India: discovering the cliffs of Gandikota, the other Grand Canyon

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The 20 Hours sets out to discover the very impressive Indian Grand Canyon: Gandikotain the south of the country. Its red cliffs are just as dizzying as those of the American Grand Canyon.

Carved throughout the ages, dug by the waters and the wind, the cliffs of Gandikota (state Andhra Pradesh, India) offer a dizzying backdrop. They are compared across the country to the American Grand Canyon. “I live in California, so I’ve been to the Grand Canyon before and I can tell you the two look really alike”observes a woman. At the foot of the cliffs, 250 m below, the river dug its bed more than 50,000 years ago.

The surrounding wall runs for 8 km along the precipice. Built at 11ᵉ century, the citadel has seen three successive dynasties of sovereigns. The site fascinates Boya RamuduTouristic guide. “This enclosure wall was built to protect the king. The people inside had time to prepare their defense”, he explains. Thanks to its defensive wall, the fortress has never been invaded. At 15ᵉ century, a Hindu temple, carved by hand, was erected with stones extracted from the Canyon. He is dhas become the favorite site for camping enthusiasts with nearly 2,000 campers every weekend.


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