Day 01: Arrive Delhi

Arrive Delhi, meet & greet with our office representative, assistance and transfer to hotel.

Later city tour of Delhi visit Laxmi Narayan Temple: Garishly colored modern temple is erected by the industrialist Birla. This temple is dedicated to Laxmi - the goddess of wealth and Narayan - Lord Vishnu, husband of Laxmi. Qutab Minar: The building complex dated back on the onset of Muslim rule in India and are fine examples of Afghan architecture. Himayun’s Tomb: Build by wife of Humayun, the second mughal king. It is an early example of Mughal architecture.

Afternoon drive past Red Fort & Chandni Chowk in Cycle Rickshaw.

Visit Jama Masjid (Mosque). Shah Jahan (King of the World) founded the city of Shahjanabad, now referred to as Old Delhi, in 1648. Opposite the fort is the Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in the world, built by Shah Jahan to dominate his city. Raj Gath: The memorial of Mahatma Gandhi where he was cremated after his assassination. India Gate: The 42m high stone "Arch of Triumph", erected in the memory of Indian soldiers who died in the First World War; Drive through Rajpath "Kingsway" a VVIP area of Delhi including Rashtrapati Bhawan. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 02: Delhi - Jaipur (265kms/ Approx 5hrs)

Morning after breakfast drive to Jaipur, the Pink City and capital of Rajasthan. Laid out by the Maharaja Jai Singh in the early 18th century as a walled city built according to ancient symbolic plans, Jaipur still displays a remarkable harmony and architectural splendour. Its heart is the City Palace of the Jaipur Maharajahs, surrounded by broad tree-lined avenues that divide the city into traditional quarters assigned to various occupations.

On arrive check in to the hotel. Rest day free for personal activities, leisure etc. visit the local market. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 03: Jaipur

Morning after breakfast visit Amber Fort and enjoy Elephant Ride (upto the hills). Raja Man Singh the Rajput commander of Akbar’s army constructed the fortress palace in the end of 16th century. Amber is superb example of Rajput architecture, situated on a hilltop, overlooking a lake.

Afternoon city Sightseeing of Jaipur, the origins of the beautiful city of Jaipur can be traced back to the eighteenth century, during the reign of Jai Singh II who ascended the Amber throne in 1699. Jaipur today, epitomizes the spirit of Rajputana. In-spite of growing into a bustling metropolis, it still retains it's character and history - Beautiful fusion of the yesteryears and modernity. Popularly known as the Pink City because of the extensive use of the locally abundant pink plastered stone, painted so in honor of the visit of the royal consort of Queen Victoria Jaipur thrills the soul with its massive forts, magnificent palaces, exquisite temples and lush gardens.Main attractions of Jaipur are City Palace with its fine collection of textiles, costumes and armory and the Hawa Mahal or Palace of the Winds. Maharaja Jai Singh was a great astronomer of his time. He built here extraordinary (and very accurate) stargazing Observatory here named as “Jantar Mantar”. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 04: Jaipur - Agra (235 kms / Approx 5 hrs)

Morning after breakfast visit Enroute visit to Fatehpur Sikri: buialt by Emperor Akbar in 1569 and abandoned after 15 yrs. Due to scarcity of water. Predominately, a red sandstone construction sprawling over a huge area, the architectural style is very much in tune with emperor’s dream & partakes of both Hindu & Muslim styles. See the graceful buildings including Jama Masjid, Tomb of Salim Chisti, Panch mahal & other places.

Continue drive to Agra. Arrive and Check in at Hotel. Evening free to scroll the market. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 05: Agra

Breakfast at hotel, visit Taj Mahal – One of the Seven Wonder of the World was build by Shah Jahan in 1631 AD and was completed in 1651. This symbol of love was build in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Described as the most extravagant monument ever build for love. It was constructed by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a memorial to his queen Mumtaz Mahal, made out of white marble took 22 years to complete. Ustad Ahamad Lahori, a Parsian Architect, is said to be the main designer and planer of this magnificent memorial. On full moon night, the glory of the Taj is at its best. (Taj Mahal remain closed on every Friday)

Agra Fort - build by the famed Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1565AD, the fort is predominantly of red sandstone. Construction of the massive red sandstone Agra Fort on the bank of the Yamuna River was begun by Emperor Akbar in 1565, though additions were made up until the rule of his grandson, Shah Jahan region it has partially become Palace. The fort presents a good sampling of their favoured architectural styles. Akbar drew on Islamic and Hindu traditions and the result is eclectic. By Shah Jahan's time the style had become so homogenized that it is impossible to separate the Hindu and Muslim strands. The Diwan-I-Am (public audience hall) the beautiful Diwan-I-Khas (private audience hall) were also added by Shah Jahan. Overnight at Hotel

Day 06: Agra - Gwalior(120 kms/3 hrs approx)

Breakfast at hotel, drive to Gwalior, check-in to the hotel.

Later city tour visit, The Fort: Standing on a steep mass of sandstone, Gwalior Fort dominates the city and is its most magnificent monument. The magnificent outer walls of the Fort still stand, two miles in length and 35 feet high, bearing witness to its reputation for being one of the most invincible forts of India. This imposing structure inspired Emperor Babar to describe it "the pearl amongst the fortresses of Hind."

Within the fort are some marvels of medieval architecture. The 15th century Gujari Mahal is a monument to the love of Raja Mansingh Tomar for his Gurjar queen, Mrignayani. Man Mandir Palace, built between 1486 and 1517. Teli ka Mandir: The Teli ka Mandir is a 9th century edifice, towering at 100 ft high. Sas-Bahu-ka-Mandir, built in 11th century dedicated to Vishnu. Tomb of Gaus Mohammad and the Mausoleum of Tansen. Another landmark is the historic Gurudwara Data Bandhi Chhod built in the memory of Guru Hargobind Sahib, the 6th Sikh Guru who was imprisoned here by Jehangir for over two years

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Overnight at Hotel

Day 07: Gwalior - Orchha(118 kms/3 hrs approx)

Breakfast at hotel, transfer to Orchha on arrival check-in to the hotel.

Afternoon city tour visit ORCHHA FORT: A wonderful example of a medieval fort palace, within the fort are the first buildings to explore. The tiered Jahangir Mahal was built in 1606 to commemorate the visit of Emperor Jahangir in 1606. The Raj Mahal, to the right of the courtyard, was built by Madhukar Shah and has bold colorful murals inside. The third palace, is the Rai Praveen Mahal, which is a two storey brick structure set in the gardens of Anand Mahal. Of the many temples within the fort, three are especially worth visiting. The Ram Raja Mandir was originally a palace and became a temple more by accident than design. An image of Ram was installed while the temple, The Chaturbhuj was being built for it. For some reason the image could not be moved from the palace and despite its spires and ornate decoration became a sacred place. Linked to the Ram Raja is the Lakshminarayan temple, the interiors of which have some of the best preserved murals and wall paintings in Orchha. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 08: Orchha – Khajuraho(178 kms / 4 hrs approx)

Breakfast at hotel, drive to Khajuraho, check-in at hotel. Afternoon visit eastern & western style temples. Khajuraho, home to most famous of India’s temples on account of their remarkable erotic sculptures, lies in a rich, well watered plain. The temple of Khajuraho are india’s unique gift to the world, representing, as they do, a paean to life, to love, to joy ; perfect in execution and sublime in expression.

Khajuraho temples were built in hundred years, from 950 to 1050 AD. Only 22 of the 85 original temples have survived the ravages of time. Each temple stands on a high platform. There are three main parts in each temple, the entrance (ardhamandapa), assembly hall (mandapa) and sanctum (garbha griha).

Overnight at Hotel.

Day 09: Khajuraho – Bhopal (380kms / 8 hrs approx)

Breakfast at hotel, drive to Bhopal. On arrival check-in at hotel.

Bhopal: also referred as the City of Lakes because of the two beautiful lakes. The origin of the city dates back to the eleventh century when Raja Bhoj founded the Bhojpal City. However the Bhopal of today was built during the eighteenth century by Dost Mohammed. Rest time free for personal activities. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 10: Bhopal – Sanchi & Udaigiri Caves

Breakfast At hotel, full day excursion to Sanchi & Udaigivri Caves

Sanchi is 46kms north east of Bhopal. Sanchi is a serene hill crowned by a group of stupas, monasteries, temples and pillars dating from 3rd century BC to 12th century AD. The glory that was Sanchi, an ancient place of pilgrimage, can still be experienced in its complex structures where many Buddhist legends found expression in the rich sculpture. The Buddha is not represented through figures at Sanchi, but through symbols, as was the tradition in the early period of Buddhism. The lotus represents the Buddha's birth, the tree signifies his enlightenment, the wheel represents his nirvana or salvation.

The footprints and the throne denote the Buddha's presence. Sanchi was virtually forgotten after the 13th Century until 1818, when General Taylor, a British Officer rediscovered it, half buried and well preserved. Later in 1912, Sir John Marshal, Director General of Archeology ordered the restoration work at the site.

After visiting Sanchi, drive to Udaigiri, about 15kms from Sanchi, close to the town of Vidisha. About five km from Vidisha are twenty Gupta cave shrines cut into a sandstone hill. Dating from 320 to 606 CE, two are Jain, the other eighteen Hindu; many still have carvings, sculptures, and inscriptions in Pali. A huge image of Vishnu in his boar incarnation adorns cave 5. The king Chandragupta II apparently had cave 7 cut out for his personal use. On the top of the hill lie the ruins of a 6th century Gupta temple.

Evening back to hotel. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 11: Bhopal – Bhojpur – Bhimbetika – Bhopal (46kms/1hrs one way)

Breakfast at hotel, excursion to Bhojpur & Bhimbetka

25kms away from Bhopal, Bhojpur has an unfinished sun temple (called the Bhojeshwar temple) which has the largest Shiv Lingams in India. This looks like a ruin, but the temple is functioning with people coming to pray and make offererings to Lord Shiva. The temple is a short slightly upward sloping walk from the main gate, and is located on a small height where you can see the neighboring area for quite some distance.

Bhimbetka: 700 rock shelters belonging to the neolithic age. The highlight here are the paintings on the walls of the caves which depict the life of the pre-historic cave-dwellers. One of the earliest dwellings of human beings, Bhimbetka will take you back to the history 35000 years old. In fact, the place has witnessed a cultural sequences right from the late Stone Age to the early historic period. The pre historic caves which are in true sense "the portal to the ancient gallery of Bhimbetka" preserves some fascinating paintings dating back to Paleolithic times. They had lived here for one hundred millennium and had created their own stone floors, left behind hand-axes, cleavers, scrapers to remove flesh and fat from the skin of slaughter animals and tiny needles made from hard quartz in all its sharp and colorful forms. Also stone hand mills for grinding grain and nuts and the colourred earth called "Ochers".

Over these caves the Stone Age artists painted their hopes and fears, weaving an enchantment that still ensnares us. These specimen, display great vitality and narrative skill. One sees on the weather worn walls, rhinoceros, elephants, horses, as well as domestic animals. There are scenes of domestic bliss-a women with a child or performing household chores, and documentation of a hunt, raid during warfare. One cannot remain immune to the excitement that slowly builds up- a memorable moment in time when our ancestors were taking the leap from animal to human existence-groping cautiously to achieve social organization.

Afternoon back to Bhopal, city tour visit Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya: (National Museum of Mankind) is a unique museum situated on a prehistoric site and the only museum in the world scattered with numerous prehistoric painted rock shelters. The cultural diversity and religion of India's tribes is highlighted in the museum. Tribal Habitat is an open-air exhibit; an entire fishing village has been replicated featuring Coastal Village with a Kerala snake boat, Desert Village from Rajasthan as well as a Himalayan Village. The museum is created in about 80 hectares of undulating land on the bank of upper lake of Bhopal.

Gauhar Mahal: one of the first buildings built by the nawabs of Bhopal in 1816. The Mahal is a magnificent expression of the fusion of Hindu and Mugal architecture. Gauhar Mahal is situated behind Shaukat Mahal on the banks of the Upper Lake. It is an architectural gem built by Kudsia Begum, also known as Gohar Begum. Evening, you may also opt to visit Chowk bazaar. In the heart of the city, the Chowk is lined with old mosques and havelis are reminders of a bygone era. The shops in its narrow alleys are treasure troves of traditional Bhopal crafts: silver jewelry, exquisitely fashioned beadwork, embroidered and sequined velvet fashioned purses and cushions. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 12: Bhopal – Ujjain (186kms/4hrs approx)

Breakfast at hotel, drive to Ujjain, check-in to the hotel.

Ujjain: A great devout center on the banks of river Shipra, Ujjain, is a sacred place since time immemorial. A holy city, which found its mention in the ancient Hindu scriptures as Avantika, Ujjain positioned in equal terms with other major religious centers. Later the name was changed to Ujjayini, which literally means the glorious conqueror. One among the seven sacred cities of the Hindus, Ujjain has been a high-flying center of spiritual activities for over 2,000 years. The sacredness of this township is attributed by the mythological legend that during ‘Sagar Mathan’, one drop of nectar spilled over Ujjain, which makes it a sacred place. Whatever be the truth behind this, Ujjain has got a considerable position in the Vedas and it is believed that two parts of Skanda Purana, are supposed to have been composed here. Ruined sculptures and monasteries have been found sprinkled around Ujjain, leading to the credence that Buddhism thrived here in the 4th century. A glut of these, along with ruined temples and old remnants of houses found in the district take the visitor to the historic reign of the Mauryan Empire. Ujjain’s relevance is not constrained to the small circle of a religious place. Apart from that, this city was a haven of astronomers, and great poets. Besides this Ujjain was ruled over by many greatest rulers who have given out their best to this historic city. The illustrious kings of the Gupta dynasty whose reign is considered as the golden rule of India belonged to Ujjain. Festive occasions and fairs play a significant role in the lives of people in Ujjain. An ancient religious centre, Ujjain is famous for the Kumbh Mela, Ardha Kumbh and Shivaratri. Today the city presents a unique blend of glorious past with the vibrancy of modernity. A plethora of ruined temples, damaged sculptures, ancient monasteries along with attractive monuments and a serene ambience, Ujjain provides unlimited opportunities of exploration.

Visit Mahakeleshwara Temple of Lord Shiva with its lingam is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India. It is also knows as the the shrine of Mahakaleshwara. The temple has an idol of Omkareshwars shiva, Ganesh, Parvati, Kartikeya and Shiva's Bull - Nandi. The presiding deity of time, Shiva, in all his splendour, reigns eternal in Ujjain. The temple of Mahakaleshwar, its shikhara soaring into the skies, an imposing façade against the skyline, evokes primordial awe and reverence with its majesty. The Mahakal dominates the life of the city and its people, even in the midst of the busy routine of modern preoccupations, and provides an unbreakable link with past traditions. One of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India, the lingam at the Mahakal is believed to be swayambhu (born of itself), deriving currents of power (Shakti) from within itself as against the other images and lingams which are ritually established and invested with mantra-shakti.

Sandipani Ashram: The fact that ancient Ujjain apart from its political and religious importance, enjoyed the reputation of being a great seat of learning as early as the Mahabharata period is borne out by the fact that, Lord Krishna and Sudama received regular instruction in the ashram of Guru Sandipani. The area near the ashram is known as Ankapata, popularly believed to have been the place used by Lord Krishna for washing his writing tablet. The numerals 1 to 100 found on a stone are believed to have been engraved by Guru Sandipani.

The Gomti Kunda referred to in the Puranas was the source of water supply to the ashram in the olden days. An image of Nandi, belonging to the Shunga period, is to be found near the tank. The followers of Vallabha sect regard this place as the 73rd seat of the 84 seats of Vallabhacharya where he delivered his discourses throughout India.

Overnight at Hotel.

Day 13: Ujjain - Mandu (150kms/3-4hrs approx)

Breakfast at hotel, drive to Mandu. Check in at hotel.

Later visit: Mandu Palace: extended 59.5km in circumference is built around the plateau with boulders and rubble. There are two fortified enclosures that were built to protect the Royal Enclave and the Palace of Baz Bahadur within the boundary. There is a causeway to cross the ravine that surrounds the hilltop providing ample space for defense movements in the bygone era. The city reached its peak during the 15th century and was abandoned in the 17th century. Jahaz Mahal: built in the 15th century and is the most precious part of the Royal Enclave. This palace was constructed between the two lakes-- Kapur Talao and Munj Talao and it seems like a ship afloat. Apart from that Mandu has been mentioned in the famous romantic legends of Rani Roopmati and the poet-prince Baz Bahadur. The Tomb of Hoshang Shah is the first marble monument of India where one can see the finest example of Afghan architecture. It has a well proportioned dome, porticoed courts, towers and intricate marble latticework. Jami Masjid is not far away from the tomb. The construction of the Masjid was started by Hoshang Shah and was completed by Mahmud I. It is considered Mandu's most majestic building as it is modeled on the great Omayyed Mosque in Damascus. Ashrafi Mahal famous as The Palace of Gold Coins is located on the opposite of Jami Masjid. It was built by Mahmud Shah Khilji as a school of Islamic study. The cells made for the resident students are still well preserved in the complex.

Evening you can enjoy boating in the lakes and go on a nature walk amidst lush green surroundings. If you have a shopping bug, you can buy gift items and local handicrafts from the old bazaars.

Dinner & overnight stay at Hotel.

Day 14: Mandu – Ajanta - Aurangabad (385kms/8hrs approx)

Early breakfast at hotel, drive to Aurangabad.

Enroute Visit Ajanta Caves: The Buddhist Caves of Ajanta were discovered by the British officers in 1819 while tiger hunting. Ajanta Caves were first mentioned in the writings of the Chinese pilgrim Hiuen Tsang who visited India between A.D 629 and 645. The Caves at Ajanta are older than those at Ellora, which date from about 200 B.C to 650 A.D. The thirty Caves at Ajanta are set in a steep crescent-shaped hillside in a forested ravine of the Sahayadri hills, which you can explore on tours to Ajanta. Thirty beautiful Buddhist Caves with mesmerizing sculptures and paintings depicting Buddha's life as well the lives of the Buddha in his previous births. Five of these Caves are Chaityas (Place of worship) while the other twenty-five are Viharas (monasteries). Ajanta Caves are divided in two categories based on two schools of Buddhist thought - Hinayana Caves and Mahayana Caves.

After visiting the caves drive to Aurangabad check-in at hotel. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 15: Aurangabad (385kms/8hrs approx)

Breakfast at hotel, visit the Ellora Caves: hold the distinction of being a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ellora Caves represent the major religions, namely Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism. There are a total of 34 monasteries and temples at Ellora, belonging to the three different religions. Aurangabad Caves: artificial caves, dug out of the rather soft rock during the 6th and 7th century. This caves are found on two separate locations, called Western Group Caves (caves 1-5) and Eastern Group Caves (caves 6-10), about 1km from each other. Each group has five caves. The architecture and iconography is influenced by Tantric Hinduism.

Bibi Ka Maqbara: the burial place of Aurangzeb's 1st wife, Rabia-ud-Durrani. It is an imitation of the Taj at Agra, termed as the poor man's Taj Mahal. Located behind the mausoleum is a small archeological museum. This mausoleum is also termed as 'poor man's Taj Mahal' owing to it being a poor replica of the Taj. Behind the mausoleum is located a small archeological museum. Emperor Aurangzeb's son built this monument in 1679 AD in memory of his mother Rabia (Aurangzeb's wife).

Dinner & overnight stay at Hotel.

Day 16: Aurangabad - Nasik (218kms/4-5hrs approx)

Breakfast at hotel, drive to Nasik, check-in at hotel.

Later city tour visit Ramkund: Ramkund is a holy tank in Nasik, constructed by Chitrarao Khatarkar in the year 1696. The legend associated with the tank goes that when Lord Rama was sent to exile for fourteen, it was here only that he used to take bath. Muktidham Temple: Built entirely with shining white makrana marble, the temple is extremely famous for its magnificent and unique architecture. The white walls of the temple have been inscribed with the 18 chapters of the Gita. In the hindu religion, it is believed that visiting this temple holds as much significance as visiting the four dhams or holy centers. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 17: Nasik – Mumbai (185 kms/4hrs approx)

Breakfast at hotel, drive to Mumbai, visit Elephanta Caves. The Elephanta Island is located 10 km away from the Gateway of India at Mumbai. These caves house rock cut temples dating back to the 5th century BC. The rock cut temples dedicated to Shiva Mahadeva are rich in sculptural content. Motorboats take passengers from Appollo Bunder near the Gateway of India. The rock cut temples were created by carving out rock, and creating the columns, the internal spaces and the images. The entire temple is akin to a huge sculpture, through whose corridors and chambers one can walk. The entire complex was created through a process of rock removal. Some of the rock surfaces are highly finished while some are untreated bare rock.

After visiting the caves check–in at hotel. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 18: Mumbai

Breakfast at hotel, transfer to International airport to board flight for your home country.