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Central India & Gujarat
The states of Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat testify their splendours passed in constancy. Each page of history is marked by superb 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 with 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, ancient site of Harappan civilization and beautiful cities of Ahmedabad, Vadodara and Surat combine a colourful blend of old and new.
Duration
: 20 Nights / 21 Days
Places Covered : Delhi - Jhansi - Orchha - Khajuraho - Bandhavgarh - Jabalpur - Pachmarhi - Bhopal - Sanchi - Bhopal - Ujjain - Indore - Omkareshwar - Maheshwar - Dhar - Mandu - Chota Udepur - Vadodra - Baroda - Ahmedabad - Utelia - Palitana - Bhavnagar - Bombay
Day 1 : Delhi
Board your flight for Delhi.
Day 2 : Delhi
Arrive Delhi in the morning...! Welcome and transfer to the hotel. Afternoon visit 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 are 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.
Day
3 : Delhi
Morning visit of the Lutyenes designed Delhi - the India Gate, Parliament Building and the Rashtrapati Bhawan, the official residence of the President of India. Qutab Minar. This 'Tower of Victory 'was erected by Qutabuddin in 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. Afternoon is at leisure to explore Delhi on your own. Overnight.
Day 4 : Delhi / Jhansi ( Train) / Orchha / Khajuraho
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 is here she fought the British. Arrive Jhansi and proceed to Khajuraho enroute 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 Bundela rulers. Continue for Khajuraho, the ancient capital of the Chandela Kings. Khajuraho is known for its magnificient 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.
Day
5 : Khajuraho
This morning, visit famous temples of the western group, built by chandel 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 exquite carvings depicting on the interests in human life, feasts, huntings, 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.
Day 6 : Khajuraho / Bandhavgarh(270 KM)
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 and the Peacock, Paradise fly catchers, Jungle Fowl, Golden. Day in the jungle. Overnight .
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 Gond ruler, Raja Madan Shah, in 1116, perched atop a rocky hill. Overnight.
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 is an astonishing richness in rock paintings. Walk through the valleys and ravines to admire the natural beauty. Overnight.
Day
10 : Pachmarhi / Bhopal
In the morning depart by surface to Bhopal, the capital of Madhya Pradesh which combines scenic beauty, historicity and modernity with fine old mosques and palaces and new city with its exquisitely laid out parks and gardensand tow lakes This city situated on the site of an 11th century city, Bhojapat, founded by Raja Bhojapal with tow lakes. Visit Jama Masjid and the beautiful Gohar Mahal- 19th Century palace of Kudesia in a splendid fusion of hindu and Mughal architecture Overnight.
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.
Day
12 : Bhopal / Ujjain (227 KM) / Indore (55 KM)
Ujjain situated on the right bank of River Shipra, Ujjain is, one of the oldest and holiest of Indian cities,it is one of the venues of the Kumbh Mela. Visit of Mahakaleshwara temple and other temples. Thereafter continue towards Indore, city built by Rani Ahilyabai, the brave Holkar queen, on the banks of the rivers Saraswati and Khan. Visit the archaeological museum and the temple of Digamber Jaïns, Kanch Mandir. Overnight.
Day 13 : Indore / Omkareshwar / Maheshwar / Dhar
This Day filled of rich visits on the course towards Dhar with a first stop at Maheshwar which is one of the most beautiful palace-temple- city located on the banks of river Narmada. Maheshwar temples are known for their carved overhanging balconies and their intricately worked doorways. This city is also famous for its silk saris. Thereafter we continue towards Omkareshwar, the sacred island, shaped like the holiest of all Hindu symbols, 'Om', Shri Omkareshwar Mahadeo temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is located at the confluence of Narmada and Kaveri . The devout Hindus come here to kneel before the Jyotilingham-one of the twelve in India Thereafter we continue our journey towards Dhar. Overnight.
Day 14 : Dhar / Mandu / Dhar
Full Day excursion to the deserted city of Mandu. Built as a testament of love by a Muslim ruler Baz Bahadur for his Hindu queen Roopmati, Mandu's air of, serenity and spaciousness offsets to perfection its palaces, temple and mosque. It is 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.
Day 15 : Dhar / Chota Udepur / Vadodra (180 KM)
In the morning proceed toward Gujarat, another India state. Stop at Chota Udepur, passing through a very picturesque landscape. Thereafter proceed to Baroda now called Vadodra, the erstwhile capital of the princely Gaekwads, Vadodara is a graceful city of maginficient palaces, parks, temples and museums. Besides being an important industrial centre, Baroda is also known as the cultural capital of Gujarat. Overnight.
Day 16 : Baroda / Ahmedabad (115 KM)
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 Ahembabad, 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. Ahemdabad played a prominent role during the freedom movement of India, being the centre of activities of Mahatma Gandhi for some years. Overnight.
Day
17 : Ahmedabad / Utelia
Today we visit 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 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 utellia and proceed to the Utelia Palace in indo-saracenic architectural situated in the heart of a colourful village and offers a glimpse of rural life. Utellia was founded in 18th Century. Overnight.
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 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.
Day
19 : Bhavnagar / Bombay
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 : Bombay
In the morning take a cruise in the Arabian Sea to see the famous Elephanta Caves- Hewn 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. Afternoon free for independent activities or rest.
Day 21 : Bombay
Transfer to airport to take the flight to your next destination.
Central India & Gujarat
The states of Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat testify their splendours passed in constancy. Each page of history is marked by superb 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 with 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, ancient site of Harappan civilization and beautiful cities of Ahmedabad, Vadodara and Surat combine a colourful blend of old and new.
Duration
: 20 Nights / 21 DaysPlaces Covered : Delhi - Jhansi - Orchha - Khajuraho - Bandhavgarh - Jabalpur - Pachmarhi - Bhopal - Sanchi - Bhopal - Ujjain - Indore - Omkareshwar - Maheshwar - Dhar - Mandu - Chota Udepur - Vadodra - Baroda - Ahmedabad - Utelia - Palitana - Bhavnagar - Bombay
Day 1 : Delhi
Board your flight for Delhi.
Day 2 : Delhi
Arrive Delhi in the morning...! Welcome and transfer to the hotel. Afternoon visit 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 are 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.
Day
3 : DelhiMorning visit of the Lutyenes designed Delhi - the India Gate, Parliament Building and the Rashtrapati Bhawan, the official residence of the President of India. Qutab Minar. This 'Tower of Victory 'was erected by Qutabuddin in 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. Afternoon is at leisure to explore Delhi on your own. Overnight.
Day 4 : Delhi / Jhansi ( Train) / Orchha / Khajuraho
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 is here she fought the British. Arrive Jhansi and proceed to Khajuraho enroute 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 Bundela rulers. Continue for Khajuraho, the ancient capital of the Chandela Kings. Khajuraho is known for its magnificient 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.
Day
5 : KhajurahoThis morning, visit famous temples of the western group, built by chandel 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 exquite carvings depicting on the interests in human life, feasts, huntings, 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.
Day 6 : Khajuraho / Bandhavgarh(270 KM)
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 : BandhavgarhThe 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 and the Peacock, Paradise fly catchers, Jungle Fowl, Golden. Day in the jungle. Overnight .
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 Gond ruler, Raja Madan Shah, in 1116, perched atop a rocky hill. Overnight.
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 is an astonishing richness in rock paintings. Walk through the valleys and ravines to admire the natural beauty. Overnight.
Day
10 : Pachmarhi / BhopalIn the morning depart by surface to Bhopal, the capital of Madhya Pradesh which combines scenic beauty, historicity and modernity with fine old mosques and palaces and new city with its exquisitely laid out parks and gardensand tow lakes This city situated on the site of an 11th century city, Bhojapat, founded by Raja Bhojapal with tow lakes. Visit Jama Masjid and the beautiful Gohar Mahal- 19th Century palace of Kudesia in a splendid fusion of hindu and Mughal architecture Overnight.
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.
Day
12 : Bhopal / Ujjain (227 KM) / Indore (55 KM) Ujjain situated on the right bank of River Shipra, Ujjain is, one of the oldest and holiest of Indian cities,it is one of the venues of the Kumbh Mela. Visit of Mahakaleshwara temple and other temples. Thereafter continue towards Indore, city built by Rani Ahilyabai, the brave Holkar queen, on the banks of the rivers Saraswati and Khan. Visit the archaeological museum and the temple of Digamber Jaïns, Kanch Mandir. Overnight.
Day 13 : Indore / Omkareshwar / Maheshwar / Dhar
This Day filled of rich visits on the course towards Dhar with a first stop at Maheshwar which is one of the most beautiful palace-temple- city located on the banks of river Narmada. Maheshwar temples are known for their carved overhanging balconies and their intricately worked doorways. This city is also famous for its silk saris. Thereafter we continue towards Omkareshwar, the sacred island, shaped like the holiest of all Hindu symbols, 'Om', Shri Omkareshwar Mahadeo temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is located at the confluence of Narmada and Kaveri . The devout Hindus come here to kneel before the Jyotilingham-one of the twelve in India Thereafter we continue our journey towards Dhar. Overnight.
Day 14 : Dhar / Mandu / Dhar
Full Day excursion to the deserted city of Mandu. Built as a testament of love by a Muslim ruler Baz Bahadur for his Hindu queen Roopmati, Mandu's air of, serenity and spaciousness offsets to perfection its palaces, temple and mosque. It is 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.
Day 15 : Dhar / Chota Udepur / Vadodra (180 KM)
In the morning proceed toward Gujarat, another India state. Stop at Chota Udepur, passing through a very picturesque landscape. Thereafter proceed to Baroda now called Vadodra, the erstwhile capital of the princely Gaekwads, Vadodara is a graceful city of maginficient palaces, parks, temples and museums. Besides being an important industrial centre, Baroda is also known as the cultural capital of Gujarat. Overnight.
Day 16 : Baroda / Ahmedabad (115 KM)
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 Ahembabad, 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. Ahemdabad played a prominent role during the freedom movement of India, being the centre of activities of Mahatma Gandhi for some years. Overnight.
Day
17 : Ahmedabad / UteliaToday we visit 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 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 utellia and proceed to the Utelia Palace in indo-saracenic architectural situated in the heart of a colourful village and offers a glimpse of rural life. Utellia was founded in 18th Century. Overnight.
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 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.
Day
19 : Bhavnagar / BombayIn 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 : Bombay
In the morning take a cruise in the Arabian Sea to see the famous Elephanta Caves- Hewn 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. Afternoon free for independent activities or rest.
Day 21 : Bombay
Transfer to airport to take the flight to your next destination.
