Sacred Places and Natural Beauty of Madhya Pradesh

Day 1 Depart the UK

Today depart the UK on the British Airways flight to Delhi. (N)

Day 2 Arrive Delhi

Delhi is India's capital and a city of two halves. Old Delhi - the heart of Muslim India between the 17th and 19th centuries - is an historic district of grand mosques, majestic forts and crumbling monuments. In contrast New Delhi, with its large government buildings, wide tree-lined avenues and pretty white-washed bungalows was purpose-built in the 1930s by the British as a colonial capital and remains the epicentre of Indian political power. (N)

Accommodation in Delhi: Le Meridien New Delhi (or similar)

Upgrade option: Claridges Hotel

Alternative upgrade option: Imperial Hotel

Day 3 Delhi to Bhopal – by air

This morning fly to Bhopal. Capital of Madhya Pradesh, Bhopal's mix of parks and palaces is in direct contrast to the frenetic old city's large mosques and bustling narrow alleyways. Prior to independence Bhopal was ruled by a succession of forward-thinking Muslim women and the city quickly modernised with the establishment of an early postal system and comprehensive rail network. (B)

Accommodation in Bhopal: Jehan Numa Palace Hotel (or similar)

Upgrade option: Jehan Numa Retreat (or similar)

Day 4 Bhopal – visit Sanchi

Today visit Sanchi. This is the oldest surviving Buddhist sanctuary in India and was once the principal centre for Buddhism in the country. Sanchi is defined by its Great Stupa, arguably India's finest Buddhist structure and one of the subcontinent's oldest remaining religious monuments. The stupa sits at the heart of an evocative complex of temples and monasteries all of which are in different states of repair. Later return to Bhopal and visit the Taj-ul-Masjid mosque, Jama Masjid and Shaukat Mahal. (B)

Accommodation in Bhopal: Jehan Numa Palace Hotel (or similar)

Upgrade option: Jehan Numa Retreat (or similar)

Day 5 Bhopal to Pachmarhi – 200kms

Leave Bhopal and drive to the pretty hill station of Pachmarhi which was once the summer capital of the Central Provinces during the British Raj. A sleepy town of graceful bungalows and stone churches, Pachmarhi retains a distinctive colonial atmosphere. Located in the heart of the Satpura Hills, the area around the town has a rich biodiversity and a staggering array of bird-life not commonly seen elsewhere in central India. (B/L/D)

Accommodation in Pachmarhi: Rock-End Manor (or similar)

Day 6 Pachmarhi

Starting at Duchess Falls, take a guided morning walk to Mount Rosa. Passing waterfalls and rock-paintings, this is an ideal opportunity to encounter the flora and fauna in the areas around Pachmarhi. It is not uncommon to see tiger and leopard tracks as well as a wide range of bird-life including the black eagle and honey buzzard. In the afternoon visit the man-made Pandav Caves, protected monuments, which potentially date to the time of the Emperor Ashoka and end the day at Dhupgarh to enjoy sunset. (B/L/D)

Accommodation in Pachmarhi: Rock-End Manor (or similar)

Day 7 Pachmarhi

Today undertake a gentle 8kms walk in the sal forests outside of Pachmarhi. Beginning at Jatashanker Cave, there will be further chances to view some of the local wildlife including barking deer, gaur, tree shrew, sambar, the malabar giant squirrel and numerous vulture roosts. (B/L/D)

Accommodation in Pachmarhi: Rock-End Manor (or similar)

Day 8 Pachmarhi to Satpura – 60kms

Walk to the butterfly garden at Panarpani on a trail where fresh tracks of tiger, leopard and sloth bear are often seen. On a good day, over fifty species of butterfly can be seen in the garden and is a must for any butterfly enthusiast. A relatively new reserve, Satpura National Park is spread across mountains of the same name. Uniquely, Satpura is also the only tiger reserve that permits walking safaris which are led by trained local guides. (B/L/D)

Accommodation in Satpura: Forsyth’s Lodge

Alternative option: Denwa Backwater Escape

Alternative option: Reni Pani Jungle Lodge

Days 9 & 10 Satpura National Park

With a back drop of plateaus and hills which form the highest part of the Deccan, the huge Tawa reservoir protects the entire northern flank of the park and affords the perfect habitat for a plethora of bird species which the area is home to. The thick forests of this unspoiled reserve also provide some of the finest tiger habitat in the subcontinent and, although these wonderful animals are present in good numbers, Satpura is home to a host of other rare species including sloth bear and leopard. (B/L/D)

Accommodation in Satpura: Forsyth’s Lodge

Alternative option: Denwa Backwater Escape

Alternative option: Reni Pani Jungle Lodge

Day 11 Satpura to Maheshwar – 380kms

Today drive to the small town of Maheshwar and stay three nights at the delightful Ahilya Fort. One of central India's best kept secrets, a stay at Ahilya Fort is something to be remembered. Largely constructed in the late 17th century, this converted fortress has changed little and continues to hold a commanding position high above the banks of the sacred Narmada River. Rooms are comfortable and charmingly furnished and there are many nooks and crannies to explore. (B/L/D)

Accommodation in Maheshwar: Ahilya Fort (or similar)

Day 12 Maheshwar

Explore the fort and walk down to riverside and beautiful ghats to witness the timeless daily rituals of the local villagers. The town is revered by followers of Lord Shiva and there are numerous shrines and temples that line the river's bank. Maheshwar is also known for its Maheshwar saris and are a thriving local industry. (B/L/D)

Accommodation in Maheshwar: Ahilya Fort (or similar)

Day 13 Maheshwar – visit Mandu

Today visit Mandu. Perched in a dominant position astride part of the Vindhya ranges, Mandu is an architectural masterpiece of understated Islamic style with many fine buildings spread over the site. With a history dating back to the early 6th century AD, Mandu's heyday was during the medieval period under the Pathan sultans whose rule ushered in a period of peace and prosperity. Rightly famed for its Islamic architecture, explore Mandu's many palaces, mosques and mausoleums. (B/L/D)

Accommodation in Maheshwar: Ahilya Fort (or similar)

Day 14 Maheshwar to Indore – 90kms / Indore to Mumbai – by air

Today leave Maheshwar and transfer to Indore Airport for the flight to Mumbai where you will stay overnight at a hotel close to the international airport. One of the world's great cities, Mumbai has grown from a small group of islands to India's economic powerhouse and gateway to the world. Still growing fast, Mumbai is a combination of old and new, the chaotic and the peaceful, which draws visitors back time again to what is a most vibrant, bustling and human of cities. (B)

Accommodation in Mumbai: Leela Kempinski Hotel (or similar)

Day 15 Mumbai to the UK

Today transfer back to Mumbai Airport to catch the British Airways flight non-stop to the UK. (B)

Sacred Places and Natural Beauty of Madhya Pradesh

15 days from £3695 per person

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Itinerary: Sacred Places and Natural Beauty of Madhya Pradesh

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