Mandamarri Runners Club organises trekking expedition at historic Gandhari Khilla

Members of Mandamarri Runners Club organised a trekking expedition at historic Gandhari Khilla near Bokkalagutta village in Mancherial district. Participants explored the fort, identified four potential trekking spots and urged authorities to develop the site as a tourist destination

Mancherial: Members of Mandamarri Runners Club organised trekking at the historic Gandhari Khilla on the outskirts of Bokkalagutta village on Sunday.

Around 30 runners and nature lovers from the club, Mancherial and Bellampalli towns gathered at the fort and hiked different parts of the scenic place from 6 am to 10 am. They covered around 6 km long atop of the spot, exploring rich history and soaking in the serenity and beauty of the fort. They recorded a primary map and identified four places ideal for trekking.

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The participants opined that the fort had potential to attract tourists from several parts of Telangana if developed. They urged local public representatives and officials concerned to take special steps to convert it into a tourist centre by creating basic amenities. They pointed out that locals could find employment opportunities if the historic place was promoted.

Members Gudikandula Ramesh, Pappu Narayana, Vaddepalli Saikrishna, Padma, Shyamsunder Reddy of YHAI and others were present.

Gandhari Khilla is believed to have been built by a tribal king Meda Raju, who had ruled over this region, by taking assistance from Kakatiya rulers in 900 AD. Similarly, it features idols of Kala Bhairava Swamy, Lord Siva, Lord Ganesh, Hanuman, 10-headed Naga Sheshu and idols of various deities chiseled out of rocks.