Gandikota canyon of South India was created by which one of the following rivers ?

Correct Option

The Gandikota Canyon, often referred to as the 'Grand Canyon of India', is a prominent geological feature located in the Kadapa district of Andhra Pradesh. This canyon has been carved by the Pennar River. The river flows through a deep gorge, characterized by steep-sided cliffs primarily composed of hard quartzite rocks belonging to the Erramala hills. The formation of this deep canyon is a result of extensive fluvial erosion by the Pennar River over millions of years, serving as a significant example of riverine geomorphology in the semi-arid Deccan plateau region.

Incorrect Options

• Cauvery: While the Cauvery River is known for forming gorges, such as the Hogenakkal Falls, it is not responsible for the formation of the Gandikota Canyon.
• Manjira: The Manjira River is a major tributary of the Godavari River and primarily flows through the state of Telangana. Its geographical course does not traverse the Gandikota region.
• Tungabhadra: The Tungabhadra River flows predominantly through Karnataka and parts of Andhra Pradesh, located further south of the Gandikota Canyon. It is not associated with the geological formation of this specific canyon.