Classical Central India

After breakfast drive to Agra. Upon arrival check in at hotel. Later proceed for visit to the Taj Mahal, one of the world’s most admired architectural masterpieces. Take a carriage ride to this majestic marble-domed mausoleum built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife to symbolize unending love. Later proceed for a guided city tour visiting the massive Agra Fort, with splendid remains of sandstone and marble palaces.

Morning transferred to railway station to board the train to Gwalior. Arrive Gwalior and transfer to hotel. Later visit spectacular Gwalior Fort. Located on a sandstone precipice 91metres above the plain below, 2.8kms long and up to 850metres wide one cannot fail to be impressed by grandeur and scale of the complex. Benefiting from its natural defences the fort also has an unlimited water supply and houses a number of interesting temples, palaces and a museum. Undoubtedly the most impressive building in the fort is the Man Mandir Palace with is parapets and cupolas as well as the once brightly coloured white, blue, green and yellow tile-work depicting elephants, humans, birdlife and flowers that cover the exterior walls.

After breakfast drive to Orchha. Enroute visit Datia to see the multi storey Govind Mandir Palace and Jhansi to see Jhansi Fort or Jhansi ka Kila is a fortress situated on a large hilltop called Bangira. After the visit continue drive to Orchha. Upon arrival check in at hotel.

After breakfast proceed for half day city tour of Orchha. Orchha is noted for its fine examples of Hindu and Mughal architecture, Orchha has retained much of its character and has been largely untouched by the modern world. Within the walls of the town are gardens, gateways, temples, palaces and pavilions with the Raj Mahal, Rai Praveen Mahal and Jahangir Mahal particular highlights. Afternoon drive to Khajuraho. Upon arrival check in at hotel.

Early morning proceed for jungle safari to Panna National Park. Panna National Park is a very popular wild life reserve. Located in the central Indian province of Madhya Pradesh, this national park is at a distance of almost 57 km from Khajuraho. Among the better known tiger reserves in India, Panna National Park is one of them. The park is famous for its big cats like the tigers and the leopards. Tourists who visit Khajuraho, make it a point to get to the Panna National Park to see the majestic cats in the wild. The landscape is rocky, the terrain is uneven and the vegetation comprises of mainly tall grass and scrubby bushes. Afternoon visit the Eastern & Western group of temples. The magnificent temples built by the Chandela kings. They are divided into three – eastern, western and southern groups. The largest temple is Kandariay dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temples known for their erotic sculpture are world famous.

After breakfast drive to Chanderi. Upon arrival check in at hotel. Afternoon proceed for city tour of Chanderi. Dominating the skyline of this lovely old town, is a Mughal fort. The vast fort was built on a 200 metre high hill during the Mughal period. Its main gate is known as the “Khooni Darwaza”. According to historical records, Koshak Mahal was ordered to be built by Mahmud Khilji of Malwa when he passed through Chanderi in 1445 AD. The original plan of the Khilji ruler was to construct a seven-storey palace though only two could be completed during his life time. The Mahal is divided into four equal parts and has architecture similar to Mandu. Badal Mahal Gate a gate without a Mahal, it was constructed to commemorate some important victory.

After breakfast drive to Bhopal. Upon arrival check in at hotel. Late afternoon visit Birla Museum situated atop the hilly terrains of Bhopal. Itis an archaeological museum set up in 1971. This one of its kind museum in Bhopal preserves the evidences. Gohar Mahal situated along the banks of the Upper Lake, even though not entirely well maintained, still manages to maintain its majestic look and the past glory. One of the beautiful palaces in Bhopal, it was built by the first woman ruler of Bhopal, Gohar Begum. This palace was constructed in the year 1820, and is truly an architectural marvel, presenting a perfect blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture.

After breakfast proceed for excursion to Sanchi Stupa, India’s oldest stone structure, commissioned into existence by Emperor Ashoka and built over the remains of Buddha in a glorious endeavor to honour them, Sanchi Stupa is a magnificent exemplar of not just Buddhist and Mauryan art and architecture, but also of faith and reverence. While its foundation was overlain by Emperor Ashoka in 3rd century BCE, it was actually his wife, Queen Devi, a native of Sanchi, who eventually oversaw its establishment. Udaigiri Caves located on the eastern bank of Betwa River in Madhya Prades, Vidisha which were carved out during the 5th century. The world renowned Buddhist stupas of Sanchi, is situated about 10 km from Vidisha.

Morning visit to Van Vihar is spread across an area of 445 hectares. More of a zoo than a sanctuary, this place houses a variety of animals, orphaned or brought from other parts of the state or exchanges from other zoos. Even though Van Vihar was declared to be a national park in 1983, it has been developed and managed as a modern zoological park, featuring a natural habitat that houses both carnivores and herbivores. Jama Masjid Gold spikes crown the minarets of this beautiful mosque built in 1837 by Kudsia Begum. Later drive to Indore. Upon arrival check in at hotel.

After breakfast drive to Ujjain. Upon arrival check in at hotel. Later proceed for temple tour of Ujjain. It is a very holy city for the Hindus a site for the triennial Kumbh Mela. According to Hindu scriptures, it was originally called Avantika. There is an interesting tale behind the sanctity of the city. It’s origin is ascribed to the mythological legend of Sagar Manbthan. Later enjoy the evening aarti at The Mahakaleshwar temple.

After breakfast drive to Maheshwar. Enroute visit to one of the holiest shrines in the country, Shri Omkareshwar Temple (also known as Shri Omkar Madhata Temple) houses one of the 12 jyotirlingas in India. The spectacular architecture of the temple is enhanced by the serene surroundings of hills and the rivers. After the visit continue drive to Maheshwar. Upon arrival check in at hotel. Afternoon visit for Maheshwar is a town revered by followers of Lord Shiva and the most important temples worth visiting are the Kaleshwara, Rajarajeshwara, Vithaleshwara and the Ahileshwar.

After breakfast drive to Mandu. Upon arrival check in at hotel. Later proceed for city tour of Mandu including visit to Jami Masjid – Built in 1454, the Jami Masjid is the most majestic building in Mandu. It is designed after the Omayyed Mosque of Damascus. The best view of this monument is from the Ashrafi Mahal rising in front of it. Jahaz Mahal – It is one of the most popular monuments in Mandu, this ship-like structure was erected by Ghiyas-ud-din, son of Mohammed Shah, for his harem. According to the legends, this harem was home to 15,000 maidens. There are two lakes on the east and west side of the palace that create a perfect illusion of a ship with its rectangular shape and Hoshang Shah’s Tomb – Hoshang Shah: a massive, foursquare monument with a huge dome, constructed in AD 1435, it is the oldest marble structure in India and depicts typical Hindu influences An inscription on the right jamb of the door mentions the name of Ustad Hamid who was involved with the building of the Taj Mahal in Agra.

After breakfast drive to Indore. Upon arrival check in at hotel. Later proceed for city tour of Indore including visit to Central Museum, the Indore Museum houses the finest collection of Parmar sculptures from Hinglajgarh. The Parmar style originated here, and is characterized by proportioned figures, carefully and ornately depicted in stone. The museum is also known for its collection of coins, arms and armour. Lal Baag Palace is one of the most spectacular buildings in Indore. It stands on the outskirts of the town, towards the southwest. It is a three storey building on the bank of the River Khan. The palace was built by Maharaja Shivaji Rao Holkar during 1886-1921. Kanch Mandir, as the name suggests, is a temple which is entirely made up of glass and mirrors. It is also known as the Seth Hukamchand Temple, as it was built by the “Cotton King” Sir Hukamchand Seth in the early 20th century. It is primarily a Jain temple and is a wonder in glass and Rajwada is the historical palace of the Holkars. It was built about two centuries ago and is located near the Chhatris in the main square. It is a seven storied structure, which serves as the living example of the grandeur of the Holkars. Rajwada stands in the centre of the city.

After breakfast transfer to airport to board the flight to Delhi. Arrive Delhi and transfer hotel.

On time you will transferred to airport to board the flight for your onward destination.