What is a Canyon?
A canyon is a deep, narrow valley with steep sides, usually formed by a river cutting through the land over a long period of time. The Grand Canyon in the USA is a famous example.
Gandikota Canyon:
Gandikota is a village in the YSR (former Kadapa) district of Andhra Pradesh. In Telugu, Gandi means George or Canyon, and Kota means Fort (because of the presence of a fort here).
Formation:
It is said that this canyon might have formed 50,000 to 1 lakh years ago by the river Penna flowing through it. The river carved these granite rocks of the Erramala Hills and formed a beautiful 300-foot-deep valley.
Historical Significance:
Gandikota’s name frequently appears in historical accounts of ancient conflicts in the area. There are two temples, a masjid, and a 12th-century fort known as Gandikota Fort, constructed with red sandstone. The fort had a strategic position surrounded by water, a valley, and forests. This strategic location made it a vital point of control for various rulers over the centuries. 
Temple near Canyon
Adventure activities and accommodation:
Gandikota is also a popular spot for adventure activities like zipline, boating, trekking, river crossing, Rappelling, Kayaking and camping. AC and non-AC tents are also available at the camping site. Various resorts and hotels are also available.
Places to explore Nearby
You can visit the Belum Caves in the Kurnool district, located at a distance of approx. 50kilometers from Gandikota. These 150-foot-deep caves are the second-largest in India, formed millions of years ago by water cutting through black limestone. The caves are famous for their amazing stalagmite and stalactite formations.
How to reach:
Nearest railway station: Yerraguntla
Yerraguntla to Gandikota: 47 km (approx. 60 min)
By Road:
You can come till Kadapa (reachable from Tirupati). From there, you can take a private taxi.
Kadapa to Gandikota: 85 km (90 min)
Jammalamadugu to Gandikota: 16 km (20 min)
Tent Booking- https://gandikotacamping.co.in/
