Welcome to Enchanting Journeys

Namaste & welcome to incredible Republic of India - one of the friendliest countries on earth, combining glorious architecture with a warm-hearted welcome.

With its sumptuous mix of traditions, spiritual beliefs, festivals, architecture & landscapes, your memories of India will blaze bright long after you have left its shores.

Arrive in the dynamic & vibrant city Delhi, one of the world’s greatest megalopolises with its chaotic charm & juxtapositions found on every street, Steeped in history yet overflowing with modern life, colourful, cacophonous Delhi pulsates with the relentless rhythms of humanity like few other cities on Earth.

After you exit in the Arrival Hall at Terminal 3 - Delhi Indira Gandhi Airport, subsequent to Immigration & Customs, you will be met by The Journeys representative who will ensure your comfort & transfer you the hotel. Assistance will be provided during Check-in & there will be a short briefing to discuss the program for the next few days.

Arrive at the hotel & Check-in.

*Check-in time is 02.00 pm. For earlier arrivals in the morning, we will request the hotel for a complimentary early Check-in but cannot be guaranteed unless reserved & paid for ‘immediate occupancy’.

Delhi, the capital of kingdoms & empires is now a sprawling metropolis with a fascinating blend of the past & the present. Delhi is a perfect introduction to the composite culture of an ancient land & a window to the kaleidoscope that is India. It is a city that bridges two different worlds.

Delhi has been the political hub of India. Every political activity in the country traces its roots here. This was true even of the mythological era. The Pandavas of the Mahabharata had their capital at Indraprastha, which is believed to have been geographically located in today's Delhi.

Old Delhi, once the capital of Islamic India, is a labyrinth of narrow lanes lined with crumbling havelis & formidable mosques. In contrast, the imperial city of New Delhi created by the British Raj is composed of spacious, tree-lined avenues & imposing government buildings. Delhi has been the seat of power for several rulers & many empires for about a millennium. Many a times the city was built, destroyed & then rebuilt here. Interestingly, a number of Delhi's rulers played a dual role, first as destroyers & then as creators.

Delhi is a city built upon cities. There are at least 8 historical Delhi, each constructed on, or near, the ruins of its predecessor, leaving a modern-day citadel that's dotted with ancient monuments, many said to be haunted by djinns (spirits). Love history & you will be left salivating as you trace your way through the eras, clambering across the ruined forts of Tughlaqabad, Siri, Purana Qila & Shajahanabad; exploring the magnificent tombs of eminent historical figures & visiting the still-vibrant temples, mosques & shrines that throng with devotees today, as they have done for hundreds of years.

The city's importance lies not just in its past glory as the seat of empires and magnificent monuments, but also in the rich and diverse cultures. No wonder chroniclers of Delhi culture - from Chand Bardai & Amir Khusro to present day writers - have never been at a loss for topics. In Delhi, you will discover that the city is sprinkled with dazzling gems: captivating ancient monuments, fascinating museums and art galleries, architectural wonders, a vivacious performing-arts scene, fabulous eating places and bustling markets.

And how can we forget the indomitable Delhi cuisine & street food.

As the capital city of one of the most delicious country's on Earth, Delhi tantalises your taste buds with its thali-like fusion of flavours from every corner of the subcontinent: Breakfast on South Indian idly; lunch on Punjabi kulchas; then, come evening, dine on rich Mughlai curries. But don't forget to leave room for some Dilli-ka-Chaat, Delhi's famously delicious street-food snacks; try sizzling kebabs for starters, then munch on aloo tikki (spiced potato patties) before getting your fingers sticky on jalebi (orange-coloured coils of deep-fried batter dunked in sugar syrup) or savouring some sumptuously creamy cardamon kheer (rice pudding).

Evening, be ready for an interesting experience, reliving the centuries old history.

In time, you will be met by the Journeys Rep up at 06.00 pm for transfer to the majestic UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Red Fort, more popularly known as Lal Quila.

One of the finest examples of the precision, grandeur & finesse of Mughal architecture, the UNESCO World Heritage site Lal Quila or the Red Fort, was built by Emperor Shah Jahan, who also built the Taj Mahal, between 1638 & 1648. The red sandstone used in its massive outer wall gave it the name “Lal Quila” or the Red Fort. The Red Fort was the residence of the Mughal emperor and the capital of the empire till Bahadur Shah Zafar the last Mughal emperor was deposed by the British in 1857. 

Relive the history as you enjoy the 1 hour + Son et Lumiere Show within the sandstone walls of Delhi's Red Fort. Learn how Delhi’s Red Fort became one of its most important landmarks, the mystifying stories, astonishing legends, the tales of rise & fall of kingdoms, eminent rulers who changed the course of history, narrated through a composition of music & color.

Feast your eyes & ears on the magical effects created by the Son et Lumiere Show within the sandstone walls of the Fort. Relive the history as the enchanting fusion of lights & sounds, accompanied with captivating narration takes you through the extraordinary episodes of Delhi. Learn how Delhi’s Red Fort became one of its most important landmarks, the mystifying stories, astonishing legends, the tales of rise & fall of kingdoms, eminent rulers who changed the course of history, narrated through a composition of music & color.

After the Show ends, get ready to enjoy authentic Indian delicacies & proceed to the popular Chor Bizarre restaurant, in the vicinity.

Designed to look like a thief's market, this dining room serves dishes from around the country.

"Chor Bizarre is the complete eating out experience - great decor, distinct ambience enhanced by assorted Hindi, '50's music, wondrous cocktails, superlative food, charming 'Old World' service" - The Economic Times.

Every city in India has its own special 'Chor Bazaar' which translates as 'thieves market'. All kinds of wares find their way here (with or without the consent of the owners). This being our inspiration & to celebrate the eclecticism of India in all its exuberant irreverence, the owners coined the name with a pun on the word bazaar & 'Chor Bizarre' was born

Having created an atmosphere that provides a unique setting for truly authentic & inspired cuisine, Chor Bizarre has been one of India's most celebrated restaurants since 1990.

Return to the hotel.

Overnight.  D

Delhi with its Old and New parts - each with its specific charm & glory - makes a very interesting city for its sustenance to medieval and modern cultures at the same time and space. Today, you will explore the capital of India in a full-day tour - including buildings of early Turkish structure to Mughal buildings to Lutyen's Delhi.

Meet the Tour-guide in the Lobby at 09:00 am & proceed on a full day 8 hour sightseeing to discover this amazing kaleidoscope of old & new cultures. You will see a well-groomed corporate Executive whizzing by in a BMW or a Mercedes or a Bentley amidst the chaos of the Delhi streets shared by cows & may be an elephant or a camel walking by.

Visit Old Delhi - the former center of Mughal power which offers ancient monuments, narrow streets & bustling markets. Visit the famous Red Fort built in 1648 by the great Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan famous for his great edifice of love the “Taj Mahal”. It was the residence of succeeding Mughal emperors for about 200 years. Also see Jama Masjid, constructed by Shah Jahan in 1658 and reputed to be largest mosque in Asia. Then enjoy a rickshaw ride through the narrow lanes of Chandni Chowk to get a feel of the royal life of the Mughal emperors. A visit to Delhi without paying homage to the final resting place of Mahatma Gandhi is not possible. Raj Ghat was built to honour the memory of Mahatma Gandhi and this cenotaph draws millions of people all through the year.

Post lunch you will be taken to see New Delhi which came into existence much later, and is also known as Lutyen’s Delhi, named after the British architect who was largely responsible in designing India Gate -

the 42 metre tall monument, built in the memory of the World War 1 martyrs (i.e. British soldiers), Viceroy’s Palace which is now Presidential residence, Parliament House- the govt. headquarters & many other buildings in that area. You will be stopping at India Gate & driving by the Palace & Parliament. 

Continue on to visit the recent jewel in the crown, the Lotus Temple, a symbol of Bahai faith & then drive on to see the UNESCO World Heritage site, the 72.5 meter Qutub Minar the tallest brick minaret in the World, which heralded the arrival & rise of Islam in India.

Return to the hotel.

Balance of the day is at leisure to relax or perhaps opt for one of the many options available (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).  

In time, you will be transferred to the Airport for your flight to Varanasi.

Arrive in Varanasi - sacred, soulful & spectacular. Varanasi takes no prisoners. But if you are ready for it, this may just turn out to be your favourite stop of all.

On arrival at Terminal? - Varanasi Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, you will be welcomed by a Journeys Rep who will ensure your comfort & introduce you to the Tour-guide. He / she will also discuss the program for Varanasi.

Varanasi is the India of your imagination. A swirl of color & ritual & oddities galore, it may very well be the most ethereal & exotic place you will ever visit. One of the most colourful & fascinating places on earth, surprises abound around every corner.

Considered the holiest spot for Hindus on India’s holiest river, it is also one of the world’s oldest continually inhabited cities - as ancient as Babylon & Thebes.

It is the goal of every devout Hindu to come here at least once to purify body & soul in the sacred waters of the Ganges.

Called City of Temples, it is obviously crowded with temples & its labyrinth of streets, attracts the maximum number of tourists. Most visitors agree Varanasi is magical - but not for the faint-hearted. Intimate rituals of life & death take place in public, and the sights, sounds and smells on the ghats - not to mention almost constant attention from touts - can be intense. Pilgrims come to the Ganges here to wash away sins in the sacred waters, to cremate their loved ones, or simply to die here, hoping for liberation from the cycle of rebirth.  

It was previously known as Kashi - the city that illuminates. The present name is derived from the fact that the city is at the confluence of the rivers Varuna & Asi. The shimmering red & golden water of the Ganges when rays of dawn falls on them, the high banks, the temples, the Ashrams, the pavilions, all are an experience in themselves. Strolling the ghats or watching sunrise from a boat on the Ganges are a highlight, and confronting the reality & ritual of death can be a powerful experience.

The old city of Varanasi is situated along the western bank of the Ganges & extends back from the riverbank ghats in a labyrinth of alleys called galis that are too narrow for traffic. They can be disorienting, but the popular hotels & restaurants are usually signposted and, however lost you become, you will eventually end up at a ghat & get your bearings.

Alive with colour and activity, it is a magical city where visitors are captivated by the daily rituals of life & death taking place on the bathing ghats that line the River Ganges.

Straight from the Airport, you will embark for an excursion to Sarnath a short distance outside the city.

Sarnath is one of the holiest Buddhist sites in the world, where Buddha preached his first Sermon in 590 BC. It has a deer park where Gautama Buddha after achieving enlightenment in Bodhgaya, imparted the first teachings of dharma. Also, through the enlightenment of Kondanna, Buddhist Sangha came into existence at this park only. Gautama Buddha came here to teach his former 5 companions Dharma & thus Sarnath is regarded as the place where Buddhism found its roots, the native land of this art of life!

Witness the ruins of a once flourishing Buddhist Monastery & then visit a fine Museum which houses an excellent collection of Buddhist art & sculptures found at the site.

Drive back to the city & stroll in the narrow lanes where you can find some enchanting mementoes to take home.

Check-in at the hotel & relax for an hour. .

Evening, around 06:15 pm, proceed to the Ghats to witness an exciting event that must not be missed.

You will board a Boat just as the sun sets & remain afloat to watch the interesting 1 hour spectacle from the comfort of the boat (avoiding the jostling crowd).

Led by a Hindu priest, this spellbinding devotional ritual is performed in honor of the goddess of the river, a spectacle you will remember the rest of your days.  

Ganga Aarti is performed daily at 06.45 pm by a group of priests at the Dashashwamedh Ghat. Through the Aarti, Agni Pooja is performed in which a commitment is made to the Lord Shiva, Mata Gange, Surya, Agni (Fire) as well as the whole universe made by the Lord Shiva.

This beautiful ritual makes every moment of the evening period special & fills with the spiritual thoughts. It is performed, using multi-tiered brass lamps held aloft by the priests, accompanied with the mantra chant in the presence of a huge crowd. All the priests who have to perform the Aarti, wear identical cloth - the dhoti & kurta which is tightly bound with a long towel. A group of young priests starts the Aarti in a well-choreographed manner, amidst rhythmic chant of mantras. Priests loudly blow the conch shells & the Aarti continues with the incense sticks.

Though thousands may gather to watch this ceremony, reverent quiet prevails among the spectators, so the ringing of bells & the sounding of horns carries clearly over the water as flame, smoke & incense drift through the air. All along the Ghats, the faithful bathe in the river, murmur prayers & perform their own private Aartis.

Around 8.00 pm after the conclusion of the 45 minute Aarti, you will disembark from the Boat & proceed to a restaurant to feast on a sumptuous ‘vegetarian’ dinner.

Transfer back to the hotel.

Perhaps the most famous sights of all are the Ghats, the broad steps that offer access to the sacred Ganges. Here the faithful come to wash away their sins in the river & to cremate their dead.

Get up very early today (at dawn or earlier) & accompanied by the Tour-guide, drive to Daswamedh Ghat.

Experience a magical moment on Mother Ganga at morning’s first light as you step aboard a Rowboat & drift quietly along the serene water as the sun rises, listening to the call of birds & the soft splash of the paddle as it dips into the river.

Proceed to the middle of the river & witness the living traditions of one of the world's oldest & most important religions as you observe hundreds of sari & dhoti-clad Hindus bathing, washing laundry, performing yoga asanas & making respectful offerings to Mother Ganga along the broad stone Ghats lining the Ganges.

As daylight brightens, more people gather on the Ghats, washing clothes, practicing yoga, eating breakfast - gradually the pace of daily life picks up and the sacred merges into the mundane, showing you how closely the two are linked by the holy river. Thousands of faithful come daily to the banks to bathe & pray while in the background, Temples rise in tiers from the water`s edge.

See hundreds of bodies being cremated simultaneously at the Cremation Ghats. Hindus believe that being cremated here is a straight path to heaven. Magical & mystical, surreal & deeply spiritual, Varanasi is a city that is truly unlike any other.

Disembark & walk through the cobblestone streets along the banks of "Ganga". As shops are opening, the place now becomes a beehive of activity as the faithful are coming & going.

Return to the hotel for breakfast. 

After a brief respite, meet the Tour-guide again at 09.00 am & proceed for a 4 hour sightseeing tour to discover some of the other highlights. As befits a city legendary for its place in Hinduism, temples abound.

Set off by cycle rickshaw to visit some of the oldest parts of the city this morning, bustling with tourists & priests. Wander through the Old City with its maze of narrow alleyways packed full of small shops & stalls.

Visit the 18^th century ocher-stained Durga Temple, commonly known as the Monkey Temple because of the huge population monkeys frolicking on the premises. See the Vishwanath Temple with its pinnacles sheathed in gold, built in 1776 & dedicated to Shiva.

Continue on to Tulsi Manas Temple, crafted from white marble which features the entire Ramayana inscribed on its walls.

Spend time at the Banaras Hindu University, considered as the biggest residential university in Asia.

Here you can see the Bharat Mata Temple, which features a big relief map of Mother India engraved in marble. The University Campus also houses an Art Gallery & the Mosque built by Mughal emperor Aurangzeb.

The sightseeing concludes & you return to the hotel. (Or you may wander independently through the bright bustle of the backstreets of the city).

Later in the afternoon, meet the Tour-guide at 02.00 pm & proceed to a centre famous for weaving Benares silk.

Known for its many temples, mysterious holy & and bustling ghats along the River Ganges, Varanasi is known throughout India as the finest producer of silk & the renowned for producing some of the world's finest silk saris.

For centuries, the city on the Ganges has been a spiritual destination for pilgrims and a waypoint for traders &d travelers, attracting philosophers, writers & skilled artisans from around the region.

Varanasi became famous for its weavers who wove generous amounts of gold & silver zari into their silk brocades, which were heavily embroidered with elaborate patterns & designs. One of the world’s great silk-weaving traditions has flourished in Varanasi for more than 500 years, ever since Mughal rulers first encountered the development of the craft in the 15^th century.

While the exact origins of Varanasi's silk industry is shrouded in myth, ancient Buddhist & Hindu texts reference the city as a cotton-weaving hub. However, it was during the Mughal period, beginning in the 16^th century, that silk weaving flourished there, influenced by the courts of the Persian masters.

Varanasi artisans still use traditional Mughal motifs as they weave featherlight silk scarves & lustrous brocades. It can take as long as 6 months for an artisan to weave the six meters of fabric required for the finest sari, which is often embroidered with gold or silver threads & embellished with beading. These intricate gorgeous & unique – & very costly –saris are generally reserved for brides seeking to make a statement during India's vibrant wedding season.

Trends for certain motifs have evolved over time & there is an endless array of designs that embellish a Sari, including florals, animals & birds, vegetal patterns, jaal designs & geometric shapes.

The Banarasi Sari is named after the city itself - Varanasi, or Banaras as it is locally known. It is a brand, a piece of history & a point of pride for sari wearers & weavers, traders & designers.  Making a fine, silk Banarasi sari is a masterclass in skill, artistry & patience. Weavers can take anywhere between a few weeks & 6 months to finish just one piece. Longer, if the motifs are particularly intricate

The traditional handloom weavers in Varanasi are facing competition from modern power looms that can produce silk saris cheaper & faster.  Consequently, it has forced the industry to search for ways to make finely crafted saris relevant in an age of social media and fast fashion.

The electric power loom has replaced most handlooms as they are able to churn out a greater volume of fabric faster than local hand weavers. For now, handlooms can better handle the delicate silk that makes a fine handwoven Banarasi sari & there are some weaving techniques that currently cannot be done on a power loom.

Walk through the narrow lanes of the silk weaving neighborhood of Pili Kothi as the clackety-clack sounds from the looms fill the air. Methodical & perennial, the handloom Weavers' tune wafts between the ramshackled red brick houses as it has done for generations. The community is mostly Muslim - the trade is intertwined with India's caste system – & many of the workers are men who pass their artistic skills from son to grandson.

Yards of delicately handwoven silk spill out of old wooden handlooms - splashes of magenta & gold dazzle through the gloom of dimly-lit, stiflingly hot workshops.

Discover a range of lush and colorful silks in the Workshop, where the clack of the Jacquard loom keeps alive a craft handed down from generation to generation & learn a little about the traditional processes used to create these work of art.

Return to the hotel.

Balance of the day is at leisure to relax or independent explorations (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).  

Morning at leisure.

In time, you would meet the Journeys Rep / Driver & transfer to the Airport to board your flight for Khajuraho.

Arrive in Khajuraho, famous for its enchanting temples & legendary Khajuraho Dance Festival.

On arrival at Terminal? - Khajuraho Airport, you will be welcomed by a Journeys Rep who will ensure your comfort & introduce you to the Tour-guide. He / she will also discuss the program for Varanasi.

The name Khajuraho is derived from the Khajur tree (the date palm tree) which is grown abundantly in the region.

Khajuraho Temples are dedicated to a celebration of womanhood, her myriad moods & facets. India's most titillating town is famed far & wide for the erotic stone carvings that swathe Khajuraho’s 3 groups of UNESCO World Heritage listed Temples. The carvings include, women writing a letter, applying eye makeup, combing her tresses, dancing & playing with her child. Her innocent, blushed, charming, seductive, ardent beauty, all depicted in exquisitely sculptured details. These temples have been designed & carved to lead the eyes from ground level upward till you seem to be looking at heaven.

As we all know, sex sells, and so Khajuraho is fully on the tour bus map, but despite this, it is a delightful, quiet little village, where it is easy to while away several days walking & cycling between stunning temples & enjoying the easy-going traveller vibe.

Check-in at the hotel & freshen up.

Shortly thereafter, proceed for a 3 hour Tour of the Temple Complex (Eastern & Southern). Architecturally, the Temples are built in the north Indian Nagara style. The sculptor’s fine skill & a sense of imagination have given form to human emotion in the form of spiritual & physical love. Every façade - wall, window, pillar, & ceiling - is carved with figures of mythical & historical origins, and while many of these depict full-breasted, girdle-waisted women in forms of innocent play, they also depict carnal love. In all 85 temples were built in Khajuraho, but only 22 are left to speak of the grandeur of conception of the rulers & architects of the day. The Temples rest on a risen open platform, a distinctive feature of the Khajuraho Temples, with subsidiary shrines at the four corners of the platform in the bigger temples.

Return to the hotel.

Evening at leisure (or you can go back to the Temples to enjoy an “optional” Son et Lumiere Show with a commentary encompassing the history of Khajuraho).

Morning, depart for Orchha, driving through the rural landscape.

Arrive by noon & Check-in at the hotel.

Orchha could make towns many times its size green with jealousy. At heart, Orchha is nothing but a tiny, agricultural village that shouldn't really be of much interest to anyone, but it was blessed by history: for nearly 300 years it was one of the most important urban areas in this part of India. This has left the small town with a supreme display of Mughal-influenced Rajput architecture in the shape of spectacular palaces, temples & royal chhatris (cenotaphs). Tranquil & serene, Orchha has historically been referred to as one of India’s most beautifully preserved princely states, keeping the old Bundelkhand legacy alive.

The sleepy medieval town of Orchha is littered with the ruins of the ancient temples & forts. Orchha had the distinction of being the capital of one of the largest & most powerful kingdoms of central India. First under the Bundela Rajputs, later under Mughal rule.

When the Tughlaqs, who were ruling Delhi in the 15^th century, pushed the Bundelkhand rajas out of Garkhundar, they retreated to distant Orchha. The Bundela Rajput chieftain, Rudra Pratap Singh, founded the town of Orchha, located by the side of the beautiful boulder-strewn Betwa River, in the 16^th century, as the seat of an eponymous former princely state of central India, in the Bundelkhand region (now known as the state of Madhya Pradesh).

The buildings illustrate a fusion of Mughal & Rajput architecture, some of which is similar to that of nearby Khajuraho (albeit without such high-quality artistry) with much grander palaces & cenotaphs dotting the pastoral landscape as well. And thanks to an important temple dedicated to Rama, it is also a major pilgrimage & spiritual centre.

The medieval city of Orchha seems to have frozen in time, its palaces & temples still retaining their original grandeur.

Particularly worth visiting are the Jehangir Mahal - a tiered palace crowned by graceful chhatris, built to commemorate Emperor Jehangir’s visit in the 17^th century; the Chaturbhuj Mandir & the Lax Mandir. Complementing the noble proportions of their exteriors are the interiors which represent the finest flowering of the Bundela school of painting. Vibrant murals encompassing a variety of religious & secular themes bring the walls and ceilings to rich life.

The atmosphere in Orchha, though, is far more laid-back & hassle-free, which makes for a relaxing stay.

There are great homestay options as well as opportunities to enjoy the surrounding countryside, with walking, cycling & rafting and you will understand why Orchha can be considered one of the highlights of Madhya Pradesh. 

Balance of the day is at leisure to explore independently & walk around the palaces & farm land.

Early morning, depart for Gwalior, enroute stopping at the town of Datia.

Datia had formerly been a state in the Bundelkhand region. The ruling family were Rajputs of the Bundela clan. The palaces at Datia & Orchha are the best surviving examples of a style of architecture that arose in the late 16^th & early 17^th centuries in the Bundelkhand area under the reign of the Bundela Rajputs.

The most famous & well preserved & an architectural wonder is the Bir Singh Palace built in 1620 by King Bir Singh Deo after whom the palace is named. Locally, the palace is also known as Govind Mandir. It was a favourite of Sir Edwin Lutyens, the man who designed most of British New Delhi.

Unlike Mughal inspired edifices, this was conceived as a single unit and therefore its form & decoration are well integrated. Erected on a rocky ridge, the Bir Singh Palace has 5 stories visible. A central dome rising to 35m caps the palace. There are many underground chambers excavated in the rock but they remain hidden from view. Suites of underground rooms hewn from solid bedrock on a series of different levels provide hot-weather accommodation.

The palace has a square plan with a domed tower at each corner. The main entrance is on the eastern side, while the south opens out to a lake, the Karna Sagar. What makes this palace special is that it is made entirely of stones & bricks with no use of wood & iron. Another 5 storeyed structure with apartments for the royalty stands in the central courtyard. It is connected by flying bridge corridors to the middle of each side. The facades are decorated with bracketed balconies, kiosks, arcades and wide eaves which create a glorious play of light and shade. Strangely enough, for all its mesmerizing beauty, the palace was never occupied and is now a well-preserved monument with some lovely murals.

Continue on to Gwalior.

Arrive by afternoon & Check-in at the hotel.

The entire city is a visual & aesthetic feast, for the builders of Gwalior were great architects. Famous for its dramatic and dominant hilltop fort, which Mughal emperor Babur reputedly described as the pearl of Indian fortresses, Gwalior makes an interesting stop en route to some of the better-known destinations in this part of India.  

The city houses the elaborate Jai Vilas Palace, the historic seat of the Scindia family, who have been playing important roles in Indian history for more than two centuries to this day.

Looming majestically at a height of nearly 100 meters overlooking the city of Gwalior is its most famous landmark - the magnificent Gwalior Fort, popularly known as the Gibraltar of India. Spread over an area of 3 sqkm, the magnificent outer walls of the Fort still stand, 35 feet high & 2 miles in length making it one of the most impregnable fortresses of Central & North India. In fact, the Mughal emperor Babar referred to the Fort as the pearl amongst fortresses in India. You will be overwhelmed by the enormity of the history, the grandeur & the tragedies that the fort witnessed by way of victories & defeats, battles &d the historic jauhar. Jauhar Kund stands today in Gwalior Fort, remembering a time 800 years ago when the brave women of the fort took their own lives in order to protect their honour.

Of the temples in the Gwalior Fort, the most famous are the Telika Mandir - a 9^th century Dravidian-style shrine; the Saas-Bahu Temples - two pillared temples which stand next to each other, one larger than the other & bear a strong resemblance to Hoysala temple architecture & the Chaturbhuj Mandir, a Vaishnavite shrine dating back to the 9^th century.

Among the fort’s most prominent palaces is the elaborately ornate Man Singh Palace, built by Man Singh Tomar in the 15^th century. Decorated beautifully in vivid patterns of tile & paint, the palace spreads over four levels, and despite its picture-pretty facade, the palace has a somewhat macabre history with its lower levels being used as penitentiaries by the Mughals. Another well preserved palace is the 15^th century Gujari Mahal - a monument to the love of Raja Mansingh Tomar for his Gujar queen, Mrignayani. 

Late afternoon, accompanied by the Tour-guide, proceed for sight-seeing of this enchanting city.

Walk through the streets of the city & you will discover old havelis with exquisitely carved doorways and windows; at almost every street crossing you will find statues of the Scindia family. Museums & art galleries are treasure houses & beautifully maintained palaces give the city its inimitable regal flavour.

Sightseeing in Gwalior is a magical trip into the centuries gone by. Once you have navigated through the various gateways, you will reach some more Palaces, which are well worth a look - Karan Palace, Jehangir Mahal & Shah Jahan Mahal. 

Return to the hotel.

Evening at leisure to relax or explore on your own (we will be happy to offer suggestions).

Early morning, depart for Shivpuri.

On arrival by late morning, Check-in at the hotel & relax.

Shivpuri was once the summer capital of the Scindia clan of Gwalior & earlier, its dense forests were the hunting grounds of Mughal emperors when great herds of elephants were captured by Emperor Akbar. Much later, it was the Tiger that roamed the wooded hills & many a magnificent beast was ‘bagged’ by royal Shikaris.

Shivpuri has the big attraction of its natural beauty & vast cultural heritage. The Scindia Chhatris, are the magnificent cenotaphs of maharajas & maharanis gone by - walk-in marble structures the size of large houses, with Mughal-style pavilions & sikharas (Hindu temple-spires) facing each other across a pool with a criss-cross of walkways. The chhatri to Madhorao Scindia, built between 1926 & 1932, is exquisitely decorated with intricate pietra dura (precious & semi-precious stone inlay work). The patterns & detail of the decoration have a passing resemblance to those on some other rather famous marble building elsewhere in India. Shivpuri has numerous palaces & lakes which reminds us of the splendor this place must have seen during the rein of Scindias.

Today Shivpuri is a sanctuary for rare wildlife & avifauna. Its royal past has thus been transformed into a vibrant, hopeful present. 

Shivpuri Madhav National Park named after Madho Rao Scindia, the Maharaja of Gwalior, is spread over an area of 355 km of degraded forest as well as lakes & grassland, just east of Shivpuri city. It is scattered with relics from the Scindias’ hunting days - a shooting box, hunting lodge and sailing club.

Apart from the fauna, another wonder stands deep in the depths of the forest. No, it is not some unique gift of nature but a castle, right in the middle of nowhere amidst the dense jungle. Legend has it that the local ruler was told that the English royal family might visit his principality for one night. The King decided to build a castle fit for their stay, even if it was for only one night, complete with well-equipped bathrooms fitted with basins, tubs & toilets. The George Castle, constructed by Maharaja Jiyaji Rao Scindia to mark King George V's visit, is the highest point of the park, from where you can see a beautiful view of Sakhya Sagar lake. The royal visitors never did come & the castle remains unoccupied to this day. The Madhav Vilas Palace, the summer forest lodge of the Scindias, is situated on the edge of the lake. The palace turrets offer a panoramic view of Shivpuri town.

The Madhav Shivpuri National Park has an abundance of wildlife & is known for its tigers, drawing many tourists every year. Tigers are bred in captivity in a protected zone in the Park. These tigers are then released & are free to roam within the boundaries of the Park. The tigers can be seen by visitors sitting in jungle hides & shooting boxes. The tigers can only be shot by cameras now. The chances of seeing a tiger are very high during a trip to Madhav National Park & visitors usually get a chance to see this majestic animal in the wild.

The vegetation in the Park consists of grasslands interspersed with sal, teak, & khair forest and this mixed vegetation provides an ideal habitat for many species of animals & birds.

Within the Shivpuri National Park, the Sakhya Sagar artificial lake & streams running through the forest add to the charm of the wildlife reserve. The sight of birds flying back to their nests to roost at dusk, as the sun sets over the lake is a beautiful sight. You can also enjoy boating on the Sakhya Lake.

Some of the other animals you can see at Shivpuri Madhav National Park are leopards, jackals, wild boar, sloth bears, striped hyenas, crocodiles, jungle cats,many species of deer including nilgais, chitals, gazelles, four-horned antelopes & sambhar. Monkeys such as langurs & macaques can also be seen.

Avian inhabitants include bar-headed geese, ducks, spoonbills, demoiselle cranes, falcons, paradise flycatchers & golden orioles. Smaller birds such as purple sunbirds are a delight to the eye.

The Park is also a haven for birds like Migratory Pochard, Pintail, Cormorants, Painted Storks, White Ibis, Pond Herons & White-breasted Kingfishers.

Later accompanied by the Tour-guide, proceed to drive around town & then venture into the jungle for a chance to spot the Tigers.

Return to the hotel.

Balance of the day free to relax or walk around on your own.

Very early in the morning, depart for Ujjain, an ancient city beside the Kshipra River & an important Hindu pilgrimage destination.

Arrive in the city by late afternoon & Check-in at the hotel.

One of the seven sacred cities of the Hindus, Ujjain has been a prominent centre of religious activities for over 2,000 years. It is known for the centuries-old Mahakaleshwar Temple, a towering structure with a distinctively ornate roof. It is also one of the four cities that host the gigantic triennial Kumbh mela. An estimated 75 million people crowded into Ujjain during the month of its most recent Kumbh Mela in 2016. A dip in the holy river Shipra is supposed to pave the way to Heaven for human beings.

An undeniable energy pulses through the sacred sites here – not surprising given this is one of Hinduism’s seven sacred cities and also one of the four cities that hosts the gigantic Kumbh Mela pilgrimage festival every 12 years.

Bade Ganesh Temple houses a colorful statue of Ganesh, the elephant-headed Hindu deity. Harsiddhi Temple features a pair of tall dark pillars studded with lamps.

Apart from being a religious place, Ujjain enjoyed a position of considerable importance in the field of Astronomy as a centre developed by one of its rulers, Jai Singh. Ancient Hindu geographers fixed the centre of the Earth & the first meridian here to make astronomical calculations. Great works on astronomy such as the Surya Siddhanta & the Panch Siddhanta were written in Ujjain. According to Indian astronomers, the Tropic of Cancer is supposed to pass through Ujjain.

In addition to the ruins of antiquity, Ujjain offers a number of interesting monuments, such as the Jai Singh Observatory, the Choubis Khamba Darwaza & the Kaliyadeh Mahal, apart from the numerous temples in the periphery of the town.

Today, Ujjain represents an interesting blend of an age old legacy & the modern day lifestyle. Modern Ujjain is a major agricultural & textile trade centre, as well as the district headquarters. In the suburb Bherugarh, aka Bhairavgarh, chippas or dyers & printers use vegetable dyes & hand-carved teak to print ancient designs and patterns on cotton saris, tapestries, hangings, bed sheets & mats.

Balance of the day free for independent exploration.

Weave your way between pilgrims along the river ghats, make an offering at some of Ujjain's famous temples & get lost in the old city's maze of alleyways, and you will see why the holy town of Ujjain has been attracting traders & pilgrims for hundreds of years.

Morning, depart for Mandu or Mandavgarh - a ruined city in the Malwa region of the province of Madhya Pradesh.

On arrival by noon, Check-in at the hotel.

Little more than a one-street village, Mandu is a great place to spend a couple of days exploring grand and beautiful architecture in a relaxed rural setting, easily toured by bicycle - & pondering the mutation of the capital of a once-powerful kingdom into just another Indian village.

Perched on a pleasantly green, thinly forested 25 sq km plateau, picturesque Mandu is home to some of India’s finest examples of Afghan architecture as well as impressive baobab trees, originally from Africa & carried here on ancient trade routes. This fortress town on a rocky outcrop, is celebrated for its fine architecture.

In the 11^th century, Mandu was the sub division of the Tarangagadh kingdom. The plateau is littered with UNESCO World Heritage listed palaces, tombs, monuments & mosques. Some cling to the edge of ravines, others stand beside lakes.

Rupmati’s Pavilion, the most romantic of them all, sits serenely on the edge of the plateau, overlooking the vast plains below. Mandu celebrates in stone the life & love of the poet-prince Baz Bahadur for his consort, Rani Roopmati. The balladeers of Malwa still sing of the romance of these royal lovers. High on the crest of a hill, Rani Roopmati's pavilion gazes down at Baz Bahadur's palace, a magnificent expression of Afghan architecture. The ruins are spread over an area of 21sq km and are surrounded by luxuriant undergrowth & crystal clear lakes and ponds. Is it a wonder then that its Muslim rulers dubbed it Shadiabad or the City of Joy?

Balance of the day is at leisure to walk around independently or relax.

Morning, meet the Tour-guide in the Lobby at 09.00 am & proceed for a full day tour. 

It is a major tourist attraction and presents many scenic views & photographic opportunities. Mandu, due to its strategic position and natural defences, was an important place with a rich & varied history. It was an important military outpost & its military past can be gauged by the circuit of the battlemented wall, which is nearly 37 km (23 miles) and is punctuated by 12 gateways. The wall encloses a large number of palaces, mosques, Jain temples of 14^th century & other buildings. The oldest mosque dates from 1405; the finest is the Jama Masjid or great mosque, a notable example of Pashtun architecture.

Some of the other places worth a visit are Jahaz Mahal - situated between two artificial lakes, this 2 storied architectural marvel is so named as it appears as a ship floating in water. Built by Sultan Ghiyas-ud-din-Khilji, it served as a harem for the sultan. The marble domed tomb of this ruler is also a magnificent sight.

Hindola Mahal - meaning Swing palace is so named due to its sloping side walls. It is one of a set buildings making up the royal palace complex at Mandu, which consists of the Jahaz Mahal, the Hindola Mahal, the Tawili Mahal & the Nahar Jharokha. The Hindola Mahal may have been used as an audience chamber. There are a number of other, undated structures surrounding the palace - an evidence of the rich & glorious past.

Rewa Kund - a reservoir constructed by Baz Bahadur for the purpose of supplying water to Rani Roopmati's Pavilion. The reservoir is situated below the pavilion and hence is considered an architectural marvel.

Roopmati's Pavilion - a large sandstone structure originally built as an army observation post it is known today as Roopmati's Pavilion. Rani Roopmati - the love interest of BaazBahadur lived here and is said to have gazed at the Baz Bahadur's Palace - situated below.

Finally, the sightseeing concludes & you are transferred back to the hotel.

Balance of the day is at leisure (we will be happy to offer suggestions).

Morning, depart for Indore.

Stop enroute for sightseeing at Omkareshwar & Maheshwar, the two most famous religious sites of Central India.

Visit the majestic Omkar Mandhata Temple at Omkareshwar and then proceed to the famous pilgrimage site of Maheshwar.

Continue driving to Indore.

Arrive by afternoon & Check-in at the hotel.

Indore is Madhya Pradesh's biggest city & commercial powerhouse has much more of a cosmopolitan buzz than anywhere else in the state.

It is known for the 7 story Rajwada Palace & the Lal Baag Palace, which date back to Indore’s 19^th century Holkar dynasty. The Holkar rulers are honored by a cluster of tombs & cenotaphs at Chhatri Baag. Apart from the splendid buildings created by the Holkars, there is a shortage of outstanding sights & Indore's traffic and crowds are as hectic as in any Indian city of this size.

So for most visitors, this is little more than a gateway to Mandu, Maheshwar or Omkareshwar. The night market Sarafa Bazar sells street food. East is the Indo-Gothic Gandhi Hall & clock tower. The Jain temple Kanch Mandir has a mirrored mosaic interior.

With its bustling bazaars, good eating scene, the city feels notably richer & cleaner than most other towns & cities in central India. Indeed, locals like to tell visitors how in India-wide surveys held in 2017 & 2018, Indore was ranked as the cleanest city in India.

Balance of the day is at leisure to relax or to explore independently.

Morning, depart for Bhopal.

Check-in on arrival & after a brief rest, meet the Tour-guide in the Lobby & proceed for a 4 hour sightseeing tour of the city.

Split by a pair of lakes, the capital of Madhya Pradesh offers two starkly contrasting cityscapes. Enclosed by a masonry wall, the city stands on the northern bank of a large lake with a bridge separating it from the lower lake.

The name of the city is reportedly derived from Raja Bhoj who created the surrounding lakes by building a dam or pal. Hence, the city was originally called Bhojpal. The city of Bhopal is not too well endowed with monuments, but it still has a unique character of its own. It presents a happy mix of Hindu & Islamic cultures and delicately balances both North Indian & South Indian influences as well. Located on a gradient, the city has an amphitheatre-like quality, with a fair sprinkling of landscaped gardens & lakes.

Bhopal, as we know it today, was founded by the Afghan adventurer, Dost Mohammad Khan who ruled over the city from 1708-40 AD. 

North of the lakes is Bhopal's Muslim-dominated old city, a labyrinthine area of mosques & crowded bazaars. About a quarter of Bhopal’s population is Muslim & the women in black niqabs (veils) are reminders of the 4 female Islamic rulers, known as the Begums of Bhopal - unique in the royalty of those days, who developed the city in the 19^th & early 20^th centuries. Bhopal is a city that is unique in the sense that powerful Begums ruled over it for over a century (1818-1926). In fact, John Lord who chronicled princely India labeled Shah Jahan Begum as the “First Lady of India”.

Qudsia Begum was the first woman ruler, who was succeeded by her only daughter Sikandar Begum, who in turn was succeeded by her only daughter. Sultan Jahan Begum was the last women ruler, who after 25 years of rule, abdicated in favour of her son, Hamidullah Khan. The succession of ‘Begums’ gave the city such innovations as waterworks, railways & a postal system. Several monuments still stand in the city as reminders of this glorious period in its history. A municipality was constituted in 1907.

Modern Bhopal presents a dual personality, a mixture of the old and the new. In the heart of the old city lies the Chowk, lined with old mosques & havelis (mansions) which are reminders of a bygone era. The most prominent of these mosques are the Taj-ul-Masjid, one of the largest mosques in the country, the Jama Masjid & the Moti Masjid. The architecture of the city is an amalgam of both Islamic & Hindu styles, with the odd European-style monument thrown in as well. The Shaukat Mahal combines both Gothic & post-Renaissance styles to produce a charming effect. In sharp contrast to this is the new city with its well-laid out verdant parks & gardens, broad avenues & modern offices. In short, Bhopal has the ability to accommodate change & yet remain the same.

Bhopal is also the house of art & culture in Madhya Pradesh, and the Bharat Bhavan which sits atop the Shamla Hills, is a prime example of that. Designed by Charles Correa, the Museum houses an art gallery, a repertoire company & libraries of poetry, classical & folk music & since Madhya Pradesh has a large concentration of adivasis (tribals), a visitor at the Tribal Habitat in Bhopal gets a feel of the village life in the state.

Although Bhopal is not considered to be as culturally evolved as Gwalior, the city is bursting at the seams with history & walking down its narrow alleys is like sitting in a time machine & going back into the past. The city’s shops are famous for traditional Bhopali crafts. You will find exquisite silver jewellery, beautifully-fashioned beadwork, sequined and embroidered velvet purses & cushions.

Of course, a write up of Bhopal cannot be complete without a reference to a more recent, tragic history - the Bhopal Gas Tragedy which occurred on the 3^rd of December, 1984, & is considered to be one of the worst industrial disasters ever. The toxic gas, methyl isocyanate, leaked out from the multi-national Union Carbide’s insecticide plant on the outskirts of the city, leaving more than 5,000 people dead & over 100,000 suffering life-long illnesses, according to a conservative estimate.

South of the lakes, Bhopal is more modern, with wide roads, some excellent museums & upmarket hotels & restaurants nestled comfortably in the Arera & Shyamla Hills. The central district here is known as New Market. The larger of the two lakes is huge & lends the city an attractive focus.

Return to the hotel.

Balance of the day is at leisure to do as you please (we will be happy to offer suggestions).

Morning, meet the Tour-guide at 08.00 am & embark on a full day 8 hour excursion to the ancient caves at Bhimbetka & the temple at Bhojpur.

These Caves were discovered by Dr. V.S Wakankar, the famous Indian archaeologist in 1958. It took around 16 years to excavate the entire area covered by these Caves. Although there are more than 600 caves that have the collection of oldest prehistoric paintings in India, only 12 are open for tourists at the moment.  And out of the 24 world heritage sites that have been recognized by UNESCO in India, Bhimbetka caves are the oldest one.

The spectacular cave paintings have been etched in rock & some of the work is more than 10,000 years old, while the more recent ones belong to the medieval period. The cave paintings are valuable, not just for their artistic merit but also because they constitute a treasure trove of information on the pre-historic age. These Caves had been used as a shelter by people from the earliest of periods. Thus, you will find paintings of all periods starting from Paleolithic era to medieval era. The paintings turn out to be a mirror showing evolution of humanity through time. The style of the paintings of separate periods is so different that you can easily differentiate between them. The paintings of Paleolithic age are huge linear figures of animals like tigers, bears and rhinoceroses. As the time passed, the paintings became smaller, shapely & more precise. The paintings now depicted the daily chores of people like hunting & dancing. Slowly the artistry from raw art turned into religious images showing the change in the mindset. The oldest painting here is said to be around 12,000 years old, whereas the most recent is around 1000 years old. The colors used by the cave dwellers, were prepared by combining manganese, hematite, soft red stone & wooden coal. The Paintings over the years have stayed unharmed by nature due to the reaction between the chemicals present in rocks & the color. Even animal fat & plant leaves were used in the mixture.

On the way back, stop briefly at Bhojpur which is famous for the incomplete Bhojeshwar temple, which is dedicated to god Shiva. The temple houses the largest Shiva Lingam, which is 5.5 m (18 ft) tall & 2.3 m (7.5 ft) in circumference and is crafted out a single rock.

Today, the ruined and incomplete Bhojeshwar Temple still humbles the mind. Constructed in the latter part of the 11^thcentury, its great stone blocks encompass a doorframe, which towers 10 meters high & 5 meters wide. Four titanic pillars, richly carved, rise to support an incomplete dome. The high noon sun lances through the dome, illuminates a massive pedestal made of three stepped blocks of sandstone, seven meters square. An iron ladder ascends this huge pedestal to reach the uppermost platform, directly beneath the high roof, open to the sky.

In the Temple, religion & architecture, sculpture, drama & a weird vision combine in a compelling assertion of reality. There is a brooding imminence about this great black temple that demands attention and reverence; and streams of school girls, as bright as moving garlands of flowers, moved up and down the ladder seeking the blessings of the great monolith, bowing to mumbled prayers from an ochre-robed, white-bearded priest who stood near like a vision of a benevolent & slightly portly Father Time.

Bhojpur also has an unfinished Jain temple containing a 6 meter-tall statue of Mahavir and two statues of Parshunath.

Drive back to Bhopal by late afternoon.

Balance of the day is at leisure to do as you please (we will be happy to offer suggestions).

Morning, Check-out of the hotel & accompanied by the Tour-guide, proceed for an excursion to Sanchi, the famous Buddhist pilgrimage site in Central India.

Rising from the dry plains is a rounded hill topped with some of India’s oldest Buddhist structures.

Sanchi is a small village located north east of Bhopal & is host to several Budhhist monuments dating from the 3^rd century BC & is one of the important places of Budhhist pilgrimage.

In 262 BC, repentant of the horrors he had inflicted on Kalinga (Odisha), the Mauryan emperor Ashoka the Great, embraced Buddhism. As a penance he built the majestic 'Great Stupa’ at Sanchi, a domed edifice to house religious relics, near the home town (Vidisha) of his wife Devi. Sanchi became an important Buddhist monastic centre & over the following centuries further stupas & other monuments were added. After about the 13^th century it was abandoned & forgotten, until rediscovered in 1818 by a British army officer.

Today, the remarkably preserved Great Stupa is the centrepiece of Sanchi’s UNESCO World Heritage listed Buddhist monuments.

Its nucleus was a simple hemispherical brick structure built over the relics of the Buddha. It was crowned by the Chatra, a parasol-like structure symbolising high rank, which was intended to honour & shelter the relics. Toranas surround the Stupa & they each represent love, peace, trust & courage. Also visit the Museum which showcases the Buddhist religion.

In time, you will be transferred to Bhopal Railway Station to board your fast train to Delhi.

Alas, this wonderful experience comes to an end. Time to say good-bye to incredible India  & go home. But, we sure hope that you may want to discover a bit more of this multi-ethnic kaleidoscope that 1.2 billion people call home, on your next visit.

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