Discover the Land of Krishnarayulu

Gandikota, Vontimitta, Belum, Tadipatri, Kadappa, Pushpagiri, Ahobilam, Siddavattam, Produttur and Nandalur

Carefully Curated Heritage and Special Interest Experiences

Along With

Historian Madhusudanan Kalaichelvan

Presents

26th to 29th February 2020Online Brochure - http://mysticalpalmyra.com

Facebook Brochure: https://www.facebook.com/mysticalpalmyra/contact us at sridhar@embassy-travels.com / +919282119040

Rayalaseema

The originally “seeded Districts” (Datta Mandalu in Telugu), later became royal lands (Rayalaseema) to establish the glorious past and the rich culture of this region dating back many centuries. This land has seen many dynasties e m e r g e a n d va n i s h b u t b e a r s t h e i r remembrances through striking architecture and cultural practices. !It was during the reign of Krishnarayulu that telugu culture reached it’s zenith. Rayalaseema not only was the cradle for telugu literature but also gave us Modern Philosophers like Jiddu Krishnamurthy who is a son of this soil. !Mystical Palmyra has packaged a unique experience for the very first time ever that wouldoffer glimpses of History, Architecture, culture, religion and cuisine of these Royal Lands. !Come and be the privileged guest to witness the splendor of the genius of these royal lineages. !

Under the Arch of the Penna -Gandikota

Gandikota Fort is one of the greatest forts in South India. It acquired its namedue to the gorge formed between the Erramala Range of hills and the Penna River. As a fort this location is strategic due to narrow access and the rivers and mountains forming natural barriers. It issituated amongst natural landscapes and wild forests. This fort has seen at least four dynasties of rulers from the Kakatheya, Vijayanagara, Qutub Sahi and finally the Nayaks. !!Surrounding the Fort we can savor the pristine natural beauty of India’s Grand Canyon, the picturesque Penna River and a string of ancient monuments that enhance natures perfections. !!

Vontimitta

The Kodhandarama Swamy temple at Vontimitta has an interesting legend. It is believed the idols were installed by Jhambhavan, the bear king in the Ramayana and that the temple was built in a single day by ardent devotees of Lord Rama. The Sanctum Sanctorum houses the statues of Rama, Sita and Lakshmana engraved from a single rock. Many shining gems of Telugu literature have dedicated their works to lord Rama of this temple.!The imposing gopurams of the temple are ornately carved with unique figurines and scenes from the Puranas. The Ranga Mandapam, an open air theatre, houses 32 pillars that stand out for the marvelous carvings of apsaras, Krishna and Vishnu. The decorative brackets is another highlight not to be missed.!

Nandalur

The ancient temple of Chokanatha Perumal (Sowmyanatha Swamy) at Nandalur was built by Chola King Kulothunga . There are as many as 54 inscriptions in this temple that tell its tale.!The Deepa Sthambam inside this temple is an architectural marvel with lions heads on all the four sides. The eight feet Sthambam which was utilised as a light source is an example of the original street lighting system of ancient times.!The walls are filled with inscriptions mostly in ancient tamil script.! !

Ahobilam

This is the location where the man lion incarnation of Vishnu, Narasimha is worshiped in nine different forms. This is one of the 108 Sacred shrines of Vishnu setin the pristine Nallamala Forest region. Both nature and the temple offer you an enchanting experience. !We will visit the main shrine at the foot of the hills which has intricate carvings depicting the episodes from the story of Narasimha and his young devotee Prahalada. Our Historian’s commentary will add life to the freezes found in this exquisite temple. !

Tadipatri

The town of Tadipatri is famous for it’s Bugga Ramalingeshwara Temple and Chinthala Venkataramana Swamy Temple. Both these temples are exquisite examples of the early Vijayanagara style of architecture highlighted by intricate stone carvings .!At the Bugga Ramalingeshwara Swamy temple, the perennial underground stream (bugga in telugu) which flows under the Shivaling is a ubiquitous feature of this temple. The entire Shivapurana, an ancient text that centers aroundShiva, is carved on the walls of the temple in miniature carvings with elaborate details.!The 16th century Chinthala Venkataramana Temple was built during the same time as the Vittala Temple in Hampi. Both bear close resemblances to each other. The carvings of episodes form the Ramayana, Mahabharata and the Bhagavata Purana are intricately sculpted on the outer walls of the sanctum sanctorum. ! !

Pushpagiri

Popularly believed to have come into existence millions of years ago according to Indian mythology, the Pushpagiri Temple complex finds mention in ancient Sanskrit Text of Skanda Puranam and Garuda Puranam. !!Set amidst lush greenery The Agatheeswara Swamy Temple has has documented history starting from the Ikshvakus to modern Zamindars who ruled the area. Thus the architectural repertoire is varied and diverse. The characteristic feature of this temple is the 16 pillared and vast open pillared Mandapa. !!The Chennakesava Temple on the opposite bank of the river is built with elaborate detailing from the Epics Ramayana and the Mahabharatain stark contrast to the Agatheeswara temple that communicates through elaborate structures.!

Belum Caves

Belum Guhalu or Belum Caves has a length of over 10,000 feet making it one of the largest cave systems in India. Captivating stalagmite and Stalactite formations greet the visitors. This cave system was formed overthe course of tens of thousands of years by the now extinct river Chithravathy. It is also a protected monument of national importance.We will delve into the spectacular caves with witness that beauty exists not only above the surface but below as well. !A surprise awaits you at a special location in the caves where you might get rooted here.!

Siddavattam Fort

Built during the 14th Century, The Siddavattam Fort located on the banks of thePenna River houses many remarkable monuments within it’s walls. Though not in active worship, the Ranganayaka shrine, the Siddeshwara shrine, Balabrahma Shrine, Durga shrine are some of the gems to be discovered. This is a standing testimony to the architectural skills, military strategy and aesthetics of medieval India.!The later Islamic rulers allowed the Mandapams and the sculptures to co exist with their artistic creations which can still beseen. Though ravaged by time it has not lost it’s splendor and Visitors can view gateways and decorated pillars and outstanding carvings.!!

When and WhereDay 1

26th Feb 0700 Breakfast0730Leave for Ahobilam0900 - 1300Visit Bhargava Narasimha, Yagananda Narasimha, Chatravata Narasimha, Ahobilam Narasimha, Krodha Narasimha, Karanja Narasimha and Pavana (if possible)1345Lunch @ Allagada1500Leave for Produttur1600Rameshwaram Temple1700Leave for Hotel1930Dinner and a small surprise J

0745Meet at Manasa Inn Hotel, Kadappa after having your breakfast and leave for Vaithyanatha Swamy Temple 0900Leave for Siddavattam Fort (Approx. 45 mins)0945 – 1145 Siddavattam Fort1145Leave for Kadappa1245Ameen Peer Dargah1330Lunch1430Baghawan Mahaveer Museum 1500Leave for Pushpagiri complex1530K a m a k s h i Va i t h y a n a t h a Swamy Temple1630Leave for Chenna Kesava Temple1800Leave for Hotel (Approx. 1 hr)1930Dinner @ Hotel and Rest

Day 227th Feb

Day 328th Feb

Day 429th Feb

06.30Leave for Tadipatri after tea/coffee and packed breakfast(Approx. 2 hrs.)0830-1100Bugga Ramalingeshwara temple and Chintalarayaswamy temple 1100Leave for Belum caves11.45 Belum Caves1245Leave for Gandikota (1 hr 45 mins)1430 Late lunch at Gandikota1600Gandikota Visit1800Tea and Sunset at Gandikota1830Leave Ganidikota1930Back to Resort, Dinner and Rest

0900Breakfast, Checkout and leave for Nandalur (Approx. 2 hrs.)1100Nandalur Sowmyanatha temple visit1200Vontimitta Kodhandarama Temple1330Lunch @ Vontimitta1430Madhavaram Saree Visit1530Tour Ends and Bye until the next experience

Fine Print, Inclusions and ExclusionsThe Fine Print!Several places we will be visiting are places of worship and therefore we request your special attention to the following:• Since most of the places of visit are monuments, You may wear shorts and sleeveless wear but please carry a garment that you can wear over your existing one. Please carry extra clothes if you wish to bathe in the pool at the resort or maybe a river J .• Comfortable shoes or slippers since monuments are generally not footwear free zones• We strongly advice carrying sun block, sunglasses and cap and maybe an umbrella • Basic medication/ first aid will be available. Please carry your specific medication if any • Camera – Rs. 10 and Rs.200 for the usage of camera at certain places• Photography may not be permitted in certain Places• We would like to iterate that this is not a religious trip and therefore we all need to respect the time and interest of those who are coming to enjoy the heritage aspect of the trip. Therefore please ensure that you respect and stick to time schedules.   • Due to unforeseen circumstances, in case we need to make certain changes in the itinerary, we request your patience and understanding. We assure you that the alternate option provided will be just as exciting• A Tip between Rs. 50 – Rs. 200 per person may be collected for service providers based on popular consensus

 

Included :•  Road travel in AC vehicles•  Accommodation in AC rooms accommodating up to 2 adults. In

this Trip we will be staying at Royal County Resort @ Produttur (http://royalcounty.in)

•  Meals mentioned - 3 breakfast, 4 lunch and 3 dinners per person(Request you to specify your preference if any in advance)

•  2 bottles of water per person will be provided on the vehicle every day. We request you to bring a refillable bottle in order to reduce the usage of plastic waste.

•  Regular entry tickets where required will be provided•  Darshan at temples will be allowed if People wish to and ONLY

if time permits.   •  All applicable taxes as on dateNot Included•  Transportation To and From Kadappa and to and from the

meeting and finishing points of the tour•  Additional nights stay before the 26th and after the 29th February

at Produttur or Kadappa •  Expenses of Personal nature•  Room Service•  Any other attraction/temples not mentioned in the itinerary•  Tips for any services including driver and hotelPlease Note:Kadappa is a lesser explored region and we need to travel distances in order to stay at a comfortable place and see the places in the itinerary. So please bring along a mindset as well as a physique to indulge in long drives, a bit of walking and hot weather during most of the tour.

Contact and Package DetailsContact:Sridharan Lakshmanan; sridhar@embassy-travels.com; +919282119040Raji Kumar; raji@embassy-travels.com; +919840471127 Address: 23, Thanikachalam Road, T. Nagar, Chennai – 600 017Bank Details: Ours is a Current Account

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Minimum age: 15 years (Between 15-18 yrs they must be accompanied by an adult and above 70 years they must be accompanied by a younger person) !!Per person Package cost :- INR 28,300 twin sharing basis (We will not be pairing guests. This is for those who are travelling as couples or with known people. At the time of registering you may check with us for other participants looking to share the room)!- INR 36,000 on single occupancy basis !!Registration: Before January 20th 2020 by way of Full payment at the time of registration to ensure confirmed participation in the tour. You may check for availability in case you miss the deadline! !Cancellation and refund:- 30 days before commencement of tour – 50% of tour cost will be refunded!-Less than 30 days before commencement of tour – no refund !-Incase of non-participation due to rescheduling of tour by the organizers for ANY REASON INCLUDING ACT OF GOD OR CIRCUMSTANCES BEYOND OUR CONTROL, 50% of tour cost will be refunded!-Incase of cancellation of the tour by organizers – full refund including registration fee! !

"This temple trip was different from others. It was not about religion, not about mythology, not even about history. It was about the evolution of human civilization. What was even more interesting, was how Pradeep was able to connect the past to the current way in which we think and act to survive , synergize with others and form strategies to connect with the rest of the society. It would be brilliant, if we can use this knowledge and 5000yrs of history into our managemen

t practices. ” - Vinod Dasari, CEO Eicher Motorcycles

We have never felt that Priya and Pradeep are organizers and we are just travelers. Over the years we have become one family, every body making everyone feel at ease and comfortable – Mythili Chandrasekaran, Ex SBI

The call was for refreshing “degree”But the Mystical Palmyra pedigree

Ensured it was so much more --Places, People, food and tales of yorePriya and Pradeep pack so much fun

The initiated will seldom shunTheir trips planned with such care

I proudly proclaim they are beyond compare. – J Krishnan, Logistics Industry

I had a very insightful trip and my appreciation and awe of Indian history and culture is being expanded with each trip. It is also an eye opener as to how a warped version of our history is being taught in schools whereas such phenomenal

achievements of our ancestors are being glossed over – Shailesh Vummidi, Jeweler

It was our first trip with Pradeep and Priya. We never had to think or be concerned about anything.  Every little detail was taken care of.  Living in Delhi, we are surrounded by monuments/tombs reminding us of the Mughals, British and India’s independence.  One always thought that all history was in the north.  This trip opened my eyes to history in th

e south – Sudha Rajendran, Delhi  

  

From the “Horse’s” Mouth

Mystical Palmyra endeavors to recreate the bygone years and interpret it with a modern eye. Experience and celebrate our ancient art and architecture through authentic research married to luxurious arrangements. It will be a happy mixture of best of both the worlds. The feast for the eye is heightened by ancient cuisine and traditional crafts. We adhere in a personalized manner to all travel related services that one might require be it guidance, documentation, reservations, currency exchange etc. Customization and luxury travel is our forte, which ensures the utmost comfort for our clients whether it is outbound, inbound or domestic travel.Mystical Palmyra is the heritage vertical we take pride in adding to our existing array of experiences extended by us. We are proud to showcase some of the unsung treasures of a bygone rich era that are just around the corner. We assure you that the whole experience would be an absolute luxurious insight into our glorious past.

- Shanmugapriya Thyagarajan The Unraveller

 

Your Partners in Crime

Prof.Madhusudhanan Kalaichelvan, a University topper and a Gold Medalist, is an Architect by profession running Arangham Studios. Currently an Associate Professor pursuing his Doctoral Research on Temple Town Planning in Medieval South India, he specializes in subjects such as Conservation, Planning, Traditional Temple Architecture, Architectural and Cultural History of India, Urban Studies, Research Techniques etc. which have also helped in conserving many ancient temple structures in Tamilnadu. A well-read historian and trained epigraphist, Prof.Madhu talks and writes on various subjects related to religion, social history, cultural studies, traditions and temple practices. These interests have made him a popular speakers on Divya Prabandham texts, Sangam Literature, Social History, Carnatic Music, Temple Traditions and rituals, cross cultural influences etc.

THANK YOU