The states of Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat testify their past splendours in consistency. Each page of history is marked by superbly made monuments. With dimensions of the great Hindu, Buddhist and Muslim sites such as Gwalior, Sanchi, Mandu or Palitana, you will explore one of most enthralling natural reserves of India, Bandhavgarh and you will dream in the immense Palaces in the nostalgic charm of Orchha.
Gujarat is the Western most State of India, also called the Jewel in the West. With its serene beaches and picturesque coastline, unique wildlife, beautiful temples at Palitana, Modhera and Somnath, the ancient site of Harappan civilization and beautiful cities of Ahmedabad, Vadodara and Surat, Gujarat combines a colourful blend of old and new.
Duration : 20 Nights / 21 Days
This itinerary covers the following destinations :- Delhi - Jhansi - Orchha - Khajuraho - Bandhavgarh - Jabalpur - Pachmarhi - Bhopal - Sanchi - Bhopal - Ujjain - Indore - Omkareshwar - Maheshwar - Dhar - Mandu - Chota Udepur - Vadodra - Ahmedabad - Utelia - Palitana - Bhavnagar - Mumbai
Day 1 : Delhi
Depart for Delhi. Overnight on board your flight.
Day 2 : Delhi
Arrival Delhi in the morning...! Welcome and transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon, proceed on a tour of Delhi, the capital of India, comprising Old and New Delhi. Old Delhi was the capital of Moghuls between the 16th and the 19th Centuries. Here there exist many mosques, monuments and forts, the most notable being the famous Red Fort and the Jama Masjid. The medieval atmosphere of the bazaars of Old Delhi contrasts sharply with the open, spacious streets of New Delhi, the imperial city created as the capital of India by the British. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 3 : Delhi
In the morning, visit the Lutyens designed Delhi - the India Gate, Parliament Building and the Rashtrapati Bhawan, the official residence of the President of India. The Qutab Minar : This 'Tower of Victory 'was erected by Qutabuddin in the year 1193 and Humayun's Tomb, built by the wife of the second Moghul emperor is a fine piece of architecture, the Taj Mahal, follows a similar style of architecture. The afternoon is at leisure to explore Delhi on your own. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 4 : Delhi / Jhansi ( Train) / Orchha / Khajuraho
Early morning, transfer to the Railway Station to board a train for Jhansi - the gateway to Bundelkhand. Jhansi is known for the valour of the mighty Jhansi ki Rani. It is here that she bravely fought the British. Arrival at Jhansi and then proceed to Khajuraho en route visiting Orcha- medieval city of Orcha flanked by the river Betwa, known for its Palaces and Temples of the 16th and 17th Century built by the Bundela Rulers. Continue towards Khajuraho, the ancient capital of the Chandela Kings. Khajuraho is known for its magnificently carved Temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and the Jain Tirthankaras, and were built between 950 A.D. and 1050 A.D. These Temples represent some of the most exquisite specimens of medieval India, now declared as a world heritage site by UNESCO. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 5 : Khajuraho
In the morning, visit the famous temples of the western group, built by Chandel Kings some 1000 years ago. The 89 temples represented here are dedicated to Lord 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 the interests in human life, feasts, animal hunting, music, dance, love ! In the afternoon, a visit to the Eastern group of Temples dedicated to Jainism, each carved with beautifully made sculptures. Later, take a walk into the village of the craftsmen. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 6 : Khajuraho / Bandhavgarh(270 km)
In the 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 the 14th century. After a late lunch in the afternoon, proceed for a Jeep Safari into the jungle to observe the animals. Overnight at the Lodge.
Day 7 : Bandhavgarh
The day is dedicated to safaris rides in the Reserve with a naturalist, in search of the tiger, leopard, bear, bison, chital, sambhar, nilgai, chinkara, chowsingha, barking deer, and varieties of birds such as and the peacock, paradise fly catchers, jungle fowl, etc. An adventurous day to be spent midst nature in the jungle. Overnight at the hotel.
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, bustling with commercial activity. In the afternoon, proceed for an excursion to Bheraghat, for an interesting boat ride to see the famous 'marble rocks' that rise like cliffs from the river Narmada. On return, visit the Madan Mahal Fort- Built by the Gond Ruler, Raja Madan Shah, in the year 1116, located atop a rocky hill. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 9 : Jabalpur / Pachmarhi
In the morning, we depart for Pachmarhi which is Madhya Pradesh's most verdant jewel, a place where nature has found exquisite expression in myriad enchanting ways. The landscape is characterised by rugged hills, forests and deep ravines. There is also a possibility to see the ancient cave shelters in the Mahadeo Hills, an astonishing richness in rock paintings. Walk through the valleys and ravines to admire the area's natural beauty. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 10 : Pachmarhi / Bhopal
In the morning, depart by surface to Bhopal, the capital of Madhya Pradesh which combines scenic beauty, history and modernity with fine old mosques and palaces, and the new city with its exquisitely laid out parks, gardens and tow lakes This city is situated on the site of an 11th Century city, Bhojapat, founded by Raja Bhojapal. Visit the Jama Masjid and the beautiful Gohar Mahal- the 19th Century Palace of Kudesia a splendid fusion of Hindu and Mughal architecture . Overnight at the hotel.
Day 11 : Bhopal / Sanchi / Bhopal (67 km)
Excursion on the Buddhist site of Sanchi known for its Stupas, Monasteries, Temples and pillars dating from the 3rd Century BC to the 12th Century AD. The most famous of these monuments, the Sanchi Stupa, the world largest Stupa was originally built by the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka. Sanchi stands as one of the fine example of Buddhist art. The oldest Buddhist shrines at Sanchi reflect the serenity and glory of Ashokan times. Thereafter return to Bhopal. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 12 : Bhopal / Ujjain (227 km) / Indore (55 km)
Situated on the right bank of the River Shipra, Ujjain is one of the oldest and holiest of Indian cities. it is one of the venues of the Kumbh Mela. Visit the Mahakaleshwara Temple and other temples. Thereafter, continue towards Indore, a city built by Rani Ahilyabai, the brave Queen Holkar , on the banks of the rivers Saraswati and Khan. Next, visit the archaeological Museum and the Temples of Digamber Jains, Kanch Mandir. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 13 : Indore / Omkareshwar / Maheshwar / Dhar
This day is filled with interesting visits on the course towards Dhar, with a first stop at Maheshwar which is one of the most beautiful Palace-Temple- cities located on the banks of river Narmada. Maheshwar Temples are well known for their beautifully carved overhanging balconies and intricately worked doorways. This city is also famous for the manufacture of India's finest silk saris. Thereafter, we continue towards Omkareshwar, the sacred island, shaped like the holiest of all Hindu symbols, 'Om'. The Shri Omkareshwar Mahadeo Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva is located at the confluence of Narmada and Kaveri rivers. The devout Hindus come here to kneel before the Jyotilingham-one of the twelve in India. Thereafter, we continue our journey towards Dhar. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 14 : Dhar / Mandu / Dhar
A full day excursion to the deserted city of Mandu. Built as a testament of love by a Muslim ruler named Baz Bahadur for his Hindu queen Roopmati, Mandu's air of, serenity and spaciousness offsets to perfection its Palaces, Temple and Mosques. Also called the 'City of joy', Mandu is famous for exquisite palaces, Jahaz and Hindola Mahals, ornamental canals, baths and pavilions. Each of Mandu's structures is an architectural gem. Return to Dhar. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 15 : Dhar / Chota Udepur / Vadodra (180 km)
In the morning, proceed toward Gujarat, another Indian State. First stop at Chota Udepur, passing through a very picturesque landscape. Thereafter, proceed to Baroda, which is now called Vadodra, the erstwhile capital of the princely Gaekwads, Vadodara is a graceful city of magnificent Palaces, parks, Temples and Museums. Besides being an important industrial centre, Baroda is also known as the cultural capital of Gujarat. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 16 : Baroda / Ahmedabad (115 km)
In the morning, proceed for a sightseeing tour of Vadodra visiting the Museum where you may view impressive collections of Art and Archaeology, Next, visit Pratap Vilas Palace the erstwhile residence of the Royal family to see a collection of old armoury 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 in India, being the centre of activities of Mahatma Gandhi for some years. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 17 : Ahmedabad / Utelia
In the morning, proceed to the famous Sidi Saiyad Mosque known for is exquisite stone window tracery that transforms a stone into a filigree. The Juma 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 Mahatma Gandhi . In the afternoon, we continue toward Utelia via Lothal, a place of tremendous archaeological significance. It is one of the sites associated with the famous Harappan Era dating as far back as the 2nd millennium B C. On arrival at Utellia, proceed to the Utelia Palace built in Indo-Saracenic architecture,and situated in the heart of a colourful village. This village offers a glimpse of typical Indian rural life. Utellia was founded in the 18th Century. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 18 : Utelia / Palitana / Bhavnagar
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 here of great religious and artistic importance, built with a combination of arches, carved pillars and bejewelled 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 at the hotel.
Day 19 : Bhavnagar / Mumbai (erstwhile Bombay)
In the morning, after a brief visit of Bhavnagar city, transfer to Bhavnagar airport to board a flight for Bombay, now known as Mumbai. Mumbai is the Gateway of India and the capital of Maharashtra. It is country's foremost sea port, commercial centre and a centre of world's largest and renowned film industry commonly called Bollywood. Spend a day of leisure and rest. Then, proceed for a tour of the city: visiting the Gateway of India - The imposing stone archway in Indo-Saracenic architecture built in 1911, the Hanging Gardens, the Aquarium and Marine Drive also known as "Queens Necklace", because of its street lights shining like jewels at night. Then, visit the Museum of Wales, and take a walk towards the Victoria Station and Mumbai's popular Colaba market area. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 20 : Mumbai (Bombay)
In the morning take a cruise in the Arabian Sea to see the world famous Elephanta Caves- Carved out of solid rock, the Elephanta Caves date back to 600 AD, The cave complex is a collection of shrines, courtyards, inner cells, grand halls and porticos arranged in the splendid symmetry of Indian rock-cut architecture, and filled with exquisite stone sculptures of Hindu Gods and Goddesses represented in many reincarnations. The afternoon is free for independent activities or rest.
Day 21 : Mumbai (Bombay)
Transfer to Mumbai International airport to board a flight to your outward destination.
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