Day 1 # Gandikota, Belum Caves, Arundhathi Fort and Yaganti
Dated : 18th April, 2019
Crew : Madhu and Myself
Since the TN elections and Good Friday falling sequentially on this week, we have 4 days of free time to plan for the trip. Even though,we have planned little bit prior, we didn't end up with the possible plan, as there is no direct transportation to few places(Srisailam).
Since there are no direct trains to Srisailam, we started the trip from nearest destination, we booked a bus ticket to the Jammalamadugu, which is the nearest station to our first destination, Gandikota)
We have started from office little early to catch the bus at Madhavaram Bus Stand(Bus is at 7 PM). We followed the safe route without struck up in the traffic thinking there will be huge traffic. We reached Thiruvanmiyur Station and reached Perambur(There is direct train at 5:03PM) and then took auto(charges - 15), from there in the same auto he dropped at Madhavaram Local Bus stand(which is the incorrect destination). Be clear with the auto driver on the Madhavaram Bus Stand. Finally we reached the bus stand 5 min prior to our bus time. Have your dinner before boarding the bus, as the cost of the tiffin where bus stops at rest point at the Chennai outskirts, is costly.
We reached Jammalamadugu Bus stand by 5 AM early morning. There was a sulabh complex, near the bus stand and completed our mundane's. The first bus to the Gandikota starts at 5:30 AM. It is an one hour drive. And the fort is open all the time.If you have own vehicle, you can reach at any time.
Sthalapuranam(Source : Wiki):
Gandikota is a village on the right bank of the river penna, 15km from jammalamudugu in kadapa district, Andhra Pradesh ,India Gandikota area was first identified and made Sand fort in 1123 by Kapa Raja of nearby Bommanapalle village and a subordinate of Ahavamalla Someswara I, the Western Chalukyan king of Kalyana.
The village transformed into major fort after the emergence of the Kamma kings.
Recently, Obul Reddy, a Mydukur-based historian, discovered a copper plate inscription on the history of Gandikonda Fort. The inscription dates back to 16th century.
Vemana, the Telugu poet, native of Kadapa district and believed to have lived in Gandikota area for a short period.
Efforts are being put forth to give Gandikota a world heritage status.
There are 5 places nearby(walkable) which can be covered along with the Gandikota.
We have completed all the places in 1.5 hours and got ready in the nearby running water. There was a return bus at 10 AM. Luckily, some one have dropped us in the Jammalamadugu Bus Stand.
From Jammamadugu bus stand, we reached kolimigundla(bus fare - 30)(around 40 km), and then to Belum Caves(5 km). All the buses from Tadipatri, will touch kolimigundla depo and reach belum caves. It will take 2 hours to reach belum caves from Jammalamadugu.
Kolimigundla is a small village, and cost of living is very low. We drank buttermilk at the near bus stand and gave 20 rupees and he return 10 rupees back.
Sthalapuranam(Source : Wiki):
This cave system was formed over the course of tens of thousands of years by the constant flow of underground water. The cave system reaches its deepest point ( 46 m (151 ft) from entrance level) at the point known as Pataalaganga.In Telugu language, it is called Belum Guhalu. Belum Caves have a length of 3,229 m (10,593.8 ft), making them the second largest caves on the Indian Subcontinent after the Krem Liat Prah caves in Meghalaya. It is one of the centrally protected Monuments of National Importance.
Belum came to scientific attention in 1884 by a British surveyor, Robert Bruce Foote and from 1982 to 1984, a team of German speleologists headed by H. Daniel Gebauer conducted a detailed exploration of the caves. Thereafter in 1988, the state government declared the site protected, and Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC) developed the caves as a tourist attraction in February 2002. Today, 3.5 km (2.2 mi) of the caves have been successfully explored, though only 1.5 km (0.9 mi) is accessible to visitors. There are 16 different pathways, including the main entrance and there are deposits of quartz in the caves. The caves consist of black limestone.
It took 1.5 hours to complete, visiting the caves. In the nearby restaurant(Haritha), special rice available. We complete the lunch there and started to the Arundathi Fort, Banaganapalle.
From Belum Caves, we took the express bus to banaganapalle(all the nandyala buses, will go via banaganapalle)(Bus Fare - 40).
It is better to take an auto from banaganapalle to Arundhathi Fort & Yaganti for Up and Down for 150 rupees. We did a break journey and couldn't find proper transportation. The auto's are not interested to take 2-3 people and charging heavily. If you are go in group for upto 5-6 members, take an auto.
Sthalapuranam(Source : Wiki):
Sthalapuranam(Source : Wiki):
This temple was constructed by King Harihara Bukka Raya of the Sangama Dynasty of the Vijayanagara Empire in the 15th century. It was built according to Vaishnavaite traditions.
One story of the site's origin is as follows: The sage Agastya wanted to build a temple for Lord Venkateswara on this site. However, the statue that was made could not be installed as the toe nail of the idol got broken. The sage was upset over this and performed a penance for Shiva. When Shiva appeared, he said the place suits Shiva better as it resembles Kailash. Agastya then requested Shiva to give the devotees a Parvathi Goddess as Lord Uma Maheswara in a single stone, which Shiva obliged.
A second story is as follows: Chitteppa, a devotee of Shiva, was worshiping Shiva and Shiva appeared to him as a tiger. Chitteppa understood that it was Lord Shiva in tiger form, and shouted Neganti Shivanu ne kanti (meaning: I saw Shiva I saw), and danced with joy. There is a cave called Chitteppa nearby. Sri Yaganti Uma Maheswara Temple is one of the few temples patronized by one of the great dynasties of India. Every year Maha Shivaratri is celebrated and a large number of devotees from all over Andhra Pradesh visit. Shiva, Parvati and Nandi are the main deities in this temple.This temple is 14 km away from Banaganipalli in kurnool dt. The saint lord Veerabrahmendra swami stayed here for some time and wrote Kalagnanam.
More details : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yaganti_temple
We are thinking whether to stay in the Yaganti or should go to the Nandyal. Finally we decided to go to Nandyal as there is no proper transportation from Yaganti.
It was 1.5 hours journey from banaganapalle and there are so many muslim brothers running shops, hotels in Nandyal and they helped to guide the nava nandhi's too. That is India.
We checked in a hotel nearby Nandyal bus-stand. The cost of 2 bed's for 600. We bargained him for 500 for the night stay.
Crew : Madhu and Myself
Since the TN elections and Good Friday falling sequentially on this week, we have 4 days of free time to plan for the trip. Even though,we have planned little bit prior, we didn't end up with the possible plan, as there is no direct transportation to few places(Srisailam).
Since there are no direct trains to Srisailam, we started the trip from nearest destination, we booked a bus ticket to the Jammalamadugu, which is the nearest station to our first destination, Gandikota)
We have started from office little early to catch the bus at Madhavaram Bus Stand(Bus is at 7 PM). We followed the safe route without struck up in the traffic thinking there will be huge traffic. We reached Thiruvanmiyur Station and reached Perambur(There is direct train at 5:03PM) and then took auto(charges - 15), from there in the same auto he dropped at Madhavaram Local Bus stand(which is the incorrect destination). Be clear with the auto driver on the Madhavaram Bus Stand. Finally we reached the bus stand 5 min prior to our bus time. Have your dinner before boarding the bus, as the cost of the tiffin where bus stops at rest point at the Chennai outskirts, is costly.
We reached Jammalamadugu Bus stand by 5 AM early morning. There was a sulabh complex, near the bus stand and completed our mundane's. The first bus to the Gandikota starts at 5:30 AM. It is an one hour drive. And the fort is open all the time.If you have own vehicle, you can reach at any time.
Gandikota:
Timings: 6.00 AM – 8.00 PM
Ticket Fare: Free
How to Reach: First bus starts from Jammalamadugu at 5:30 AM(bus fare - 15). Return bus at 10.00 AM
Best time to Visit: Sun rise and Sun set
Duration: 1-2 hours
Highlights: Grand Canyon of India.
Near By attractions: Rayulu Cheruvu, Jamma Masjid, Madhavaraya Temple, Charminar(replica).
Timings: 6.00 AM – 8.00 PM
Ticket Fare: Free
How to Reach: First bus starts from Jammalamadugu at 5:30 AM(bus fare - 15). Return bus at 10.00 AM
Best time to Visit: Sun rise and Sun set
Duration: 1-2 hours
Highlights: Grand Canyon of India.
Near By attractions: Rayulu Cheruvu, Jamma Masjid, Madhavaraya Temple, Charminar(replica).
Sthalapuranam(Source : Wiki):
Gandikota is a village on the right bank of the river penna, 15km from jammalamudugu in kadapa district, Andhra Pradesh ,India Gandikota area was first identified and made Sand fort in 1123 by Kapa Raja of nearby Bommanapalle village and a subordinate of Ahavamalla Someswara I, the Western Chalukyan king of Kalyana.
The village transformed into major fort after the emergence of the Kamma kings.
Recently, Obul Reddy, a Mydukur-based historian, discovered a copper plate inscription on the history of Gandikonda Fort. The inscription dates back to 16th century.
Vemana, the Telugu poet, native of Kadapa district and believed to have lived in Gandikota area for a short period.
Efforts are being put forth to give Gandikota a world heritage status.
We have completed all the places in 1.5 hours and got ready in the nearby running water. There was a return bus at 10 AM. Luckily, some one have dropped us in the Jammalamadugu Bus Stand.
From Jammamadugu bus stand, we reached kolimigundla(bus fare - 30)(around 40 km), and then to Belum Caves(5 km). All the buses from Tadipatri, will touch kolimigundla depo and reach belum caves. It will take 2 hours to reach belum caves from Jammalamadugu.
Kolimigundla is a small village, and cost of living is very low. We drank buttermilk at the near bus stand and gave 20 rupees and he return 10 rupees back.
Belum Caves:
Timings: 10.00 AM – 5.30 PM
Ticket Fare: Adults - 65, Children - 45
How to Reach: Buses from Jammalamadugu & Tadipatri are available.
Best time to Visit: Noon time as it will be cool compared to outside.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Highlights: Second Largest caves in India
Near By attractions: Owk Reservoir
Timings: 10.00 AM – 5.30 PM
Ticket Fare: Adults - 65, Children - 45
How to Reach: Buses from Jammalamadugu & Tadipatri are available.
Best time to Visit: Noon time as it will be cool compared to outside.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Highlights: Second Largest caves in India
Near By attractions: Owk Reservoir
Sthalapuranam(Source : Wiki):
This cave system was formed over the course of tens of thousands of years by the constant flow of underground water. The cave system reaches its deepest point ( 46 m (151 ft) from entrance level) at the point known as Pataalaganga.In Telugu language, it is called Belum Guhalu. Belum Caves have a length of 3,229 m (10,593.8 ft), making them the second largest caves on the Indian Subcontinent after the Krem Liat Prah caves in Meghalaya. It is one of the centrally protected Monuments of National Importance.
Belum came to scientific attention in 1884 by a British surveyor, Robert Bruce Foote and from 1982 to 1984, a team of German speleologists headed by H. Daniel Gebauer conducted a detailed exploration of the caves. Thereafter in 1988, the state government declared the site protected, and Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC) developed the caves as a tourist attraction in February 2002. Today, 3.5 km (2.2 mi) of the caves have been successfully explored, though only 1.5 km (0.9 mi) is accessible to visitors. There are 16 different pathways, including the main entrance and there are deposits of quartz in the caves. The caves consist of black limestone.
It took 1.5 hours to complete, visiting the caves. In the nearby restaurant(Haritha), special rice available. We complete the lunch there and started to the Arundathi Fort, Banaganapalle.
From Belum Caves, we took the express bus to banaganapalle(all the nandyala buses, will go via banaganapalle)(Bus Fare - 40).
It is better to take an auto from banaganapalle to Arundhathi Fort & Yaganti for Up and Down for 150 rupees. We did a break journey and couldn't find proper transportation. The auto's are not interested to take 2-3 people and charging heavily. If you are go in group for upto 5-6 members, take an auto.
Arundhathi Fort, Banaganapalle:
Timings: 10.00 AM – 5.30 PM
Ticket Fare: 20 rupees
How to Reach: Buses from Banganapalle are available.
Best time to Visit: Anytime
Duration: 1-2 hours
Highlights: Some parts of the telugu movie "Arundathi" has shooted here.
Near By attractions: Yaganti, Sri Veerabrahmendra Swamy kalagnanam place
Timings: 10.00 AM – 5.30 PM
Ticket Fare: 20 rupees
How to Reach: Buses from Banganapalle are available.
Best time to Visit: Anytime
Duration: 1-2 hours
Highlights: Some parts of the telugu movie "Arundathi" has shooted here.
Near By attractions: Yaganti, Sri Veerabrahmendra Swamy kalagnanam place
Sthalapuranam(Source : Wiki):
Yaganti:
Timings: 7.00 AM – 8.00 PM
Ticket Fare: 5 rupees
How to Reach: Buses from Banganapalle are available.
Best time to Visit: Anytime
Duration: 1 hour
Highlights: The Nandhi here has been enlarging by 1 inch for 20 years.
Near By attractions: Arundhathi Fort, Sri Veerabrahmendra Swamy kalagnanam place
Timings: 7.00 AM – 8.00 PM
Ticket Fare: 5 rupees
How to Reach: Buses from Banganapalle are available.
Best time to Visit: Anytime
Duration: 1 hour
Highlights: The Nandhi here has been enlarging by 1 inch for 20 years.
Near By attractions: Arundhathi Fort, Sri Veerabrahmendra Swamy kalagnanam place
Sthalapuranam(Source : Wiki):
This temple was constructed by King Harihara Bukka Raya of the Sangama Dynasty of the Vijayanagara Empire in the 15th century. It was built according to Vaishnavaite traditions.
One story of the site's origin is as follows: The sage Agastya wanted to build a temple for Lord Venkateswara on this site. However, the statue that was made could not be installed as the toe nail of the idol got broken. The sage was upset over this and performed a penance for Shiva. When Shiva appeared, he said the place suits Shiva better as it resembles Kailash. Agastya then requested Shiva to give the devotees a Parvathi Goddess as Lord Uma Maheswara in a single stone, which Shiva obliged.
A second story is as follows: Chitteppa, a devotee of Shiva, was worshiping Shiva and Shiva appeared to him as a tiger. Chitteppa understood that it was Lord Shiva in tiger form, and shouted Neganti Shivanu ne kanti (meaning: I saw Shiva I saw), and danced with joy. There is a cave called Chitteppa nearby. Sri Yaganti Uma Maheswara Temple is one of the few temples patronized by one of the great dynasties of India. Every year Maha Shivaratri is celebrated and a large number of devotees from all over Andhra Pradesh visit. Shiva, Parvati and Nandi are the main deities in this temple.This temple is 14 km away from Banaganipalli in kurnool dt. The saint lord Veerabrahmendra swami stayed here for some time and wrote Kalagnanam.
More details : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yaganti_temple
We are thinking whether to stay in the Yaganti or should go to the Nandyal. Finally we decided to go to Nandyal as there is no proper transportation from Yaganti.
It was 1.5 hours journey from banaganapalle and there are so many muslim brothers running shops, hotels in Nandyal and they helped to guide the nava nandhi's too. That is India.
We checked in a hotel nearby Nandyal bus-stand. The cost of 2 bed's for 600. We bargained him for 500 for the night stay.
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