Five beautiful and little-known canyons in India

Canyons are one of the most beautiful creations of nature. Deep narrow valleys with steep sides, these canyons are mostly formed by the movement of rivers. A deep cleft is formed between cliffs due to weathering and the erosive activity of rivers over thousands of years. 

The water pressure of a river cuts deep into a riverbed. Sediments from the riverbed are carried downstream, creating a deep, narrow channel. Rivers that lie at the bottom of canyons are known as entrenched rivers.

'Canyon' comes from the Spanish word canon, meaning a tube or a pipe. India is home to some of the world’s most beautiful canyons tucked away in remote corners.

Most of these canyons are lesser-known tourist destinations where nature can be seen in full glory – water, valley, rock formations, and luminaries. Here are five beautiful canyons away from the hustle-bustle of tourist circles:

1. Kadiya Dhro, Gujarat

Kadiya Dhro in Bhuj, Gujarat, was not on Google Maps until The New York Times selected it as one of the ‘52 Best Places to Visit in 2021’. For centuries, the Bhaiad River has cut across layers of shale and sandstone to create this beautiful canyon.

Kadiya Dhro is to India what the Grand Canyon is to the USA -- one of the most beautiful examples of arid-land erosion. The layers of eroded sandstone and shale have resulted in a mélange of colours. As the sun shines on them, the colours look vibrant, ranging from yellow to orange and blue. The layers also create interesting patterns on the water-carved walls of the rocks at this offbeat tourism destination.

More here: Kadiya Dhro: The hidden Grand Canyon of India

2. Wari Chora, Meghalaya

Also called the land of the Seven Giant Serpents, Wari Chora Canyon was formed by the weathering of cliffs due to the Rongdik River. The offbeat tourism destination has been recently listed on Google Maps.

Locals believe that seven giant serpents protect Wari Chora. Tourists can explore walking trails and trek to the Miminram Hills, which provide an up-close encounter with the canyon and river. The downhill trekking route is about 1.5 km from a cleared land into the forest. The trail, guided by locals, becomes steeper as one descends, with tea branch stairs aiding the journey.

Read more here: Wari Chora: Meghalaya's hidden canyon

3. Gandikota, Andhra Pradesh

This remarkable natural structure has a unique history, features, and popularity. Over the years, the Pennar River has carved through the pink granite rock of the Erramala Hills, creating what is now known as the stunning Gandikota Canyon.

Gandikota Canyon has played a significant role in the history of Andhra Pradesh. Rulers from the Kakatiya, Vijayanagara, and Qutub Shahi dynasties all recognized the strategic importance of controlling this vast canyon for the effective administration of their kingdoms. Many local and notable attractions were named after Gandikota Canyon, like the nearby Gandikota Fort.

4. Gangani Canyon, West Bengal

Located near Garhbeta town in the Paschim Medinipur district, about 55 km from Midnapore Town, this area features natural hills surrounding the Shilabati River, locally known as the Shilai River. 

Over time, rainfall and seasonal variations have sculpted the spectacular geological structures. The beautiful canyon formations overlook the river. In winter, the area becomes a haven for diverse migratory bird species. Situated on the banks of the Shilabati River, this place is locally known as Gangani Danga or Gangani Khola.

Also Read: Kalo Dungar: Gujarat’s magnetic hill where vehicles go up the slope

5. Bhedaghat Canyon, Madhya Pradesh

Magnificent Marble Rocks along the Narmada River in Madhya Pradesh seem like waterfalls frozen in time. The clean and bright marble formations at Bhedaghat, about 21 km from Jabalpur, were created as the mighty Narmada cut through the soft rocks over centuries.

Bhedaghat is the only place in Narmada River’s course of 1312 km where it falls into a 30-metre deep gorge and flows between marble rocks. The Bhedaghat-Lamheta Ghat has made it to the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Globally, there is believed to be no other example of a river flowing freely splitting an enormous mountain of marble. These different coloured marble rocks were formed through a metamorphic mechanism of limestone. The result is a beautiful gorge stretching over 8km where tourists can take boat rides or cable cars to get up and close to nature.

(Riya Singh is a Ranchi-based journalist who writes on environment, farming, sustainability, startups, & women empowerment)

Read more here: Bhedaghat's Marble Rocks that turn magical under moonlight

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