Gandikota: The Grand Canyon of India Rises

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has launched a comprehensive master plan to transform Gandikota in Kadapa district into a world-class tourism destination, drawing comparisons to the Grand Canyon and highlighting the region’s Kakatiya and Vijayanagara-era heritage.

Speaking at the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Investors Meet, the Chief Minister laid the foundation for a Rs 78-crore tourism development project under the SASCI scheme, aimed at positioning Gandikota as a marquee tourism hub. The event also saw the signing of investment agreements worth Rs 500 crore with companies including EaseMyTrip and Hilton Hotels, covering infrastructure for hotels, adventure sports, kayaking, jet skiing, and high ropes activities across key destinations such as Gandikota, Srisailam, Mantralayam, and Tirupati.

A key highlight will be the Gandikota Utsavalu, scheduled for December 26–27, featuring:

Eco-friendly attractions including viewpoints, a tent city, and enhanced fort lighting

A ropeway, glass-bottom walkway, and immersive light-and-sound shows

Boating and heli-rides, launching from September

Caravan tourism linking Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Chennai

The Chief Minister also announced an ambitious plan to develop 50,000 hotel rooms, including premium accommodations in Gandikota, and laid foundation stones for new tourism projects at Borra Caves, Ahobilam, and Nagarjunasagar, reinforcing his government’s commitment to making Andhra Pradesh a leading tourism destination in India.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.