Day 01: Delhi To Bhopal

DELHI/BHOPAL: Early morning transfer to the railway station to board the Shatabdi Express, departing Delhi at 0615 hours and arriving Bhopal at 1400 hours. Breakfast and lunch served on the train. You are met on arrival in Bhopal and transferred to Hotel Jehan Numa Palace.

After freshening up, explore Bhopal, the capital of the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. Known as the "lakeside city", Bhopal is a fairyland half hidden among seven high hills, nestling in rich foliage. It was built in the 11th century when the legendary Raja Bhoj, fond of lakeside views, created a lake around which grew the beautiful sprawling city named after him. Soon more lakes and gardens, parks and ponds appeared, turning Bhopal into one of the most beautiful cities in India. Succeeding battalions of invaders seemed determined to erase it from the face of the earth and Bhopal went into oblivion. However, with the coming of the extravagant Mughals in the 14th century, the city was reborn. The Mughals made it a city of artists and musicians, monuments and mausoleums. The Jama Masjid, built by Qudsia Begum, has tall dark minarets crowned with glittering golden spikes. The Moti Masjid is patterned on Delhi's Jama Masjid. Among more recent constructions of note are the Tah-ul-Masjid, started by Begum Shah Jahan and completed in 1982. It has an impressive main hall, inter-arched roof, broad facade and wide courtyard with a shopping arcade - Taj market - around its boundary walls. Bharat Bhavan, a multi-arts centre without parallel in India, was designed by one of India's leading architects - Charles Correa. Another outstanding feature of Bhopal is its two picturesque lakes. An over-bridge divides one lake into two - Upper Lake and Lower Lake. A large expanse of water, the Upper Lake is over 2 sq. km in area. From the two high points of Idgah and Shamla, you get a fabulous view of the sunset on the lakes and of the twinkling city lights in the distance. Overnight at Hotel Jehan Numa Palace .

Day 02: Bhimbetka

BHIMBETKA: After breakfast depart on a day trip to Bhimbetka which lies 40 km from Bhopal. Bhimbetka has South Asia’s richest collection of prehistoric paintings and many other archeological discoveries. This is the setting for a thousand shelters, stretching for some 10 km. - over 500 of them contain prehistoric and later paintings and a smaller number have evidence of Stone Age habitation from the Lower Paleolithic period to the late Mesolithic. Situated in the middle of a dense deciduous forest, there are over 30 species of trees with edible fruit, flower seeds and tubers - a vital food for tribal people even today. There is also a rich wildlife including several species of deer, wild boar, sloth bear, antelope, leopard, jackal, scaly ant-eater and a wide range of bird species.

Some 7 km south east of Bhimbetka, Barkhera is one of the richest open-air tone Age sites in South Asia. On the south edge of the road one sees thousands of Acheulian tools scattered in the thick teak forest and the fields on the north side of the road are equally rich in tools. Return to Jehan Numa Palace for overnight stay.

Day 03: Sanchi

SANCHI: After breakfast visit Sanchi, the bastion of Buddhism, which lies 72 km from Bhopal. The first thing you notice are the huge stupas standing on a tranquil hill overlooking rich forests. These stupas are funeral mounds where the holy relics of the Buddha and other sages were interred. Emperor Ashoka built as many as eight stupas at Sanchi. Today only three survive but they are unparalleled for their stonecraft. The most magnificent Great Stupa is 37 meters in diameter and 16 meters high. The ground balustrade circumscribing the Great Stupa has four toranas or gateways, providing access from the four directions. These exquisitely carved gateways depict Buddhist legends and the main events in the Buddha's life. Close to the South gateway lie the ruins of the Ashoka Pillar. Other interesting monuments include the 15-meter high Stupa # 3 and the new vihara or monastery where the relics of the Buddha have been enshrined in a glass casket in the inner sanctum. The 7-meter high Stupa # 2 is noted for its chaitya hall or shrine. The museum at Sanchi displays a number of sculptures found in the area. Some 12 km north-west of Sanchi lies the ancient town of Vidisha, also known as Besnagar,. Vidisha was an important town in Emperor Ashoka’s time and his wife came from here. It is the sight of many relics of Mauryan civilization, including the Udayagiri Caves. The Khamb Baba is a monolithic pillar built in 90 BC by Heliodorus, an ambassador of the Greek king to the court of Vidisha. The pillar celebrates his conversion to Hinduism and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The museum has a fine collection of the earliest antiquities from Besnagar, dating back to the 2nd century BC. Return to Jehan Numa Palace for overnight stay.

Day 04: Bhopal To Indore

BHOPAL/INDORE: After breakfast depart on the 6-hour drive to Indore. On arrival check in at Hotel Taj Residency or similar for overnight stay.

Day 05: Ujjain, Maheshwar, Mandu

UJJAIN, MAHESHWAR, MANDU: After breakfast drive to Ujjain, which lies 55 km from Indore and is one of the holy cities for Hindus and site of the Kumbh Mela. It was an important city in the kingdom rules by Ashoka’s father, when it was known as Avanti. Later it was also attractive to Chandragupta II (380-414 AD), one of the Gupta kings, who ruled from here, rather than his actual capital, Patliputra. Chandragupta’s court supported the Navratnas or ‘nine gems’ of Hindu literature, including the important poet Kalidasa. Ujjain abounds in temples - the Mahakala Temple, which stands near the palace of Maharaja Scindia, the Bridh Kaleshwar temple, the marble-spired Gopal Mandir, built by Maharaja Jai Singh of Jaipur and the Temple of Nine Planets. Jantar Mantar is an ancient stone observatory constructed by Maharaja Jai Singh, and Kaliadah, the water palace of the Mandu Sultans, which stands on an island in the Sipra river. Continue on to Maheshwar, 100 km from Indore, situated on the banks of the Narmada river, renowned for its fine saris.

Also visit Mandu, the “city of joy” situated on an isolated outcrop. Founded in the 10th century by Raja Bhoj, it has a chequered and varied history. Of particular interest are Jahaz Mahal (ship palace), the magnificent harem built by Ghiyas-ud-Din, Hindola Mahal (swing palace) and the Champa Baoli, an interesting building, with subterranean levels featuring cool wells and baths. The Jami Masjid, built in 1454 AD, dominates Mandu. It is patterned on the great mosque in Damascus, Syria and is claimed to be the finest and largest example of Afghan architecture in India. Behind the mosque is the imposing marble tomb of Hohang Shah. Shah Jahan is said to have sent his architects to Mandu to study this tomb before the embarked upon the design of the Taj Mahal. Return to Indore for overnight stay at Hotel Taj Residency.

Day 06: Indore To Jhalawar

INDORE/JHALAWAR: After an early breakfast depart on the long but interesting 10-hour drive to Shergarh Castle, near Jhalawar.

Day 07: Jhalawar

JHALAWAR: Spend the day at the Chandra Bhag Festival, at Jhalawar. This fair is similar to the more famous Pushkar Fair, though instead of camels, cattle are traded.

Day 08: Jhalawar To Bundi, Juniya

JHALAWAR/BUNDI/JUNIYA: After breakfast depart on the 6-hour drive to Juniya, En route visit Bundi, which lies at the centre of the south eastern region of Rajasthan, known as Hadaoti the land of the Hadas. The town of Bundi is settled in the cleft and has a special medieval flavour, quite untouched by time. The Taragarh (Star fort) crowning the top of the hill was completed in 1354. There are huge water reservoirs inside the fort hewn out of solid rock, strong battlements and bastions, the biggest one called Bhim Burj on which the famous cannon Garbh Ganjam is mounted.

Below the fort, hugging the hill, is the big pile of the Bundi Palace. It is one of the purest examples of Rajput architecture. The main entrance is the Hazari Pol, where a guard of a thousand troops used to be quartered and the Naubat Khana where ceremonial music was played. The inner courtyard is entered through the Hathia Pol, a tall portal surmounted by stone elephants so typical of this area. The living apartments were built in 1660 and have beautiful wall paintings of the famous Bundi school. Some of the best examples of Bundi wall paintings can be seen in an open quadrangle with cloistered galleries running round it. Depiction of the Ras Leela and other mythology, gods and goddesses, processions, court life and beautiful damsels abound. The dominant colour is blue-green. On one side is a small dark chamber with wall paintings in bright pigments, which can be seen only with the help of a torchlight or flare.

On arrival in Juniya check in at the Juniya Castle for overnight stay.

Day 09: Juniya To Ranthambore

JUNIYA/RANTHAMBORE: Continue on the 4-hour drive to Ranthambore National Park. Overnight at Sawai Madhopur Lodge.

Day 10: Ranthambore

RANTHAMBORE: Early morning and late afternoon game viewing at Ranthambore National park. Ranthambore is situated at the junction of the Aravalli and Vindhya ranges. Since becoming one of the original 11 areas under Project Tiger in 1973, the park has recovered much of its previous natural glory. The blend between nature and history is strong in this park - the fort, temples, tanks and other relics are a constant reminder of man's involvement in the area. The fort commanded a large region and up to the late 13th century was the centre of a Hindu kingdom. During the 18th century the area was protected as a hunting area for and by the Maharajas of Jaipur and it is thanks to an extension of this protection that the park exists today. Ranthambore has an impressive range of animal species within its 392 sq. km, including sambar, cheetal, nilgai, chinkara, wild boar, sloth bear, hyena, jackal, leopard and tiger. The rich birdlife reflects the range of flora on which it feeds. During the winter months, the lakes attract a variety of migrant water birds. Overnight at Sawai Madhopur Lodge.

Day 11: Ranthambore To Jaipur

RANTHAMBORE/JAIPUR: After breakfast depart on the 3-hour drive to Jaipur. On arrival check in at Hotel Trident or similar. In the afternoon explore Jaipur, one of the best planned cities in India, built of rose- pink sandstone by the great astronomer-king Jai Singh II in 1727. The City Palace stands in the centre of the city. Part of it is still the Maharaja's residence, while most of the complex has been developed into a museum containing rare manuscripts, fine specimens of Rajput and Mughal paintings, royal apparel and an armoury. Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) is the landmark of Jaipur. It stands on one of the main streets, a curious building, elaborate and fanciful, built of pink sandstone with a delicate honeycomb design. Rising five storeys high, it is composed of semi-octagonal overhanging windows, each with its perforated screen, which allowed the ladies of the court to look onto the main street without being seen. Also visit Jantar Mantar observatory, built by the founder of Jaipur, Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh. The huge stone instruments were devised to study the movements of the sun, moon and planets and are incredibly accurate. Overnight at Hotel Trident.

Day 12: Jaipur To Delhi

JAIPUR/DELHI: In the morning visit Amber, the capital for 6 centuries before Jaipur was built, which lies 11 km north of Jaipur. Rising majestically on the slopes of a hill, this 11th century fort and palace complex is a blend of Hindu and Muslim styles - the earlier constructions in the inner apartments designed by the Hindu founder are austere, while later constructions abound in the rich flourishes characteristic of Muslim influence. The Diwani-i-Am (Hall of Public Audience) affords a view of the strategic location of Amber. The Jai Mandir (Hall of Victory) is the finest example of the artistic exuberance of the day - panels of alabaster, fine inlay work, a shimmering Hall of Mirrors, renowned for its fine mirrorwork. The Sukh Nivas (Hall of Pleasure) has 17th century air conditioning. Elephants carry you up the ramparts of the fort. Continue on the five-hour drive to Delhi airport for the onward flight home.

Day 13: Kishangarh To Bundi

After breakfast depart on the 188 km (5-hour) drive to Bundi. On arrival check in at the hotel.

In the afternoon explore the town, which takes its name from the bindo nal - the narrow passage between the rugged hills. The Taragarh (Star fort) crowning the top of the hill was completed in 1354. There are huge water reservoirs inside the fort hewn out of solid rock, strong battlements and bastions, the biggest one called Bhim Burj on which the famous cannon Garbh Ganjam is mounted. Below the fort, hugging the hill, is the big pile of the Bundi Palace. It is one of the purest examples of Rajput architecture. The main entrance is the Hazari Pol, where a guard of a thousand troops used to be quartered and the Naubat Khana where ceremonial music was played. The inner courtyard is entered through the Hathia Pol, a tall portal surmounted by stone elephants so typical of this area.

The living apartments were built in 1660 and have beautiful wall paintings of the famous Bundi school. Some of the best examples of Bundi wall paintings can be seen in an open quadrangle with cloistered galleries running round it. Depiction of the Ras Leela and other mythology, gods and goddesses, processions, court life and beautiful damsels abound. The dominant colour is blue-green. On one side is a small dark chamber with wall paintings in bright pigments, which can be seen only with the help of a torch-light or flare. Overnight at Haveli Braj Bhushanjee.

Day 14: Bundi To Udaipur

After breakfast depart on the 266 km (6-hour) drive to Udaipur. En route, visit Chittorgarh, the ancient capital of Mewar State, which represents the origin or Rajput courage. Its ruins today speak eloquently of the deeds of the past. The foundations of the fort are ascribed traditionally to the 7th century and it remained the capital till 1567. The glory of Chittorgarh is the Tower of Victory, set up in the middle of the 15th century by Rana Khumba to commemorate his triumph over the Moslem kings of Gujarat and Malwa. Chittorgarh was sacked three times - in the beginning of the 14th century, in 1534 and finally by the great Mughal Emperor Akbar. Each time, the people, led by the ladies of the royal household, chose to immolest themselves, rather than surrender.

On arrival in Udaipur check in at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 15: In Udaipur

After breakfast sightseeing of Udaipur includes a visit to the City Palace which stands on the crest of a ridge overlooking Lake Pichola. The largest palace in Rajasthan, it was built at various periods but still preserves the harmony of design, enhanced by massive octagonal towers surmounted by cupolas. Now a museum, it is a labyrinth of courtyards richly decorated with inlaid mirror-work, galleries covered with frescos, temples and roof gardens which afford a wide panorama below.

Sahelion-ki-Bari (Garden of the Handmaidens) is a good example of the Hindu art of landscape gardening on a princely scale. Ornamental pools with finely sculptured cenotaphs of soft black stone are surrounded by a profusion of fountains. The Jagdish Temple in the old town was built in the mid-17th century and has a remarkable bronze statue of Garuda, the mythical bird, facing his revered master Lord Vishnu. The shops and craftsmen's ateliers in the narrow streets of the bazaar justify endless walks.

The town is dominated by Lake Pichola. The steel blue waters of the lake, artificially created in the 14th century, reflect the white phantom Jag Nivas Palace, now the Lake Palace hotel which was built in 1746 as the summer residence of the rulers, and Jag Mandir said to be built by Maharana Karan Singh for his friend Prince Khurram, who was later to become emperor Shah Jehan. Huge seamless stone slabs of translucent thinness where used. The rooms were embellished with inlaid stones - onyx, jade, carnelian, jasper and agate. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 16: Udaipur To Delhi And Home

Transfer to the airport for the flight to Delhi. Connect with the onward flight home.