Day 01: Arrive Delhi
Assistance on arrival at Delhi International airport by our tour
representative, transfer to hotel. Relax and overnight in Delhi.
Day 02: Delhi - Brindavan – Agra (200 kms - 4 hours)
After early breakfast at 0800 hrs, drive to Agra enroute visiting
Lord Krishna Temples at Vrindavan in Mathura. Afternoon, discover
the strong & magnificent Red Fort - built by the three generations
of Mughal Emperors between 1565 and 1573, whose military power cannot
be questioned. It was the residence of the Mughal Emperors. Each
one left there its print, Red sandstone of Akbar and Jahangir, White
marble of Shah Jahan. This fort rises on the edges of Yamuna River;
surrounded by a wall from 20 to 33 meters top and 2500 m perimeter.
Later in the evening visit the Grand & World famous Taj Mahal,
whose eternal beauty will astonish and mesmerize the visitors. It
is also known as the "Crown of Palaces" built by the Emperor
Shah Jahan to immortalize the memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz
Mahal who died in 1631. Evening free to visit the inlay handicraft
market of Agra, overnight at the hotel.
Day 03: Agra – Bhopal (BY Shatabdi Express train at 0800
hrs / arrival in Bhopal at 1410 hrs)
Early morning transfer to railway station to board the train for
Bhopal at 0800 hrs, assistance on arrival in Bhopal at 1410 hrs,
transfer to hotel in Bhopal, later in the day visit Laxmi Narayan
Temple, Moti Masjid, Taj-ul Masjid, Shaukat Mahal, Sadar Manzil
and Upper and Lower Lakes. Overnight in Bhopal.
Day 04: Bhopal – Bhojpur – Bhimbhetka – Bhopal
(46 kms)
Morning take an excursion tour to Bhojpur & Bhimbhetka. Bhojpur
known for the remains of a Shiva temple, sometimes referred to as
the "Somnath of the East" and its dams. Later proceed
to 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. Drive back to Bhopal in the evening. Overnight at the
hotel.
Day 05: Bhopal – Sanchi – Vidisha – Udaigiri
– Bhopal
After breakfast 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 06: Bhopal – Ujjain – Indore (186 kms – 4
hrs)
After breakfast checkout and 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 07: Indore – Omkareshwar – Maheshwar – Indore
(90 kms – one way – 2 hours)
After breakfast 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 08: Indore – Dhar (60 kms – One & half hour)
After breakfast 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.
Day 09: Dhar - Mandu (35 km s- One Hour) – Dhar
Morning excursion tour of 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. Later drive back to Dhar
for overnight.
Day 10: Dhar - Aurangabad (385 kms – 8 hours)
Checkout early morning and drive to Aurangabad, start early so that
you reach Ellora by 1400 hrs, enroute visiting famous Ellora caves.
Ellora is one of the highly visited World heritage sites of India.
It houses 34 monasteries and temples with some exclusive uninterrupted
sequence of monuments that date back from 600 to 1000 AD. The temples
of Ellora are dedicated to Brahmanism, Jainism, and Buddhism. It
also has some of the excellent stonework depicting the legends related
to Lord Shiva. Proceed to Aurangabad – 30 kms, if time permits
you can also visit Daulatabad Fort on the way, on arrival transfer
to hotel. Relax and overnight at the hotel.
Day 11: Aurangabad - Ajanta Caves
Morning depart for sightseeing tour of famous Ajanta caves. Ajanta
is one of the few historical and architectural marvels of India.
Recognized as the World Heritage site today, it was discovered during
the 19th century by a group of British officers who were on a tiger
hunt. The Ajanta group of caves, located deep within the Sahyadri
hills above the Waghora, depict the story of Buddhism that prevailed
here during 200 BC to 650 AD. After visiting Ajanta Caves drive
back to Aurangabad, relax for some time and visit the City of Aurangabad
visiting the Tomb of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb & Pan Chakki,
Bibi-ka-Maqbara. Evening free for individual activities, overnight
at the hotel.
Day 12: Aurangabad – Nashik (250 kms - 5 hours)
Morning drive to Nashik, enroute one can visit the Holy Shrine of
Sai Baba. On arrival transfer to hotel. The interesting town with
its 200 temples and picturesque bathing Ghats stands on the Godavari
River, one of the holiest rivers of the Deccan. Nasik is one of
the four sites for the triennial Kumbh Mela, a huge Hindu gathering
which take place here every 12 years. Evening visit Muktidham Temple
Complex. Overnight in Nashik.
Day 13: Nashik - Mumbai (Bombay) (180 kms - 3 hours)
Morning drive to Bombay through the Hills of Scenic Igatpuri, on
arrival transfer to hotel. Evening visit ISKON temple of Hare Rama
& Hare Krishna and one can also choose to stroll at the Juhu
Beach. Overnight in Bombay.
Day 14: 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 15: Bombay - Back home
In time transfer to airport to board the flight back home.
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