Andhra Pradesh and Telangana are well known among spiritual travelers for their beautifully fortified temples that epitomize the architectural brilliance of ancient times. These consecrated edifices boast soothing serenity that offers peace and delight to the senses of travelers. These temples hold a high place in Hindu mythology and thus hold a high significance in the religion.
This 09 Nights and 10 Days of the itinerary of pilgrimage trip of Andhra and Telangana takes travelers to beautiful and stunning temples located in these states. Other than temples, the tour incorporates visiting historic monuments as well. The trip starts from Hyderabad. The major highlights of the trip are exploring temples in Srisailam, Bhadrachalam, and Vijayawada, traversing through Buddhist remains in Nagarjuna Sagar, and much more.
Upon arrival by flight, meet & greeting at airport arrival lounge after completing visa formalities and collection of baggage. Transfer to Hotel. Upon arrival at the hotel, check-in at the hotel.
Hyderabad – The twin city of Hyderabad-Secunderabad, the capital of Andhra Pradesh, combines Islamic and Hindu influences. While Hyderabad was founded in 1589 by Muhammad Quli Qutub Shah, the cantonment of Secunderabad beyond the artificial Hussain Sagar lake was established by the British in the early 1800s. Hyderabad was planned in a grid pattern with enormous arches. The city is an important center of Islamic culture.
After Breakfast drive visit Birla Temple, Hussain Sagar Lake, and Jagannath Temple. Later drive to Nagarjuna Sagar, Enroute visit Surendrapuri Temple.
Surendrapuri is a unique one-stop destination where you can see the epitome of cultural, artistic, and sculptural excellence. Kunda Satyanarayana Kaladhamam, one-of-its-kind mythological theme park. The other major attractions of this place are Nagakoti (101-feet Shiva Linga) and a temple of Panchamukhi Hanuman with Panchmukha Shiva and Lord Venkateswara. A 60-feet double-sided Panchamukhi Hanuman and Shiva statue at the entrance catches the attention of visitors. A unique Navgraha Temple places different navagrahas in relative positions. Astounding Vedic knowledge has been put into building this temple.
Nagarjunasagar is a site of spectacular man-made marvel flanked by equally enchanting panoramic vistas of the lush green surrounding. Lying in the Nalgonda District of Andhra Pradesh, the most popular landmark of the town is the world’s tallest masonry dam Nagarjunasagar dam built over the Krishna River. With the capacity of irrigating around 10 acres of land, this modern architectural grandeur is a sight to behold. Other than that, the town is also renowned for much the talked about the excavation of Buddhist Civilization. An island named Nagarjuna Konda lying amidst the man-made lake is a site where relics of such great significance are preserved. In fact, the town got its present name from a Buddhist saint and scholar Acharya Nagarjuna. The town of Nagarjunasagar or Vijayapuri as it was earlier known is today blessed by Mother Nature in full glory. Visit this absolutely bewitching site to connect yourself with nature and various aspects of Buddhism.
After Breakfast proceeds to Nagarjuna Launch station to board a boat (Closed on Friday- No boat service) to visit Nagarjunakonda Island. After visiting return by boat to the Launch station and proceed to Ethipothala Waterfalls.
Later drive to Srisailam. Check-in at Hotel, Evening visit Mallikaarjuna Temple – one of the 12 Jyotirling has dedicated to God Shiva.
The shrine of GOD Mallikarjuna picturesquely situated on a flat top of Nallamalai Hills, Srisailam is reputed to be one of the most ancient kshetras in India. It is on the right side of the River Krishna in the Kurnool District of Andhra Pradesh. This celebrated mountain is also named Siridhan, Srigiri, Sirigiri, Sriparvatha, and Srinagam. It has been a popular center of the Saivite pilgrimage for centuries. The prominence of this Divya Kshetram is highlighted by the fact that while performing our daily household rituals we specify the place of location of our existence with reference to Srisailam.
After breakfast visit Pathala Ganga and Shikaram, later drive to Vijayawada en-route visit Undavalli Caves, Amravathi – Amarlingeshwara Swamy Temple, and Amravathi Stupa (Buddhist Site.)
The Undavalli Caves, a monolithic example of Indian rock-cut architecture and one of the finest testimonials to ancient Viswakarma sthapathis, are located in Undavalli of Guntur district in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.
Upon arrival, check In at Hotel. Evening visit Kanka Durga Temple – is a famous Hindu Temple of Goddess Durga located in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh. The temple is located on the Indrakeeladri hill, on the banks of the Krishna River.
After Breakfast at the hotel proceed to Bhadrachalam en route visit Dwaraka Tirumala Temple.
Dwaraka Tirumala – Sri Venkateswara Swami VariDevasthanam Sri Venkateswara Swami VariDevasthanam is a religious shrine that is located in a small village, by the name Dwaraka Tirumala in Andhra Pradesh This highly revered shrine is regarded as the miniature form of ‘Tirupati’ or ‘ChinnaTirupathi’. Actually, the temple was named after the great saint ‘Dwaraka’, who took the initiative to place the idol of Lord Venkateshwara.
Upon arrival, check In at Hotel. Evening Visit Sri Sita Ramachandra Swamy Temple
Bhadrachalam – The Sri Sita Ramachandra Swamy temple is a South Indian Hindu temple dedicated to Rama, the seventh incarnation of the god Vishnu. It is located on the shores of the Godavari River in the town of Bhadrachalam, the temple is considered one of the Divya Kshetrams of Godavari and is also revered as Dakshina Ayodhya.
After Breakfast at the hotel drive to Rajahmundry en route visit Kotilingeshwara Temple.
Kotilingeshwara Temple was constructed in the 10th century and it is among the famous tourist attractions of Rajahmundry. This beautiful temple is surrounded by various bathing ghats and attracts many devotees and tourists. It is a pilgrimage center for the believers of Lord Shiva and is frequented by pilgrims to take a dip in holy water.
Upon arrival at the hotel, check In at Hotel.
Rajahmundry is a city on the eastern banks of the sacred Godavari River, in the southeast Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. It’s home to the huge, riverside ISKCON Temple complex. North, along the river, Hindu devotees bathe in the Godavari from Saraswati and Pushkar ghats (bathing steps). The nearby Godavari Bridge offers river views. The ancient Kotilingeshwara Temple is dedicated to the Hindu deity Shiva.
After Breakfast at the hotel proceed to Visakhapatnam en route visit Drakshanam, Samarlakota, and Annavaram.
Drakshramam is one of the most frequented pilgrim centers of South India. It is one of the Shiva Pancharamas and one of 18 Shakti Peethas. It is famous as both Shiva kshetra and Shakti kshetra. Lord Bheemeswaraswamy and Manikyamba are main the deities here. This place is also called Dakshina Kashi.
Samarlakota – Kumararama Bhimeswara Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Annavaram is one of the holiest shrines in South India. The Temple is built in the Dravidian Style. Presiding deity Lord Satydeva with his consort Sri Anantha Lakshmi on one side and with Lord Shiva on the other side took his abode on Ratnagiri, which is named after Ratnakara son of Meru the King of Holy Mountains.
After the visit proceeds to Vishakhapatnam. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel.
Early morning board a train for Aarku Valley (0650 Hrs/1045 Hrs) Enjoy the scenic and mesmerizing journey. Disembark at Araku, transfer to hotel. Check-in at the hotel.
Later proceed for sightseeing of Araku – Visit Padmapuram Gardens, Tribal Museum, Ananthagiri Coffee Plantations & Galikonda View Point.
After breakfast at the hotel proceed to Vishakapatnam en route visit Borra Caves.
Upon arrival, check-in at Hotel.
Visakhapatnam or Vizag with its spectacular position between the Eastern Ghats and the Bay of Bengal is one of the finest beach resorts on India’s eastern seaboard. Often linked to Goa for its scenic charm, fine beaches, and verdant countryside, Visakhapatnam with its twin town Waltair presents a hybrid character today.
Later visit Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha temple, Simhachalam, if time permitting visit Submarine Museum and R.K Beach.
Mussoorie – located at the foothills of the Garhwal Himalayas, Mussoorie is set at an elevation of 1880 meter and offers breathtaking views of the snow capped Shivalik ranges. The place is known for its rich biodiversity, which allures wildlife enthusiasts from all over. Lal Tibba, located at height of 2290 meter is the highest point at the place. Gun Hill Mussoorrie, located at 6800 feet above sea level. This is second highest point of Mussoorrie.
Free time to explore mall road by walk and later visit of Gun hill by ropeway to experience sunset from there.
After breakfast at hotel proceed to Jakhol en route visit Lakhamandal
Lakhamandal is an ancient Hindu temple complex, situated in the Jaunsar-Bawar region of Dehradun district in the state of Uttarakhand. The temple is dedicated to lord Shiva. This temple is popular among the Shakti Cult, who believe that a visit to this temple shrine will end their misfortunes. According to the local people, this temple and the adjoining area are believed to be where Duryodhana of Mahabharata episode conspired to burn alive the Bhaskar in the Lakshyagriha house, constructed with wax. Twin statues of Danav and Manav are located beside the main shrine. The statues are its dwarpals (doormen). Some people believe these statues to be those of Pandava brothers Bhima and Arjuna. They also resemble Jai and Vijay, the doormen of Lord Vishnu. When someone was dying or had just died, an appearance in front of these statues, returns them briefly to life before finally expiring.[citation needed] The power of Manav kept the person alive, while Danav took the person’s soul to Lord Vishnu’s abode.
Upon arrival, traditional welcome by family members of house.
And then check-in.
Jakhol village – located at a distance of 19 kms from Netwar, the entry gate to Govind National Park, Jakhol Village lies in the Mori block of Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. A picturesque hamlet surrounded by the Garhwal Himalayas, Jakhol village will make your heart stop a beat. The Traditional wooden carved houses are surrounded by rugged terrain, lush greenery, apple trees and cool breeze. The largest village in the region, Jakhol has a rich cultural heritage and age-old traditions. Agriculture and cattle rearing is the primary occupation of the people. Jakhol is famous for the “Duryodhan temple” dedicated to eldest of the Kauravas, Duryodhan. The villagers believe Kauravas to be their ancestors and worship them.
Marvel yourself with the scenic beauty of the place.
Dinner & Overnight stay at homestay.
Day 04: Jakhol
Homemade breakfast.
Enjoy the chat-up with locals and know about the rich culture of Jakhol. Evening enjoy the Arti in Someshwar Mahadev Temple.
Later night enjoy the glistening night sky.
Dinner & Overnight stay at homestay.
Day 05: Jakhol / Saturi (7 km / 03-04 hrs Trek)
After homemade breakfast trek to Saturi village.
Upon arrival, welcome by family members followed by check-in formalities.
Later visit of Binaasu temple (goddess of the forest) – Goddess is the reflection of the power of Someshwar Mahadev. Just walk around the village for peaceful evening.
Dinner & Overnight stay at homestay.
Day 06: Saturi / Panw (04 km / 01-02 hrs Trek)
After homemade breakfast trek to Panw village.
Upon arrival, welcome by family members followed by check-in formalities.
Walk around the village – This place has immense religious significance & faith in that region. The villagers believes that this is the place where the idol of Someshwar mahadev appeared naturally and during Jan-Feb whole region is covered with snow though whole valley if blossom by Daffodils flower (another name is Narcissus flower) and the local name of this flower is Nagarasu. This flower is offered to gods & goddesses during ritual puja (worship) in local temple.
Dinner & Overnight stay at homestay.
Day 07: Panw / Sirga (05 km / 02-03 hrs Trek)
After homemade breakfast, trek to Sirga – a village that stands near the mountain top in a way that will make your jaw drop. Sirga was built in this way so that villagers can maximise their harvest – by getting sunlight early. Sirga village named after Rishi shring.
Upon arrival, welcome by family members followed by check-in formalities.
Walk to Leka top(2800 mtrs) where you will have 360 Himalayan view, bird eye view of entire sankri and saur village, snowcapped peaks.
Dinner & Overnight stay at homestay.
Day 08: Sirga / Saud (3 km / 01-02 hrs Trek & 12 km drive)
After homemade breakfast, 03 km trek & then drive to Saud village – this village give us a close look into the life, culture and traditions of the local inhabitants.
Upon arrival, welcome by family members followed by check-in formalities.
Traditional meal at local home.
Just walk around the village to experience village life.
Dinner & Overnight stay at homestay.
Day 09: Saud / Dewara (kot gaon)/ Naitwar (19 km drive) / Hanol (25 Km / 01 hrs drive)
After homemade breakfast, drive to Dewara village – Visit ancient Karan temple.
After visit drive to Naitwar village – visit ancient Pokhu Devta temple – Known as “God of Justice”. The ancient temple of Pokhu Devta is situated in the village of Naitwar in Mori block, bordering Himachal Pradesh, 160 km from Uttarkashi. He is considered the king of this region. The deity is worshiped in every village of the region in the form of sickle and knives. It is said that the mouth of the deity is on the floor and the upper part of the waist is on the earth. They are inverted and in infancy. It is rude to see them in this condition. That is why people turn their back and worship them. People also worship Pokhu Deity as justice. With this characteristics, the temple of Pokhu Devta is famous as a shrine, which remains a center of attraction for tourists. It is believed that Pokhu Devta was considered as the representative of Karna and the servant of Lord Shiva. Whose nature was scary and harsh towards his followers. For this reason, people are still afraid of committing theft and cruel crimes in the area.
Later proceed to Hanol.
Upon arrival, check-in at hotel.
Later visit Mahasu Devta temple – the ancient village of Hanol is primarily famous for the temple of Mahasu Devta who is the prime deity of the entire Jaunpur-Jaunsaar region. Known for his furious justice, Mahasu Devta is one incarnation of Lord Shiva who has come all the way from Kashmir to get people rid of evil spirits that haunted the region. The beautiful temple architecture resembles trans-Himalayan style and is still in good shape. The temple complex, protected by the Archaeological Survey of India, stands next to the Tons River.
Dinner & Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 10: Hanol / Rishikesh (216 kms/ 07 hrs approx.)
After breakfast at hotel proceed to Rishikesh – it is known as the “Gateway to the Garhwal Himalayas” and “Yoga Capital of the World”.
Upon arrival, check-in at hotel.
Experience the Ganga Arti in Triveni ghat. Also called as the Maha Aarti, is an evening prayer performed on the banks of the River Ganga. As the river Ganga is believed to have powers to remove the pains and sufferings of people, thousands of devotees come to Rishikesh to experience the spiritual Ganga Aarti. The lightning of the lamps along with the recitation of sacred chants provide truly an unforgettable spiritual experience!! The aarti is accompanied with chanting of bhajans, beating drums and bells. People lit oil diyas, put them on flower-filled leaf boats and release in the holy waters of the river. These illuminated lamps in the evening provide a beautiful view.
After breakfast at hotel proceed to Delhi en route visit Haridwar – The Gateway to Gods!!
Visit of Har-Ki-Pauri, scared ghat of Haridwar – Har Ki Pauri is the one of the most sacred Ghats in Haridwar and the only place where all the spiritual activities takes place. The ghat is reckoned to have been built by King Vikramaditya in memory of his brother Brithari in the 1st century BC. Literal meaning of the term ‘Har Ki Pauri’- “Har” means “Lord Shiva”, Ki” means “of” and “Pauri” means “steps”. Priest of the nearby temples says that during the Vedic times, Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu believed to have visited Brahmakund in Har Ki Pauri. The Ghat got its name from the foot imprint of the Lord Vishnu, the imprints of the same are present on one of the stones of the Ghat
After visit proceed to Delhi.
Upon arrival, we shall provide you wash/change room followed by dinner.
On time proceed to airport to board the return international flight.
Day 12: Dep. Delhi
Dep. Delhi
End of our services
The largest village in the region, Jakhol has a rich cultural heritage and age-old traditions.
We prefer private and small groups:
We love to trek in smaller private groups as we believe that it gives the best ambience to experience the Himalayan spirituality, serenity, solitude and rawness.
Small groups are also eco friendly, less noisy, safe, friendly, and easy to manage and more caring towards each other. Most importantly, private groups are more focused towards their objective which is to enjoy being in the nature.
We specialize in arranging customized private groups catering to the specific needs.
Important highlight of tour:
The perfect combination of village tourism and adventure hike.
Culturally enriched experience.
Surreal landscape & Himalaya view.
Important information:
A homestay is a sort of ‘home away from home’ where you get to live with a family for a couple of days and stay in their home, share meals and even help out with daily activities if you’d like. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in local culture.
The homestays in this tour are very basic, the homes are made of stone and timber and roofed with slate tiles and most of the families eat vegetarian food on a daily basis, as meat is hard to get in such a remote region. You will also find a common toilet (western style) in most homes. The family will do their best to make you feel at home and will provide you with the basic but delicious meals and sufficient bedding to keep you warm at night.
While staying with a family in a homestay, do remember to be respectful of their culture and traditions, do join them for meals, help out in the house if you can and don’t hesitate to mingle and make friends.
These homestays are basically village homes, with one of their portions converted into comfortable guestrooms. These have been developed by the locals to generate an alternative and sustainable source of income for themselves.
Most travellers who have been to this region recommend staying with a local family in order to learn about their ancient, cultural lifestyle, which interestingly has not changed for more than a thousand years. Another reason for this recommendation is the scenic vistas one can enjoy from these homestays, especially the fertile green crops with snow-clad mountains.
Homestay Facilities:
The guestrooms on offer at these homestays are kept properly clean, brightly coloured and decked with local handicrafts. They feature traditional type wooden bed with comfortable mattresses that are placed on the wooden bed. The blissful feeling of waking up and looking at the beautiful environs outside simply cannot be described in words.
Since these homestays are isolated rural homes, much should not be expected in terms of modern comforts; amenities are more of basic and minimal nature. On request, a bucket of hot water is provided for bathing while toilets are supposed to be shared with the host family. Laundry and telephone services may or may not be available, while electric supply tends to be irregular.
Electricity supply tends to be irregular, offers limited power for charging phones and other necessary equipment. Please carry a handy flash light/torch with extra batteries. However, they do provide candles and solar torches for your comfort though.
Carrying your own towels, soaps and other toiletries will help us avoid the wastage of gallons of water which goes into washing, and in minimizing the use of chemicals in the form of washing powder etc.
There are no TVs in the rooms, but there is plenty of natural beauty around to keep you entertained. Wifi is not available.
House architecture:
Jaunsar Bawar follows the Vernacular architecture components. Houses are usually built in stone and timber and roofed with slate tiles. It is usually a two or three storey structure with a linear arrangement of one to four rooms on each floor and is typically sited on a terraced piece of land along the contours of the hill. In many villages in Uttarakhand, due to low temperature range, the housing and other buildings of socio-cultural values are generally shaped like pagodas or have sloping roofs.
The common building material used under construction includes wood (generally deodar, due to its abundance and durability), plain stones and other locally available materials like mud and stone slates. One of the important aspects of architecture in the area is the wooden carvings and the slate laden gabled roofs.
Best time to visit:
The months from March to June and September to November are the most pleasant, with sunny days and cool nights. The winter months from December to February are cold and you have experience the heavy snowfall.
Clothing:
April to June & Sept: Cottons with light woollens.
July & August: is a monsoon season hence travelling to this area is closed for outsider due to landslide
Oct to March: Heavy woollens
Average temperatures:
Sept to Dec: 10 to 20 degrees Celsius.
January to March: -5 to 20 degrees Celsius.
April to July: 15 to 30 degrees Celsius
Activities:
As a guest at these homestays, one can get involved in the day-to-day activities of the villagers, such as farming and animal herding. Those interested can also take cooking classes from the homemakers.
Food Delights:
Another wonderful reason for staying with the locals is that one gets to eat the delicious home-cooked food. The culinary tradition of Jaunsar-Bawar is deep-rooted in growing food organically and most of the recipes use items that are either found naturally in the Himalayas or are cultivated locally. Jaunsar-Bawar (Tons Valley) food is very simple but extremely nutritious. For generations people here have mastered the skill of bringing the bio-diversity of the Himalayan eco-system to their plates. Using the medicinal herbs and spices found here, their cuisine has evolved into a perfect blend of taste and nutrition.
Meals will be served in the host kitchen in Indian way of sitting on the floor.
Wastage:
Wastage is minimized as much as possible; biodegradable waste is used to make compost for vegetables and herbs organically grown on the land, while non-biodegradable waste is recycled through the local rag pickers.
Things to note:
Fitness: To reach the homestay, you have to walk up for 10-15 minutes on steps and stone mountain paths. The staff will be happy to help you with your luggage.
Pets: Pets are not allowed.
Water: Carry a good water bottle. Natural source water is available at the house for refilling your bottle. Refrain from buying numerous plastic mineral water bottles.
Alcohol: Not provided. You can carry your own.
Pack your bags with environmentally friendly things. Carry as little plastic as possible.
Do not litter or leave behind any non-biodegradable waste. Carry it to the cities where better waste management systems are in place.
What you wear has an impact. Dress appropriately, especially when you walk into the villages.
Respect the local culture and refrain from physical intimacy in public places.
Local food is great. Try it as much as possible and avoid packaged food. Ask for modifications in the food according to your taste, instead of wasting it.
Avoid excessive consumption of alcohol and refrain from drugs, especially in public places.
Seek permission before photographing people, so as to respect their privacy.
Do not pluck any plants and flowers, and do not disturb the wildlife.
Checklist:
Sunscreen, sunhat
Walking /Trekking shoes
Torch / flashlight
Warm jacket, woollen cap, gloves.
Umbrella, raincoat
Floaters / slippers.
Books to read and write, stationery to paint and draw, basically anything you love to do and never get the time for
Binoculars for bird watching
Cosmetics you need
Prescription medicines, if any
Camera & batteries / charger
General questions:
What are the available communication facilities in this region?
For people who want to use their mobile phone, only BSNL/MTNL works in some places in Jaunsar region and some villages and places have no connectivity at all. It is advisable to purchase and activate your number before your trip.
Are there ATM’s in Ton Valley? Can I swipe my card at homestay/hotel?
Only cash is accepted at the homestay & Hotel. The nearest ATM is located in Mori (24 km). Hence carry sufficient cash with you during the tour.
What about toilets & bathing? And how does one use them?
On request, a bucket of hot water is provided for bathing while toilets (English style) are supposed to be shared with the host family. Normally, Bathing area & toilet are on the ground floor of the house (not attached with the room).
