DAY 01 : ARRIVE CHENNAI
On arrival meet and assist at the airport and transfer to prebooked hotel.

DAY 02 : CHENNAI
After breakfast, day return trip to Kanchipuram & Mahabalipuram.

DAY 03 : CHENNAI-HYDERABAD (FLIGHT, IC 945, 0800-0900 HRS)
On arrival meet and assist at the airport and transfer to prebooked hotel. Afternoon, half day city tour to include Golconda Fort, Qutub Shahi tombs or visit of Charminar, Salarjung Musuem, Mecca Mosque and Bangle street.

DAY 04 : HYDERABAD-WARANGAL
After breakfast, leave for Warangal. Arrive Warangal and check in at prebooked hotel.

Later city tour of Warangal.

Visit the Bhadrakali Temple - Set on a hilltop between Hanumakonda and Warangal, the Bhadrakali temple is noted for its stone image of the Goddess Kali. She is depicted with eight arms and carries a weapon in each hand. Bhadrakali Cheruvu is adjacent to this temple.

1000 pillar temple : One of the most famous monuments of Andhra Pradesh, the Thousand Pillar Temple, located in Hanamkonda, was built in 1163 AD by the Kakatiya King Rudra Deva, following the Chalukyan style of temple architecture. The star shaped, triple-shrined temple - dedicated to lord Shiva, lord Vishnu and Surya - with its perforated stone screens, richly carved icons, meticulously designed pillars, stands testimony to the highly evolved brilliance of Kakatiya architecture. The six feet high monolithic Nandi is another major lure of this temple, also known as 'Trikutalayam', because of the three shrines within.

Warangal Fort : This fort was built during the 13th century by the Kakatiya ruler Ganapathi Deva and his daughter Rudramma. The remains of four massive stone gateways, similar to those of Sanchi and several exquisite pieces of sculpture can be seen. The fort comprises three rawports, among which two are of mud, as the third and the inner most one is built of stone. Inside the fort are Sambhuni gudi, Venkatesswara temple, Keerthi Toranas and Kushmahal. A testimony to a glorious past is the Khush Mahal , a masterpiece built by Shitabh Khan. Located close to the Warangal Fort, this magnificent edifice houses idols excavated in the surrounding areas.

DAY 05 : WARANGAL-VIJAYAWADA
After breakfast, leave for Vijayawada. Enroute visit

Pillalamarri village is well known for the beautiful Temples built by Kakatiyas adorned with frescoes,inscriptions & exquisitely carved stone pillars. The Erukasanamma Temple and the Trikuta Temples are the tourable attractions. The Shrine of Lord Chennakesava Swamy is most worshipped and annul celebrations are held during February - March which attracts a large number of devotees.

Kondapalli Fort : The fort is located 16 km before reaching towards West from Vijayawada City and is built on a hill. Prolaya Vema Reddy, constructed this fort during 14th Century. Later came under the rule of the Qutubshahis who strengthened and eloborated by adding new structures. Near the fort, there is a Dargah of a Persian Saint, Gareeb Saheeb. A legend goes that the palace women and the saint were always at loggerheads. Unable to bear the trouble, the queen of the palace ordered the beheading of the Saint. Even after he was beheaded the Saint fought valiantly and dragged the fort soldiers to a distance of 20 km without his head. Continue drive to Vijayawada. Arrive Vijayawada and check in at prebooked hotel.

DAY 06 : VIJAYAWADA
After breakfast, excursion to Chirala & Amravati.

Chirala is well known for its textiles . A large quantity of oil is used in preparing yarn for weaving . Once the fabric is ready it is wrapped with wax & clay before being dyed in selected colours . Bedspreads, curtains, tapestry fabrics & sarees are popular offerings. Chirala is a Coastal Town in Andhra pradesh once called as "Small Bombay". This town also famous for exporting hand made cloths, cachew nuts, fishes etc.

Later, drive to Amravati - 70 kms to visit the Indias largest stupa and the bhuddist museum and later visit of Kanadurga Temple and Archaeological Museum in Vijayawada.

Amravati is located on the banks of river Krishna about 35 kms from Guntur. During the reign of the Satavahanas from 2nd century B.C. to 2nd century A.D., Buddhism flourished in Andhra Desa. Dharanikota or Dhanyakataka whose modern name is Amaravati was the capital of the Satavahanas. The Amravati museum has a collection which includes the antiquities from other Buddhist sites in Andhra Pradesh belonging to the 3rd Century BC to about the 12th Century AD, a gold necklace from Gummadidurru, relic-caskets with bone-relics and gold flowers. The exhibits in the Museum are arranged in three different galleries.

DAY 07 : VIJAYAWADA-RAJAMUNDRY
After breakfast, leave for Rajamundry. Enroute visit Guntapalli & Sri Venkateshwara Swamy temple

GUNTUPALLI - This historic Buddhist site, a hamlet of Guntupalli is located at a north distance of 120 kms from Vijayawada. On an adjacent hill,visit the rock-cut caves where you can see more than a dozen stupas ranging in height that reaches up to 10 feet and circumference of 30 feet. Dating back to the 3rd century B.C., the structures include a circular rock cut temple containing a monolithic stupa, a huge monastery, a brick chaitya, reamins of a large pillared hall and 6 feet tall marble idols of Lord Buddha. The caves are more intricate in thier entrance ways with arch resembling the Ajanta Caves.

If time permits you could also visit: Sri Venkateshwara Swamy Temple also Known as Chinna Tirupati Or Second Tirupati is situated here in Dwaraka Tirumala. According to a legend, The temple dates back to the rein of Raja Dasaratha and Lord Srirama and Sidha Nagarjuna. Unique for being the only temple with two idols under one Vimana Sikharam, this is where you can have a glimpse of south indian architecture at its finest with the eye-catching 5-storey Gopuram. The prakara Temple is adorned with idols of various deities. Continue drive to Rajamundry. Arrive Rajamundray & check in at prebooked hotel.

DAY 08 : RAJAMUNDRY-KAKINADA
After breakfast, leave for Kakinada. Enroute visit Biccavolu, Bhimeswara Swamy temple, Pitapuram & Samarlakota.

Biccavolu is known for beautiful stone temples of the Eastern Chalukyas during the 9th - 10th centuries , the temples are a fine example of the architectural grandeur that was typical of the Dravidian style. A stone Sculpture of Ganesa in the village is a masterpiece of chalukyan craftsmanship.

Bhimeshwara Swamy Temple, also known as Dakshin Kashi (Draksharamam)is located here. It is one of the trilingas of the state. The temple is noted not only for its architectural beauty and historical importance, but also for its sanctity and holiness which attracts pilgrims in large numbers. The architecture is a perfect and harmonious blend of both Chalukya and Chola style of temple architecture. There are 381 inscriptions ranging from 1080 A.D. to 1434 A.D. The shape of the Linga is a long cylindrical pillar of about 20 - 25 feet height

Pitapuram - It is famous for the temples of Knkkuteswara Swamy, Kunthimadhava Swamy and Puruhutika Devi, built here uduring the 10th century A.D.

Samarlakota : Famous for a Sivaite Temple, considered to be one of the Pancharams. Arrive Kakinada and check in at prebooked hotel.

DAY 09 : KAKINADA-VISAKHAPATNAM
After breakfast, leave for Visakhapatnam. Enroute visit Annawaram & Sankaram

Annavaram - famous for Lord Veera Venkata Satya Narayana Swamy temple, situated atop the Ratnagiri Hills on the banks of the river Pampa. One of the most popular temples in Andhra Pradesh. The shrine is constructed in two storey, the lower one containing a Yantra and upper one housing of the Idol of the Lord.

Sankaram - The Buddhist ruins are located on the contiguous hills locally known as Bojjanakonda and Lingalametta consist of numerous monolithic stupas, caves and structural buildings. Monuments & Antiquities During excavation several antiquities like the seals, inscribed tablets, pots, copper coins mostly of seventh century AD were found. A gold coin of Samudragupta of the 4th century AD is a significant find. A seated image of Buddha termed as Buddhanna or Bojjana is found in one of the caves on the hill. Sankaram has numerous monolithic votive stupas, rock-cut caves buildings and images of Buddha and non-tantric form of Hariti. There are a few plain and small caves on the same hillock, which formed the Viharas for the monks and students. On facade of the cave is a life size statue of Buddha in meditation.

In the evening hourse visit: A charming hill on the northern side of the city, Kailasagiri offers a spectacular view of the long shoreline and the cityscape of Vizag. Kailasa Giri is located on a hilltop and is a must to visiting place for all people visiting Vishakhapatnam. The charming hill on the seafront, affords a breath taking scenic view, especially towards Bheemunipatnam. Viewpoints with roof and cement seats are located at different places on the hill to enjoy the serene atmosphere and scenic beauty. It has been developed as an attractive picnic spot. The magnificent Shiva Parvati statues with lighted mountains in front are worth seeing. 'Sankaram', 'Chakram' and 'Namam' fully lighted in the night are visible from almost all parts of the city.

Arrive Visakhapatnam and check in at prebooked hotel.

DAY 10 : VISAKHAPATNAM
After breakfast visit of these places in order

1st visit Simhachalam :One of the most exquisitely sculpted shrines of Andhra Pradesh, Simhachalam temple is situated 35 km from Vizag among thickly wooded hills. This temple was built by the Eastern Gangas in 13th Century A.D. The beautifully-carved l6-pillared Natya mantapa and the 96-pillared Kalyana mantapa bear testimony to the architectural brilliance of the temple. The image of the presiding deity, Sri Lakshminarasimha Swamy, is covered in a thick layer of sandalwood paste. The real shape of the deity can be viewed only during Chandanayatra Festival (March - April).

2nd visit Borra Caves are located at distance of 90 km from Visakhapatnam toward west. They are spread over the Eastern Ghats and occupy an area of 2 square kilometers. The one-million-year-old Borra Caves are situated at a height 1400 feet above the sea level. These limestone caves were formed as a result of the action of Gosthani River. The river, which now flows through these caves, was once upon a time flowing over the limestone area. Due to the pressure exerted by the river water on the mineral deposits, the limestone dissolved and gradually the caves were formed. In the process, giving rise to several interesting structures like - a mushroom, a temple, a mosque, a church and many more.

3rd visit The picturesque Araku Valley popularly called as Andhra Ooty is situated at an altitude of 3,100 feet on the Eastern Ghats at a distance of 22 km.from Borra caves. A visitor to the valley will be greeted by smooth flowing silvery streams and 46 tunnels & bridges by a train journey. Drive back from Araku directly to Visakhapatnam is 120 kms / 3hrs

DAY 11 : VISAKHAPATAM-GOPALPUR ON SEA
After breakfast, leave for Gopalpur which is aprox 350 kms enroute visiting these interesting places.

SALINHUNDRM : This village shot into prominence because excavations revealed the existence of an ancient Buddhist settlement. Situated 18 Kms from Srikakulam on the banks of the river Vamsadhara, a maha stupa, votive stupas, chaityas, platforms and viharas have been unearthed here with inscriptions dating back to the 2nd century A.D. The main stupa on a hilltop measures 46 ft in diameter while the Maha vihara salipethaka has an entrance in the shape of a swastika. Significantly, this was the place from where the message of Buddhism spread, to Sumatra and other eastern countries.

ARASAVALLI : At Arasavalli, is located the Suryanarayana Swamy temple dedicated to the Sun God.Constructed by the Ganga Kings around the 7th century A.D., this remarkable temple is built in such a way that the early morning sun's rays fall on the feet of the deity twice a year, in February and June, even when the 5 main entrance gates are closed. The idol depicts Lord Surya standing on the chariot holding a lotus in each of the raised hands. The head is crowned by fully spread hood of Adisesha serpent. The other temples in the complex are dedicated to Siva, Vinayaka, Anjaneya, Kala Bhairava, Subramanya and Durga Mahalakshmi Arrive Gopalpur on Sea and check in at prebooked hotel.

DAY 12 : GOPALPUR ON SEA
Day free.

DAY 13 : GOPALPUR ON SEA-PURI
After breakfast, leave for Puri. Enroute visit Chilka Lake. Arrive Puri and check in at prebooked hotel.

DAY 14 : PURI
Day free to relax on the beach.

DAY 15 : PURI-BHUBANESHWAR
After breakfast, leave for Bhubaneshwar. Enroute visit Konark Temple. Arrive Bhubaneshwar and check in at prebooked hotel.

DAY 16 : BHUBANESHWAR
After breakfast, full day visit of local temples

DAY 17 : BHUBANESHWAR-KOLKATA (FLIGHT, S2 6143, 1355-1455 HRS)
After breakfast, free. Afternoon, transfer to the airport to board flight for Kolkata. Arrive Kolkata and transfer to Hotel.

DAY 18 : KOLKATA
After breakfast, full day city tour of Kolkata.

DAY 19 : DEPART KOLKATA
Transfer to the airport to board flight back home.