Gandikota acquired its name from the picturesque gorge (called Gandi in Telugu) formed between the Erramalai hills, which are also called the Gandikota hills. A deep valley and impassable hills with massive boulders of red granite, reminding one of the Grand Canyon, surround the fort, situated amid wild forests. The gorge formation is such that the Pennar river flows about 90 metres below on the western and northern sides and is said to have offered strong natural defense to the Kakatiya, Vijayanagar and Qutub Shahi kings who ruled from the fort.

From the top of the fort, you can have a breathtakingly panoramic view of the surrounding forests and valleys. Nearby, is the picturesque Mylavaram Dam which is a popular picnic spot because of the sparkling waters, lush trees and cool breeze, which make you want to stretch out and relax. This will be place to retire in the night

This Meetup is suggested by Ram B

This will be 2 days trip, we start Friday 22 Jan 2010 Evening 8 PM and reach Gandikota Hills by 7 AM spend 1 day trekking in the forest hills, In the evening we will visit the Mylavaram dam and retire for the night, Next day we will explore the surroundings of the Dam and visit the Gandikota Fort and Palace, We will start back for Hyderabad by 5 PM on Sunday and reach Hyderabad by 5 AM on Monday 25 Jan 2010 well in time to reach offices.

Itinerary
22 Jan 2010 8:00 pm
Start Travel by venkatadri express train at 8 PM from Kachiguda station

Day 1 - 23 Jan 2010
04:00 am Get down at Yerlagantla station
05:00 am catch a bus/auto to gandikota village
06:00 am - breakfast and shopping - meet local friend in gandikota - fill water 50 litres - get food supplies for 2 days - carry firewood for cooking and camping
07:00 am - Visit the Gandikota Fort
Visit the Ranganatha and Madhavaswamy temple and Jama Masjid, Pigeon Tower’ and Gandikota Palace and the Granary
08:00 am - Trek to the forest begins - 8 KMs
01:00 pm - halt at local village on the way for lunch and refill
05:00 pm - Halt in forest hills - pitch tents for overnight camping at height of 500 meters with amazing view of the entire region
07:00 pm - cook dinner
08:00 pm - fun time
10:00 pm - allocate sentry duties and sleep for night

Day 2 - 24 Jan 2010
05:00 am - wake up call
05:30 am - Breakfast
06:00 am - trek starts again - back to gandikota via a different route
12:00 pm - lunch break at local village and rest
01:00 pm - resume trek
04:00 pm - arrive in gandikota
05:00 pm - visit to mylavaram dam
06:00 pm - catch a bus to gandikota
09:00 pm - dinner and vote of thanks
10:00 pm - back on train

Day 3 - 25 Jan
06:00 am - back in hyderabad

Google Map: http://maps.google.co...

Cost: Rs 1000 Approximate

Important Instructions:
1) no smoking and no alcohol
2) No littering, no pollution of water
3) This is not a luxury trip, but out most care has been taken to make your trip comfortable
4) ladies and gents accommodation in separate tents
5) Food will be mostly vegetarian
6) We carry Basic First Aid and if you need anything you can ask the organizers
7) if you feel unwell bring to the notice of the organizers immediately.
8) If you cant swim don't go deep into the water

Things the Group will carry
1) Water 4 x 10 litre cans
2) tents for 20 people
3) 100 meters rope to climb hills
4) food supply for 2 days
5) Stove / firewood for cooking and camping
6) First Aid Box

Things to Bring
This list is just a indication. please pack light
1) A good and positive mood
2) 1 track pants/ loose trousers or jeans - full length
3) 2 T-shirt - ( please avoid bright colored and shiny clothes)
4) 2 pair socks
5) 2 pair under garments
6) mosquito cream
7) insect repellent ( for outdoors)
8) sun hat/ screen ( for the ladies and fair and handsome)
9) walking /trekking /sport shoes
10) Digi / Video Camera
11) Torch / Flashlight /headlight with spare batteries
12) Medicines you need
13) Tiffin Box to carry lunch or u can manage with a plastic cover or paper
14) Refreshments / chocolates / energy bars/ Energy Drinks / sugar salt mixture ( for the poor)
15) water bottle - 2 Litres
16) Toilet paper / wet tissues
17) Toiletries ( tooth brush, paste, small towel/napkin, comb, shampoo)
18) 2 biodegradable plastic bags medium size to carry waste
19) Photo Id ( passport, Employee/College Id, Pan card/Election Card/ Driving License) with a xerox copy
20) A rucksack / haversack, in other words a bag u can put all your stuff in and hang on ur back, try to keep the bag less then 5 kgs
21) 2 emergency Notes with your name and address, phone numbers, emergency contact name and number, doctors name and number, with information on any medicines you take and any allergies you have with food or medicines, keep 1 in pocket and 1 in bag.
22) Sleeping Bag or a bedsheet