Trip to Lepakshi, Gandikota and Belum Caves
It's almost a year since the COVID-19 pandemic hit us and it has been an unusual year, to say the least. I had heard about pandemics but had never imagined that I would live amidst one. I am finally back in Bangalore and starting a new phase of my life with my newlywed wife!
On Friday evening the idea of a short trip to Lepakshi, Gandikota, and Belum Caves came up, and we were all fired up with plans to leave Bangalore the next day. We agreed on getting up early so that we could cover a good distance before midday.
Except we all got up at 9 AM! We hurriedly got ready and left.
Lepakshi
Our first destination was Lepakshi located 140 km north of Bangalore. The term originates from ‘Le — Pakshi’, which means ‘Rise Bird’. As per the ancient epic Ramayana, Lord Rama helped Jatayu attain moksha by uttering these words. The main temple is dedicated to Lord Veerabhadra and is constructed in Vijayanagar style architecture.
Other attractions are one of India’s largest Nandi, hanging pillar, mural paintings, seven-headed Nagling, Natya Mantap(Dancing Hall), an incomplete Kalyan Mantap(Wedding Hall), Lata Mantap, and the footprint of Lord Sita.
Gandikota
Then we headed towards Gandikota. The term originates from ‘Gandi’ meaning ‘a narrow passage for water to flow’ and ‘Kota’ meaning fort. The river Penna has carved a gorge that is spectacular.
Gandikota has been the seat of power for many dynasties such as the Kalyani Chalukyas, Pemmasani Nayakas, and the Golconda Sultanate. A sand fort was constructed by Kaka Raja, Vassals of Kalyani Chalukya rulers. It was replaced with a stone fort by Pemmasani Ramalinga Nayaka with 101 towers.
We reached around sunset and headed to our camps. The stay was pleasant and we all enjoyed the campfire. I was irked by the music that was blaring from the parked cars of fellow travelers but it died out soon giving way for a calm night.
I went out for a walk and reflected on all that was happening in my life at such a breathtaking pace. In a short period of three months, I had met Anu, married her, moved back to Bangalore, and settled in a new home! This period has been both exhilarating and stressful.
We left for the gorge around six in the morning to watch the sunrise and the view was mesmerizing. Gandikota is also referred to as the grand canyon of India. We clicked a lot of pics and headed to the fort and the beautiful Ranganatha Swamy Temple.
We left for the Belum caves after grabbing a quick breakfast.
Belum Caves
Belum Caves is the longest and largest cave system open to the public in the Indian subcontinent. It was formed over tens of thousands of years by the now-disappeared Chitravathi river. The Belum Caves have long passages, galleries, spacious caverns with fresh water, and siphons.
We explored most parts of the cave under the cheerful leadership of Anu. When we eventually emerged out of the underground cave system we treated ourselves with cones of ice-cream.
It was time to head back to Bangalore(now Bengaluru). All in all, this was a trip that helped us unwind after the packed three months.
I am looking forward to our honeymoon at the Andamans. I hope to write often and write more.
