Gandikota Fort, YSR Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh Gandikota derives its name from two Telugu words: Gandi (gorge) and Kota (fort). Located in YSR Kadapa district, Gandikota Fort is one of Andhra Pradesh’s best hill forts and is enclosed by nearly 8 km of massive fortification, with imposing bastions and monumental gateways. Within its walls stands a remarkable blend of military, religious, and civic architecture spanning the Vijayanagara and Qutb Shahi periods. Among its highlights are the Madhavaraya Swamy and Ranganayaka temples, celebrated for their richly carved pillars depicting scenes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Bhagavata. The fort also houses an impressive granary with soaring vaulted interiors, a Jami Masjid adorned with Qutb Shahi plasterwork, and the distinctive Mini Charminar, a smaller yet impressive monument inspired by Hyderabad’s iconic Charminar. Together, these monuments reflect Gandikota’s rich architectural legacy and its historical significance as a thriving fortified settlement. Source: Archaeological Survey of India