Day 1: Home - Delhi
Assistance on arrival at Delhi International airport by our tour
representative, transfer to hotel. Relax and overnight at hotel
in Delhi.
Day 2: Delhi
Morning take a sight seeing tour of Old & New Delhi. Morning
visit Old Delhi: The important places in Old Delhi include the majestic
Red Fort, the historical Chandni Chowk and if time permits you can
visit Raj Ghat the Memoir of Mahatma Gandhi. Afternoon visit New
Delhi visit the Rashtrapati Bhawan, the one-time imperial residence
of the British viceroys; the India Gate, a memorial raised in honour
of the Indian soldiers martyred during the Afghan war; the Laxmi
Narayan Temple, built by the Birlas, one of India’s leading
industrial families; Qutab Minar, built by Qutub-ud-din Aibek of
the Slave Dynasty; and the lotus-shaped Baha’i Temple.
Day 3: Delhi - Jhansi - Orchha (16 kms - 20 minutes)
Early morning transfer to the Station to take train for Jhansi –
the gateway to Bundelkhand. Jhansi is known for the valour of Rani
Jhansi. It was here she fought the British. Arrive Jhansi and proceed
to Orcha- medieval city of Orcha flanked by the river Betwa, known
for its palaces and temples of the 16th and 17th century built by
Bundela rulers. Evening free to explore Orchha on own. Overnight
in Orchha.
Day 04: Orchha - Khajuraho (178 kms - 4 hours)
Morning sight seeing tour of Orchha visiting Jehangir Mahal - the
largest of the palaces , the Raj Mahal with its murals and the Raj
Praveen Mahal built near a garden, You would also visit Dinman Hardaul`s
palace with its interesting story. The temples of Orchha are highly
preserved. The two main temples are the Ram Raja Temple with its
lofty spires and the Chaturbhuj temple. Later in the afternoon drive
to Khajuraho, the ancient capital of the Chandela Kings. Khajuraho
is known for its magnificent carved temples dedicated to Lord Shiva,
Lord Vishnu and the Jain Tirthankaras. These temples were built
between 950 A.D. and 1050 A.D. These temples represent some of the
most exquisite specimens of medieval India, now declared a world
heritage site by UNESCO. On arrival in Khajuraho transfer to hotel.
Relax and overnight at the hotel in Khajuraho.
Day 5 : Khajuraho
This morning, visit famous temples of the western group, built by
Chandela kings about 1000 years back. The 89 temples represent are
dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma. The main shrines are ornately
carved with massive pillars and arches. The ceilings and walls are
adorned with exquisite carvings depicting on the interests in human
life, feasts, hunting's, music, dances, love.!. Afternoon, visit
eastern group temples dedicated to Jainism with beautiful sculptures.
Later take a walk into the village of the craftsmen. Overnight at
the hotel in Khajuraho.
Day 6: Khajuraho - Bandhavgarh (270 km - 5 to 6 hours)
This morning, depart for Bandhavgarh National Park situated in the
forest of the erstwhile State of Rewa. The National Park lies in
the heart of the Vindhyan Mountain Range. Besides its enchanting
landscape formed by the Sal forest in the valleys and majestic tree
clad hills in the backdrop. It is famous for its rich variety of
wildlife and archaeological remains of the Kalchuri period. The
park area is hilly and is dominated by the majestic Bandhavgarh
fort, built in 14th century. After Lunch late in the afternoon,
proceed for the Jeep safari into the jungle to observe animals.
Overnight at the Lodge.
Day 7: Bandhavgarh
The day is dedicated to take safaris in the reserve with a naturalist,
in search of the Tiger, Leopard, Bear, Bison, Chital, Sambhar, Nilgai,
Chinkara, Chowsingha, Barking deer, and varieties birds such as
Peacock, Paradise fly catchers, Jungle Fowl, Golden. Day in the
jungle. Overnight in Bandhavgarh.
Day 8: Bandhavgarh - Jabalpur (200 km)
In the morning depart for Jabalpur, the old capital of the Gonda
Kings during the 12th century, thereafter the seat of the Kalchuri
dynasty is a charming city with spacious cantonment with its colonial
residences and barracks. Today Jabalpur is an important administrative
centre, a bustle with commercial activity. In the afternoon we go
for an excursion to BHERAGHAT, to take a boat to see the famous
'marble rocks' that rise like cliffs from the river Narmada. On
return, visit the MADAN MAHAL FORT- Built by the Gonda ruler, Raja
Madan Shah, in 1116, perched atop a rocky hill. Overnight in Jabalpur.
Day 9 : Jabalpur - Pachmari (273 kms - 5 to 6 hours)
In the morning we depart for Pachmari which is Madhya Pradesh's
most verdant jewel, a place where nature has found exquisite expression
in myriad enchanting ways. The landscape is characterized by rugged
hills, forests and deep ravines. There is also a possibility to
see the ancient cave shelters in the Mahadeo Hills is an astonishing
richness in rock paintings. Walk through the valleys and ravines
to admire the natural beauty.
Day 10 : Pachmari - Bhimbhetka - Bhopal (195 kms)
Morning checkout and drive to Bhopal enroute visiting the famous
Bhimbetka caves surrounded by the northern fringe of the Vindhyan
ranges, are believed to have provided shelter to the primitive man.
The caves or the rock shelters belonging to the Neolithic age number
more than 600. Inside most of these caves are the paintings that
depict, in vivid panoramic detail, the life of the pre-historic
cave dwellers. The oldest paintings are believed to be up to 12,000
years old. Later proceed to Bhopal, on arrival transfer to hotel.
Evening free for individual activities, overnight at the hotel.
Day 11 : Bhopal – Sanchi – Vidisha – Udaigiri
– Bhopal
Morning take an excursion tour to Sanchi, Vidisha & Udyagiri.
Located about 46 km northeast of Bhopal, the town of Sanchi is famous
for the Buddhist works of art dating from the 3rd century BC to
the 12th century AD. The ancient stupas, monasteries, temples, and
pillars form a major source of attraction here. Of these, the most
famous is the Sanchi Stupa 1, originally built by the Mauryan Emperor
Ashoka. Later drive to Vidisha 10 kms from Sanchi, Vidisha or Besnagar
as it was known then, was an important trade centre in Emperor Ashoka's
time. On his way to Ujjayani, when he was still a viceroy, he stopped
here and married the daughter of a wealthy local businessman. The
ruins of a 2nd century BC Brahmin shrine dedicated to Lord Vishnu,
show traces of lime mortar – the earliest use of cement in
India. Located at the confluence of the Betwa and Beas rivers, Vidisha
was renamed Bhilsa by the Muslims, who built the now ruined Bija
Mandal, a mosque constructed from the remains of Hindu temples and
the Gumbaz-ka-Maqbara. Vidisha later passed on to the Malwa Sultans,
the Mughals and then the Scindias. Later proceed to UDAIGIRI CAVES
Just 5 kms from Vidashi is Udaigiri Groups of rock cut sanctuaries
carved into the sandstone hillside form the Udaigiri Caves, There
are 20 caves, out of which 18 are Hindu and the other 2 are Jain.
An inscription in one of the caves indicates that they were produced
during the reign of Chandragupta II, between 382-401 AD. The caves
have been numbered, probably in the sequence in which they were
excavated. Cave 5 depicts Lord Vishnu in a beautiful carving in
his Varaha (boar) incarnation holding the earth goddess Prithvi
on one tusk. Another large sculpture is that of a reclining Lord
Vishnu. Cave 20 is particularly interesting, with detailed Jain
carvings. On top of the hill are the ruins of a 6th century AD Gupta
temple. Later early evening drive back to Bhopal for overnight.
Day 12: Bhopal – Ujjain – Indore (186 kms – 4
hrs)
Morning drive to Indore enroute visiting Ujjain - situated on the
banks of the river Shipra, regarded since times immemorial as sacred.
The belief in the sacredness of Shipra, has its origins in the ancient
Hindu mythological tale of churning of the Ocean by the Gods and
the Demons, with Vasuki, the serpent as the rope. The ocean bed
first yielded fourteen gems, then Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth,
and finally the coveted vessel of Nectar. Then began the wild scramble
for immortality with the demons chasing the Gods across the skies,
and in the process, a few drops were spilt, and fell at Hardwar,
Nasik, Prayag, and Ujjayini. Hence the sanctity of the waters of
the Shipra. Later proceed to Indore, on arrival transfer to hotel.
Day free to relax for some time later visit City of Indore famous
for its glass bangles and jewellery, Indore has some of the best
architectural marvels that belong to the Holkar dynasty. The Rajwada
or the Old Palace (a major centre of attraction), Lalbagh palace,
(another architectural wonder), Kanch Mandir (a marvellous Jain
temple), Chattri Bagh (the memorial with some canopies) and the
Bada Ganapati (the largest Ganapati statue in the world) are some
of the attractions you must visit in Indore. Moreover, Indore is
famous as a shopper/’s paradise. The Khajuri Bazaar offers
you unique shopping options of gold and silver work, cloth, leather
work and traditional garments. Moreover, there are the Sarafa Market
that specialises in snacks and jewellery and the Kasera Bazaar that
specialises in metalwork where you can indulge in the variety displayed
for selling. The Chanderi and Maheshwari silks of Indore are the
other famous attractions of this city. Overnight in Indore.
Day 13: Indore – Omkareshwar – Maheshwar – Indore
(90 kms – one way – 2 hours)
Morning take an excursion tour to Omkareshwar & Maheshwar. Located
a few kilometers away from Indore town is a small island at the
confluence of the Narmada and Kaveri rivers in the state. The island
is shaped like the holy Hindu symbol ’Om’ and the Omkareshwar
temple here is one of the many temples dedicated to Lord Shiva.
The temple is made from local soft stone. The temple also holds
importance as one of the 12 Jyotirlingams of India, attracting a
good number of religious tourists every year. The island also has
some other temples near the Omkareshwar temple. Later drive to Maheshwar
80 kms from here. The small town is famous for its fort and temples
and also for the saris produced by the local weavers. Known as Maheshwari
saris, the silk saris are intricately patterned and quite comfortable
to wear. You can get some of the fine locally made saris from the
local shops where the prices of these saris are comparatively cheaper.
Later drive back to Indore for overnight.
Day 14: Indore – Dhar (60 kms – One & half hour)
Morning checkout and drive to Dhar, on arrival transfer to Jhira
Bagh Palace which is 4 kms from Dhar. Later in the day visit Dhar
the capital of Parmar Kings, among whom Bhoj was the most prominent.
During the Muslim rule, Dhar was under the Sultans of Delhi. In
the monuments one can see the combination of Hindu, Afghan and Mughal
architecture. Bhoj Shala, Laat Masjid, the Fort and the lakes are
the main tourist attractions. Overnight in Dhar.
Day 15: Dhar - Mandu (35 km s- One Hour) – Dhar
Morning checkout and drive to Mandu, on arrival transfer to hotel.
Later in the day visit Mandu which has over 40 monuments to choose
from. For convenience, these are divided into three broad groups:
the Central Village Group, the Royal Enclave Group, and the Rewa
Kund Group. You can easily spend all day in Mandu, wandering in
and out of palaces, pausing to admire the beauty of the Champa Baoli,
the former baths, and the huge 15th-century Jama Masjid, the finest
example of Afghan architecture in India. Then there are the beautiful
Jahaz Mahal (ship palace), where the architectural illusion is completed
by the two surrounding lakes; the Hindola Mahal, or swing palace;
the romantic Baz Bahadur’s Palace and Roopmati’s Pavilion;
and Hoshang Shah’s Tomb, the final resting place of the founder
of Ghuri Dynasty. Besides, there are many palaces, pavilions, and
reservoirs where you can spend a leisurely day taking in the city’s
rather turbulent history, which is not revealed by the monuments
that speak of luxurious royal lifestyles. Overnight in Dhar.
Day 16: Dhar - Chota Udaipur - Vadodra (180 km - 3 to 4 hours)
In the morning proceed toward Gujarat, another India state. Stop
at Chota Udaipur, passing through a very picturesque landscape.
Thereafter proceed to Baroda now called Vadodra, the erstwhile capital
of the princely Gaekwads, Vadodra is a graceful city of magnificient
palaces, parks, temples and museums. Besides being an important
industrial centre, Baroda is also known as the cultural capital
of Gujarat. Day free to relax, overnight in Vadodra.
Day 17: Baroda - Ahmedabad (115 km - 2 hours)
In the morning sightseeing of Vadodra visiting the Museum with impressive
collections of Art and Archaeology, Pratap Vilas Palace the erstwhile
residence of the Royal family to see collection of old armory and
sculptures in bronze, marble and terra cotta. Thereafter proceed
towards Ahmedabad, graced with splendid monuments built by its founder
in 15th Century. Ahmedabad , today is the capital of Gujarat, a
very important commercial and cultural centre in western India.
Ahmedabad played a prominent role during the freedom movement of
India, being the centre of activities of Mahatma Gandhi for some
years. Overnight in Ahmedabad.
Day 17 : Ahmedabad - Utelia (78 kms - 1 to 2 hours)
Morning visit the famous Sidi Sayyad's mosque known for is exquisite
stone window tracery that transforms a stone into a filigree. The
Jama Masjid which stands on 26 pillars supporting 15 domes at varying
elevations, the extraordinary Calico museum renowned for the large
variety of high quality fabrics and the Sabarmati Ashram founded
by Gandhi . In the afternoon we continue toward Utelia via Lothal,
a place of tremendous archaeological significance, one of the sites
associated with the famous Harappan era dating as far back as the
2nd millennium B C. Arrive Utelia and proceed to the Utelia Palace
in indo-Saracenic architectural situated in the heart of a colorful
village and offers a glimpse of rural life. Utellia was founded
in 18th Century. Overnight in Utelia.
Day 18: Utelia - Palitana - Bhavnagar (123 kms - 3 hours)
In the morning depart for the religious city of Palitana famous
for the ancient Jain temples. Perched atop the Shatrunjaya hills,
there are 863 exquisite marble temples of great religious and artistic
importance, containing arches, carved pillars and bejeweled idols.
Some of these temples are more than 900 years old. Thereafter continue
towards Bhavnagar, once the capital of the princely state now a
coastal city. Overnight in Bhavnagar.
Day 19: Bhavnagar - Mumbai (Bombay) (By air)
In the morning after a brief visit of Bhavnagar city transfer to
airport to take a flight for Bombay, now called Mumbai. Mumbai is
Gateway of India and the capital of Maharashtra . It is country’s
foremost sea port, commercial centre and a centre of world’s
largest film industry commonly called the Bollywood. Day at Leisure
and rest. Depart for the visit of the city: visiting Gateway of
India – The imposing stone archway in Indo-Saracenic architecture
built in 1911 , Hanging Gardens, the Aquarium and Marine Drive (also
known) as "Queens Necklace", the street lights shinning
like jewels at night Then visit the museum of Wales, then walk towards
the Victoria station and the market of Colaba. Overnight.
Day 20 : Mumbai (Bombay)
Morning take a sight seeing tour of Bombay, drive to Gateway of
India and from here cruise by motor boats to Elephanta Caves. A
flight of 100 steps takes you to the top of the hill where it is
set. The caves houses large pillars that seem to hold the ceiling
which is made of cross beams. The picturesque presentation of the
9 marvelous sculptured panels, set on the walls are awe-inspiring.
The most famous of the panels is the Trimurthi, or triple-headed
Shiva, where the God is depicted as the destroyer, the preserver
and the creator. Later in the afternoon cruise back to Gateway of
India, one can have lunch at the Taj Hotel or other several good
Restaurants like Leopold & Mondegar serving continental cuisines.
Later visit Prince of Wales Museum, Parliament House, Marine Drive,
Jain Temple, Hanging Gardens, Return back to the hotel for overnight.
Day 21 : Mumbai (Bombay) - Home
In time transfer to international airport to board the flight back
home.
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