2 day road trip from Bangalore | Gandikota and Belum Caves

Gandikota and Belum Caves were on our wishlist since long. So, finally happened this 2 day trip from Bangalore to Gandikota and Belum Caves. And I am so excited to share the details of this trip with you. Because it turned out to be one of the best road trips in India that we have taken. Since a long time we were keeping a close watch on Gandikota weather. which seems to be averaging between 30 C to 35 C max all through the year. Although travellers recommend that the best time to visit Gandikota is November to February. Since the heat is lowest. But, finally, when pondering where to go next, we decided to take this trip up in March first week, braving the extra few degrees of heat.

After having some fabulous road trips around getaways from Bangalore over the past few years including our first trip with Aashi to Hampi,  Pondicherry, a beautiful drive to B R Hills, one of the fabulous road trips to Kodaikanal, and one to Ooty & Coonoor, we thought we have almost exhausted the list of weekend getaways from Bangalore. And then happened this Bangalore to Gandikota and Belum Caves trip. And what a trip it turned out to be. Initially we thought whether we should do a one day trip from Bangalore to Gandikota or a 2 day trip from Bangalore to Gandikota & Belum Caves, thereby staying in or near Gandikota for the night. But finally, we settled for the later. Given we were traveling with our kids. And the overall round trip distance including both Gandikota and Belum Caves was going to be more than 700 km.

What to pack for a road trip to Gandikota

Apart from the essentials that we pick from our travel packing list , we packed the following for our trip to Gandikota

• We double checked and made sure we had all essential medicines and first aid
• Some handy printable games and puzzles for the road trip because we were traveling with the kids and wanted to keep them entertained.
• Lots of homemade snacks and lunch
• Tissues and wet wipes
• Lots of water as it was really hot
• A couple of pillows for kids to nap while on the way
• Some of the favourite toys for the kids to play along the way
• An extra power bank because the roads in this part are mostly deserted and we were totally going to rely on google to show us the way
• An extra torch as well for the same reason as above

Apart from these, we did pack some of our regular travel essentials that come handy when we travel with our kids, our digital camera, our travel accessories and electronics that we carry anywhere we go and our travel medicine kit.

Where to stay in Gandikota

The next questions was where to stay on our 2 day trip from Bangalore to Gandikota & Belum Caves. One option was the APTDC run Haritha Resort, which is just next to the Gandikota Fort. But it was already booked when we decided on our trip. So, we decided to go for the next nearest resort – The Royal County, Proddatur. Which was at a driving distance of around 35 km from Gandikota fort. But looked like a decent option. So, we booked our rooms here for an overnight stay. How we wish we could travel in a RV to Gandikota! What an adventure trip it would turn out to be. And there would be no accommodation woes.

Itinerary of our 2 days trip from Bangalore to Gandikota & Belum Caves

Thereafter we brainstormed a bit on the itinerary to follow. And finally settled on this particular itinerary after thinking of various combinations:

• Start early from Bangalore to Belum Caves. The distance from Bangalore to Belum Caves is nearly 300km. And from our home, it was about 320km. So, we decided to start early from Bangalore. And our target was to reach Belum Caves by 11:30am.
• Explore Belum Caves in around an hour
• Drive from Belum Caves to Gandikota and reach Gandikota by 2:30pm. Belum Caves to Gandikota drive takes another 1.5 hours.
• Start from Gandikota and reach back our resort before dark.
• Since the checkout from resort was at 12:00pm, we now will have ample time to relax till next day. And then start back for Bangalore by 11:00am the next day.

So, this is the itinerary we settled for : Bangalore -> Belum Caves -> Gandikota -> Royal County Resort (overnight stay) -> Bangalore

Where to eat on the way from Bangalore to Gandikota & Belum Caves

On the main Bangalore Hyderabad Highway (Initial 120-130km) there are decent food options till one crosses Nandi Hills. But since we were starting early in the morning. So, most likely we were crossing this stretch much before breakfast time. So, we packed our food from home for both breakfast and lunch. And also packed ample water supply with us. However, if you decide to start late, you can stop on one of the several food joints and restaurants on the NH 44 Bangalore – Hyderabad highway.

Actually, packing the food from home added to the fun. The kids felt the picnic vibe. Along with the food, we also packed some healthy snacks for our kids for their mid – day snacks. Here’s a list for you to refer:

Healthy snacks for kids to pack on road trips

From Bangalore to Belum Caves

Finally, we packed our bags and started on a drive from Bangalore to Belum Caves. Around 8:00am we had already crossed Nandi Hills, and even Lepakshi. And as per google maps, we were soon to take a turn from the main Bangalore – Hyderabad highway to NH 544 D. So, we decided to stop for breakfast. And we got this lovely scenic spot for the same (Pic above). This looked like a stretch of land besides the highway that is often used by the truck and lorrey drivers as a resting ground by the night. As, we saw a lot of burnt tree branches. So, looked like they stop here to rest and cook their meals. Nevertheless , the scene was beautiful around here. With the backdrops of the hills. And the sun peeping through the clouds.

After breakfast we started on our journey further to NH 544 D. On the way, we stopped once again around 9:30am for coffee. And our next stop was a beautiful site on the banks of Singanamala Cheruvu. It was very scenic with the pond on one side. And a hill with windmills above it on the other side. While beautiful green fields stretched on the third side. We sat here for sometime. While our kids finished their little midday snack.

And then we started further towards Tadipatri. Finally we took a right turn on NH 67. And continued till Belum Caves. On the way, we were greeted by clouds, and drizzling as well. Which brought down the overall temperature of the region!!

Belum Caves

As you approach Belum Caves while driving from Bangalore, at the last stretch you see several sign boards indicating the distance left to travel. The last 10 kilometers stretch of road is double lane only with heavy vehicles frequenting the route. So, that reduces the speed. But, finally we reached Belum Caves as targeted. And entered inside the campus, finding a spot for our car under the shade of a tree.

Before starting to explore the Belum Caves, we had our lunch here. And then we took tickets for the cave. The entry tickets are INR 65 per adult and INR 45 per kid at the time of this writing.

The Belum Caves are the second largest and longest caves in Indian subcontinent which are accessible to the public. Although the total length of Belum Caves is around 3.5km. Almost 1.5km of it accessible. Long back, the river Chitravathi flowed through this area, forming the caves over thousands of years. These caves have stalagmite formations, some natural water fountains, and a variety of rock formations inside. A flight of steps are made now, to provide easy entry to public inside the caves.

Once inside the caves, the light is low. So, several light sources have been erected. Oxygen levels are also low inside Belum Caves. So, several exhaust fans and air circulation mechanism are setup. Still kids and elderly can feel the lack of oxygen and heavy breathing. So, we were watchful, specially of our younger kid who is just over an year old. And we decided not to explore the whole stretch of the cave. As, it will take longer. And also the deeper we go, the more the lack of oxygen. Instead, we explored till half way through and then returned back to the entrance.

There is historical importance of Belum Caves as well. It is believed that Buddhist and Jain monks occupied these caves in the past. And that is the reason, now you see a newly erected huge Buddha Statue just as you enter the campus for the Belum Caves. Also, the relics of Buddhist found from inside the Belum Caves are now put in Anathapur Museum. You can see a meditation center and other such places of residence and activity inside the caves.

From Belum Caves to Gandikota

After exploring the Belum Caves, we started for Gandikota around 1:30pm. The distance from Belum Caves to Gandikota is around 61.5km. And it takes around 1.5 hours to reach Gandikota. Most of the stretch of road is good. But there are a lot of invisible speed breakers setup before as well as after each cluster of houses that you find every 10km or so alongside the highway. So, you have to be really watchful of them. Otherwise, either you break at the last moment or suffer sudden jolt. Hope these are painted a different shade than the road in near future for our good!

And a special mention to the last 10km stretch to the Gandikota Fort. As you take a diversion from the main highway. And then go up and down a few hills before reaching the fort. The slopes are steep and the road really serpentine. But it’s a pure delight to drive through. In fact, the road was newly tarred during our Bangalore to Gandikota trip!

Gandikota Fort

Soon we saw the massive boundary wall of the Gandikota Fort. And then we approached near it. We drove right through the main gate of the fort (Which is actually on the side). And then through another gate, and yet another (Reminded me of the 7 robust gates of Chittorgarh Fort). Then we came to the “Char Minar” structure. And parked our car here. Although some people drove further. But the road seemed narrow with just a single lane. Dotted with village houses on both side, with their kids and hens running around. So, we decided to cover this distance on foot. And in another 300 meters we reached the structure of the Fort.

There is a mosque, and a few other structures. But most of them are in ruins by now. The scene definitely reminded me of Khaba Fort and the haunted village of Kuldhara. Hope the structure is preserved. Sadly it seems to be totally neglected by the Andhra Government and the tourism authority of India. There is a lot of vandalism

The Penna River Gorge – The Grand Canyon of India

As we crossed the ruins of the Gandikota Fort, we reached one of the most wonderful landscapes of India – The Penna River Gorge. It is a naturally formed narrow valley with steep, rocky walls located between hills on either side. Blue Penna River water flows through this narrow gorge..deep inside, providing a mesmerizing scene between the yellow rocks. No wonder it is called the Grand Canyon of India. We climbed and trekked through the rocks to reach the hill top from where we saw stunning scenes of the Gandikota Gorge. We sat here on the rocks for sometime, enjoying the cool breeze and letting our sweat dry 😀 . While we were there, few groups of people came and left. The whole area is so big, you hardly notice anyone else. And you get to enjoy the uninterrupted views exclusively.

Gandikota Fort to Royal County Proddatur

Finally, we started for our resort around 4:30pm (Yes, before time!) . The distance from Gandikota Fort to Royal county Proddatur is 36.5 km. And it takes almost 40 minutes to reach there. Upon reaching the resort and checking in, we all got fresh. And then ordered dinner. Post which we had a good sleep overnight. The next day morning we woke up leisurely. And after breakfast, we enjoyed the resort property a bit. (They have really expansive grounds to take a walk, or play outdoor sports and they have a gym, library and other such facilities. However, we won’t recommend staying more than a night as they lag some basic facilities in the room, which we have detailed on tripadvisor. ).

Back to Bangalore from Gandikota

We started on our journey back to Bangalore around 11:00am. This time, the route was different from the one we followed on the onwards journey. But even more scenic. We crossed several beautiful hills, once again taking serpentine curves and even a hair pin bend. Along with vast stretches of green fields, patches of which had different crops blooming. Some banana groves, grape plantations, corn fields and beautiful marigold cultivation areas. And finally, we stopped on this beautiful bridge midway:

Finally we touched the NH 44 around 3:30pm. By 6:00pm we reached back home in spite of taking several pit stops. And stopping for a late lunch around 4:00pm at NH 44 just before Nandi Hills. Overall, the Bangalore to Gandikota drive and back was beautiful, that has left us craving for our next road trip 😀 And we highly recommend this trip to Belum Caves, Gandikota and palces around Gandikota.

Bangalore – Lepakshi – Belum Caves – Gandikota

Although we have already visited Lepakshi and it’s mysterious temple years back, it is one place we highly recommend to everyone. And it lies right on the way from Bangalore to Gandikota and Belum Caves. So, if you are yet to visit Lepakshi, you should definitely include it in your list when planning this trip. What you can do is reach Lepakshi Temple by 6:00am and plan to spend an hour to 1.5 hrs here. You can still conveniently cover Belum Caves and Gandikota by 6:00pm. And if you get a room in Haritha Resort, even better. Because you will save another one hour driving to another resort. So, you can watch the beautiful sunset at Gandikota Fort before heading back to your room.

Tips on doing a 2 day trip from Bangalore to Gandikota & Belum Caves

1. Start early so that you can cover both Belum Caves & Gandikota Fort, and if interested, Lepakshi Temple as well on the same day.
2. Stay overnight near Gandikota Fort. Although people do this as a single day trip. But that will mean you will be driving almost 700+ km in the round trip. And you will be really late and tired reaching back to Bangalore. Moreover, you will not be able to enjoy the scenery on your way back.
3. Pack your food – breakfast, lunch as well as something for the next day’s lunch. We had a really late lunch the next day. Because there was no decent option until we reached very near Bangalore
4. Wear light and comfortable cotton cloths, pack your sunglasses, hat, sunscreen lotion and lots of water. The weather is hot and humid all through the year. And you will be sweating a lot.
5. Also wear shoes which are apt for trekking. As the bounders near the gorge are slippery and you need to trek through them to the top.
6. Beware of multiple humps on the roads (Except for the main NH 44 they are all over!)
7. If you are driving from Bangalore to Gandikota, get your car serviced and tank filled with fuel. As once you leave the main highway, there are very long stretches of road when there is nothing on either side except for vast stretches of fields or hills on both sides. There are hardly any other vehicles that you will spot on this road.
8. Keep an emergency light – a handheld torch or something as there can be power cuts in these areas. Also keep your travel medicine kit with you.
9. Last but not the least, beware that the villagers can sometimes get crazy. On our return trip from Gandikota we narrowly escaped two groups at two different places who were trying to extract money from the passing vehicles in the name of upcoming festival!!!

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