01 Day: Arrival Mumbai
Meeting and assistance on arrival at the Mumbai International Airport, our representative welcomes and escorts you by a private vehicle to the hotel. Whilst the room keys and check-in is organized, our representative would hand over the documents and brief the tour programme to you. Rest of your day is free for relaxation and individual activities. Overnight at the hotel.
02 Day: Mumbai
Today morning after breakfast, start your sightseeing tour of Mumbai by visiting Gateway of India firstly and from here cruise to Elephanta Caves by motorboat. The hundred steps take you on the top where it is located. The caves houses pillars which are huge and seem to hold the ceiling, and have crossbeams. The picturesque presentations of the 9 marvellous sculptured panels, set on the walls are awe-inspiring. The famous amongst the panels is the triple-headed Shiva or the Trimurthi, where the God is depicted as the destroyer, the preserver and the creator. By afternoon cruise back to Gateway of India, one can have lunch at the hotel or other several good Restaurants like Leopold & Mondegar serving continental cuisines. Later visit Hajji Ali, Parliament House, Marine Drive, Mahalaxmi, Siddhi Vinayak, and Hanging Garden. In the evening, visit Crawford Market and then later Fashion Street or Colaba market for shopping. Return back to the hotel for overnight.
Note: Elephanta Caves and Prince of Wales museum are closed on every Monday.
Mumbai is a cluster of Seven Islands and derives its name from Mumbadevi, the patron goddess of the koli fisher folk, its oldest inhabitants. Mumbai pulsates with activity. It is a city that is disciplined by no time frame neither day nor night. It is also the country's financial powerhouse, the nation's industrial heartland, and its economic nerve center. Dazzling shopping arcades, exciting sport activity, nightclubs & discotheques, theatre & music, gourmet restaurants and interesting sightseeing. It offers visitors a heady mix of all this and more.
03 Day: Mumbai - Nagpur (By Air) - Kanha (280 kms: 6 - 7 hrs)
Today morning check out from the hotel and transfer to the domestic airport to board the scheduled flight for Nagpur. On arrival, drive to Kanha National Park, this is one of the most well known tiger reserves worldwide. It's located among the Banjar and Halon valleys in the Mandla / Balaghat districts. The central Kanha valley was declared a sanctuary way back in 1933 but got its status as a National Park in 1955. It covers a large area of 1,945 square kilometres, out of which 940 square kilometres form the main park. Kanha is also famous for its animal conservation efforts made in collaboration and cooperation with the local resident communities. On arrival, check-in to the Jungle Lodge. Evening will be at leisure and relaxation. Overnight at the jungle lodge.
Kanha's sal and bamboo forests, rolling grasslands and meandering streams stretch over 940 sq km in dramatic natural splendour which form the core of the Kanha Tiger Reserve created in 1974 under Project Tiger. The park is the only habitat of the rare hardground Barasingha (Cervus Duvaceli Branderi). By a special statute in 1955, Kanha National Park came into being. Since then, a series of stringent conservation programme for the protection of the park's flora and fauna has given Kanha its deserved reputation for being one of the finest and best administered National Parks in Asia, an irresistible attraction for all wildlife lovers and a true haven for its animal and avian
04 Day: Kanha National Park
Early morning take jungle safari. Return to resort/lodge for breakfast. Later the day is free to fulfil your quest on wildlife by visiting the jungle library, museum and by watching wildlife presentations & movies until afternoon jungle safari. Later you day is free to explore the surrounding areas in the National Park. Overnight will be at resort/lodge.
Note: Optionally can visit the Kanha Museum. This is a place from where detailed information about the topography of the park and its various aspects can be obtained. Also visit the spot named Bamni Dadar, popularly known as the Sunset Point and the famous Kawardha Palace, which is a drive of around 3 hours.
05 Day: Kanha National Park - Bandhavgarh National Park (212 kms: 4½ hrs)
After breakfast, check out from the jungle lodge and drive to Bandhavgarh National Park. This Park is spread over an area of 437 sq. km. The terrain is made of rocky hills, sal forests and grazing areas, formerly agricultural land. On arrival, transfer to the jungle lodge/resort. Evening will be free for jungle and photographic activities. Overnight at the resort/lodge.
Bandhavgarh has a very deep-rooted importance of it's own in the history and mythology of India. Looming high over the entire park and located in the heart of it's core area, is a fort dating back to the mythological era of Rama and Hanuman from the Hindu epic Ramayana. It is said that the two monkeys who created the "setu", or bridge, between India and Lanka to enable Rama to cross over and vanquish the demon king, Rawana, were also the architects of the Bandhavgarh fort. This fort was used by Rama and Hanuman on their journey back to their kingdom from Lanka. This fort was later handed over by Rama to his brother Lakshmana who came to be known as the "Bandhavdhish", lord of the fort.
Bandhavgarh National Park: Set amongst The Vindhya Hills in Madhya Pradesh, Bandhavgarh consists of 168 sq miles of Sal & a mixed forest with large stretches of Bamboo and Grassland to The North. One is genera lly lucky to view The Tiger, Gaur (Indian Bison) Chital, Chansingha ( Four horned antelope). This Park houses some 150 species of birds including the Blue Bearded bee eaters, White Browed Fantails, and The Mal abar Hornbill. The Bandhavgarh Fort, besides offering breath taking views, houses a 35 ft reclining statue of Lord Vishnu and 10th Century Rock Images of the incarnation of the Lord.
06 Day: Bandhavgarh National Park
Early morning take a jungle safari. Later return to the resort/lodge for breakfast. After breakfast, trek to Bandhavgarh Fort situated at the highest point of Bandhavgarh hills and believed to be around 2,000 years old. Also study the water management system here. See the archaeological find of over 1000 years and study the unique topography of the Park from a birds-eye view, visit to the rural schools at Bandhavgarh. Evening recap of the day’s activity, walk through Medicinal Plant garden, study conservation practices such as solar cooking, solar water heating, vermiculture, and study the unique architecture of the Lodge, which is mud huts, and a unique Indian Village. A lecture on astronomy will follow, including stargazing with a telescope. Optionally you can also visit Bandhavgarh Ancient Caves and Tala Village, which is one of the most beautiful attractions of Bandhavgarh, and is the lowest point of the wildlife reserve. Overnight at the lodge.
07 Day: Bandhavgarh National Park - Jabalpur (190 kms: 4 hrs)
Morning you can visit the rural schools and the little town of Bandhavgarh. Later checkout and drive to Jabalpur. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. Rest of the evening is free for relaxation and individual activities. Overnight at the hotel.
Jabalpur: Famous among tourists for its marble rocks and waterfalls at Bedaghat, Jabalpur also provides access to splendid views of the Narmada River that flows around the city. Jabalpur was known as Tripuri and was governed by Hayahaya rulers. The ancient Indian epic of Mahabharata has references to this city. Later Jabalpur became a part of the great Mauryan and the Gupta Empires. From time to time, the Mughal rulers tried to overrun it. The legendary Gond Queen Rani Durgavati died fighting the Mughal forces led by the great Mughal Emperor Akbar. It finally fell to the Marathas in 1789 and was taken over by the British in 1817, when they defeated the Marathas.
08 Day: Jabalpur
After breakfast, ta ke a city sightseeing tour of Jabalpur. Jabalpur is famous for its Marble Rocks and for the city resting on the banks of the Narmada River. It is also the birthplace of Mauveen! Morning visit Dhauladhar, a waterfall in adjoining part of Bhedaghat. Here one can observe the force of water flow and considered photogenic spot. Madan Mahal Fort & Balance rock, the fort is a pride of Jabalpur city. While going towards Madan Mahal fort, one can also see another piece of attraction “Balance rock” in bonus. Balance rock is a large piece of natural rock positioned over another rock occupying very less area. Visit Shiva temple and the most popular boating site of Jabalpur city, Bhedaghat. After a picnic lunch at the grounds of the Marble Rocks, board a rowboat for the leisurely trek 2 kms, up the gorge and wait viewing the rocks by moonlight. The Marble Rocks are gleaming white, though are said to change colours as the sunsets. They are very, very impressive. Later return to the hotel for overnight stay.
09 Day: Jabalpur - Bhopal (330 kms: 6 hrs)
Early morning check out from the hotel and drive to Bhopal. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. After relaxation, visit Laxmi Narayan Temple And Museum, Van Vihar, Upper And Lower Lakes. Situated behind Shaukat Mahal on the banks of the Upper Lake is Gohar Mahal, which is an architectural gem dating back to the times of Kudsia Begum, also known as Gohar Begum, who built this sprawling palace in 1820. The Mahal is a magnificent expression of the fusion of Hindu and Mughal architecture. Evening visit the most unique national institutes in India, Bharat Bhawan is a centre for the performing and visual arts. Designed by renowned architect, Charles Correa, the contours of Bharat Bhawan merge in exquisite harmony with the landscape creating a visual impact of spacious and natural elegance. Later return back to hotel for overnight stay.
Bhopal, the capital city of the largest state in India, Madhya Pradesh, is also known as the City of Lakes because of the two beautiful lakes that are situated in the center of the city. Bhopal is a beautiful city also famous for its mosques. The city of lakes, Bhopal, is divided as; Old Bhopal and New Bhopal. Both the new Bhopal and the old Bhopal are contradictory to each other. One of the greenest cities of India, it has wide, clean, well-lit roads lined with fiery, tall Gulmohar trees.
10 Day: Bhopal - Sanchi (46 kms: 1 hr)
After an early morning breakfast, check out and take city tour of Bhopal visiting After relaxation takes a sightseeing tour of the city visiting the Jama Masjid: Gold sp ikes crown the minarets of this beautiful mosque built in 1837 Shaukat Mahal and Sadar Manzil: an architectural curiosity. Also visit the Taj-ul-Masajid is one of the largest mosques in Asia, built by Nawab Shahjehan Begum around a courtyard with a large tank in the center and with an imposing double storeyed gateway with 4 recessed archways and 9 imposing cusped multifold openings in the main prayer hall. The Quibla wall in the prayer hall is carved with 11 recessed arches, while the mimber is made of black basalt.After visit, drive to Sanchi, the ancient seat of Buddhist learning. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. Later take a sightseeing tour of Sanchi. The places worth visiting are Archaeological Museum - The most interesting pieces are the lion capital from the Ashoka pillar, a Yakshi hanging from a mango tree and a beautiful Buddha figure in red sandstone. Great Stupa - This is the finest work of art at Sanchi and amongst the finest examples of Buddhist art in India. Overnight at the hotel.
Sanchi is known for its Stupas, monasteries, temples and pillars dating from the 3rd century B.C. to the 12th century A.D. The most famous of these monuments, the Sanchi Stupa 1, was originally built by the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka, the then governor of Ujjayini, whose wife Devi was the daughter of a merchant from adjacent Vidisha. Their son Mahindra and daughter Sanghamitra were born in Ujjayini and sent to Sri Lanka, where they converted the King, the Queen and their people to Buddhism.
11 Day: Sanchi - Orcha (300 kms: 6 hrs)
After breakfast take an excursion to Tsomgo Lake – 32 kms, situated at a height of 3,780 meters with an average depth of 50 ft. The cool water of the lake is perfectly attuned with the scenic beauty around and enjoy the Yak ride and Tibetans dish Momo. Return back to hotel. Evening is free for leisure. Overnight at the hotel.
Orcha: The medieval city of Orchha, in the state of Madhya Pradesh, seems to have frozen in time, its palaces and temples still retaining their original grandeur. Orchha had the distribution of being the capital of one of the largest and most powerful kingdoms of Central India. The Bundela Rajput chieftain, Rudra Pratap, founded the city, located by the side of the beautiful Betwa River, in the 16th century. The word Orchha means 'hidden'. When the Tughlaqs, who were ruling Delhi in the 15th century, pushed the Bundelkhand rajas out of Garkhundar, they retreated to distant Orcha.
12 Day: Orcha
After breakfast, take a sightseeing tour of Orchha, the medieval city founded by Bundela rulers with palaces and temples of the 16th and 17th century - which have remarkably withstood the onslaught of time, walk by the century old temples and forts, each with its own poignant history, and rest amidst the beauty of the ruins. Amongst the various imposing edifices, o f particular interest are the Jehangiri Mahal, built by Raja Bir Singh Deo to commemorate the visit of Mughal Emperor Jehangir, The Raj Mahal and the Laxmi Narayan temple, both noted for their fine frescoes and mural paintings. Visit various temple and Palaces such as Chaturbhuj Temple, Laxmi Narayan Temple, Shiva Mandir, Panch Mukhi Mahadev Mandir. Also visit Fort Palace of Raj Mahal, Jahangir Mahal, Diwan -I- Khas and Rai Praveen Mahal. Overnight at the hotel.
13 Day: Orcha - Khajuraho (180 kms: 4 - 5 hrs)
Today morning after a leisure breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Khajuraho. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. Rest of the day is free for relaxation and individual activities. You may opt out to visit the local market area. Overnight at the hotel.
Khajuraho: The fascinating temples of Khajuraho, India's unique gift of love to the world, in the state of Madhya Pradesh, were built between 950 and 1050 A.D.It derives its name from the Khajur tree (the date palm tree) which can be found in abundance in the area. The divine sculptures in these temples are a tribute to Life itself, embodying everything that is sublime and spontaneous about it. With the wane of the Chandela Empire, these magnificent temples lay neglected, and vulnerable to the ravages of Nature. It was only in this century, that they were rediscovered, restored and granted the recognition that they justly deserve. Originally there were 85 temples, of which only 22 still exist. These magnificent temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and the Jain Tirthankaras. The three main compartments are the entrance (ardhamandapa), assembly hall (mandapa), and the actual sanctum (garbha griha). The temples are grouped into three geographical divisions: western, eastern and southern.
14 Day: Khajuraho
After breakfast explore Khajuraho, is worldly known for its magnificent temples of erotica built between 950 A.D. and 1050 A.D. Khajuraho - The very name, Khajuraho, arouses strange dreams even in daytime. Of full bodied feminine forms frozen in stone, so real that you wonder whether they might come alive at a touch. Khajuraho is world heritage town, the temples are scattered in an area of 8 sq km. take a sightseeing tour visiting Western group of Temples consisting of the massive Laxman Temple dedicated to lord Vishnu, the Laxmi and Varaha temples dedicated to Vishnu’s consort Laxman, the Kandariya Mahadev temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and the Chausath Yogini temple dedicated to goddess Kali. Also visit Archaeological m useum with its collection of stone sculptures of the Chandela dynasty. Later take a sightseeing tour of Eastern group of Templeswhich consists of 3 Hindu and 3 Jain temples, their proximity attests to the religious tolerance of the times in general and of the Chandela rulers in particular, visit the Jain temples of Parsvanath, Adinath, and Shanti Nath. Also visit the temples of Vamana and Brahma/Hanumanboth dedicated to lord Vishnu. Return to the hotel for overnight stay
15 Day: Khajuraho - Chitrakut (185 kms: 4 - 5 hrs)
After morning breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Chitrakut. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. Day free to explore Chitrakut by own. You may visit Kam adgiri, A forested hill of prime religious significance, this is believed to be the original Chitrakoot. The Bharat Milap Temple is located here. Pilgrims perform a ritual circumambulation of the hill to seek blessings. Sphatik Shila, This picturesque spot is marked by two immense rocks. It is believed to be the place where Lord Rama and Sita feasted their eyes on the beauty of Chitrakoot. Hanuman Dhara, Located on a steep hillside, it is approachable by a flight of 360 steps. Here, the waters of a natural spring cascade over an image of Lord Hanuman. Janki Kund, an unusual cave over the Mandakini, said to be the place where Sita bathed. Ram Ghat, Located on the banks of the River Mandakini, and center of ritual activity, this Ghat is the most frequented in Chitrakoot. The "Aarti" performed in the evening is particularly beautiful. Overnight at the hotel.
Chitrakut: Situated in Banda District of Uttar Pradesh, on the banks of river Paisuni (Mandakini), Chitrakoot Dham is one of the most ancient holy pilgrim places of India. Goswami Tulsidas the creator of the epic “Shri Ramcharitmanas" spent many years on the soil of Chitrakoot sacred with the touch of the Lord's feet. He composed many of his verses surrounded by Nature in its fullest splendor. Wrapped in peace and tranquility, broken only by the flutter of birds and the murmur of gushing streams, Chitrakoot is a symbol of Faith - dotted with myriad temples and filled with the reverberating sound of bells - truly, an Abode of the Gods.
16 Day: Chitrakut - Varanasi (260 kms: 4 - 5 hrs)
Today morning after breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Varanasi, the spiritual city. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. Half day, sightseeing tour of the city visiting the Bharat Mata temple with a big relief map of India in marble, Durga temple, Tulsi Manas Mandir, Banaras Hindu University which has an Art Gallery and the Mosque of Mughal Emperor Aurangazeb built on the site of an ancient Hindu temple. In the evening visit most famous temple is the Kashi Vishvanath or Golden temple which, though off-limits to non-Hindus, can be seen from the top floor of the old house opposite it, strolling in narrow lanes of the colourful bazaar of ancient city. Later walk through the myriad of narrow lanes in the old city, past the many ancient temples, shrines and little shops crammed with customers looking for the famous silver & gold brocades for weddings or even for cremation cloth. Overnight at the hotel.
Varanasi: Sandwiched between the rivers Varuna and Ashi as they join the Ganges, Varanasi takes its name from its location. It is also called Kashi, the city of light, but the British, in an endeavor to simplify matters, had coined their own name for the place—Benaras. Varanasi is the city of a thousand temples. The main object of all devotees is the Kasi Vishwanath Temple. According to Hindu belief, Benaras or Varanasi as it is known, is the cosmic center of the Universe. The renowned American novelist Mark Twain once wrote, "Benaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together
17 Day: Varanasi
Early morning take a boat ride for a pilgrimage from ghat to ghat. People bathe early in the morning to offer the prayers to the rising sun. The two cremation ghats are Manikarnika & Harishchandra where funeral pyre burns day and night. Every pious Hindu believes that to die in Kashi and to be cremated on banks of the Ganges is to attain release from the cycle of birth and death. Varanasi - Hindus holiest city and one of the oldest living cities in the world. Varanasi was already old when Rome was founded, a flourishing trade centre when the Buddha came to Sarnath to preach his first sermon. It was a city of great wealth and religious important when the Chinese travelers Hiuen Tsang visited in the 7th century. Later, take an excursion to Sarnath, located at 10 Kms from Varanasi where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon to the five holy men; visit Dharmarajika Stupa The 110 ft tall Dhamekh Stupa marks the place where Buddha preached first sermon., also visit to Archaeological museum, the collection of ancient Buddhist relics and antiques comprising numerous Buddha and Bodhisatva images, also see the Ashok Pillar with 4 lions, built in 3rd Century BC., symbolize both Ashoks's imperial rule and the kingship of the Buddha. The four-lion capital was adopted as the emblem of the modern Indian republic. Later return back to Varanasi. Rest of the evening free for leisure and individual activities. Overnight at the hotel
18 Day: Varanasi - Delhi (By Air)
Today morning, check out from the hotel and drive to domestic airport to board the scheduled flight for Delhi. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. Later take a sightseeing tour to explore the historic city, firstly visiting Old Delhi: (Shahajahanabad) the majestic Red Fort, a marvel in red sandstone, Jama Masjid, the largest and most splendid mosque in India, both built by emperor Shah Jahan of Taj Mahal fame, Rajghat, memorial of Mahatma Gandhi, where he was cremated. Later in you opt cycle rickshaw ride past through the bustling and colorful bazaar of Chandani Chowk. The sightseeing continue to explore the best tourist attractions of New Delhi include President House (Rashtrapati Bhawan), the regal residence of British rulers, a palace built for British Viceroys. India gate, this monument was built to honour and tribute to the Indian soldiers, sacrificed themselves during the Afghan war, then visiting Birla Mandir (Laxmi Narayan Temple) built by wealthiest Birla family. Humayun’s Tomb, lotus shaped Bhai’s Temple, Qutub Minar, built by Qutub-ud-din Aibek of the Slave Dynasty; in the evening witness the light and sound show at Red fort. The show projects splendid history of 5000 years old city, a truly memorable experience. Return to the hotel for overnight at the hotel.
Light and Sound Show: An extravagant sound and light show at the Red Fort, makes the 5,000 years old narration of the city come alive. Amidst the harmony of the fabulous panoramic and historic vicinity of the Red Fort, selected occurrence from the archives of Delhi's historic and legendary precedent are colorfully brought to life. To make this show an emotively unforgettable experience, the special effects are combined with the unique ambience.
19 Day: Delhi - Hometown (By Air)
After breakfast check out of the hotel and transfer to the International airport to board the scheduled flight for hometown. Tour concludes here with happy memories.
