Shutterbugs profile the less explored tourist hubs

Eight photography enthusiasts narrate their experiences on their trip to Belum Caves, Yaganti and the Ahobilam in Andhra Pradesh, the places which they have termed it as ‘Grand Canyon of India’

The Hyderabad Digital Photography Club (HDPC) organised a photography and trekking trip to the hidden grand canyon of India. The trip was for two days.

“We had a great experience. We want to share this with everyone so that it can develop as a tourist hub,” said Ram Nagesh Thota, founder, HDPC.

Gandikota Fort

Belonging to the 13th century, the fort is one of the most important tourist attractions in Andhra Pradesh. The architecture is inspired by Vijayanagar and Quli Qutb Shahi styles. The fort is one of the largest in India and is famous for its gorge. Deep valleys and hills surround the fort and it houses an expansive palace, temple and a mosque.

Along with two big temples and masjid, there are many structures unexplored on the site. There are few secret paths to the valley through caves and one of them can be observed near the western edge of the fort. There were many interesting ways in which the people used to catch leopards and other animals moving around. You could even see now, some of those traps built with stones.

Ranganath Swami Temple

This temple is an example of fine architecture and design. It is believed that this temple is constructed over 500 years ago. The building is very attractive and put a dashing impact on devotees because of its surroundings.

Madhava Swami Temple

Architecture of this temple is a little more difficult than of Ranganath Swami temple. Interiors are more attractive than its exteriors.

Jamia Masjid

This masjid inside the fort has covered a lot of area as the expanse of this mosque is vast to accommodate devotees for offering Namaz.

Belum Caves

The caves are believed to be the second largest caves in India. The entrance is beautiful and the caves are majestic, something which I had never seen before. Caves go about 3.5 km in length but only 1.5-2km portion is open for tourists and is developed. There are many places inside where the cave is there but cannot go inside due to lack of light/air. Throughout the caves, artificial lights have been setup and ducts provided for fresh air. The caves are formations of limestone, stalactites and stalagmites, hanging from the ceiling or growing upwards from the floor.

Ahobilam

Ahobilam is an important pilgrimage center located in Kurnool district at an altitude of above 3,000 feet. At a distance of 50 kms from Nandyal, 120 Kms from Kurnool and 340 Kms from Hyderabad, this is said to be the place where Lord Narasimha killed Hiranyakasipu and saved Prahalada. The temples have been built by Vijayanara kings around 16th century and there are few inscriptions indicating the involvement of Chalukyas of the eighth century.

Situated amidst the dense Nallamala Forest, Ahobilam is one of the 108 Divya Desams. This place is also called as Nava Narasimha Kshetra since Lord Narasimha is worshipped in nine different forms and separate temples exist for all the forms.

Few of these temples have easy access, but most of them have to be reached through difficult treks through a thick forest and rocky paths. The holy shrines of Ahobilam have been praised by the famous Tamil poet Thirumangai Mannan. The consort of the Lord, Mahalakshmi took avatar as Chenchulakshmi among local tribals and married the Lord.

Ahobilam – A trek through the Nalamalla forest

A place which we can say is the closest to my heart in Andhra Pradesh…be the simplicity of the satralu it holds, the seductive Nalamalla forest, the peaceful mountains, the small streams…it was one place where we found that inner peace of nature in the forest.

We strongly request the government to take care of these places. Most of the people in the two Telugu states don’t know about the importance of these sites and remains unexplored. Minimum arrangements like water and professional guides can be provided by the government.