Andhra Pradesh, ancient kingdoms
€2290
per person
A 10-day trip to discover the architectural heritage of Andhra Pradesh, including ancient temples and Buddhist sites. A little-visited itinerary for lovers of beautiful stonework and Indian history.
Andhra Pradesh, although still relatively unpopular in terms of tourism, nevertheless boasts a significant architectural heritage, including ancient Hindu temples and numerous Buddhist archaeological remains. The state was once the stronghold of powerful kingdoms—Cholas, Chalukyas, Satavahanas, and Gajapatis—who influenced each other. The ancient architecture of Andhra Pradesh is a reflection of this.
It is this rich heritage that we will discover throughout this journey, which begins in the north of the state, in Visakhapatnam (Vizag), extends south to Tirumala, and then extends to Bangalore, the capital of Karnataka. We will visit several major Hindu pilgrimage sites, such as the temples of Sri Varahalakshmi Narasimha (Vizag), Kanaka Durga (Vijayawada), Srikalahasti (Tirumala) – one of the famous Panchabhoota Sthalam – and Venkateswara Swami (Tirupati), one of the most revered temples in India.
We will stop along the way to see several Buddhist sites that are among the oldest in India, including Bavikonda & Thotlakonda or Guntupalli (3rd century BCE – 2nd century CE) or Bojjanna Konda & Ligala Konda (4th and 9th centuries AD). Between all these architectural wonders, we will take a break in the cool air, at Maredumilli for a trek, so as not to forget that Andhra Pradesh is also full of small green paradises.
WHEN VISIT ANDHRA PRADESH? The best period is from October to March when temperatures and weather are mild.
THIS STAY INCLUDES:
- Accommodation based on double occupancy in 3* hotels.
- All breakfasts.
- All transportation by INNOVA AC car with a driver who speaks basic English. (taxes, fuel, accommodation, and driver’s meals included).
- 24/7 assistance,we are in constant contact with you.
THE TRIP PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
- International flights
- Domestic flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Meals other than those mentioned in the inclusions.
- Any personal expenses.
- Tips.
- Anything not mentioned in “included”
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HERITAGE / CULTURE
A 10-day journey exploring the little-known architectural heritage of Andhra Pradesh, including some of India's oldest Hindu pilgrimage sites and Buddhist sites
10 days
ETHNIC / PHOTO
A 22-day itinerary in the heart of the indigenous regions of Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh. A journey with a human touch, promoting enriching encounters and responsible tourism.
22 days
Day 1
Chennai - Visakhapatnam (Vizag)
Vanakkam! This trip begins in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. You'll fly to Visakhapatnam for this first stop in Andhra Pradesh.
Arrive for lunch. Stay at a hotel overlooking one of Visakhapatnam's beaches. Free time.
Day 2
Visakhapatnam, Varahalakshmi Narasimha temple and Buddhist sites of Bavikonda & thotlakonda
This day is dedicated to visiting the places of interest in Visakhapatnam.
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We will first head to the Hindu temple of Sri Varahalakshmi Narasimha Swamy, located in the Simhachalam Hills, 20 km from Vizag. It is dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu in his form of Varaha Narasimha (half-lion, half-human). The temple, which blends Kalinga, Chalukya, Kakatiya, and Great Chola architectural styles, resembles a fortress from the outside, with three outer courtyards and five gates.*
We will then continue to the Buddhist sites of Bavikonda & Thotlakonda, which are among the oldest in India (3rd century BCE - 2nd century CE). These complexes still have various visible structures, including maha stupas, votive stupas, bhojanasalas (dining halls), pakasalas (kitchens), chaitya grihas (congregation halls), viharas, and paved pathways. It is believed that each of these two centers housed over 100 monks practicing Hinayana Buddhism.*
After visiting these sites, we will drive along the coast to your hotel to admire the region's unspoiled beaches. Overnight in Visakhapatnam.Day 3
Visakhapatnam - Maredumilli via the Buddhist sites of Bojanna & Lingala
We leave Visakhapatnam and head towards Maredumilli, a small town located in the dense forests of the Eastern Ghats.
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Just before, we will stop at the Buddhist sites of Bojjanna Konda & Ligala Konda, two twin hills atop which stand rock-cut caves. Dating back to the 4th and 9th centuries AD respectively, these hills represent the three main Buddhist influences: Hinayana, Mahayana, and Vajrayana. They feature a huge monolithic stupa, a string of votive stupas, a myriad of beautiful Buddha statues carved into the cave walls, and a circumambulation path (pradakshina-patha) around the various shrines.*
Arrival at the end of the day, overnight stay in a cottage.Day 4
Maredumilli Trek
A day dedicated to Maredumilli, a small green paradise that is part of an ecotourism project managed by local indigenous communities.
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You will embark on a 15 km trek with a guide (a longer trek is possible depending on your fitness) through the thick forest dotted with coffee and spice plantations, medicinal plants, and crystal-clear waterfalls. Along the way, you will likely encounter several indigenous people living in the middle of the jungle.
Overnight stay in a cottage.
Day 5
Maredumilli - Vijayawada
After this green getaway, depart for Vijayawada. Check into your hotel overlooking the Krishna River.
After a short break at the hotel, we'll visit the temple of the goddess Kanaka Durga, a major pilgrimage site in Andhra Pradesh. You'll then stroll along the banks of the Krishna River where pilgrims perform their ablutions.
Overnight in Vijayawada.
Day 6
Vijayawada - Guntupalli - Undavalli - Mangalagiri - Vijayawada
In the morning, we will depart for the Guntupalli Buddhist site perched atop a hill. This monastic complex, dating from the 2nd century BC to the 3rd century AD, includes two Buddhist caves, a chaitya with a carved stone entrance imitating wood, cells with stone beds, and a complex of over sixty votive stupas.
We will then proceed to the splendid Undavalli Caves (5th-7th century CE), among the finest examples of rock-cut caves in India. They notably house a long statue of the god Vishnu in a reclining position, carved from a single block of granite.
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We will end the day at Mangalagiri, "the auspicious hill", 11 km from Vijayawada. Mangalagiri is the abode of Lord Vishnu, who manifested himself in the form of Thotadri. Three temples are dedicated to him: Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy at the foot of the hill, Panakala Narasimha Swamy, and Gandala Narasimha Swamy on the hillside.*
Overnight in VijayawadaDay 7
Vijayawada - Tirumala
Today, we depart for Tirumala, a city that will take us to one of India's most revered temples: Venkateswara Swami, dedicated to the Hindu deity Vishnu, commonly known as Balaji. According to legend, Tirupati is the "Bhuloka Vaikuntam," meaning the abode of Lord Vishnu on earth.
This will be the longest drive of the trip, approximately 7 hours. Check-in at the end of the day at the hotel at the foot of Tirumala Hill.
Day 8
Tirumala - Tirupati Temple - Chandragiri fort - Sri Srikalahasti Temple - Tirumala
In the morning, we'll head to the Venkateswara Swami Temple, built at the top of Venkatadri Hill, overlooking the town of Tirumala at an altitude of 850 meters. We'll soak up the atmosphere from the outside (foreigners can visit the temple's interior under certain conditions and by waiting in line for several hours).
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Not far from the temple, we'll visit Chandragiri, a historic fort that was the fourth capital of the Vijayanagara Empire. It houses the Raja Mahal Palace, now an archaeological museum, a fine example of Anglo-Indian architecture.*
We will then visit the Srikalahasti Temple, located 36 km from Tirupati, famous for its Vayu Lingam (Wind Lingam), one of the Panchabhoota Sthalam. The temple was built between the 5th and 11th centuries CE (Chola and Vijayanagara dynasties).*
Srikalahasti is also renowned for its Kalamkari art. Kalamkari comes from "Kalam" (pen) and "Kari" (craft), words derived from the Persian for hand-painted fabrics using a pen and then printed with a woodblock. We will visit a family workshop that has been carrying on this tradition for several generations.Day 9
Tirumala - Lepakshi
Nous partons pour l'avant dernière étape de ce voyage du patrimoine : Lepakshi, un petit village à 120 km au nord de Bangalore (Karnataka).
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Il abrite ce qui est peut-être l'une des plus belles merveilles architecturales de l'Inde, le temple Virabhadra dédié à une incarnation féroce du Seigneur Shiva. Construit au 16e siècle EC, il a toutes les caractéristiques architecturales du style Vijayanagara avec une profusion de sculptures et de peintures.Day 10
Lepakshi Sites Tour - Nandi Hills - Bangalore
In the morning, we will visit the Lepakshi site.
Just at the entrance to the city stands a 9-meter-long monolith representing Nandi, Shiva's sacred bull. It is the largest in the country.
The Virabhadra Temple is famous for its unfinished Kalyana Mandapam (marriage hall) depicting the marriage of Parvati and Shiva, and for its natyamandapa (dance hall) adorned with sculptures depicting dancing gods. Within the temple grounds, perched on a platform and leaning against a rock, you can see the famous naga-lingam, a lingam around which a seven-headed cobra is coiled... A splendor!
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After visiting Lepakshi, we'll head gently towards Bangalore. Along the way, we'll stop at the Nandi Hills, an ancient hill station built during the Ganga dynasty. At the foot of the hills, we'll visit the twin temples of Bhoganandiswara and Arunachaleswara, magnificently carved and dedicated to Shiva, dating back to the 9th-10th century CE.
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Arrival in Bangalore at the end of the day. We'll drop you off at your hotel, the end of the trip. Vanakkam!