Home > Destinations > Central & Western India > Into the Heart of India
INTO THE HEART OF INDIA
Day 1 Depart London
Fly with Jet Airways non-stop to Delhi.
Day 2 Arrive Delhi
Arrive into Delhi where you will be met and transferred by car to the Taj
Mahal Hotel for your overnight stay. This afternoon enjoy one of our
specialist heritage walks of the city. Two of the more popular walks
cover the Jama Masjid area of Old Delhi whilst tours following the
route of the 1857 uprising can also be arranged.
Day 3 Delhi to Indore – by air
This morning transfer to Delhi Airport in good time to catch your onward
flight to Indore. On your arrival you will be met and transferred by car
to the Fortune Landmark Hotel.
Day 4 Visit Ujjain
Today visit Ujjain, one of the oldest and holiest Indian cities.
Its turbulent history has seen the city spinning between rulers who
alternately destroyed and rebuilt sections of the town depending on
their religious beliefs. In the 19th and 20th centuries the Scindia
family restored several of the Hindu temples, and today it remains an
important place for Hindu pilgrimages. Explore the temples and ghats
along the Shipra River, including the Mahakaleshwar Nandir (please note
that some sections of the temple are closed to non-Hindus). Return to
Indore for your overnight stay.
Day 5 Indore to Maheshwar – 90kms
This morning leave Indore and drive to Maheshwar to
stay for three nights at Ahilya Fort. A stay to be remembered, Ahilya
Fort was largely constructed during the late 17th Century and holds
a commanding position high above the banks of the sacred Narmada River.
With 11 rooms, each with private attached bathrooms, the fort also
offers dining either under the grand neem trees or on the terrace
overlooking the beautiful river below.
Day 6 Maheshwar
Explore the fort and walk down to the riverside to the beautiful ghats
where you can watch the daily rituals of the ordinary local villagers.
The town is also known for its Maheshwar saris and you may wish to
learn more about this thriving local industry during your stay at
Ahilya.
Day 7 Maheshwar – visit Mandu
Today visit Mandu – 60kms from Maheshwar – a deserted
city located across a broad hilltop and known for its fine Hindu and
Muslim architecture. Mandu was known in the 15th century as the ‘City
of Joy’ and was the magnificent capital of the central Indian
kingdom of Malwa. Renowned for its fine Rajput and Muslim architecture
Mandu also fostered the development of both Hindu and Jain art and
literature.
Day 8 Maheshwar to Satpura National Park – 270kms
Early this morning leave by car for the long drive across country
to Forsyth’s Lodge where you will stay for the next three nights.
Satpura Tiger Reserve is a relatively new national park and is spread
across the rugged Satpura Mountains. The huge Tawa Dam reservoir protects
the entire northern flank of the park and the water provides a fantastic
perspective from which to see the plethora of bird species which the
area is home to.
Encompassing some of the finest tiger habitat in the subcontinent, the reserve is also home to a host of other species including sloth bear and leopard to name but two. Uniquely, Satpura is the only tiger reserve that will permit walking safaris lead by trained local guides.
Day 9 Satpura
&
Day 10 Satpura
Visit the park at sunrise and before sunset in the company of an expert
naturalist. Please carry your own binoculars, wear neutral colours
and take a warm fleece, hat and gloves with you.
Day 11 Satpura National Park to Bhopal – 180kms
After an early morning game drive leave Satpura and continue to Bhopal.
The state capital of Madhya Pradesh, Bhopal spreads over seven gently
rolling hills, contains two artificial lakes and as a result has a
spacious feel that is only enhanced by the pleasant parks, royal palaces
and modern buildings. Stay for two nights at the Jehan Numa Palace
Hotel.
Day 12 Bhopal – visit Sanchi
This morning visit Sanchi, the oldest surviving Buddhist sanctuary,
and principal centre for Buddhism in India until the 12th Century.
The site consists of stupas, monolithic pillars, temples and monasteries,
all in different states of conservation and dating from the second
century BC onwards. A world heritage site, Sanchi is one of the most
evocative places in India. In the afternoon return to visit Bhopal
where places of interest include the Taj-ul-Masjid mosque, smaller
Jama Masjid built in 1837 and the Shaukat Mahal.
Day 13 Bhopal to Mumbai – by air
Today leave your hotel and transfer to Bhopal Airport for your onward
flight to Mumbai. On your arrival you will be met and transferred to
the Trident Hotel at Nariman Point.
Day 14 Mumbai
This morning visit the Gateway of India, built to commemorate the visit
of George V in 1911, the Prince of Wales Museum, the historic Fort area
of the city and Malabar Hill with its superb views over the city. End at
Mani Bhawan, a small museum celebrating Gandhi’s links with Mumbai,
and the colourful Dhobi Ghat where the city’s linen is washed.
Afternoon at leisure.
Day 15 Depart Mumbai
Today return to Mumbai Airport in good time to catch the Jet Airways
flight non–stop to London Heathrow.
STAYING ON
Relax after your tour at luxurious and secluded Neeleshwar Hermitage. One of the finest beach hotels in the region the Neeleshwar Hermitage is located in northern Kerala only a short flight from Mumbai.
Extend your tour and visit the beautiful small town of Orchha, the unrivalled carved temples of Khajuraho and sacred Varanasi. From Bhopal, Orchha can easily be reached by car or by train to nearby Jhansi.
Antiquity and culture are close at hand with a direct flight from Mumbai to Aurangabad. The base for visiting the Ajanta and Ellora Caves, both of these amazing sites have been awarded UNESCO World Heritage status.
Planning your journey: We can design a unique journey to suit you as our tours are totally tailor made. By combining your own ideas with our knowledge and experience we can help you to create your own journey tailored exactly to your requirements Once you have formulated your ideas, or if you require some general or specific advice, please call us on 01892 515966 or simply send your ideas to pettitts@btconnect.com. On receipt of your enquiry we will provide you with a full written quotation together with our suggestions and recommendations.
A Guide to Price –INTO THE HEART OF INDIA
Prices vary according to selected airlines, hotels and season, however, an indication to the current cost of this itinerary is from £3,490. All prices are per person and are based on a minimum of TWO persons travelling together and sharing a twin bedded room with meals as indicated. If you wish to travel alone we will be pleased to assist you with your arrangements and can provide a proposal on request.
Note: Meal Basis (N) = No Meal; (B) = Breakfast; (L) = Lunch; (D) = Dinner
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