Madhya Pradesh got its name because of its geographical position, being located in the centre of India. However, it’s tagline ‘The Heart of Incredible India’ has more to do with the fact that it houses facets of the whole of India into this state. From the historical monuments to modern amenities, culture, food and people- this state gives a taste of entire India packed within its geographical boundaries.
Madhya Pradesh is one of the few states that is surrounded by other states on all its sides. It lies in the plain regions of the country and occupies one of the oldest parts of the Indian Subcontinent which was once the land of the Gonds called the Gondwana.
Day 01 Arrive Mumbai (By Flight)
On arrival meet and assist at the airport and transfer to the respective hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 02 Mumbai – Elephanta Island – Mumbai (By Ferry) (40 min-One Way)
After breakfast departure by AC vehicle for excursion to Elephanta Island.
Elephanta Caves: The rock-cut temples on Elephanta Island, 9 km northeast of the Apollo bunder, are Mumbai’s major tourist attraction. The Portuguese renamed it Elephanta because of a large stone elephant near the shore. This statue collapsed in 1814, and the British removed the remaining pieces to the Victoria Gardens where it was reassembled and still stands today most famous of the panels is the impassive Trimurti, or Triple-headed Shiva, where the God also takes the role of Brahma the creator and Vishnu the preserver. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 03 Mumbai – Aurangabad (By Flight)
Early morning transfer to airport to board the flight to Aurangabad. On arrival check into your hotel. In the afternoon, drive to Ellora caves to visit Buddhist, Hindu and Jain.
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. Overnight at hotel.
Day 04 Aurangabad – Ajanta – Jalgaon (By Road) (160 kms / 4 hrs approx)
In the morning after breakfast drive to Ajanta, another beautiful site’s World Heritage of Unesco: 30 caves cut into the rock.
Ajanta: 29 caves were built as secluded retreats of the Buddhist monks, who taught and performed rituals in the Chaityas and Viharas, the ancient seats of learning, and nerve – centers of the Buddhist cultural movement. Using simple tools like hammer and chisel, the monks carved out the impressive figures adorning the walls of these structures. Many of the caves house panels depicting stories from the Jatakas, a rich mine of tales of the several incarnations of the Buddha. Images of nymphs and princesses amongst others are also elaborately portrayed.
Later drive towards Jalgoan. On arrival check in at the hotel for Overnight.
Day 05 Jalgaon – Mandu (By Road) (148 kms / 04 hrs approx)
After morning breakfast drive by private AC vehicle towards Mandu.
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.
Along the way, can make a stop at Burhanpur. On arrival, check in the hotel for overnight.
Day 06 Mandu – Indore (By Road) (99 kms / 03 hrs approx)
After morning breakfast visit Mandu, “ghost town” surrounded by ramparts and perched atop a hill.
Later drive towards Indore, 0n arrival transfer to hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Day 07 Indore – Bhopal (By Road) (186 kms / 04 hrs approx)
Morning after breakfast city tour of Indore.
Later drive towards Bhopal. Arrive and check in at your 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. Also visit Lal Bagh Palace, a real mixture of various European and Mughal architecture.
Day 08 Bhopal – Jhansi (By Train) / Jhansi – Orchha (16 kms / 30 mins)
After morning breakfast Transfer to Railway station to catch the train for Jhansi (Depart on 09:15 AM / Arrive Jhansi @ 13:35 PM). On Arrival meet & assist and transfer to the small town of Orchha. Check into your hotel.
PM: City tour of Orchha.
Orchha – was founded in the 16th century by the Bundela Rajput chieftain, Rudra Pratap, the most notable was Raja Bir Singh Ju Deo who built the exquisite Jehangir Mahal. Jehangir Mahal in the 17th century to commemorate the visit of Emperor Jehangir to Orchha. Overnight at hotel.
Day 09 Orchha – Khajuraho (By Road) (178 kms / 04 hrs approx)
After breakfast drive to Khajuraho. Arrive and check in at your hotel.
Evening city tour of Khajuraho.
Khajuraho – The architectural style of the Khajuraho temples is very different from the temple prototype of that period. Each stands, instead of within the customary enclosure, on a high masonry platform. Combined with the upward direction of the structure, which is further accentuated by vertical projections, the total effect is one of grace and lightness, reminiscent of the Himalayan peaks. Overnight at hotel.
Day 10 Khajuraho – Varanasi (By Flight)
Check out from hotel and transfer to the airport to board flight to Varanasi. Meet and assist on arrival and transfer to hotel.
Evening witness Aarti Ceremony at river Ganges. Overnight at hotel.
Day 11 Varanasi
Early morning boat rides on river Ganges.
Ganges: Ghats are the steps on the bank of Ganges which lead down to the river, from where the pilgrims make their sin-cleaning dip in the holy water of the river.
Return to hotel and after breakfast city tour of Varanasi & Sarnath.
Varanasi – It has been known as Kashi and Banaras, its present name is a restoration of the ancient name meaning the city between the two rivers – Varuna and Asi. The eternal city is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in India. Situated on the banks of the sacred river Ganges Kashi Vishwanath Temple. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is popularly known as the golden Temple due the Gold plating done on its 15.5 meter high spire.
Sarnath: One of the major Buddhist centers in India. Having achieved enlightenment in Bodhgaya, it was at Sarnath where Buddha came to preach his message of the middle way to final Nirvana. Later emperor Ashoka erected many magnificent stupas and other buildings here. Sarnath was at its peak when Chinese travellers Fa hian and Hiuen Tsang visited the site. Overnight at hotel.
Day 12 Varanasi – Delhi (By Flight) / Depart Delhi
Afternoon transfer to airport for flight to Delhi. Arrive Delhi & transfer to International airport for flight to back home.
City | Night (s) | 5* Hotels |
Mumbai | 02 | Hyatt Regency |
Aurangabad | 01 | Vivanta by Taj |
Jalgaon | 01 | Maitreyas |
Mandu | 01 | Malwa Resort / Malwa Retreat |
Indore | 01 | Radisson Blu |
Bhopal | 01 | Jehan Numa Palace |
Orchha | 01 | Orchha Palace |
Khajuraho | 01 | Radisson Blu |
Varanasi | 02 | Radisson Blu |
– Welcome on arrival with fresh flower garlands.
– Meet assist at the airport / hotels with our office representative.
– 11 Nights hotel accommodation.
– Daily breakfast and dinners.
– Bhopal – Jhansi 2nd AC train ticket.
– Entrance fees to the monuments.
– Domestic flight Mumbai – Aurangabad & Khajuraho – Varanasi – Delhi in economy class.
– All transfers sightseeing & excursion as per itinerary by private AC vehicle.
– Covering all main / major monuments and tourist attractions in each city.
– Local English / Russian / Spanish / German / French / Italian guide of your choice during sightseeing and excursion.
– 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.