Central Treasure Trail

Duration: Long Duration
Route: Delhi, Agra, Gwalior, Sonagiri, Datia, Orchha, Khajuraho, Sanchi, Bhopal, Ujjain, Indore, Dhar, Mandu, Maheshwar, Omkareshwar, Aurangabad

Tour Description:

This tour is definitely not for the first time visitor to India, this extensive itinerary takes you though the heart of Central India. The journey takes one to the impressive Gwalior Fort, ornately carved Chandela Temples at Khajuraho, the ancient cave painting at Bhimbetka dating back to the upper Paleolithic period, Sanchi - the largest Buddhists site in India, The Ahilya Fort situated high on the sacred Narmada River amidst comfortable traditional simplicity of the 18th century. Finally explore the exquisite 2nd Century Buddhist paintings and sculptures at Ajanta & Ellora Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive Delhi

Arrive at New Delhi, India’s capital, where you are greeted with a traditional Indian welcome on arrival at the airport and escorted to the hotel. Overnight at Delhi.

Day 02 Delhi – Agra

Take a super fast express train for Agra early in the morning. Refresh yourself after check-in and then leave for the visit of the Taj Mahal, one of the seven wonders of the world and the symbol of eternal love. Also visit the famed Agra Fort and marvel at the architectural masterpieces housed inside it. Overnight at the hotel of Agra.

Day 03 Agra – Gwalior

After breakfast, transfer to the railways station to board the super fast express train for Gwalior. A short ride by the train brings us to the heartland of India – the central region. The rest of the day is utilized visiting the Gwalior Fort, once regarded as the jewel amongst the forts of India; the Jai Vilas Palace and Museum parts of which are still inhabited by the royal family. Overnight at the hotel of Gwalior.

Day 04 Gwalior – Sonagir – Datia - Orchha

In the morning, after breakfast, check-out from the hotel and drive to Orchha. En-route visit the enchanting Jain temples at Sonagir and the fortress palace at Datia. Upon arrival at Orchha check-in at the hotel. In the evening visit the Ram Temple and witness the Aarti (prayer) ceremony held in the evening. Overnight at the hotel of Orcha.

Day 05 Orchha – Khajuraho

In the morning visit the Orchha fortress which houses some beautiful frescoes and architectural marvels. After the visit leave Orchha and drive to Khajuraho, famous the world over for its beautiful temples with sculptures inspired from the ancient text of love – The Kaamasutra. After check-in visit the temples of Khajuraho.Overnight at Khajuraho.

Day 06 Khajuraho – Sanchi – Bhopal

Today, in the morning after breakfast, leave for Bhopal, today the capital of the state of Madhya Pradesh and the erstwhile capital of the legendary king Raja Bhoj. En-route visit the Buddhist site at Sanchi which is also a World Heritage Site. Overnight at the hotel in Bhopal.

Day 07 Bhopal

Spend the entire day visiting the city of Bhopal, characteristic for the muslim influence on the way of life here. You visit the beautiful Taj-ul-Masjid, the Jama Masjid and the Moti Masjid. Finally, you walk in the old city to soak in the myriad charms it holds. Afternoon excursion to Bhimbetka to view the rich collection of prehistoric paintings in South Asia. Overnight at the hotel at Bhopal.

Day 08 Bhopal – Ujjain – Indore

Leave for Indore after breakfast. En-route stopover to visit Ujjain, one of the seven most sacred city for the hindus and one of the four sites where the holy festival of Kumbh is held once every twelve years. Then continue driving to Indore where, upon arrival, check-in into the hotel. Overnight at Indore.

Day 09 Indore – Dhar

Depart after a leisurely morning breakfast for the city of Dhar. This is a medieval historical town that dates back to the 11th century. Visit the Dhar Fort and the Bhojshala Mosque. Dhar held a very prominent place and was the capital of Malwa until Mandu gained prominence. It was a prime centre in the Revolt of 1857. Overnight at Dhar.

Day 10 Dhar – Mandu – Dhar

Spend the day today making an excursion to the city of Mandu. Once dubbed the city of joy, Mandu is now a deserted fort atop a desolate hill with tales from the past sweeping through the streets. Later return to Dhar.Overnight at the hotel in Dhar.

Day 11 Dhar – Maheshwar

After having a leisurely breakfast and soaking in the morning beauty of Dhar, drive to Maheshwar. A historic temple town situated at the banks of the beautiful Narmada river, Maheshwar is overflowing with its past glory. Spend the rest of the day visiting the ghats on the river bank, the many interesting temples that the city has or instead, tour the historic Ahilya Fort where you are housed for the night. Overnight at Maheshwar.

Day 12 Maheshwar – Omkareshwar – Maheshwar

Embark on a morning visit of the ghats to see the daily life of the people. Later in the day make an excursion to the sacred city of Omkareshwar, so called because the island on which it is situated is shaped like an ‘Om’. Later, after visiting the township of Omkareshwar, return to Maheshwar. Overnight stay at Maheshwar.

Day 13 Maheshwar – Aurangabad

After a relaxed morning with time for some independent activities, drive to Aurangabad known for its medieval monuments and cultural heritage. The city was the seat of the Mughal Empire for a short period and boasts of a numerous important monuments and sites like the Bibi-ka-Makbara, Daulatabad Fort and the world heritage sites of Ajanta and Ellora. Upon arrival check-in at the hotel. Overnight at Aurangabad.

Day 14 Aurangabad – Ajanta - Aurangabad

Today, after breakfast, embark upon a full day excursion of the Ajanta Caves, listed as a World Heritage Site and dating back to the second century. The caves contain sculptures and paintings depicting Buddhist, Hindu and Jain religious art. Return to Aurangabad. Overnight stay at Aurangabad.

Day 15 Aurangabad

After having visited the Ajanta Caves, today embark upon the excursion of the nearby Daulatabad Fort and the Ellora Caves. Later, before re-entering the hotel, spend some time visiting the city to experience its various sights and smells. Overnight at Aurangabad.

Day 16 Aurangabad – Mumbai

Today the morning is free up to departure for the domestic terminal for flight for Mumbai. Upon arrival in Mumbai, you are met by our representative and transferred in time to the international airport for connecting flight for your onward journey.

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