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CLASSICAL INDIA
Day 1 London Heathrow to Mumbai
Fly with British Airways non-stop to Mumbai.
Day 2 Mumbai
Arrive into Mumbai in the early hours where you will be met and transferred
by car to the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel which stands facing
the Gateway of India in the historic Colaba district of the city.
Later 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. (B)
Day 3 Mumbai to Aurangabad – by air
Fly to Aurangabad, situated on the Deccan Plateau and a popular base
from which to explore the Ellora and Ajanta Caves. Later tour the
city visiting the markets and the Bibi-Ka-Maqbara – mausoleum
of Aurangzeb’s wife Rabia Daurani. Stay for three nights at
the Taj Residency Hotel. (B)
Day 4 Visit Ajanta Caves
This morning drive the 106kms from Aurangabad to visit the Ajanta
Caves. These caves, which precede those at Ellora and date from about
200 BC to 650 AD, are cut from the volcanic lavas of the Deccan Trap
and form part of a steep wooded hillside deep in the Sahyadri Hills.
Compared to the frescoes of Assisi, Sienna and Florence, the complex
was once a monastery and home to over 200 monks, artists, craftsmen
and labourers with designs of widely varying subjects from the royal
court, family life and street scenes to wildlife. (B)
Day 5 Visit Ellora Caves
Closer to Aurangabad than Ajanta, the Ellora caves are located on
an ancient trade route between Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh and the west
coast of India. Situated around a hill the caves contain elaborate
carvings of gods and goddesses representing three of the main faiths
of ancient India – Buddhist, Hindu and Jain. Later return to
Aurangabad stopping at Daulatabad Fort on the way to take in the views
of the surrounding area. (B)
Day 6 Aurangabad to Maheshwar – 315kms
Early this morning leave Aurangabad for the drive north to Maheshwar
where you will stay for three nights at Ahilya Fort – home of
Prince Shivaji Holker, the son of the last Maharaja. Commanding a
position high above the banks of the Narmada River, Ahilya has nine
rooms with the tranquillity and serenity making this a wonderful place
to stay. (D)
Day 7 Maheshwar
&
Day 8 Maheshwar
Two days at leisure to relax and enjoy 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. Maheshwar
is a town revered by followers of Lord Shiva and the most important
temples worth visiting are the Kaleshwara, Rajarajeshwara, Vithaleshwara
and the Ahileshwar. Also visit Mandu a deserted city located across
a broad hilltop and known for its fine Hindu and Muslim architecture.
(B/L/D)
Day 9 Maheshwar to Bhopal – 230kms
After breakfast leave Ahilya Fort 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. As with many Indian cities there is another face
to Bhopal aptly highlighted with the frenetic Old City with its large
mosques and packed alleyways. Stay for two nights at the Jehan Numa
Palace Hotel. (B)
Day 10 Bhopal
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 (as are nearly all the other
sites on this itinerary), Sanchi is one of the most evocative places
in India. (B)
Day 11 Bhopal to Jhansi – by train
Jhansi to Orchha – 20kms
This afternoon proceed to Bhopal railway station in time
to join the Shatabdi Express train to Jhansi. You will be met on arrival
by your driver and proceed to your hotel in Orchha. Stay for two nights
at the Amar Mahal Hotel. (B/D)
Day 12 Orchha
Today explore Orchha, the 17th century capital of the Bundela rajputs.
A sprawling complex of colossal but deserted palaces, tombs and temples,
Orchha is as romantic as Mandu but without the latter’s Islamic
component. Situated on the Betwa River on a rocky outcrop above the
surrounding countryside, it has retained much of its character and
has been largely unmolested by the modern world. Later this afternoon
drive from Orchha to the lively town of Datia which is situated 34kms
north of Jhansi and is well off the tourist track. The town is home
to the forgotten Govind Mandir Palace, an imposing 17th Century building
built on an uneven rocky ridge, and perfectly blends both Rajput and
Mughal styles. (B/D0
Day 13 Orchha to Khajuraho – 175kms
This morning drive to Khajuraho. Set in a rich well-watered agricultural
plain, with the Vindhyan Hills as a backdrop, and miles from the nearest
town, Khajuraho is home to some of India’s most famous and renowned
temples. Formerly the capital of the old kingdom of Jajhauti, Khajuraho’s
temples were built under the later Chandela Kings between 950 and
1050 AD but were lost for centuries until accidentally discovered
by a British Army Engineer in 1839. Only 20 of the 85 original temples
have survived but those that have are widely considered to be among
the finest in India. Stay for two nights at the Chandela Hotel. (B)
Day 14 Khajuraho
Today enjoy a full day tour of the Eastern and Western Groups of temples
where forthright sculptures celebrate the joy of life and love for
which there is probably no equivalent in the world. The Kandariya
Mahadeva Temple which is decorated with elaborate carvings and numerous
beautiful sculptures is well worth exploring as is the Lakshmana Temple
and the three Jain Temples of the Eastern Group. (B)
Day 15 Khajuraho to Varanasi – by air
Morning at leisure in Khajuraho. In the afternoon depart Khajuraho
by air for Varanasi and transfer to the Gateway Hotel Ganges for the
next two nights. Unquestionably India’s holiest city, Varanasi
is situated on the banks of the sacred River Ganges and is characterised
by a maze of narrow alleys that wind behind the crowded waterfront
ghats. The city is an image, an idea and a symbol of Hinduism’s
core principles and consequently has been a centre of learning and
pilgrimage for over 2000 years. (B)
Day 16 Varanasi
Today take an early morning boat ride on the Ganges to view the sunrise
and witness the pilgrims who gather to perform their religious rituals
along the banks of the river. As the misty sunshine clears the light
and spectacle is quite spectacular then head off to explore the back
lanes of the old city that pulse with life. In the afternoon drive
outside the city to Sarnath where Buddha first preached his message
of enlightenment 2,500 years ago. (B)
Day 17 Varanasi to Delhi – by air
In the afternoon depart Varanasi by air to Delhi Assistance on arrival
and transfer to the Taj Mahal Hotel in New Delhi for two nights. (B)
Day 18 Delhi
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. (B)
Day 19 Delhi to London
Depart Delhi on the British Airways flight to London Heathrow Terminal
Five.
STAYING ON
Immortal and timeless, the Taj Mahal is only a short distance from Delhi. Arguably the greatest monument to love, the Taj Mahal was built by Shah Jahan as a memorial to his wife Mumtaz and is a building renowned throughout the world.
Experience the Himalayan countries of Nepal or Bhutan. Easily reach by air from Delhi, both offer beautiful landscapes and fascinating culture. Traditional and charming, the little visited Bhutan, in particular, is a hidden gem that has remained unchanged over the centuries.
Wildlife in India is synonymous with the famous
Corbett National Park. Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas,
Corbett is a 300kms drive north of Delhi and a four night stay here,
with your time divided on the perimeter and inside the park, is an
excellent way to observe the wildlife in its natural habitat. Corbett
National Park is only open from the 15th November to the 15th June.
Relax on the beaches of Goa or Kerala – both
easily reached by air direct from Delhi. With a range of hotels to
choose from both locations offer something for everyone and are an
excellent way to end a tour. Time in Kerala could also be extended
with a cruise on the backwaters.
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 – CLASSICAL INDIA
Prices vary according to selected airlines, hotels and season, however, an indication to the current cost of this itinerary is from £4,175. 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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