The enchantment of this tour has many facets, Wild life reserves of Bandhavgarh without compare, fabulous forts and palaces of Orchha and Gwalior, the ancient erotica at Khajuraho temples and the marble rocks in Jabalpur. The 17-day tour finally concludes in India’s capital city of Delhi. This is a unique lesser-known journey into the treasures of the Central India region.
Late evening: On arrival in Delhi by your international flight, meet and greet at the airport and transfer to hotel for immediate occupancy.
After a relaxed breakfast, proceed for a full day guided city tour of New Delhi and Old Delhi covering largest Mosque in Asia, the unforgettable cycle rickshaw ride through the narrow lanes of Old Delhi, Mughal architecture, soul-stirring temples and the 72 pts tall minaret. Evening you the option of dining at one of the many Indian specialty restaurants.
Morning you will be transferred to the airport in time to connect flight to Indore and on arrival, you will be driven to Dhar (1 hr), an ancient city. Rest of the day is to explore the town or to relax in the heritage palace hotel.
After breakfast, you will drive to Maheshwar (2 hrs) en-route visit the drive to Mandu, a celebration in stone of life and joy. Perched along the Vindhyan ranges at an altitude of 2,000 ft, Mandu, with its natural defenses, was originally the fort capital of the Parmar rulers of Malwa. Each of Mandu’s structures is an architectural gem; some are outstanding like the massive Jami Masjid and Hoshang Shah’s Tomb. The glory of Mandu lives on, in its palaces and mosques, in legends and songs, chronicled for posterity. On arrival in Maheshwar, check in at Ahilya Fort. The majestic 250-year-old Ahilya Fort sits on the edge of a cliff, high above the mighty Narmada River, surrounded by the beautiful and unexploited town of Maheshwar.
Full day at leisure/activities of the hotel like boat ride, stroll by riverside, handloom weaving center, school visit, swim in Narmada river etc.
After breakfast, drive to Indore (2 hrs) en-route visit the holy city of Omkareshwar – the sacred island, shaped like the holiest of all Hindu symbols, ‘Om’, has drawn to it hundreds of generations of pilgrims. And here, as in so many of sacred shrines, the works of Nature complement those of man to provide a setting awe-inspiring in its magnificence. On arrival in Indore, check in at the hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure.
After a relaxed breakfast proceeds for a city tour of this bustling and vibrant city of brave Holkar queen Ahilyabai. Later drive to Bhopal (3hrs) the capital of the state of Madhya Pradesh. On arrival, assistance by our representative at the time of check-in. Rest of the day at leisure.
After a relaxed breakfast, proceed for a full day guided excursion to Bhimbetka (1 hr) caves of the prehistoric cave dwellers. Executed mainly in red and white with the occasional use of green and yellow, with themes taken from the everyday events of eons ago, the scenes usually depict hunting, dancing, music, horse and elephant riders, animals fighting, honey collection, decoration of bodies, disguises, masking and household scenes. Animals such as bison, tigers, lions, wild boars, elephants, antelopes, dogs, lizards, crocodiles, etc. have been abundantly depicted in some Caves. Popular religious and ritual symbols also occur frequently.
After breakfast guided excursion to Sanchi (1.5 hrs) and witness the masterpieces of Buddhist Art which speaks of the story of Emperor Ashoka’s becoming follower of Buddhism. It was the seat of Buddhist learning and pilgrimage from 11th Century B.C to 3rd Century B.C. Buddhist art and architecture are found in sublime expression here. Sanchi abounds in stupas, temples, pillars and four magnificent gateways, profusely carved with images depicting the great events in the life of Gautama Buddha. His life is explained through symbols as was the tradition in the early years of Buddhism.
Today early morning, you will be transferred to train station to board Intercity Express to Jabalpur and on arrival, assistance at the station and drive to Bandhavgarh National Park (4 hrs) and check-in the Jungle Resort.
Early Morning and Late afternoon: Enjoy your two game rides in the park. Spread over 450 sq km, Bandhavgarh national park has the distinction of having the highest density of tiger population. You would spot a Nilgai, Chausingha, Chital, Chinkara, Wild Boar and sometimes a Fox or Jackal, not to talk about the king of the jungle himself.
Early Morning: Game ride in the park. Later drive to Khajuraho (5 hrs) and on arrival check in at the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.
Full day guided sight-seeing of this historical place and see the erotic temples of Khajuraho. Visit the world famous temples of Khajuraho begin with the Western group of temples followed by the Eastern and Southern group. These renowned Khajuraho sacred temples are one of the seven amazing things of India, second only to the amazing Taj Mahal. The amazing work of art on these temples are to be seen to be believed. The rest is on your imagination!!
After a relaxed breakfast, drive to Orchha (4 hrs) and on arrival check-in your hotel. Later visit this ancient capital of Bundela Empire. Visit Jehangir Mahal built by Raja Bir Singh Ju Deo for the Mughal Emperor Jehangir is worth visiting. Also, visit Chaturbhuj temple dedicated to Lord Rama, Rai Parveen Mahal built for poetess and musician Rai Praveen and the various Chhatris (Cenotaphs). Rest of the day is at leisure.
After breakfast, drive to Gwalior (2 hrs) and on arrival check in at the hotel. Afternoon: A guided tour of the Royal city of Gwalior and visit the huge fort of Gwalior and the splendid Palace of Maharaja of Gwalior. Also, explore the busy bazaars of the old city.
After breakfast, you have free time to explore the town on own. Late afternoon: Transfer to train station in time to board the train to Delhi. On arrival at New Delhi station, assistance and transfer to hotel.
Inclusion:
Little gifts from Travel East:
Exclusion: