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Gandikota Canyon: Andhra Pradesh’s Grand Canyon of India

30 December 20251 min read
NATIONAL AFFAIRSGandikotaCanyon: AndhraPradesh’s GrandCanyon of India30 December 2025safalsetu.com

Why in the news

Gandikota Canyon drew fresh attention as a striking but under-developed natural and heritage site, while the state looks at ways to improve tourism infrastructure there.

Key facts

  • A dramatic river gorge cut by the Penna (Pennar) River, known for steep cliffs and striking rock formations.
  • Nickname: the “Grand Canyon of India”.
  • Setting: the Erramala Hills, on the banks of the Penna.

Location

PointDetail
District and stateKadapa, Andhra Pradesh
From Kadapa townAbout 77 km
From Bengaluru, Hyderabad, ChennaiRoughly 300-380 km

Exam angle

  • River: Penna (Pennar); hills: Erramala; state: Andhra Pradesh.

Test yourself

1. Gandikota Canyon was carved by which river?

The notes say the Penna (Pennar) River carved the gorge.

2. In which Andhra Pradesh district is Gandikota Canyon located?

It lies in Kadapa district.

3. Gandikota Canyon is situated within which hills?

The notes place it within the Erramala Hills.