Gandikota Festival

The State of Andhra Pradesh is famous for its rich cultural ethos and historic heritage in global platform. Several dynasties starting from ancient era's Satavahan to modern era's Vijayanagara Empire and Qutubsahi Nawab; ruled over Andhra Pradesh and made spectacular contributions in the field of art, culture, architecture, music etc., remain fresh in the minds of the locals. In view of this importance, the State Government in association with the State Tourism Department initiated a Gandikota Festival every year. The “Gandikota Festival” is designed to describe the royal glory of Gandikota and its heritage ideals. Every year the festival is executed at Gandikota Fort in YSR District of Andhra Pradesh. The main aim of this festival is to create an awareness on the historical artifacts of Gandikota, its rich culture and heritage. The festival is organised every year to attract maximum tourists from across India and also internationally to create awareness and promote local art & culture of YSR District. The concept of this Fort Festival has been gaining significance over the last few years and has drawn in its fair share of curiosity from tourists. About Gandikota: Gandikota is believed to be more than 1000 years old. The 300-feet-deep canyon in Gandikota is a site of striking grandeur, scenic nature, immense serenity, remarkable heritage, and thrilling adventure. Visitors can enjoy a myriad of experiences and activities, witness a soothing sunrise, explore the magnificent 13th-century Gandikota Fort (an intricately carved citadel made up of red sandstone and embellished with 101 bastions), study the architecture of the nearby Ranganathaswamy and Madhavaraya Temples, or hike to the top of the gorge for spectacular views of the Pennar river that flows through the verdant valley. Other places worth visiting in the area include the Jama Masjid (next to the Ranganatha Temple), a prison, a granary and a pigeon tower—all adding to the diversity of the canyon. The place, with huge fort, stunning gorge, lakes, temples, beautiful landscape and wild forests, is endowed with vast natural resources, and is a sight to behold.