The Central region of India gives you a peek into the splendid wildlife, rich heritage and architectural splendours of the country. Covering the states of Madhya Pradesh and Chattisgarh, Central India spreads over an area of 443, 439 Sq Km. These contiguous states hold enough pilgrimage spots, wildlife sanctuaries, ancient monuments, mountain ranges and remote forests to attract travellers of different tastes. At the heart of India, in Madhya Pradesh, lies Narmada river with two hill ranges – the Vindhya and the Satpura.
It is also an intriguing landscape of plateaus, rivers valleys, rolling hills and forests. From the prehistoric site of Bhimbetka to ancient Hindu and Buddhist monuments at Khajuraho, Orchha, and Sanchi, the finest of ancient civilisation is found here. For wildlife lovers, the tiger-rich forests of Bandhavgarh and Kanha are a major attraction. The region also encapsulates the hilly town of Mandu and the contemplative towns of Maheshwar, Omkareshwar and Amarkantak by the Narmada.
Day 01 Arrive Delhi (By Flight)
Arrival in Delhi in the morning. Meeting and transfer to the hotel.
Check in and some rest. Breakfast. Later 6 hrs tour of New and Old Delhi. Dinner and overnight in Delhi.
Delhi- India’s capital and a major gateway to the country. New Delhi also reflects the legacy the British left behind. The division between New & Old Delhi is the distinction between the capitals of the British & the Moghuls respectively.
Visiting Red fort, Jama Mosque, Chandni Chowk, Rajghat, Birla temple, Qutub Minar, India Gate and drive past President’s house.
Day 02 Delhi – Jaipur (By Road) (250 Kms. / 4.5 hrs. appx.)
After breakfast, visit of Delhi (if any site left from previous day).
Else, drive to Jaipur.
On arrival, visit Jal Mahal, Hawa Mahal and Laxmi Narayan Temple.
Evening visit folk dance show with dinner. Overnight in Jaipur.
Day 03 Jaipur
After breakfast, full day city tour of Jaipur.
Elephant / jeep ride upto amer fort. Visit City Palace, Jantar Mantar, Observatory, Albert Square and time for shopping. Overnight in Jaipur.
Day 04 Jaipur – Fatehpur Sikri – Agra (By Road) (235 Kms/ 4 hrs 50 mins)
After breakfast, drive to Agra. On the way visit Fatehpur SIkri.
Later sightseeing: Agra Fort and late afternoon TajMahal. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Agra, a romantic city in India, is known for the marble edifice ‘Taj Mahal’ Besides Taj Mahal, Agra is also known for the Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri, the red sandstone city made by Emperor Akbar. Agra is a medieval city situated on the banks of the river Yamuna. Sultan Sikandar Lodi, the Ruler of Delhi Sultanate founded it in the year 1504. After the sultan’s death the city passed on to his son Sultan Ibrahim Lodi who ruled his Sultanate from Agra until he fell fighting to Babur in the First battle of Panipat fought in 1526.
Taj Mahal – Described as the most extravagant monument ever built 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 1630-1652 AD. Ustad Ahamad Lahori, a Persian Architect, is said to be the main designer and planner for this magnificent memorial. On full moon nights, the glory of the Taj is at its best. Over the centuries, the Taj has attracted more visitors than perhaps any other Monuments in the country, and it is all too easy resort to conventional superlatives when describing it.
Agra fort – 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. In Akbar’s time the fort was principally a military structure, but during Shah Jaha regin it had partially become Palace. It is an imposing strcture with walls of red sandstone almost three kilometers long. Entered through the Amar Singh Gate, the eastern part of the fort contains palace, audience hall and mosques built by three emperors
Fatehpur Sikri – Built by Emperor Akbar in 1569, was the old capital of the Moghuls, which was abandoned after 15 years due to scarcity of water. The sloping levels of the city were connected into terraces which were utilized for various complexes such as Jami masjid, Buland-Darwazah and tomb of Sheikh Salim Chishti; Khass Mahal, Shahi-Bazar, Mina-Bazar, the Panch-Mahal, Khwabgah, Diwan-i-Khass, Anup-Talao, Chaupar and Diwan-i-Am. The efficient system of drainage and water supply adopted here suggest an extremely intelligent town-planning by the Mughal emperor.
Day 05 Agra – Gwalior – Orchha (By Road) (240 Kms. / 6 hrs. appx.)
Early breakfast at the hotel.
Drive to Orchha, en route visiting Gwalior Gwalior fort, Man Mandir Palace and Italian Jai Vilas Palace.
Continue to Orchha on the way visiting Sonagiri Jain tempes. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
The Gwalior fort spreads out over an area of 3 square km, surrounded by concrete walls of sandstone. The Gwalior fort encloses three temples, six palaces and numerous water tanks. At a point of time Gwalior fort was regarded as North and Central India’s most invincible fortress. The fort was built by Raja Man Singh Tomar in the 15th century. The fort of Gwalior has seen many ups and downs of history. In the course of almost five hundred years, the Gwalior fort went from one ruler to another.
Man Mandir Palace was constructed by Man Singh Tomar between the years 1486-1517. The palace was ruled by various rulers such as Kachwaha Rajputs, Qutubiddin Aibawk, the Tomaras, Mughals, Marathas, the British and the Scindias. Influenced by both Hindu and medieval architecture, the exteriors of the palace are decorated with designed tiles. The chambers are decorated with carved stone walls. The interiors of the palace are designed with coloured paintings of human figures, animals and flowers and glazed tiles.
Jai Vilas Palace was constructed by Maharaja Jayaji Rao Scindia in 1874 at a cost of Rs. 1 crore. It is a fine example of European architecture, designed and built by Sir Michael Filose. A combination of architectural styles, the first storey is Tuscan, the second Italian-Doric and the third Corinthian. The area of the Jai Vilas palace is 12,40,771 square feet and it is particularly famous for its large Durbar Hall. The interior of the Durbar Hall is decorated with gilt and gold furnishings and adorned with a huge carpet and gigantic chandeliers. It is 100 feet long, 50 feet wide and 41 feet in height..
Day 06 Orchha – Khajuraho (By Road) (165 Kms/ 5 hrs. appx.)
Breakfast at the hotel.
Orchha sightseeing : temples & palaces Raj Mahal palace, Rama Raj temple, Orchha Fort and Jahangiri Mahal palace.
Afternoon drive to Khajuraho. Check in at the hotel. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Orchha – was founded in the 16th century by the Bundela Rajput chieftain, Rudra Pratap, who chose this stretch of land along the Betwa river as an ideal site for his capital. Of the succeeding rulers, the
most notable was Raja Bir Singh Ju Deo who built the exquisite Jehangir Mahal, a tiered palace crowned by graceful chhatris. From here the view of soaring temple spires and cenotaphs is spectacular. Jehangir Mahal built by Raja Bir Singh Ju Deo in the 17th century to commemorate the visit of Emperor Jehangir to Orchha.
Day 07 Khajuraho – Panna (By Road) (45 Kms. / 1 hr. appx.)
Breakfast at the hotel.
Khajuraho sightseeing :Eastern, Western & Southern group of temples.
Afternoon transfer to Panna national park and safari ride in the park noon safari timings 1430-1830 hrs.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Khajuraho – The temples in Khajuraho are divided into three complexes. The most popular temple complex in Khajuraho of the three is the western complex on the western side as the name suggests, which houses the Kandariya Mahadeva Temple – the largest temple at Khajuraho.
The eastern group of temples of Khajuraho is about half an hour away from the western temple comples. Brahma Temple, Vamana & Javari Temples and the Parshvanatha Temple the largest Jain temple in Khajuraho is in the eastern complex.
The Southern group of temples in Khajuraho is located slightly away from the other groups of temples. Duladeo and Chaturbhuj temples are the main temples in the southern group of temples in Khajuraho. The Duladeo or “the newly married woman” is a Shiva temple.
Panna National Park is situated in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh,at a distance of around 57 km from Khajuraho. The region, famous for its diamond industry, is also home to some of the best wildlife species in India and is one of the most famous Tiger Reserves in the country. The park is known worldwide for its wild cats, including tigers as well as deer and antelope. Due to its closeness to one of the best-known Indian tourist attraction in India, Khajuraho, the park is recognized as an exciting stop-over destination.
Day 08 Panna – Sanchi (By Road) (350 Kms. / 9-10 hrs. appx.)
Early morning 2nd safari drive morning safari timings 0600-1000 hrs. Return to hotel for breakfast.
Then continue drive to Sanchi
Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Sanchi.
Day 09 Sanchi – Bhopal (By Road) (42 Kms. / 1 hr. appx.)
Early breakfast at the hotel. Early morning sightseeing Sanchi.
Then drive to Bhopal for sightseeing tour visiting main mosques and bazaar brief panoramic tour to allot more time for Sanchi and Bhimbetka. Afternoon visit Bhimbetka Cave Paintings. Return to Bhopal for overnight.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Sanchi- is known for its Stupas, monasteries, temples and pillars dating from the 3rd century B.C. to the 12th century A.D. The most famous of these monuments, the Sanchi Stupa 1, was originally built by the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka. Great Stupa No. 1The oldest stone structure in India. 36.5 mt in diameter and 16.4 MT high, The Eastern Gateway Depicts the young prince, Gautama leaving his father’s palace on his journey towards enlightenment and the dream his mother had before his birth. Stupa No. 2The stupa stands at the very edge of the hill and its most striking feature is the stone balustrade that rings it.
Bhopal, capital of Madhya Pradesh combines scenic beauty, historicity and modern urban planning. It is situated on the site of an 11th century city, Bhojapal, founded by Raja Bhoj. Jama Masjid have Gold spikes crown the minarets of this beautiful mosque built in 1837 by Kudsia Begum. Taj-ul-Masajid is one of the largest mosques in Asia, built by Nawab Shahjehan Begum. Upper and Lower Lakes -The Upper Lake is divided from the Lower Lake by an overbridge.
The Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka are in the foothills of the Vindhyan Mountains on the southern edge of the central Indian plateau. Within massive sandstone outcrops, above comparatively dense forest, are five clusters of natural rock shelters, displaying paintings that appear to date from the Mesolithic Period right through to the historical period. The cultural traditions of the inhabitants of the twenty-one villages adjacent to the site bear a strong resemblance to those represented in the rock paintings..
Day 10 Bhopal – Indore (By Road) (186 Kms. / 5 hrs. appx.)
Early breakfast at the hotel.
Drive to Indore. Afternoon Visit Jain Glass Temple + Rajwada a 7-storeyed palace and the 3-storeyed Lal Bagh palacewith decorations in the style of the Versailles Palace. Dinner and overnight at Indore hotel.
Indore- Planned and built by Rani Ahilyabai, the brave Holkar queen, Indore lies to the extreme west of Madhya Pradesh on the banks of the rivers Saraswati and Khan which unite at the centre of the city. Rajwada Synonymous with the heart of Indore city, it stands today as a mute witness to the bygone splendour of the Holkarrulers. This 200 year oldseven-storeyhistoric palace of the Holkars is built-in a mixture of Muslim, Marathaand French styles.
Day 11 Indore – Mandu – Maheshwar (By Road) (155 Kms. / 4.5 hrs. appx.)
Early breakfast at the hotel.
Drive to Mandu. Half day tour in Mandu visiting palaces, pavilions and mosque. In afternoon continue drive to Maheswar for Overnight. Evening witness the Aarti ceremony. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Maheswar.
Mandu- Perched along the Vindhya ranges at an altitude of 2,000 feet, Mandu, with its natural defenses, was originally the fort capital of the Parmar rulers of Malwa..
The Royal Enclave Jahaz Mahal This 120 mt long “ship palace” built between the two artificial lakes. Hindola Mahal An audience hall, also belonging to Ghiyas-ud-din’s reign, it derives its name of “swinging palace” from its sloping sidewalls. The Central Group Hoshang Shah’s Tomb-India’s first marble edifice, it is one of the most refined examples of Afghan architecture. Shah Jehan sent four of his great architects to study the design of and draw inspiration from the Tomb. Among them was Ustad Hamid, who was also associated with the construction of Taj Mahal.
Day 12 Maheshwar – Omkareshwar – Burhanpur (By Road) (195 Km/ 5 hrs)
Early breakfast at the hotel.
In the morning tour of Maheswar, then continue drive to Omkareshwarfor sightseeing.
Overnight inBurhanpur 120 km/ 2.5 hrs from Ajanta. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Omkareshwar The Temple of Lord Omkareshwar is situated on the banks of River Narmada, in between Indore & Khandwa. The temple is situated on an island, which is encircled by the NarmadaRiver.
Day 13 Burhanpur – Aurangabad (By Road) (220 Kms. / 6 hrs. appx.)
Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning drive to Ajanta Cave temples. Then proceed to Aurangabad. Possible to do short tour of Aurangabad with visit to BibikaMaqbara only. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Aurangabad is a historical city, situated on the western coast of India. Though it lies in the remote corner of Maharashtra, it manages to attract a lot of tourists every year. The main attractions of the city co
Breakfast at the hotel.
Visit the Ellora Cave temples for 6 hours. In late afternoon visit Daulatabad Fort ruins nearby and return to Aurangabad.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Ellora caves, 34 in number, are carved into the sides of a basaltic hill, 30 kms from Aurangabad. The finest specimens of cave – temple architecture, they house elaborate facades and exquisitely adorned interiors. These structures representing the three faiths of Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism, were carved during the 350 AD to 700 AD period. The 12 caves to the south are Buddhist, the 17 in the centre dedicated to Hinduism, and the 5 caves to the north are Jain.
Day 15 Aurangabad – Mumbai (By Train 06:00 AM / 12:30 PM
Early breakfast at the hotel.
Train to Mumbai 6:00-12:30 or flight to Mumbai what is average price?
In afternoon half day tour of Mumbai. Rest in the hotel and overnight. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Gateway of India- the Gateway of India is the main attraction of Mumbai city. It was built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary for the Delhi Durbar in 1911. Situated at the Apollo Bunder, the gateway holds greater historical significance as the last of the British troops that left India by sea, marched through its portals.
Dhobi Ghat – Dhobi Ghat A unique feature of Mumbai, the dhobi is a traditional laundryman, who will collect your dirty linen, wash it, and return it neatly pressed to your doorstep. All for a pittance. The “laundries” are called “ghats”: row upon row of concrete wash pens, each fitted with its own flogging stone. The clothes are soaked in sudsy water, thrashed on the flogging stones, then tossed into huge vats of boiling starch and hung out to dry.
Hanging Gardens – The Hanging Gardens makes another must see site in Mumbai. The park was built during the early 1880s over Mumbai’s main reservoir at the top of the Malabar Hills. The reason of its location being to cover the water from the potentially contaminating activity of the nearby Towers of Silence.
Mani Bhavan, located in Mumbai Maharashtra State is one of the most important Gandhi Memorial Museum’s in the country. Being, at one time the residence of the Father of the Nation, it is now a source of inspiration for freedom and peace-loving men and women from all over the world.
Day 16 Depart Mumbai (By Flight)
Transfer to the International airport to board flight.
| City | Night (s) | 5* Hotels |
| Delhi | 01 | Radisson Blu |
| Jaipur | 02 | Radisson Blu |
| Agra | 01 | Radisson Blu |
| Orchha | 01 | Orchha Palace |
| Khajuraho | 01 | Radisson Blu |
| Panna | 01 | Ken River Lodge |
| Sanchi | 01 | Gateway Retreat |
| Bhopal | 01 | Jehan Numa Palace |
| Indore | 01 | Radisson Blu |
| Maheshwar | 01 | Panchwati Palace / Ahilya Fort |
| Burhanpur | 01 | Tapti Retreat |
| Aurangabad | 02 | Vivanta by Taj |
| Mumbai | 01 | Hyatt Regency |
– Meeting and assistance by our representative.
– Welcome with fresh flower garlands.
– 15 Nights hotel accommodation as per the program.
– Daily Breakfast and Dinners.
– AC Chair Class train ticket for Aurangabad – Mumbai in Express Train.
– Entrance fees to monuments.
– Local English / Russian / Spanish / German / French / Italian guide of your choice during sightseeing and excursion.
– Covering all main / major monuments and tourist attractions in each city.
– All transfers, sightseeing, excursions as per the program by private vehicle.
– Transport, Parking, Gasoline & Toll ways.
– All taxes.
– Tips
– International Air Fare
– Visa Fees
– Travel Insurance
– Personal expenses and drinks.
– Accommodation in good hotels.
– Check-in / out time is 12 noon at most of the hotels.
– Extension to other places is also possible with a minimal extra cost.
– Additional nights are available at each place with minimal supplement.
– A visa is required and must be obtained prior to your departure from your Country.
– If quoted hotel is not available, we will provide one of a similar category and standard.
– Small deviations in the tour program are sometimes necessary, depending on weather, road conditions, flight schedules and room availability.
– In case the government changes presently applicable taxes, increase in airlines prices, fuel surcharge our rates will need to be adjusted accordingly.
– In Asia, there is no relevance between the distance and time of travelling, as it depends upon the condition of the roads and congestion of the traffic.
– While every effort will be made to maintain the itinerary, in view of local strikes etc that are beyond our control all schedule and itineraries are subject to last moment changes.
– Clients must be fully insured, as the company cannot accept liability for loss or damage to client’s property, medical emergencies or any other loss suffered by them whilst on tour.
– In Case of issuing Domestic or International air tickets, SGV is not responsible for any refund if the flight is delayed or cancelled, as it is the responsibility of airline.