Route Map
North India with Mumbai
Cultural Tours
15 Days
THE TOUR AT THE GLANCE
The Central India tour takes you to the magnificent state of Madhya Pradesh which is known as ‘The heart of India’ because of its central location. Here you will find numerous spectacular places with stunning architecture and history.This 15-day adventure travels across two central Indian states using various modes of transportation for those who like to be on the move. After a city tour in Delhi, you and a guide will head into Madhya Pardesh to visit a vast array of holy towns, bustling bazaars, and cultural treasures. You will also visit the world famous rock-cut-cave temples of Ajanta and Ellora before concluding your Central India tour.From here, continue to the state of Maharashtra, where you'll take two important day trips to UNESCO-listed cave complexes before ending in Mumbai for some urban action along the Arabian Sea.
EXPERIENCES AND VISITS IN THIS TOUR JOURNEY
- Walk thru / Cycle Rickshaw Asia’s largest Spice Market and explore narrow lane in Old Delhi
- Explore Gwalior Fort with three temples, six palaces, and numerous water tanks
- Stay a night in Indore checking out beautiful architecture and great restaurants
- Experience river ghats (and sari shops) in the "Indore of central India"
- Get up close to 30 different rock-cut Buddhist cave monuments in Ajanta
- Enjoy guided tours and free time in India's two biggest cities: Delhi and Mumbai
- Ajanta - UNESCO World Heritage Listed Buddhist caves
- Excursion to the Ajanta and Ellora caves, at Aurangabad
- Guided tour of Mumbai including World Heritage Site of Elephanta Caves
- Visit hot spots such as Dhobi Ghat, Victoria Terminus Station and See the wealth of spices at Crawford Market, and Gateway of India
- Ride the Ferry at Gateway of India
- Elephanta Caves, Gharapuri – Explore These Marvels
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus – Marvel At The Architecture
VIEW FULL ITINERARY
Arrive Delhi, After completing immigration and custom formalities, meet our representative at the arrival gate. After introductions, you will be transferred to the hotel.
DELHI, the capital of India, is home to 16 million people, making it the third largest city in India. The strategic location of the city made it an attractive location for invading armies, and it served as the capital for many great empires that ruled India. Many of these Empires built significant monuments, and whilst the Mughal and the British are the most visible, while driving through the city you will see ruins from previous capitals, the earliest dating back to the 12th century.
Morning your tour will begin with a visit to Raj Ghat, a simple memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. He is also famously known as the “father of the nation”. Continue your tour to Jama Masjid, one of Asia’s largest mosques. People stream in and out of the mosque continuously and the presence of a nearby bazaar means that the area is rarely quiet. Enjoy the rickshaw ride at Old Delhi peddling through the narrow by lanes of Chandani Chowk and visit spices market is one of the largest wholesale spice markets in Asia, It is well worth a visit for the intensity of its sights and smells alone. Along with fresh spices of all shapes, sizes, and colors, this market sells myriad nuts, herbs, dry fruits, and grains.
In the afternoon visit the Qutb Minar complex which dominates the historic site where Qutb-ud-Din-Aibak laid the foundation of Delhi Sultanate. Its sandstone minaret, 72.5 m high, has a staircase of 379 steps to reach the summit. It is the tallest stone tower in India and one of the most successful Muslim buildings. You will then discover the Humayun Mausoleum, the 2nd Mughal emperor. Built in the middle of the 16th century at the request of Hamida Banu Begum (the widow of Emperor Humayun), the mausoleum is a fine example of early Mughal architecture.
Drive past British Architect by Edward Lutyens, with the task of building the new capital in Delhi. Lutyen’s Delhi primarily consists of the administrative area of the capital, India Gate and the Viceroy’s House (which is now known as Rashtrapati Bhawan). A visit to Delhi is incomplete without going to Lutyen’s Delhi which one can say, is the place where the Central Government of India currently resides and works from.
Today, you’ll be transferred to the rail station to board a morning train to the remote fort city of Gwalior. Upon arrival, you'll be picked up and transferred to your hotel.
In the afternoon explore city on foot. A good place to start is by walking around the ancient Gwalior Fort—a renowned landmark that occupies a sandstone plateau overlooking the city, accessible from a path lined with sacred Jain statues. Gwalior is also known for its palaces and temples, including the Sas Bahu Ka Mandir, an intricately carved Hindu temple, and the 15th-century Gujari Mahal Palace, now an archaeological museum.
Man Mandir Palace is the most beautiful. It is said that the walls were once covered in white plaster and the towers were glad with shining copper. Towers above the wall are decorated with blue tiles.
Optional: In the evening, enjoy a sound and light show at the Man Mandir Palace.
Today, you'll be transferred to the train station to board a morning train to Bhopal. Upon arrival, you'll be transferred to your hotel.
In the afternoon you'll visit Bhopal City founded the 11th century by King Bhoj of the Parmar Dynasty, Bhopal is a city of royal lineage and oozes with charm from a bygone era. The heart of the city is adorned with royal remnants, mansions, and palaces that take you back to this magnificent past.
Your tour will include a visit to the Taj-ul-Masjid, considered to be the largest mosque in Asia, as well as Dhai Seedhi Masjid, Bhopal’s oldest mosque. Visit of the city, the Archaeological Museum, which boasts sculptures, cave paintings, photographs and objects that trace the local and national history.If time allows, a walk along the narrow alleys of the Chowk area and its markets will give you some local atmosphere.
Today, you'll take a day excursion to Sanchi Stupa, a Buddhist complex and UNESCO World Heritage Site in Sanchi town, originally built by Emperor Ashoka the Great in the 3rd century. The site is famous for its great stupa, located on a hilltop.
From here, you'll drive to Bhimbetka to view its ancient cave paintings, some of which are believed to be 12,000 years old. This archaeological site depicts amazing scenes based on the philosophy of life and death of the early man, spanning the prehistoric paleolithic and mesolithic periods, as well as the historic period. ( A wide range of figures are depicted on the wall that include wild buffalos, rhinos, bears and tigers, hunting scenes, initiation ceremonies, childbirth scenes, collective dances, religious rites and burials)
Return to Bhopal following this excursion and enjoy the city at your leisure.
Today, drive to Indore. Along the way we visit Ujjain: the Temple of Mahakal Shiva, the destroyer of evil. The Temple of Gopal, a magnificent building with marble spiers, in typical maratha style, built by the Scindias in the 19th century and visit to the temple of Kalbhairav, where pilgrims offer alcohol.
Continue to Indore. Upon arrival, check in at Hotel
Rest of the day at leisure
Morning you will visit Indore -the biggest city in Madhya Pradesh. Once known as a trading hub between Deccan and Delhi of the 16th century, Indore was discovered by Rao Nandlal Chaudhary in 1710. Today, this bustling city offers majestic palaces from the Holkar Dynasty, lively bazaars, and mouth-watering culinary experiences.Visit to the mesmerizing Jain temple called Kanch Mandir (or Temple of Glass), an exceptional architectural feat. As you walk through the interior, notice how the building's floors, ceilings, walls, doors, and pillars are all decorated with ornamental mirrors.
After visit drive to Mandu, enroute visit Dhar- Dhar Fort is another historical monument in the capital of the legendary King Bhoj that tourists can visit to explore the magnificent beauty of Dhar. Visit the famous at Masjid or Pillar Mosque in Dhar to explore the architectural splendor of the mosque, built by Dilawar Khan in 1405
Day visit Mandu City: Jahaz Mahal is a brilliantly carved palace that sits on a narrow strip of land between two lakes, Munj Talao and Kapur Talao. In the monsoon season, when the lakes are full with water, It looks as if the palace is floating on the waters of these lakes. The entrance of the rectangular structure has Gothic architecture. The palace boasts of three huge halls differentiated by corridors.
Hindola Mahal is a primeval edifice which was constructed under the rule of Ghiyas-ud-din’s supremacy. It is an ideal spot with wonderful sculptures.
Jami Masjid is a mosque that was built in 1454 by Mahmud Khilji, the 15th century Sultan of Delhi. The mosque projects a dome entrance hall and has beautiful landscaped gardens in the front. There are also two subsidiary entrances to the north, one of for the priests and the other one is reserved for the women.
Roopmati’s Pavilion is the most important tourist attraction in the city of Mandu. This pavilion is famous for the tragic love story of Prince Baz Bahadur and Roopmati. This pavilion is located on the hill top near the Baz Bahadur Palace. The corridors of the pavilion have arched openings. The western ledge of the pavilion contains a huge reservoir for rain water harvesting.
Today, drive to Maheshwar, enroute visit Omkareshwar is a Hindu temple dedicated to God Shiva. It is one of the twelve sacred Jyotirlinga Shrines of Shiva. It is located on an island on the Narmada River. This place has its own stories and legends to tell. This sacred place attracts thousands of pilgrims annually. The temple is a fine example of medieval Brahmin architecture. After visit drive to Maheshwar The small holy town of Maheshwar.Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel.
Maheshwar was a magnificent city. This beautiful temple town is situated on the banks of river Narmada and finds its name in the great Indian epics such as Mahabharata and Ramayana. The city is extremely popular for its beautiful hand woven saris.
The Fort. An awesome fort, dominates the dusty landscape of Maheshwar. A palace on its premises, has now been converted into a museum displaying heirlooms, Ghats - Peshwa Ghat, Fanase Ghat and Ahilya Ghat, line the Narmada, and flights of steps lead down, from the sandy banks to the river, and throughout the day, a kaleidoscope of rural India, can be seen, including the pilgrims and holy men, who sit here in silent meditation. Rajgaddi And Rajwada - A life-size statue of Rani Ahilyabai, sits on a throne, in the Rajgaddi within the fort complex, and a right place, to begin a tour of Maheshwar . Temples - With their soaring spires, the many tiered temples of Maheshwar, are distinguished by their carved overhanging balconies and their intricately worked doorways. Temples to see are Kaleshwar, Raja Rajeshwara, Vithaleshwara and Ahilehswara.
Take a sunset boating to the center of the Universe -Included in your stay is a not-to-be-missed boat ride to Baneshwar Temple, considered to be the Centre of the Universe. Watch the sun setting as you glide down the Narmada on a hand-poled boat to the Temple. Have a cup of tea and then release diyas as an offering to the River.
Today, drive to Burhanpur- a hidden jewel in the annals of medieval Indian architecture. Its history is one of battle, conquest and change, interspersed with periods of peace that allowed for a rich aesthetic to flourish. It was founded in 1400 AD by the Faruqi King, Nasir Khan, and ruled by the Faruqis for the next two centuries. In 1600, the Mughal Emperor Akbar captured Burhanpur, and for a century thereafter, until Aurangzeb’s death in 1707, it remained integral to Mughal ambitions in the Deccan. (Shah Jahan’s beloved queen, Mumtaz Mahal died in Burhanpur in 1631; the queen’s body rested here for several months until it was disinterred and travelled with the Mughal court to Agra – there, later, to find a final home in the glorious Taj Mahal). Burhanpur is a city of great architectural importance, but its fame rests largely as a place of pilgrimage for Bohra Muslims as well as for Sikhs.
Today, drive to Aurangabad. Enroute visit Ajanta Caves (Closed on Mondays). Nestling in an inner fold of the Sahyadri hills, 100 kms from the city of Aurangabad in the shape of a mammoth horse shoe, are the 30 rock-hewn caves of Ajanta, dating from 2nd century B.C. Discovered in 1819, by a group of British Officers, this complex is a home of more than 200 monks and artisans. Inside, the caves are richly decorated with frescoes and intricate sculptures that are regarded as masterpieces. After visit continue drive to Aurangabad.On arrival, check in the Hotel.
In the morning you will visit Ellora caves- (Closed on Tuesdays).Located 30 Kms from Aurangabad, Ellora Caves is a stunning example of stone carved architecture. The 34 caves have beautiful iconography and workmanship reflecting the three main religious groups of Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism. See the beautiful sculpture of Buddha, the Hindu god Shiva and exquisite craftsmanship of deities. On the way back visit Daulatabad Fort, a labyrinthine structure that was once covered in Persian tiles.
After visit return to City then visit Bibi ka Maqbara- The Dakhani Taj (Taj Mahal of the Deccan) is the most important Mughal monument in the Deccan region. It was built as a tomb for Bibi Rabia Daurani, the wife of Mughal Emperor Aurangazeb.
Today, transfer to Aurangabad airport to board a flight to Mumbai. Upon arrival, meet our representative and transfer to Hotel.
In the afternoon city tour of Mumbai with Mani Bhawan, a museum dedicated to the life of Mahatma Gandhi. See the Dhobi Ghat, the largest open-air laundry in the world – an incredible sight. Just before lunch, stop by the Victoria Terminus to witness the dabbah-wallahs arrive and begin delivery of over 10,000 lunches to downtown businessmen. visit Prince of Wales Museum with exhibits of ancient Indian history as well as objects from foreign lands, categorized primarily into three sections - Art, Archaeology and Natural History
Morning proceed to Gateway of India. Here you embark on a shared cruise to Elephanta Island Caves to see the Elephanta Cave. The rock cut architecture of the caves has been dated to between the 5th and 8th centuries. Explore both Hindu caves & Buddhist Caves. On the back you will visit the Gateway of India, erected to commemorate the landing of King George V and Queen Mary in 1911. Elephant Caves: Closed on Monday
Then make a short stop at the Hanging Gardens perched above Malabar Hill - these terraced gardens providing a beautiful, panoramic view of the Arabian Sea were laid out in the early 1880s and pass by the Tower of Silence, on which the Parsis place their dead. Continue to Marine Drive, Chowpatty Beach and Malabar Hill. Take a walk in the bustling Crawford Market
Later in time transfer to airport to board international flight back home
End Of Tour
WHAT YOU WILL RECEIVE IN YOUR TOUR COST
- Accommodation for total 14 nights on sharing double / Twin room
- Meals: as per program
- Transfers, sightseeing and excursions as per the program by air-conditioned Vehicle
- English speaking local guide for sightseeing as per program
- All entrance fees to the monuments as mentioned in the program.
- Cycle rickshaw ride in the local bazaar in Delhi
- Train journey from Delhi / Gwalior/Bhopal by tourst class
- Sunset board ride on Narmada River in Maheshwar.
- Return ferry transfer to Elephanta Caves in Mumbai.
- Our representative for assistance on arrival and departure at airport.
- All presently applicable taxes including the GST charges levied recently by the Government.
- Two bottles of mineral water each day during sightseeing.
TOUR COST WILL NOT INCLUDE FOLLOWING EXPENSES
- International / Domestic Airfare
- Any new admission fees / taxes / fuel surcharges/ Visa fees
- Meals not mentioned
- All personal expenses such as beverages, laundry, trip cancellation and personal insurance, gratuities, excess baggage fees
- Early check-in/late check-out (except as noted)
- Camera/video fees at monuments
- Communication costs
- Any additional expenses due to unforeseen problems like natural disaster, war or strikes, cancellation or misconnection of flights or last-minute change of timings etc.
- Any other service, which has not been specified as "included".
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