Gandikota Gorge

The 'Grand Canyon of India' — the Penna river knifes through a red-granite gorge beneath a 13th-century fort whose walls enclose ruined temples, a mosque and granaries; sunrise from the rim, with the river glinting far below, is south India's finest canyon view.

Why visit: Canyon-rim sunrises + a romantic ruined fort — camp overnight if you can.

History: Fortified from 1123 and strengthened by Kakatiya, Vijayanagara and Qutb Shahi rulers; its name comes from 'gandi' (gorge).