivaji’s capital city, Raigad fortress is now an excellent trekking spot. Located 2,700ftabove sea in the Sahyadri Ranges, the trek to the fort ruins makes for an endearing experience.

A moderate climb especially for beginners, the trail is of interesting twists and intriguing turns. With a breath-taking view of the mountainous landscape, it is best covered during monsoons when the vistas exude the brilliance of nature. For those who wish not to explore the outdoors, there is a rope-way from the base to the top. The fort offers several sights to see and is ideal for a camp out as well.


More about


Raigad is a hill fort situated in the Mahad, Raigad district of Maharashtra, India. The Maratha king [Shivaji Maharaj] built this fort and made his capital in 1674 when he was crowned King of a Maratha Kingdom which later developed into the Maratha Empire eventually covering majority of modern-day India.[1][2]

The fort, which rises 820 metres (2,700 ft) above sea level, is located in the Sahyadri mountain range. There are approximately 1737 steps leading to the fort, though today Raigad Ropeway, an aerial tramway, exists to reach the top of the fort in 20 minutes. The fort was looted and destroyed by the British after its capture in 1818.


History


Shivaji had seized the fort in 1656, then the fort of Rairi, from the royal house of Chandrarrao Mores, a junior or Cadet dynasty to descended from the ancient Maurya imperial dynasty. The last More king (or raja) was a feudatory of the Sultan of Bijapur. Shivaji renovated and expanded the fort of Rairi and renamed it Raigad (the King's Fort). It became the capital of Shivaji's kingdom.

Pachad and Raigadwadi villages are located at the base of the Raigad. These two were very important villages during the Maratha rule. Actual climb on the top of Raigad starts from Pachad. In Maratha rule 10000 cavalry was always kept as a standby in Pachad village.

After capturing Rairi from Chandrarao More, Shivaji also built another fort Lingana which is around 2 miles away from Raigad. where he used to keep prisoners.

In 1689 Zulfikhar Khan captured Raigad and Aurangzeb renamed it as 'Islamgad'

In 1765 the Raigad Fort, along with Malwan in present Sindhudurg District, the southernmost district of Maharashtra, was the target of an armed expedition by the British East India Company, which considered it a piratical stronghold.[citation needed]

In 1818 the fort was bombarded and destroyed by using cannons from the hill of Kalkai. and as per treaty on 9 May 1818, it been handed over to British East India Company


Major features


The fort was built by Chandrarao More in 1030. Its ruins today consist of the queen's quarters: six chambers, with each chamber having its own private restroom. The main palace was constructed using wood, of which only the bases of pillars remain. Ruins of three watch towers can be seen directly in front of the palace grounds overlooking an artificial lake called Ganga Sagar Lake created next to the fort. It also has a view of the execution point called Takmak Tok, a cliff from which the sentenced prisoners were thrown to their death. The area is now fenced off.[3] The fort also has ruins of the market, and it has such structure that one can shop even while riding on a horse.

Maha Darwaja (literary Huge Door) having two very huge bastion on both sides of the door which are approximately 65–70 feet height. the top of the for is 600 ft higher from the location of this door. Fort was having only once access route which goes through this Maha Darwaja.

Khubladha Buruj, Nane Darwaja, Hatti Talav (Elephant Lake), Gangasagar are the famous attractions of the fort.

Tomb of Jijabai, Shivaji's mother. can be seen at base village Pachad

The fort has a famous wall called "Hirakani Buruj" (Hirkani Bastion) constructed over a huge cliff. Its story is that a woman by the name of Hirakani from a nearby village at the foothills of Raigad had come to sell milk to the people living in the fort. She was inside the fort when the gates were locked by sunset. The love for her infant son back at her village gave her the courage to climb down the cliff in the dark. She repeated the feat in front of King Shivaji, and was rewarded for it. In appreciation of her courage, Shivaji arranged for a wall built at this location. Even today[when?] we can see it standing.[citation needed]

The king's public court (Durbar) has a replica of the original throne that faces the main doorway called the Nagarkhana Darwaja. This enclosure had been acoustically designed to aid hearing from the doorway to the throne. A secondary entrance, called the Mena Darwaja, was supposedly the private entrance of the royal ladies of the fort; it leads to the queen's quarters. The erstwhile main entrance to the fort is the imposing Maha Darwaja. The convoy of the king and the king himself used the Palkhi Darwaja. To the right of Palkhi Darwaja, is a row of three dark and deep chambers. Historians believe that these were the granaries for the fort.

A statue of Shivaji is erected in front of the ruins of the main market avenue that eventually leads to the Jagdishwar Mandir and his own Samadhi (tomb) and that of his loyal dog Waghya. The statue was removed by alleged members of the Sambhaji Brigade[5] in July 2012 as a protest but was re-instated by Shri Shivaji Raigad Smarak Samiti, the Archaeological Survey of India, sculptor Rambhau Parkhi and the District Administration

Rajmachi

Quick note

A fort adjoining a historic trade route, Rajmachi (2,710ft) is one of the most exciting and enduring trekking trails around Pune. An 18km trail one way is nothing short of adventure with ancient Buddhist caves, waterfalls, lush greenery, temples, fort ruins that make this place a sought after trekking destination.

more about

Rajmachi (Udhewadi) is a small village in the rugged mountains of Sahyadri in India. The fortification at Rajmachi consists of two forts , namely Shrivardhan fort and Manaranjan Fort. Rajmachi Fort is a popular trekking destination. [1] It is a very famous fort located near two famous hills of Maharashtra, Lonavala and Khanadala.[2]

It is about 15 km treking distance from Lonavala.

Historically, Rajmachi fort was a strategic fort to control Borghat(ghat between Khopoli and Khandala on Mumbai-Pune route) which was a historical trade route. Rajmachi peak has two fortified structures - the Shrivardhan fort and Manaranjan fort. Rajmachi can be reached by 2 ways, the tough route is from Kondivade village near Karjat and it involves climb-up of about 2000 feet. The other route is from Lonavala, which is almost a plain walk of about 15 km. In rainy season this region all the more beautiful with silvery water falls, streams and lush green forests and meadows.

Overview

Rajmachi is also unique in the way that an NGO, Rajmachi Rural Aid and Development Program has done commendable work in Udhewadi village by providing the villagers with better education, medical aid, drinking water, houses and Economic Development through Eco-tourism.

As examples, in the recent times better sanitation facilities have been provided. Solar panels have also been installed. This has helped the villagers to power CFL bulbs during the evenings.



History

The fort played a strategic role in the First Anglo-Maratha War.



Rajmachi Fort has been declared as a protected monument.



Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation has started work to develop Rajmachi for tourism.

Bugyals

quick note

Bugyals are alpine pasture lands, or meadows, in higher elevation range between 3,300 metres (10,800 ft) and 4,000 metres (13,000 ft) of the Himalayas in the Indian state of Uttarakhand, where they are called "nature’s own gardens".

More about

Bugyals are alpine pasture lands, or meadows, in higher elevation range between 3,300 metres (10,800 ft) and 4,000 metres (13,000 ft) of the Himalayas in the Indian state of Uttarakhand, where they are called "nature’s own gardens".[1] The topography of the terrain is either flat or sloped. The surface of these bugyals is covered with natural green grass and seasonal flowers. They are used by tribal herdsmen to graze their cattle. During the winter season the alpine meadows remain snow-covered. During summer months, the Bugyals present a riot of beautiful flowers and grass. As bugyals constitute very fragile ecosystems, particular attention needs to be given for their conservation.

Some of the notable bugyals are: Auli near Joshimath, Garsi, Kwanri, Bedni, Panwali and Kush Kalyan, Dayara and Munsiyari.

Auli Bugyal

Auli Bugyal in Chamoli district,[3] a highland pasture in the Garhwal Himalaya[4] is known as the "Heaven Terrace".[5] It lies in an elevation range of 2,500–3,050 metres (8,200–10,010 ft) with ski slopes located at an elevation of 3,048 metres (10,000 ft). On either side of the bugyal there are coniferous, oak and deodhar forests which limits the wind velocity to acceptable 16 kilometres (9.9 mi) for skiing.[6] It is in the backdrop of Nanda Devi (7,817 metres (25,646 ft)), Kamet (7,756 metres (25,446 ft)), Mana Parvat (7,273 metres (23,862 ft)), Dunagiri mountain (7,066 metres (23,182 ft)), Hati Parvat (6,727 metres (22,070 ft)), Bethantoli (6,353 metres (20,843 ft)) and Ghora Parvat peaks of the Himalayas. The trek to Auli passes through lush vegetation of apple orchards and oak forest.[7][8] The ski slopes are said to better than those at Gulmarg. During the winter months (January to March) the slopes are covered with a mantle of snow which is spread over a width of 3 kilometres (1.9 mi),[9] and has a thickness 8–10 feet (2.4–3.0 m).[10] It is a skiing resort with modern skiing equipment.[11] It is the venue of skiing festivities and the annual national championship of skiing held during February and March. It is 13 kilometres (8.1 mi) away from Joshimath. A 500 metres (1,600 ft) ski-lift system exists here which is believed to be the longest cable car (3.9 kilometres (2.4 mi)) from Joshimath to the top most station at Gorson. It is the only location where artificial snow making system is provided to ensure that snow is present on the slopes for skiing. There are also two snow beaters which are used to make the snow slopes fit for skiing.[6] As it is a winter sports centre and Vayudoot two airports have been planned in the region.[4] R. V. Vernede, the British Deputy High Commissioner of the district during the British Raj had built a hut known as “Vernede” here at an elevation of 11,000 feet (3,400 m).[3] It is under the control of the Garhwal Vikas Manadl, which also provides for all skiing gear at site.[9]

Auli Bugyal is a very large alpine meadow which has expanse of grass land that covers several hundred acres of land, towards the sides of a wide ridge; Bedni Bugyal lies beyond this ridge. The meadows have vegetation of anemones, Potentilla, lousewort, wild Salvia and thistles. Grazing by cattle and sheep is extensive. There are many trails that pass through the meadows.

Bedni bugyal

Meadows of the Bedni Bugyal in Chamoil district,[13] are at an elevation of 3,350 metres (10,990 ft).[14] Alpine camps are established here for the pilgrims to visit the Rup Kund ('Kund' meaning "lake"), which is covered with snow for 10 months in a year.[15] From this camp to its west, views of the Himalayan peaks of the Gangotri, the Trishul and the Nanda Ghunti provide a scenic backdrop. This budyal also has a small lake called Bedini Kund.[15][16] It is an artificial lake built with a concrete dyke by reclaiming a marshy wetland. There are two shrines here, one a small temple of Nanda Devi and the other a shrine for Latu. The temple is built with stones without using any mortar but moss growth is seen in the crevices. The Nanda Devi temple has two small carved stone images of the goddess and a pure white conch shell.[17] Bedni and Rup Kund are approached from Karnaprayag.[13] Medicinal herbs are found here.

Tungnath Bugyal

Tunganath Bugyal is at an elevation of 3,400 metres (11,200 ft) and consists of moss cover over soil mantle on rock surface.

Dayara Bugyal

Dayara Bugyal, in Uttarkashi district, meaning "high altitude meadow" is at an elevation of 3,408 metres (11,181 ft). The beautiful meadows are developed into ski slopes covering an area of 28 square kilometres (11 sq mi).[20] It has also been planned as a skiing resort.[11] It is approached from Uttarkashi, up to village Basru by road and further 6 kilometres (3.7 mi) by trekking.

Other bugyals

On the Gangorti-Kedarnath trekking route the notable bugyals are Panwali (3,963 metres (13,002 ft)) and Kush-Kalyani.[21] Gorson Bugyal (11,500 feet (3,500 m)) is near Joshimath.[22] In the alpine meadows of Uttaranchal other bugyals are Rajrambha, Marjhali, Rajthor, Darmithor, Bishanthor, Galpari, Sankalpa, Yangchari, and Shibu Gwar.[23]jerai bugyal in almora district.

Lonar

Lonar is a meteorite crater created in an impact about 50,000 years before present. It contains and is known for the salt water crater lake 1.8 km in diameter. The nearby town of Lonar gets its name from this lake. This is a municipal council in Buldhana district of the division of Buldhana of the region of Vidarbha in the Indian state of Maharashtra. The lake is almost perfectly circular. The depth is almost 200 feet. It is a taluka of the district of Buldhana and is located near Mehkar. It is known for Lonar crater and Lonar Lake, which is located at 19°58′N 76°30′E. There is a 12-inch fresh water stream that provides water into the lake. Due to evaporite effects, the lake is mineral rich and salty.

Lonar is situated around 360 km from Nagpur, around 100 km from Buldhana, around 100 km from Akola, 550 km from Mumbai, around 160 km from Aurangabad and around 140 km southeast of the Ajanta Caves, about 4½ hours drive via Buldhana.

Geography


Lonar is located at 19°59′06″N 76°31′23″E.It has an average elevation of 563 metres (1847 feet). Lonar Lake is a saltwater lake at Lonar in Buldana district, Maharashtra, India, which was created by a meteor hitting the Earth during the Pleistocene Epoch.


demographics

As of 2001 India census, Lonar had a population of 20,082. Males constitute 52% of the population and females 48%. Lonar has an average literacy rate of 66%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 74%, and female literacy is 58%. In Lonar, 16% of the population is under 6 years of age.

Temples

Lonar is not just the lake created by Meteor, the ancient Rishis understood its importance & built innumerable temples around the lake & also around the Rim of the Crater.

Flora and fauna

Lonar has its own ecological system. As sun sets, the entire lake appears differently. The lake water sweeps across the shore like sea water, the birds, wolves, peacock & other creatures start making their presence felt. Its a wonderful scene to watch the Sun rising Or setting below lake walls. The lake has remarkable presence of splinters of glass confirming the impact which caused the enormous temperature rise thereby turning the sand into glass.

Tourism

The nearest train station is Shegaon, Buldana near Khamgaon. Malkapur near Bhusawal railway-junction, on the Mumbai - Bhusawal - Nagpur route of Central Railway of Indian Rail and is around 100 km from Lonar. Buses also run to Lonar from Nagpur, Akola, Buldhana, Malkapur and Jalna. If travelling from Nagpur, take a bus till Mehkar near Washim & then head to Lonar, from Mumbai or Pune, the most convenient route is to first reach Aurangabad via bus (Mumbai and Pune) or train/flight (from Mumbai only) and then take a state transport bus to Lonar. From Pune, air-conditioned and regular buses run every hour from the Shivajinagar bus stand to Aurangabad.

Maharashtra Tourism runs a resort just 50 meters from the lake. This property is modern, well maintained and cheap. There also are several low cost and simple accommodations called lodges available in the town.

The food available in Lonar has influence from both, Khandesh and Marathwada cuisines. It is unique, simple, but spicy.

Lonar Lake

A hot bed for scientists and explorers, Lonar is a tiny town located in Maharashtra that is home to the only meteorite crater in India. The town is nestled next to the Lonar Lake, the crater that was formed by a falling meteorite some 52000 years back and is a picturesque place that must be visited by a traveler, especially women as the place is very safe for a lone woman. The lake is the only one of a kind to have basaltic rock in its waters. Many researchers from The Geological Society of India visit this spot for conducting extensive studies. It is also a hub for causal tourists that come here to picnic as well as watching wildlife like fowls, gazelles, lapwings, moor hens and magpies. The crater offers a nesting ground for many migratory birds as well which makes it a paradise for bird watchers. There are quite a few temples around that can also be visited. Lonar is a charming hamlet and will make your trip a memorable one!

Gandikota ;Andhra Pradesh

Quick note

Gandikota is a small village on the right bank of the river Pennar, 15 km from Jammalamadugu in Kadapa district, Andhra Pradesh, India.

"The Grand Canyon of India". The word ‘gandi’ in Telugu means ‘gorge’, and the village was named Gandikota after the cavernous gorges which bequeath upon the valley a quiescent beauty, with the wild forests, billions of years old massive sarsens of red granite and the edge cutting Pennar river- all of them protectors of the history and heritage of this abyss to complement its exquisiteness.

The Telugu poet Vemana is believed to have lived in Gandikota for some time. Even though the monuments of the village are in a state of ruins, their elegance and beauty has survived. The Archaeological Survey of India is planning to take up the restoration of Gandikota and efforts are being made to give it a world heritage site status.

History

Gandikota Kings Gandikota is a small village on the right bank of the river Pennar, 15 km from Jammalamadugu in Kadapa district, Andhra Pradesh.

Gandikota was founded in 1123 by Kapa Raja of nearby Bommanapalle village and a subordinate of Ahavamalla Someswara I, the Western Chalukyan king of Kalyana. The town played a significant role during the Kakatiya, Vijayanagara and Qutub Shahi periods. The fort was made more impregnable by Pemmasani Thimma Nayudu. The fort was under the control of Pemmasani Nayaks for over 300 years.

The fort of Gandikota acquired its name due to the 'gorge' (in Telugu it is called 'gandi'), formed between the Erramala range of hills, also known as Gandikota hills and the river Pennar that flows at its foot, reducing its width to a mere 300 ft (see the river image below). Situated amidst beautiful landscape and wild forests, it is endowed with vast natural resources.

Surrounded by a deep valley and impassable hills & with massive boulders of red granite and the river Pennar that flows about 300 ft. below on the west and northern sides, its location affords strong natural defence to the occupants of the Fort. The exploits of Pemmasani Nayaks, Gothram : Musunulla, Rulers of Gandikota and Commanders in Vijayanagar army to protect the honour of Telugu land are well known.

Vemana, the famous Telugu poet, native of Kadapa district and believed to have lived in Gandikota area for a short period.

Efforts are being put to give Gandikota a world heritage status.

Gandikota was one of the greatest forts of south India in its heydays and so were the kings who ruled the region. Years after its formation, Gandikota fort was ruled by the Mikkilineni dynasty of Bharadwaja gotra who belonged to a clan of Kamma lords. Kammas were kings belonging to the Solar, lunar and Haihaya clans of Kshatriyas and were said to be ferocious in nature. The kings of Gandikota were equally famous and said to be so powerful, that they could severe the heads of a horseman and the horse with a single stroke of the sword. The location of the fort and the security it offered attracted most of the enemy kings for conquering.

History of later Gandikota Kings: In the year 1350 A.D. the Mikkilineni King Rama Naidu, who did not have sons, got his only daughter married to Pemmasani Kumara Thimma Naidu. Pemmasani Kumara Thimma Naidu was the son of Rama Naidu's brother-in-law and was the king of Bellamkonda in Guntur District. Rama Naidu then made Pemmasani Kumara Thimma Naidu as the ruler of Gandikota. Since then Gandikota was ruled by the Pemmasani rulers.

Gandikota now came into the hands of the Pemmasani rulers from the ancient Mikkilineni royal family. Raja Pemmasani Kumara Thimma Naidu was the first king of Pemmasani clan and during his period, few developmental activities took place. The original fort was strengthened and the new forts at Jammala Madugu, Vajrakarur, Kamalapuram, Tadipatri etc were also built. The forts built by Pemmasani Kumara Thimma Naidu were more lavish and striking that he was said to be contemporary form of the Vijayanagar king Bukkaraya. (I.e. around 1350 A.D.). Another member from the Naidu family, Dharma Naidu was the General of Proudha Deva Raya (or Devaraya II), the son of Vijaya Bukkaraya. Another Thimma Naidu defeated the Bahamani sultan Ahmed Shah in the battle of Kalubarige in 1420 A.D. There was yet another Thimma Naidu, during the times of Sri Krishna Deva Raya, who was a great warrior. He was well-versed in capturing the forts of Udayagiri, Addanki, Kondapalli, Rajahmundry and Cuttak.

Pemmasani Ramalinga Naidu who was appointed by Krishna Deva Raya as the supreme commander of the Vijayanagar army was the hero of the famous 'Battle of Raichur'. During this battle Ramalinga Naidu almost massacred the armies of Bahmani Sultans were had to retire from the battle. Ramalinga Naidu was said to be a very good-looking person and many poets of his era wrote poems in praise of him. Ramalinga Naidu was the man behind the construction of the famous Ramalingeswara temple in Tadipatri.

Next Naidu in the line was Bangaru Thimma Naidu who gave shelter to Aliya Rama Raya, the son-in-law of Krishna Deva Raya. Salakam Thimmayya dethroned Aliya Rama Raya and declared himself as the king with the help of the sultans. Bangaru Thimma Naidu defeated the combined armies of the Bahamanis and Salakam Thimmayya. Bangaru Thimma Naidu made Aliya Rama Raya as the king and gave him back the Vijayanagar throne. Thus, another valorous hero of Naidu clan became a folk hero and was entitled as 'Bangaru Thimma Raju'.

After the fall of Vijayanagar Empire, the capital was shifted to Penukonda and Chandragiri was made the second capital. This second capital was constructed by Sri Ranga Raya with the support and guidance of Raja Bojja Thimma Naidu.

Eventually, Raja Pemmasani Chinna Thimma Naidu was the last king of Gandikota. He was, entitled as "Vetaru Tuniyala Meti Vaziru" in which "Vetu" means the stroke of the sword, "Aru tuniyalu" is six pieces. It is said that Chinna Thimma Naidu was so powerful that in the battle he could cut off a horseman's head along with that of the horse with a single stroke of his sword, hence the title. After being ruled gloriously for centuries and despite holding on valiantly for many months, the fort went into the hands of Muslim Turkic invaders from Golconda in the 17th century. The Golconda armies attacked Gandikota around 1650 A.D., under the command of Mir Jumla. Mir Jumla failed to take the fort even after months of seize. Finally, with the advice of Podili Linganna, a Brahmin minister of Naidu's kingdom, Mir Jumla got Thimma Naidu poisoned and killed him.

Years later, somewhere in 18th century, the Marathas became the prime power in India, including the deccan region of Rayalaseema and Telangana. This made the people create stories like "Bala Nagamma Katha" that relieved them to a certain extent. The story was about Bala Nagamma, the princess of Gandikota who married the prince of Panagallu in Nalgonda. Bala Nagamma being kidnapped by a wicked Maratha 'mantrik', the hardships she suffered in his hands for many years, and finally a happy ending to the story by the Maratha getting killed by Bala Nagamma's son, was the content of the story.

This brought an end to one of the greatest episodes of Andhra history. But the legend of Gandikota and its valiant kings lived and breathed in the memories and tales of the people for many generations.

A century later, this fort was conquered by Hyder Ali of Mysore and eventually went into the hands of the British.

Major places to visit

Madhavaraya Temple

Jama Masjid

Granary

Ranganatha Swamy Temple

Gandikota Fort View Point

Fort Entrance

Gandikota Gorge View Point

Jail

Rayala Cheruvu