Central India - Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat

Day 1 Delhi

Flight to Delhi. Arrival in Delhi and transfer to the hotel. Check in time is 1200 hrs.

Day 2 Delhi

In Delhi’s 3000 years of existence, seven cities stood where the present capital of India stands. Here you’ll encounter a fascinating blend of the ancient and the contemporary - where government buildings, medieval palaces and bazaars exist besides a modern metropolis. Delhi is a city waiting to be explored.

After breakfast sightseeing of Old and New Delhi.

Visit the 7^th city of Delhi, Shahjahanabad (Old Delhi) which was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan (1639-48 AD) after he shifted his capital from Agra to Delhi. Red Fort – the 17^th century imposing fortress built in red sandstone is surrounded by a huge boundary wall 33m high. Inside are exquisite palaces and beautiful gardens.Opposite the Red Fort lies Jama Masjid (Friday Mosque) made of red sandstone and white marble, completed in 1656. It is India’s largest mosque where more than 20.000 people can kneel in prayer. Visit Raj Ghat on the banks of the river Yamuna, Mahatma Gandhi’s Memorial, where he was cremated following his assassination in January 1948. The memorial lies in the midst of landscaped gardens and made of a simple square platform of black marble inscribed with his last words “Hey Ram”. An eternal flame burns 24 hours.

Afternoon visit New Delhi.

Visit the Humayun’s Tomb, built by his wife Haji Begum in the 16th. Century. An early example of Mughal architecture considered the predecessor of the Taj Mahal. The Qutub Minar – the landmark of Delhi, a huge tower of victory started in 1199 and completed in 1368. The minar is 72.5m high with a diameter at the base 14.4m and 2.7m at the top. Proceed to the Rashtrapati Bhawan once the Viceroy’s residence is now the official residence of the President of India. Designed by Lutyens, it combines western and eastern styles – the dome reflects the Buddhist stupa, the chattris Hindu and the graceful colonnades very British. It has 340 rooms. The Government Buildings designed by Baker, are topped by baroque domes and decorated with lotus motifs and elephants, while the north and south gateways are Mughal in design. The northern building has an inscription with “Liberty will not descend to a people; a people must raise themselves to liberty. It is a blessing which must be earned before it can be enjoyed”. The Parliament House, designed by Baker is 173m in diameter. Inside is the library and chambers for the council of state, chamber of princes and legislative assembly. The India Gate (42m), commemorates the 70,000 Indian soldiers who died in the 1^st world war. 13516 names of British and Indian soldiers killed in the Afghan War of 1919 are engraved on the arch and foundations. Under the arch, the Amar Jawan Jyoti commemorating Indian armed forces’ losses in the Indo-Pakistan war of 1971.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Delhi.

Day 3 Delhi/Khajuraho

After breakfast transfer to the airport to connect flight to Khajuraho.

Khajuraho, home to the most famous erotic temples built in the 10 & 11th century by the Chandella Rulers, with the Vindhyan Hills as a backdrop. Of 85 temples only 20 survive. This is a world heritage site. Morning after breakfast visit the Eastern and Western Group of temples.

On arrival in Khajuraho, transfer to the hotel.

The Eastern Group of temples are mainly dedicated to the Jain teachers - tirthankaras - The Parsvanatha Temple, the Adinatha Temple and the Santinatha Temple. There is a 4.5m statue of Adinatha in the main place of Jain worship. The temples are ornately carved on the outside with beautiful figures of Hindu gods, goddesses.

The Western Group consists of a group of artistic temples built in sandstone. The sculptures of Hindu deities, dancers and musicians appear to be so natural as if they would come alive any time. We will visit the Varaha Temple dedicated to Vishnu, and also the Lakshmana Temple also dedicated to Vishnu. It is one of the earliest of the western enclosure temples dating from 930 to 950 AD. The Kandariya Mahadeva Temple is not only the largest of the temples, it is also artistically and architecturally the most perfect. Built between 1025 and 1050 it represents Chandella art at its most finely developed phase.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 4 Khajuraho/Orchha

After breakfast drive to Orchha.

Orchha, 11km from Jhansi, is highly picturesque & is set on an island on a bend in the Betwa river. You see the beautiful old fort palace raised on a rocky promontory above the wooded countryside. The Raj Mahal with its Hall of Private Audience and Public Audience and royal chambers with beautiful painted murals on the walls and ceilings of religious and secular themes. The Rai Parveen Mahal, named after the musician courtesan (1592-1604). A low two-storey brick palace with cool underground chambers beautifully carved stone niches built to scale with surrounding trees and the Anand Mahal gardens. The Jahangir Mahal, (7^th century) palace built to commemorate the Emperor’s visit. The 7 storey Chatturbhuj Temple laid out in the form of a cross symbolic of the four-armmed god Krishna. It was built to house the image of Rama brought from Ayodhya. The Lakshmi Narayan Temple a square temple has excellent murals (religious and secular) on the interior walls and ceilings of the four cool galleries around the temple. The paintings portray Hindu deities, scenes from epics, historical events including the early British period.

Overnight at the hotel in Orchha.

Day 5 Orchha/Gwalior

After breakfast drive to Datia.

Datia is mentioned in the Mahabharat as “Datiyavakra”. The seven storey palace of Raja Bir Singh Deo built a top of a hill, is a great example of 17^th century Hindu architecture. There is a profusion of arches, chhattris, ornamental jali screens, coloured tiling, balconies and oriel windows that open up delightful views.

A few km north of Datia, just off the main road is Sonagiri, 77 white Jain temples on a hill reached by a paved path dating back to the 17^th century. Late afternoon arrive Gwalior. Check-in in the hotel.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 6 Gwalior

After breakfast visit the majestic hill fort of Gwalior standing on a sandstone precipice 100 m high, 2.8 km long and 200 to 850 m wide.

Gujari Mahal (15^th century) on the foot of the fort, today a archaeological museum with rich Hindu and jain sculptures. The palace was built by Raja Mansingh Tomar for his loving wife Mrignayani. Pass by Sas Bahu (Mother-in-law and daughter-in-law) Temple dedicated to Vishnu the 11^th century. The old city has the Jama Masjid (1661) with the tomb of Mohammad Ghaus, an Afghani saint and teacher of Tansen. Tansen was the famous musician and one of the nine gems at the court of the Mughal Emperor Akbar. One can also see the tomb of Tansen close by.

Next visit the Jai Vilas Palace, the residence of the Scindia Family. About 35 rooms of the palace have been converted into a museum. In the Durbar Hall approached by a crystal staircase in it hang the world’s largest Crystal Chandeliers in the world, each weighing three and a half tons. The rooms are furnished with golden walls, huge Persian carpets, antique furniture from France and Italy. The battery operated silver train set transported cigars, dry fruit and drinks round the table after dinner.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 7 Gwalior/Bhopal

Early morning transfer to railway station to connect Shatabdi Express train to Bhopal, the capital of Madhya Pradesh state founded in the 11^th century by Raja Bhoj.

Bhopal is surrounded by two lakes laid by Raja Bhoj. It was ruled by women from 1857 to 1926, first by Sikander Begum (1857-1901) and then by Shah Jahan Begum (1901-1926).

Afternoon visit the pink Taj-ud-Masjid (10^th century), built by the Empress Shah Jahan Begum, is one of the largest mosques of India, but was left unfinished for over a century. It has three white domes , two massive minarets and an impressive hall with attractive pillars. The Moti Masjid (1860) built by the daughter Sikander Begum, based on the Jama Masjid in Delhi. The Shaukat Mahal, built in Renaissance and Gothic style by a Frenchman. The Sadar Manzil, the “hall of public audience” of the former rulers of Bhopal. The City Museum houses sculptures, antiquities and tribal handicrafts, stone sculptures and an interesting collection of 87 small Jain bronzes of the 12^th century .

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 8 Bhopal/Sanchi (56 kms)/ Bhopal

After breakfast an excursion to Sanchi, a peaceful hill crowned by a group of abandoned stupas and monasteries together, is one of the most important Buddhist sites in India. The first stupa was built under King Ashoka in the 3 century BC, using bricks and mud mortar. Over a century later it was doubled in size with a balcony and railing added. The gateways were added 75 years later, and finally in 450 AD four images of Buddha were placed facing each of the gateways. The Great Stupa (37 m in diameter and 16 m high. The stone carving work describes the life of Lord Buddha and Buddhist mythology in a fascinating way. One can see more stupas around. The Monastery reached by steps opposite the west gateway is well preserved with thick stone walls. The Gupta Temple (5^th century) built of stone slabs with a flat roof. Temple 18 (7^th century) has only nine of the 12 pillars which resemble those found in the Buddhist cave temples of western India. The Museum exhibits from the site (caskets, pottery, parts of gateways, images) dating from the Ashokan period.

Afternoon excursion to Bhimbetka Hill, surrounded by thick jungle. These were rock shelters of the stone age men. To prove their presence they left behind marvellous paintings on the rock surfaces generally depicting war scenes, animals, men and women. The area extends over 20 sq. km. To see same of the best paintings follow the drawing. One can follow the innumerable paths leading to different shelters and discover the old of the lost world.

Overnight at hotel in Bhopal.

Day 9 Bhopal/Indore (186 kms)

Today after breakfast drive to Indore via Ujjain. One of the best known cities of ancient India and one of Hinduism’s seven sacred cities, and one of the four centers of the Kumbh Mela attracting about three million pilgrims every 12 years. Situated on the bank of Shipras river, there are 7 holy Hindu temples. You will visit the Mahakaleshwar Temple dedicated to God Shiva. The temple lingam is one of the 12 jyotirlingas believed to be swayambhu – born of itself. The Vedha Shala Observatory built by the founder of Jaipur Maharaja Jai Singh II around the 17^th century. Continue drive to Indore.

Check-in to the hotel.

Overnight at hotel.

Day 10 Indore/Mandu (97 kms)

After breakfast drive to Mandu. This wonderful city was fortified in the 6^th century. It was occupied by Khalji Muslim Rulers from Delhi – in 1305. The Afghani Dilawar Khan, Governor of Malwa established his kingdom in Mandu, and the golden period of Mandu started. His son Hoshang Shah transferred his capital from Dhar to Mandu.

Mandu impresses you through its magnificent buildings and offers one of the best examples of Afghani architecture in India.

You see the Jahaz Mahal or “ship palace”, (late 15^th century) built by Ghiyas-ud-Din, to house his harem. It is built between two artificial lakes. Probably the most famous building of Mandu in the form of a stately Ship. The Hindola Mahal or “Swing Palace” (1425) built on a` T ‘ plan. The Champa Baoli a 6.5 m deep underground well. Its water is said to have smelt like the Champak flower, with its cool vaulted thykhanas, must have been preferred as a retreat during the summer, a hammam (hot bath) and a water pavilion. The huge Jama Masjid (Friday Mosque), built by Hoshang of marble in 1454, on a large scale built on a raised plinth with a large domed porch ornamented with jali screen sand bands of blue enamel tiles. The Hoshang Shah Tomb in the bazar is India’s first marble monument, a refined example of Afghan architecture. The Ashrafi-Mahal, (Palace of Gold Coins) (1436-40). Now a ruin, was conceived as the first madrasa of Persian studies. The palace of Bhaj Bahadur (1509), the palace was built before Bhaj Bahadur the last Sultan of Malwa came to occupy it. It consists of a spacious open court with halls and rooms on all sides and a beautiful cistern in its centre, it has a curious mixture of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. Finally to Rupmati Pavilion, originally built as a military observation post but later modified into a palace, so that Baz Bahadur’s mistress could have her darshan of the sacred Narmada River; seen 305 m below like a white serpent across the plains. according to the history Rupmati was a beautiful Hindu singer. Baz Bahadur convinced her to leave her country and built her this pavilion

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 11 Mandu/Baroda (260 km)

On the way to Baroda today you see Buddhist caves (400-700 AD) near Bagh. Finally further drive to Baroda. After arrival check-in to the hotel.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 12 Baroda/Ahmedabad (112 km)

Baroda was the capital of one of the most powerful princely states. The family name `Gaekwad means `Protector of Cows’. The Gaekwad was one of the five rulers who received a 21 gun salute. He was so rich that he had a carpet woven of diamonds and pearls, and cannons cast in gold. Parks, lakes and palaces dominate the old city. Morning visit the Baroda Museum and Art Gallery has a collection of archaeology, art, ethnology and ancient Jain sculptures. Also Industrial Arts, extensive Mughal miniatures and European paintings.

Further drive to Ahmedabad. Check-in to the hotel.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 13 Ahmedabad

Ahmedabad was founded by Sultan Ahmed Shah in 1411. Today it is metropolis of the Indian Textile Industry. Situated on the banks of the Sabarmati River was the former capital of the state of Gujarat.

Morning visit the Calico-Museum, is an attractive old haveli in the Shahi Bagh Gardens which is botanically interesting. A store house of a rich collection of brocades, fine embroideries, saris, rare carpets, curtains, turbans, Maharajah”s costumes and royal Mughal tents. It illustrates weaving techniques, fabric paintings “Pad” and worth seeing antiques, interesting old and modern textiles. Further visit Jama Masjid (Friday Mosque) built by Ahmed Shah in 1424, the founder of the city.

Afternoon excursion to Adalaj (17 km). The Vav (baoli) (1502) built by Maharani Rudai Bai, in garden setting is one of the finest in India showing a combination of Hindu, Muslim and Buddhist styles. A long flight of steps descends over 30 m to the water. It has 4 storeys, each cooler that the one above. Ornately carved pillars, niches and cross-beams create large octagonal landings, serving as resting places. These step fountains or “Baolis” are unique constructions of Gujrat.

On the way back visit the Sabarmati Ashram, where Mahatma Gandhi, the “Father of Nation” lived as a lawyer after his return from South Africa. It was founded in 1917. It was the starting point for Gandhiji’s celebrated 24 day, 385 km Salt March to Dandi in 1930. It has a library, archives and a picture gallery depicting Gandhiji’s life. The Haridaya Kunj, Gandhiji’s home for 15 years containing simple mats, desk, spinning wheel and personal belongings over looks the central prayer corner and the river.

Overnight in hotel at Ahmedabad.

Day 14 Ahmedabad/Bhavnagar (244 kms)

Today drive to Bhavnagar, founded in 1723 by the Rajput Bhavsinghji Gohil, who developed it into an important coastal town and seaport. Its principal trade is the export of cotton. 8 kms South West we arrive Sarkhej, you visit the Rauza (1445-51) is a fine mausoleum complex, One of the largest in India, with a mosque, palace, pavilions and tombs, all grouped around a Step Tank. The elegant constructions are in Hindu style.

Evening arrive Bhavnagar.

Overnight in hotel.

Day 15 Bhavnagar/Palitana/ Bhavnagar

57 kms to Palitana, which is the base for visiting one of the 5 important pilgrimage centres of the Jains. The impressive Jain temple complex on Shatrunjaya hill is at an altitude of 591 m. Palitana has a name for diamond cutting and horse breeding. Shatrunjaya City, is the largest temple complex of India. The ascent of 3.5 kms climb up a winding path has 3950 steps. The temple complex has 863 temples strung along two ridges of the hill, with further temples in the hollow. These temples were destroyed by Muslims in the 14^th and 15^th centuries. Most of the temples are named after their founders and are mostly built over a period of a 1000 years in the11^th century and rebuilt in the 16^th century.

After visiting Palitana drive back to Bhavnagar.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 16 Bhavnagar/Mumbai

Transfer to airport and flight to Mumbai. After arrival transfer to hotel. Rest of the day is free.

Day 17 Mumbai

India’s most cosmopolitan city, an ancient port and trading centre. This palm- fringed shore of the Arabian Sea was the British Empire’s entrance to its `Crown Jewel’. Mumbai is also the centre for Hindi films. It is called Bollywood, with a credit of almost 900 films a year.

After breakfast in the hotel, set out on a morning excursion to the rock-cut temples on the Elephanta Island. An hour’s motor boat ride takes you 10 kms across the sea, north-east from Mumbai’s harbour. A short walk on the jatti, with a slight steep uphill climb flanked by islander’s shops on either side, you arrive to the top where the island’s beautiful and magnificent temple wonders of the 7^th century stand, dedicated to Lord Shiva as the Creator, Preserver, Destroyer and in `Cosmic Dance’.

Half day sightseeing of Mumbai city, rich blend of East and West. The tour includes the 26 meter high British-built Arch “Gateway of India”, Mumbai’s landmark built to honour the visit of George V and Queen Mary in 1911. Marine Drive dubbed as the Queen’s Necklace is Mumbai’s most popular promenades and a favourite sunset watching spot. The Kamla Nehru Park from where you have a picturesque view of the city, Hanging Gardens are so named since they are located on top of a series of tanks that supply water to Mumbai. Pass by the `towers of silence’ the crematorium of the Parsis. Also visit Mani Bhawan a private house where Mahatma Gandhi used to stay when he visited Mumbai. It is now a museum and research library with 20,000 volumes.

Rest of the at the hotel.

IMP: Elephanta caves are closed on Monday.

Day 18 Mumbai/Fly Home

Early morning transfer to the airport to connect flight back home.