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Mumbai to Tadpatari: Chennai Express (12163) departing from Dadar station at 20:30 hours
Tadpatari to Mumbai: Mumbai Express (11402) departing from Tadpatri station at 18:39 hours.
This backpacking trip to Gandikota and Belum takes you into the wild and untamed terrain of canyons, subterranean caves, and fierce rivers. The famous canyon in Andhra Pradesh is similar to the Grand Canyon in the United States. You'll stand on the edge and peer down into the bowels of the earth, over landscape so rugged and primitive, you can almost imagine dinosaurs ambling about.
On this backpacking trip, you'll marvel at the second-largest cave formation in the Indian subcontinent. Gandikota Fort looks over the gorge and the Pennar River that flows through it. You'll explore this 12th century fort, hike along the rim of the canyon, and the descend 150 feet under the ground to see the spectacular Belum caves.
NOTE: Do book your train tickets in advance so you get a confirmed seat for the overnight journey.
The fort of Gandikota is one of the largest forts in India, and lies in the Gandikota Hills, in the midst of wild forests. The Gandikota canyon is close by, cut into the red rock by the rushing Pennar river over decades. You'll be able to see the different layers of rock – red, brown, grey – in the walls of the canyon. The canyon stretches for 4 kms and is a fascinating phenomenon of nature. The Belum cave system is no less stunning. It stretches for over 3 kms, but only 1.5 kms are open to the public. You'll walk through narrowing passages and enormous echoing chambers, and see an underground stream that flows through the caves, as well as hundreds of stalactites and stalagmites. It can get quite humid and warm in the caves, but there is enough light and oxygen to be comfortable.
Embark on a backpacking trip to Andhra Pradesh's Gandikota and Belum Caves. | Trek along the rim of India's Grand Canyon for a real-life geology lesson. | Descend into the bowels of the earth for a thrilling cave exploration. | See an underwater stream and eerie rock formations 150 feet under the ground.
You will board the Chennai Express to Tadpatari at 20:30 hrs from Dadar station. You're going to be spending the night on the train, so make sure you carry some light snacks, a water bottle and a light blanket. Overnight in transit.
Overnight in train.
You will need to board the 20:30 hours train from Dadar station. You'll be spending the night on the train, so you should carry some light snacks, a water bottle and a blanket or shawl for the night.
Mumbai
Tadpatari
05:30 AM
No meals will be provided today
For cancellations made 46 days or more before departure of the Andhra Pradesh backpacking trip: 100% refund.
For cancellations made 31-45 days before departure of the Andhra Pradesh backpacking trip: 75% refund.
For cancellations made 22-30 days before departure of the Andhra Pradesh backpacking trip: 50% refund.
For cancellations made 16-21 days before departure of the Andhra Pradesh backpacking trip: 25% refund.
For cancellations made 0-15 days before departure of the Andhra Pradesh backpacking trip: No refund.
All refunds will be processed after deducting any transaction costs.
Consumption of liquor, drugs, tobacco products and cigarettes is strictly prohibited during the backpacking trip in Andhra Pradesh.
Travellers are requested to treat the local culture with respect and avoid littering, defacing property and monuments and causing general disturbance.