Madhya Pradesh – The Heart of India

Upon arrival at New Delhi International airport greet and welcomes by our representative and transfer to hotel for overnight stay. If your arrival early in the morning after breakfast commence New Delhi Sightseeing, explore as Akshardam Temple, the Lodhi Garden, the large Sikh temple Gurudwara Bangla Sahib and the Birla Temple. Rest of the time explore Connaught Place & Government buildings etc.

Meals: Breakfast included

Early in the morning we take the Shatabdi Express to Gwalior (approx. 3.5 hours). Here we visit the impressive Gwalior Fort, the Saas Bahu Temple and the Jai Vila Palace. We continue to Orchha (125 km, approx. 3-4 hours). On the way there we stop at the Datia Fort.

Meals: Breakfast, dinner included

In Orchha, time seems to stand still, the palaces and temples built by the Bundela rulers in the 16th and 17th centuries have retained much of their original perfection. We first visit the Jehangiri Malah Palace, which was built as a garrison and citadel for the Mughals to enable greater control over the Bundela region. The palace is a classic example of Mughal architecture. The domes are built according to Timurid custom and the gates are large enough to allow war elephants to enter. We then visit the royal tombs of the Maharajas, the Cenothaps, on the banks of the Betwa River. In the evening we experience a prayer ceremony in the Ram Raja Temple.

Meals: Breakfast, dinner included

Drive to Khajuraho (172 km, approx. 4 hours). Today we visit the "erotic" temples. They are a highlight of Indian temple culture with an unsurpassed sculptural decoration on the outer walls, famous for the many depictions of erotic acts. We also visit the magnificent Khandhariya Mahadeo Temple.

Meals: Breakfast, dinner included

Drive to Chanderi (225 km, approx. 5-6 hours), a historically and culturally significant place. First, we visit the Chanderi Fort, which stands on a hill 71 m above the city. The fort is home to several attractions such as the Khilji Mosque, Hawa Paur, the Naukhanda Palace and the tomb of Hazrath Abdul Rahman. We will also see the Koshak Mahal monument, the Chanderi Museum with its collections of the free-standing architectural and sculptural parts of the temple ruins of Budhi (Old) Chanderi from the 10th to 12th centuries AD, and the Badal Mahal Gate.

Meals: Breakfast, dinner included

First, we drive to Sanchi (165 km, approx. 4 hours). Here we visit the large stupa, the oldest stone structure in India, with a diameter of 36 m and a height of 16 m. We then continue to Bhopal (55 km, approx. 2 hours), the capital of Madhya Pradesh.

Meals: Breakfast, dinner included

In the morning, we visit the famous Bhimbetka caves, which are known for their prehistoric paintings. There are more than 600 caves or rock dwellings dating back to the Neolithic period. Inside most of these dwellings are paintings depicting the life of prehistoric cave dwellers in vivid panoramic detail. The oldest paintings are said to be up to 12,000 years old. The caves, which are located in a rocky terrain with dense forests and jagged rocks, have become an invaluable chronicle of human history. In the afternoon, a sightseeing tour of Bhopal awaits us with the Laxmi Narayan Temple, the Taj-ul Mosque and the Moti Mosque.

Meals: Breakfast, dinner included

We set off for Indore (245 km, approx. 5-6 hours), en route a visit to Ujjain, one of the seven holy cities of India, with the observatory and the Mahakaleshwar Temple. After our arrival in Indore, we visit the glass temple Kanch Mandir.

Meals: Breakfast, dinner included

Continue to Mandu (95 km, approx. 2-3 hours). Every structure in Mandu is an architectural gem, some are outstanding such as the massive Jami Masjid mosque and the tomb of Hoshang Shah, which centuries later inspired the builders of the Taj Mahal. We spend the day with extensive sightseeing: Jahaz Mahal, Shrafi Mahal and Hindola Mahal.

After breakfast drive to Maheshwar, located on the banks of the Narmada River. An imposing fort dominates the dusty landscape of Maheshwar. A palace on the grounds of the fort has been converted into a museum in which exhibit utensils and art objects. After a tour, continue to the pilgrimage site of Omkareshwar (130 km, approx. 3 hours), a holy island. It lies at the meeting point of the Narmada and Kaveri rivers, which are separated from north to south by a deep gorge. The shape resembles the holiest of all Hindu symbols, the "Om". Here we visit the temple complex.

Meals: Breakfast, dinner included

We drive to Asirgarh Fort by jeep. Later, a sightseeing tour in Burhanpur with the Royal Hamman, Gurudwara of Burhanpur and Khuni Bhandara (120 km, approx. 3 hours).

Meals: Breakfast, dinner included

On our way to Aurangabad (240 km, 6 hours) we will visit the Ajanta Caves in detail. The caves are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and, with their wall paintings and sculptures from the Gupta period, are considered to be among the very best masterpieces of Indian culture.

Meals: Breakfast, dinner included

We visit the Ellora Caves. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most visited sights in India. The complex consists of 34 Buddhist, Hindu and Jain cave temples.

Meals: Breakfast, dinner included

Early in the morning we take the train to the mega-metropolis of Mumbai (6.5 hours). The rest of the day is free for us to explore on our own.

Meals: Breakfast included

Today we have a trip to the Elephanta Caves as per our program. The caves are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are used to worship Shiva. The sculptures carved into the stone are among the most important works of Hindu sculpture. In the afternoon we explore Mumbai and see, among other things, the Marine Drive, the Victoria Terminal and Dhobi Ghat, India's largest open-air laundry. Our rooms are available to us until the airport transfer in the evening. As per your flight schedule one of our staff lead you till Mumbai international airport. End our services.

Meals: Breakfast, dinner included & a farewell dinner,