Telugu Heritage

Arrive at the designated reporting place, report to the coach, and proceed to Chikkaballapur. On arrival, visit the Isha Foundation, a spiritual organization founded in 1992 near Coimbatore, famous for the 112-feet tall Adiyogi Shiva Statue. Take photos with Adiyogi and soak in the peaceful atmosphere of the ashram. Here we also enjoy a light and sound show. In the evening, return to Bangalore.

Early morning proceed to Gandikota Canyon, known as the Grand Canyon of India, located on the banks of the Penna River. Gandikota was the capital of the Pemmasani Nayakas for more than 300 years. The name Gandikota comes from two Telugu words – Gandi meaning gorge and Kota meaning fort. Spend some time enjoying the beautiful canyon views. Later explore Gandikota Fort, Raghunatha Temple, Madhavaraya Swamy Temple, and the historic granary (storehouse of rice grains). Stop at the Gandikota Canyon Viewpoint for photos and views of the Penna River, and enjoy a boat ride at Gandikota Canyon. Later proceed to Proddatur.

Today morning we proceed to Belum Caves, which are 3,229 meters long, making them the second largest natural caves in the Indian subcontinent. The caves feature long passages, spacious chambers, fresh water galleries, and siphons. The deepest point of the caves (about 120 ft below the entrance level) is known as Patalganga. Later visit Bugga Ramalingeswara Swamy Temple, located in Tadipatri, a historic temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. In the evening, proceed to Anantapur.

In the morning, proceed to Lepakshi, a UNESCO-listed heritage site known for its rich culture and archaeological importance. On arrival, explore the famous Veerabhadra Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, and considered one of the finest temples of the Vijayanagara Empire. Admire the beautiful murals made with natural pigments, including a large painting of Virabhadra, one of the largest of its kind in India. Visit the Kalyan Mandapa, see the mysterious Hanging Pillar that does not touch the ground, and the impressive Nagalinga sculpture—about 15 feet tall with three coils and seven hoods, believed to be carved from a single stone. Later see the footprint of Sita, the Jatayu statue, and stop for photos at the massive Lepakshi Nandi, one of the largest monolithic Nandi statues in India (20 feet high and 30 feet long). Later proceed to Chikkaballapur to visit Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple, a beautifully carved 9th–10th century temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, and Ranganatha Swamy Temple. Afterwards, proceed to board your flight for your hometown. Tour concludes.