Central India and Gujarat

Tour Itinerary

Start your journey with Madhya Pradesh, dotted with superb monuments hailed as architectural splendors and home to one of most enthralling natural reserves of India, Bandhavgarh. Then, visit Gujarat, the western most state of India, often referred to as 'The Jewel in the West.' With its serene beaches and picturesque coastline, unique wildlife, beautiful temples at Palitana, Modhera and Somnath, ancient sites of the Harappan civilization and the beautiful cities of Ahmedabad + Vadodara, Gujarat is a real discovery..!

Day 01: Depart For Delhi

Day 02 : Delhi

Arrive into Delhi in the morning. Welcome and transfer to the hotel.
Afternoon, visit Old Delhi, the erstwhile capital of Mughals between the 16th and 19th century. It has many mosques and monuments, the most notable being the 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 by the British. Overnight.

Day 03 : Delhi

Next morning visit the Lutyens designed Delhi. Drive past India Gate, Parliament House, Rashtrapati Bhawan, Qutab Minar, the 'Tower of Victory 'erected by Qutabuddin in 1193 and Humayun's Tomb, built by wife of the 2nd Mughal emperor and is a fine piece of architecture. The Taj Mahal follows a similar architectural style. Both monuments are UNESCO's World heritage sites. Overnight.

Day 04: : Delhi / Jhansi ( Train) / Orchha / Khajuraho

Take an early morning train for Jhansi. Arrive in Jhansi and proceed to Khajuraho visiting the medieval city of Orchha, known for its palaces and temples of the 16th and 17th century built by the Bundelas. Khajuraho, the ancient capital of the Chandela Kings is known for its magnificently carved temples built between 950 A.D. and 1050 A.D. These temples are UNESCO world heritage sites. Overnight.

Day 05: Khajuraho

Today, visit the famous temples of Khajuraho. These temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and Lord 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 like hunting, music, dance, love! Afternoon, visit the temples dedicated to Jainism with beautiful sculptures. Overnight.

Day 06: Khajuraho / Bandhavgarh (270 Km)

Morning, depart for Bandhavgarh National Park. Situated in the forest of the erstwhile state of Rewa, it is famous for its rich wildlife. The park area is hilly and is dominated by the majestic Bandhavgarh fort, built in 14th century. Afternoon, visit the jungle. Overnight.

Day 07: Bandhavgarh

The day is dedicated to exploring the reserve with a naturalist, in search of the Tiger. Other animals found are Leopard, Bear, Bison, Chital, Sambhar, Nilgai, Chinkara, Chowsingha, Barking deer. Overnight.

Day 08: Bandhavgarh / Jabalpur (200 Km)

Following morning, depart for Jabalpur, the old capital of Gonda Kings and seat of the Kalchuri dynasty. Afternoon, proceed for an excursion to Bheraghat, take a boat to see the famous 'marble rocks'. On return, visit the Madan Mahal Fort- Built by Gonda ruler, Raja Madan Shah in 1116, perched atop a rocky hill. Overnight.

Day 09: Jabalpur / Pachmarhi

Morning drive to Pachmarhi, a place where nature has found exquisite expression in myriad enchanting ways. The landscape is characterized by rugged hills, forests and deep ravines. The nearby ancient cave takes shelter in the Mahadeo Hills and has astonishing richness in its rock paintings. Overnight.

Day 10: Pachmarhi / Bhopal

Proceed to Bhopal, the capital of Madhya Pradesh which combines scenic beauty, history and modernity with fine old mosques and palaces. Visit Jama Masjid and the beautiful Gohar Mahal- 19th Century palace of Kudesia-a splendid fusion of Hindu and Mughal architecture. Overnight.

Day 11: Bhopal / Sanchi / Bhopal (67 Km)

Excursion to Sanchi - a Buddhist site known for its stupas, monasteries, temples and pillars from the 3rd century BC to 12th century AD. The Sanchi Stupa, worlds largest Stupa, was built by Emperor Ashoka. The oldest Buddhist shrines at Sanchi reflect the serenity and glory of Ashokan times. Overnight.

Day 12 : Bhopal / Ujjain (227 Km) / Indore (55 Km)

Depart for Ujjain situated on the bank of River Shipra. It is one of the oldest and holiest Indian cities. Visit the Mahakaleshwara temple among other temples. Thereafter, continue towards Indore, city built by Rani Ahilyabai, the brave Holkar queen. Visit the archaeological museum and the temple of Digambar Jains. Overnight.

Day 13: Indore / Omkareshwar / Maheshwar / Dhar

Morning, depart for Dhar via Maheshwar, one of the most beautiful palace-temple cities. Thereafter, continue towards Omkareshwar, the sacred island, shaped like the holy Hindu symbol of 'Om.' Visit Shri Omkareshwar Mahadeo temple at the confluence of Narmada and Kaveri. Later, continue our journey towards Dhar. Overnight.

Day 14: Dhar / Mandu / Dhar

Full day excursion to the deserted city of Mandu. It was built as a testament of love by a Muslim ruler, Baz Bahadur for his Hindu queen Roopmati. 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. Overnight.

Day 15: Dhar / Chota Udepur / Vadodra (180 Km)

Today, proceed towards the state of Gujarat. Pass through a very picturesque landscape stop at Chota Udepur. Thereafter, proceed to Vadodra, the erstwhile capital of the princely Gaekwads. Overnight.

Day 16: Vadodra / Ahmedabad (115 Km)

This morning, visit the museum with impressive collections of Art and Archaeology, Pratap Vilas Palace the erstwhile residence of the Royal family to see the collection of old armoury and sculptures in bronze, marble and terra cotta. Thereafter, proceed towards Ahmedabad, a city graced with splendid monuments. Overnight.

Day 17: Ahmedabad / Utelia

Morning, visit the famous Sidi Saiyad Mosque known for its exquisite stone window tracery with rich filigree. The beautiful Juma Masjid and the Sabarmati Ashram founded by Gandhi. In the afternoon depart for Utelia via Lothal, one of the sites associated with the Harappan era dating back to 2nd Century BC. Arrive Utelia, 18th Century city and proceed to Utelia Palace built in indo-saracenic architectural. Overnight.

Day 18: Utelia / Palitana / Bhavnagar

In the morning depart for the religious city of Palitana famous for ancient Jain temples. Perched atop the Shatrunjaya hills, there are 863 exquisite marble temples with arches, carved pillars and bejeweled idols. Thereafter, continue to erstwhile princely city of Bhavnagar. Overnight.

Day 19: Bhavnagar / Mumbai

Today, visit Bhavnagar. Later fly to Mumbai, home of Bollywood - world's largest film industry. Visit Gateway of India, the imposing stone archway in Indo-Saracenic architecture, hanging gardens, Victoria terminus. Overnight.

Day 20: Mumbai

Morning cruise on 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 at leisure. Overnight.

Day 21: Mumbai / Next Destination

Transfer to the airport to take the flight to your next destination. Overnight.