The Virgin Coast, a tour package of 14 nights and 15 days takes you to some of the lesser-known places in India along with some of the extremely popular ones.
During the tour, you visit the well-known destinations of Andhra Pradesh and Orissa (Odisha).
You explore the sights, temples as well as beaches of places such as Hyderabad, Warangal, Khammam, Vijayawada, Kakinada, Visakhapatnam, Gopalpur on Sea, Puri, Bhubaneshwar and Kolkata.
THE VIRGIN COAST
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Day 1: Arrive Hyderabad
Once you arrive in Hyderabad at the airport, meet IHPL representative who helps you with an assisted transfer to your hotel. Spend the day at leisure, doing activities of your interest. Interact with the locals, explore the surroundings on foot, eat the world-famous Hyderabadi Biryani, visit the local markets and shop for antiques. Stay overnight.
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Day 2: Hyderabad
Day 2 of the trip is largely a city tour of Hyderabad starting with the Charminar Gate- Hyderabad’s biggest landmark with four ornate minarets held together by 4 massive arches. The monument was built in 1591 by Mohammed Quli Qutab Shah.
Later in the day, visit Salar Jung Museum- the third largest museum in the country and Mecca Mosque- one of the oldest as well as largest in the country. The evening is for attending Sound & Light show at the Golconda Fort. Stay overnight.
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Day 3: Hyderabad – Warangal
On day 3 of the tour, depart by road for Warangal. On the way, stop at the Carpet weaving center in Pembarthi Villageng. The next visit en-route is Kolanupaka Temple, a Jain religious site that is 2000 years old. On reaching Warangal, formerly known as Orugallu, check-in at your pre-booked hotel. The rest of the day is free for leisure activities. Stay overnight.
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Day 4: Warangal – Khammam
Today after breakfast, in the morning, you visit Ramappa Temple- an ancient temple, constructed during the 12th century at the time of Kakatiyas reign. The next visit is Thousand Pillared Temple- erected in 1163 AD by King Rudra Dev of Kakatiya dynasty.
Later explore the Warangal Fort- constructed during the 13th century and quite famous for its delicately carved arches and pillars. Continue to Khammam by road. On arrival, check into your pre-booked hotel. If time and energy permit, you can explore the surroundings on foot. Stay Overnight.
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Day 5: Khammam – Vijayawada
In the morning, visit the Sree Seetha Ramachandra Swamy Temple, located on the banks of river Godavari. This temple, dedicated to Lord Ram, was constructed during the 17th century. Later, begin driving to Vijayawada. Upon arrival, get transferred to your pre-booked hotel. The rest of the day is free for leisure activities such as interacting with the locals, exploring the surroundings on foot. Stay overnight.
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Day 6: Vijayawada
The morning of day 6 is for a day trip to Kondapali Village. The inhabitants of this village are famous for making unique wooden toys from Tella Poniki wood that is found only in the hills of the region. These toys are later meticulously painted.
The next visit is Kanaka Durga Temple, an ancient temple located on the banks of river Krishna, dedicated to Goddess Kanaka Durga. The evening is for exploring the Undavalli Caves, carved out of solid sandstone in the 4th and 5th centuries A.D Stay overnight.
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Day 7: Vijayawada – Kakinada
Today, after breakfast, hit the road to go to Kakinada. On the way, halt to explore a quaint French Church made during the 18th century and later visit a Serene Cemetery. The last en-route visit is Draksharamam Temple, a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
The temple has various inscriptions carved on it related to the traditions of Chola and Chalukyan dynasties. On arrival in Kakinada, complete the check-in formalities at your hotel for an overnight stay. If time and energy permit, you can explore the surroundings on foot.
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Day 8: Kakinada – Visakhapatnam
On the morning of the 8th day, hit the road to Visakhapatnam. On the way, stop at Sankaram- an important site for Buddhist devotees. This place has 2 mesmerizing images of Lord Buddha and Stupas that can be dated back to the 1st century AD. You can also visit some nearby rock-cut temples.
Later, visit the Simhachalam Temple situated on a hilltop, this is a beautiful temple with 16 delicately carved pillars. On reaching Visakhapatnam, check-in your hotel for an overnight stay.
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Day 9: Visakhapatnam
Have breakfast, leave for visiting Araku Valley- a beautiful valley with picturesque waterfalls and gardens where you can indulge in leisure activities, Borra Caves, also known as Borra Guhalu – known for their Stalagmite and Stalactite formations, the last visit is Bheemili Beach where you can indulge in the activities of your interest. Stay overnight.
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Day 10: Visakhapatnam – Gopalpur On Sea
On day 10, you hit the road to go to Gopalpur on Sea. On the way, halt at Arasavalli temple, an ancient temple of Suryanarayana Swamy. The idol of the deity in this temple has been made in such a manner that its feet are adorned with the first rays of the sun twice a year.
Later, continue driving passing through some of the most fertile land rice fields, banana and jackfruit plantations in abundance. On reaching Gopalpur on Sea, complete the check-in formalities at your hotel. If you want, you can explore the surroundings on foot or visit the beach as the day is at leisure. Stay overnight.
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Day 11: Gopalpur On Sea – Puri
In the morning, after breakfast, begin driving towards Puri. After arriving, check-in your hotel. Post lunch, leave for sightseeing in Puri, Visit the well-known Jagannath Temple- dedicated to Lord Jagannath, Gundicha Mandir- called the Garden House of Jagannath and the nearby village of the artisans. Stay overnight.
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Day 12: Puri – Konarak – Bhubaneshwar
Today, post breakfast, begin driving towards Bhubaneshwar, en-route stop to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Konarak Sun Temple, also known as the Black Pagoda, constructed during the 13th century. The next visit is the Fisherman’s village, take a stroll around the village or observe the locals doing their daily chores.
Later, proceed to Bhubaneshwar. On arrival, check-in at your pre-booked hotel. If time and energy permit, you can indulge in leisure activities. Stay overnight.
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Day 13: Bhubaneshwar
Day 13 is booked for a trip to Lalitgiri, Ratnagiri and Udayagiri to explore the ancient Buddhist monasteries. Famous as the Mini Golden Triangle of Orrisa (Odisha), the Lalitgiri-Ratnagiri-Udayagiri corridor houses the remains of brick pagodas, sculptured stone portals and mysterious Buddhist images. Back to Bhubaneshwar for overnight stay.
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Day 14: Bhubaneshwar – Kolkata
In the morning, you get an assisted transfer to the airport to board a flight to Kolkata. On arriving in Kolkata, meet IHPL representative and get transferred to your pre-booked hotel. In the afternoon, visit the tourist attractions of Kolkata including the Birla Planetarium, Victoria Memorial and the Howrah Bridge.
Drive past drive past the Fort Williams, the Secretariat Building and the Old Court House Street. After dinner, get transferred to the airport.
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Day 15: Kolkata
Get transferred to the airport to board an international flight for your onward destination.
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