Home > Destinations > Central & Western India > Into India
INTO INDIA
Day 1 Depart London Heathrow
Today depart London on the British Airways flight to Delhi
Day 2 Arrive Delhi
Arrive into Delhi where you will be met and transferred to the Taj Mahal
Hotel where you will stay overnight. Later today tour Old and New Delhi
with your local guide. Explore Old Delhi’s dense network of homes, markets,
mosques and alleyways visiting Chandni Chowk by rickshaw, the Jama Masjid,
Red Fort and Rajghat. Later visit Sir Edwin Lutyen’s New Delhi, inaugurated
in 1931 and home to Rashtrapati Bhawan, the official residence of the Indian
President, Rajpath and the imposing India Gate. (N)
Day 3 Delhi to Bhopal – by air
Today transfer to Delhi Airport in good time to catch your onward flight
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 4 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 and the
Shaukat Mahal.
Day 5 Bhopal to Pachmarhi – 200kms
Today leave Bhopal and drive to the beautiful hill station of Pachmarhi.
Located in the Satpura Hills, this region is unique in that it exhibits
the floral and faunal characteristics of both the Western Ghats and the
eastern Himalayas. Consequently, the area around Pachmarhi is rich in plants,
mammals, butterflies and wonderful birds not seen commonly anywhere else in
central India. Later enjoy a guided walk where there is a good chance of
spotting birds such as the Long–tailed Minivet, Red Whiskered Bulbul, Indian
Grey Hornbill and the Crested Serpent Eagle. Stay for three nights at the
Satpura Retreat Hotel – a converted Raj era bungalow with six rooms, pleasant
views and a garden full of birds.
Day 6 Pachmarhi
This morning enjoy a walk to Duchess Falls and Mount Rosa – a route with plenty
of birds, butterflies, dragonflies and plants. After lunch travel by jeep to watch
the spectacular sunset at Dhupgarh – the highest point in Central India. There will
also be a chance to stop en–route to visit the Pandav Caves.
Day 7 Pachmarhi
Today enjoy a round walk through sal dominated mixed forest where there are
excellent chances of seeing Barking Deer, Gaur, Tree Shrew, Malabar Giant
Squirrel and Sambar Deer. En–route also visit the Jatashanker Cave and Temple
and Twynam Pool where there are several vulture roosts nearby.
Day 8 Pachmarhi to Satpura – 78kms
This morning leave Pachmarhi and head out by jeep to Neemghan. Enter the Neemghan Range
and visit the excellent butterfly garden where there are many interesting species not
commonly seen. A must for butterfly enthusiasts, on a good day it is possible to see
more than 50 different species. After lunch, continue onto Forsyth’s Lodge in Satpura
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.
Day 9 Satpura
&
Day 10 Satpura
Visit Satpura 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. 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 11 Satpura to Maheshwar – 270kms
This morning leave Satpura for the drive to Maheshwar where you will 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 12 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 13 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 14 Maheshwar to Indore – 90kms
Indore to Mumbai – by air
Today leave your hotel and transfer to Indore Airport for your onward flight to Mumbai.
On your arrival you will be met and transferred to the Leela Kempinski Hotel, ideally
located close to the international airport, where you will stay overnight.
Day 15 Mumbai to London
Today return to Mumbai Airport in good time to catch the British 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.
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 INDIA
Prices vary according to selected airlines, hotels and season, however, an indication to the current cost of this itinerary is from £3,915.00 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
For further important information please click here.