28 Days Madhya Pradesh (Central India) and Gujarat (Western India) Tour
(28 Days / 27 Nights)
(Delhi - Jaipur - Agra - Gwalior - Orchha - Khajuraho - Bandhavgarh - Bhopal - Sanchi - Mandu - Indore - Vadodara - Ahmedabad - Bhavnagar - Sasan Gir National Park - Diu - Mumbai)
(to view the route of this tour on a Map please click here)

The State of Madhya Pradesh (Central India) is geographically the heart of India. The largest part of the state is a high plateau, which is very dry and hot in summer. The size and the geographic isolation of Madhya Pradesh is known in history under the name of Malwa, this state of invasions were largely unaffected. Nevertheless,

Gujarat (Western India) has a long and eventful history and has a number of attractions.
But Gujarat has always been a center of the Jains. Some Jain temples, like those of Palitana are the major attractions of this state. Since the Jains are among the most influential groups in India, Gujarat is also among the wealthy countries of the Subcontinents. This position is strengthened by a flourishing textile industry.
Other highlights of this long and intensive 28-day trip to India are Delhi, Jaipur, Agra and Mumbai (Bombay).

Day 01. Flight to India (Delhi)
Around midnight arrival in Delhi. The cosmopolitan City and capital Delhi is the main gateway for travellers. You are met by an Indo Vacations representative and transferred to your Hotel.

Day 02. Delhi
In the morning we have sightseeing in Old Delhi. We take a Rickshaw Ride parallel to the Red Fort through the old city and famous Silk Road and Silver Bazaar. Sightseeing of Old Delhi includes "Rajghat", the site where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated and Jama Masjid, the great mosque of old Delhi. Today we also visit the famous "Humayun Tomb" which is the first substantial example of Mughal architecture in India and "Qutub Minar". "Qutub Minar" is 71 meter high and consists of five stories. In 1199 work began on this tower which was intended to be the most glorious tower of victory in the world. This tower was damaged twice and repaired in 1326 and 1368. Before we proceed to the Hotel we drive through the embassy area in New Delhi where we visit the India Gate and see some impressive Government Buildings.

Day 03. Delhi - Jaipur (about 270 km / 6-7 hrs)
Today we drive to the Pink City, Jaipur. This city owes its name, foundations and careful planning to the great warrior and astronomer, Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan and famous for its handicrafts and precious and semiprecious stones.
After a short break we visit the Monkey Temple of Jaipur (Galta ji) which is about 2.5 km from the old city of Jaipur. Galta ji is a temple of the Sun God. It is a very idyllic place, many tourists do not even come here. At the entrance gate of the temple you can buy food for the monkeys.This temple is called Monkey Temple of Jaipur due to various monkeys in the temple that are a reincarnation of the god Hanumana. In the evening we drive through the new city of Jaipur and visit "Laxmi Narayan Mandir", a Hindu temple made out of white marble. We might have an opportunity here to observe a prayer ceremony.

Day 04. Jaipur : Sightseeing
After breakfast we drive to the ancient capital of Amber, laying 11 km. away from Jaipur. Amber was the ancient capital of Kachhawaha dynasty for 6 centuries before it was moved to newly created Jaipur. We will ascend to the Palace Fortress on the back of an Elephant. Enroute to Amber we will visit the Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds), built in 1799 AD, it contains 953 small casements with each having its own balcony. The windows enabled cool air to circulate and the ladies to watch processions below without being seen. In the afternoon we visit the City Palace that is still the formal residence of the royal family, built in a blend of the Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. In the museum of the City Palace we visit the private collection of the Jaipur Maharajas. We continue to Jantar Mantar, a stone observatory, and the largest of Jai Singh's five remarkable observatories. Its complex instruments reveal us the secrets of medieval Indian astronomy. Later we have a walk through the colourful Bazaar of Jaipur and visit a factory to see the famous block printing work being done since centuries in Jaipur.

Day 05. Jaipur - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra (about 260 km / 5-6 hrs)
Today we leave Rajasthan, the biggest state in India and drive through a series of fields, small towns and villages to Agra. Enroute we make a stop and visit Fatehpur Sikri, which was once an imperial capital frozen in time, constructed by Akbar the Great in the 16th century. This wonderful city constructed by red sand stones was abandoned as abruptly as it had been built. It has been generally stated that it was due to failing in the water supply. Late evening arrival in Agra. Rest of the day at leisure.

Day 06. Agra
Today very early in the morning after taking a cup of coffee in the hotel, we left the hotel and proceed to Taj mahal. We have sunrise visit of the most beautiful and famous building of India, the Taj Mahal, an enduring monument of love, with a continually fulfilling beauty. It was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan between 1631-52, as a tomb and memorial to his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal (Jewel of the Palace), who died at the age of 39 giving birth to her 14th child. We spend enough time at Taj Mahal to take this impressive memory home. Then drive back to the hotel and take breakfast. After a short break in the afternoon we visit Agra Fort, built by three of the greatest Mughal emperors. The construction of this massive structure began in 1565 under Akbar's reign and continued till the time of his grandson's reign, Shah Jahan who built the impressive imperial quarters and mosque. Then we drive to Itmad-ud-Daulah which was built by Nur Jahan for his father Ghias-ud-Din Beg. Itmad-ud-Daulah was built between 1622 and 1628 A.D. on the banks of Yamuna River. The tomb is not as big as Taj Mahal but the inlay designs and carvings are not less than Taj Mahal. After this there is the opportunity to look at the famous fine marble inlay work which is still being done in Agra by the descendants of the families of builders and artists of the Taj Mahal.

Day 07. Agra - Gwalior - Datia - Orchha (about 235 km / 5.5 hrs)
After the breakfast we drive to Orchha. En route we will visit the Gwalior. Gwalior's strategic position between North and South India has made it's Fort an important possession and it was captured by several ruling houses. Some left almost as soon as they came, while others stayed on to build and beautify the citadel. We will visit the fort of Gwalior. Then visit a temple from the 9th century, dedicated to the god Vishnu. Before proceeding to Orchha, we visit the first Palace of the Bundela dynasty in Datia. Datia is an ancient city, which is mentioned in the Mahabharat as "Daityavakra". It is a place of pilgrimage for the followers of Shri Devi Siddhapeeth Peetambra. After sightseeing we drive to Orchha through colorful villages and fertile land. Orchha's grandeur has been captured in stone, frozen in time, a rich legacy to the ages. In this medieval city, the hand of time has rested lightly and the palaces and temples built by its Bundela rulers in the 16th and 17th centuries retain much of their pristine perfection. Arrival in Orchha in the evening.

Day 08. Orchha (visit) - Khajuraho (about 180 kms / 4 hrs)
In the morning we visit the temples and palaces in Orchha. We visit the Jehangir Mahal Palace, Raj Mahal whose wall paintings have depict beautiful natural scenes and motifs. Then we visit the Ram Raja Temple which is the main temple of Orchha. It dates from the 16th century and is visited by thousands of visitors regularly. In the temple there is a statue of the god Rama which once brought from the wife of the ruler of Bundela of the pilgrimage from Ayodhya. After visiting the palace of Orchha, we drive to Khajuraho. Khajuraho was the capital of the Chandela dynasty. The Chandela Kings claimed descent from the moon. The temples of Khajuraho are among the finest examples of temple craftsmanship in the whole of India. Arrival in Khajuraho in the evening. The rest of the day at leisure.

Day 09. Khajuraho: Sightseeing & Recreation
Today we visit the temple complex of Eastern Group and Western Group to see the most beautiful temples in India. The temples of Khajuraho are considered the epitome of Hindu architecture and sculpture art. Most famous among them is the Laxmana Temple which is dedicated to god Vishnu. The presence of erotic sculptures in the Temples at Khajuraho is one of the expressions among others of the celebration of all human activities displaying different aspects of Hinduism. The figures of Apsaras, the sky dancers, can be seen at each temple. The rest of the day is at leisure to relax.

Day 10. Khajuraho - Bandhavgarh (about 270 kms / 8 hrs)
Today in the morning after having breakfast we drive to Bandhavgarh National Park. Bandhavgarh National Park is situated amidst the Vindhyas mountain range in Madhya Pradesh. The famous white tigers were first found in the Bandhavgarh National Park. The other wildlife attractions in the park besides Tiger includes Regal Gaur, the Muntajac, Jungle Cat, Ratel, Porcupine, Rhesus Macaque, black faced Langur, Nilgai, Chital, Chinkara, Sloth Bear, Four-horned Antelope, Deer, Striped Hyena, Fox, Jackal, Leopard, Mongoose and Wild Boar. The deep valleys of hilly Vindhyan mountains are covered with teak and bamboo forests, open grasslands and Sal-bamboo and mixed forests offer excellent opportunities for wildlife and bird watching. The name Bandavgarh comes from the highest mountain of the area (807 m).

Day 11. Bandhavgarh National Park
Today we have two jungle safaris in Bandhavgarh National Park. We watch the activities of various animals like black faced Langur, Nilgai, Chital, Chinkara, Sloth Bear, Four-horned Antelope, Deer, Striped Hyena and Tigers. The park is located in the districts of Shahdol and Jabalpur in the state of Madhya Pradesh. The park was founded in 1968 and covers an area of 437 square kilometers, which is mostly covered with deciduous forest, vast grasslands and bamboo woods.

Day 12. Bandhavgarh National Park - Jabalpur (about 90 kms / 2 ½ hrs) - Bhopal (by train / 5 hrs)
After breakfast you will be transferred to Jabalpur Railway Station for Train to Bhopal. Bhopal is the capital of Madhya Pradesh which was founded by Raja Bhoj in 11th century. Bhopal is known as the city of lakes. Late evening arrival in Bhopal. Rest of the time free for leisure at the hotel.

Day 13. Bhopal: Excursion Udaigir and Sanchi
Today we have excursion to Sanchi (UNESCO Heritage Site) and Udaigiri. Stupa of Sanchi is one of the oldest stone structure. The construction work of this stupa was look after by Ashoka's wife, Devi herself, who was the daughter of a merchant of Vidisha. Sanchi was also her birthplace and also the venue of her and Ashoka's wedding.The Udayagiri Caves are a Hindu tradition site which are situated near Vidisha in Madhya Pradesh. They were decorated properly and reworked under the command of Chandragupta II, Emperor of the Gupta Empire, in the late 4th and 5th century CE. Udayagiri Caves are most important archaeological sites from the Gupta period and are presently a tourist site under the protection of the Archaeological Survey of India.

Day 14. Bhopal - Mandu (about 280 km / 7 hrs)
Today after having breakfast we drive to royal city of Mandu. Mandu was founded by Raja Bhoj in the 10th century as a fortress and retreat. Mandu is the largest standing fortified town in the world. Mandu is also known for a very romantic love story between its last King Baz Bahadur and his love Rani Rupmati – a lovely Rajput peasant girl. It is among the most interesting sights in central India.

Day 15. Mandu - Maheshwar - Omkareshwar - Mandu (about 210 kms)
Today we have a full day excursion to Maheshwar and Omkareshwar. First we drive to Maheshwar: Here is the Chhatri of Ahalya Bai who died in 1795, she is the widow of Malhar Rao, after the death of her husband she took over the government and fulfilled their task with great care and abilities. After visiting Maheshwar we drive to Omkareshwar. Omkareshwar is a Hindu temple which is devoted to God Shiva. It is situated on an island called Mandhata or Shivapuri in the Narmada river; the shape of the island is like Hindu symbol. Omkareshwar is formed by the sacred river Narmada. After visiting the temples we proceed to Mandu where we have overnight stay.

Day 16. Mandu - Indore (about 100 kms / 2.5 hrs)
Today morning we have sightseeing in Mandu, we visit Hindola Mahal, Jami Masjid, Rewa Kund (Palace of Baz Bahadur), Roopmati's Pavilion, Hoshang Shah's Tomb, Hindola Mahal and the Darwazas/Gates of Mandu. After the sightseeing of Mandu we drive to Indore. Indore was the historical capital of Holkars and is a center of the textile processing industry. Arrival in Indore in the late afternoon. In the evening we have sightseeing in Indore. Sightseeing include places like Lalbagh Palace and Museum, the Chattri Bagh, the Bada Ganesh and Annapurna Temple.

Day 17. Indore - Champaner - Vadodara (about 370 kms / 7 hrs)
Today morning we drive to Vadodara towards Gujarat State, on the way to Vadodara we visit Champaner (UNESCO Heritage Site). We visit the site of Champaner Fort. The Champaner Fort was the royal seat of Muhammad Begara. Champaner Fort is enclosed by massive walls with huge bastions, gates and carved balconies. On the north west is the huge lake - Vada Talav and ruins of the palace of the Sultan. Then we drive to Vadodara. Vadodara is the former capital of the erstwhile Baroda State ruled by the Maratha Maharaja Gaekwad. This city is a beautiful city of sprawling parks, lakes, palaces, museums and is also a major university town. In Buddhist texts, Vadodara has been described as a town “in the heart of the Banyan Trees”.

Day 18. Vadodara
Vadodara is today the major university -and- industrial city and the third largest city of Gujarat State. Today we visit the old town, the Laxmi Vilas Palace in Indo Saracenic style and Fatehsingh Museum. Our local guide takes you to the bazaars and markets of Vadodara.

Day 19. Vadodara - Ahemdabad - Gandinagar - Ahemdabad (about 170 kms)
Today we drive to Ahmedabad. Ahmedabad is the second largest city and cosmopolitan capital city of Gujarat. This city nurtures in its fold pages of history, a breath of harmony and a show-case of exquisite architecture. Ahmedabad is called Manchester of the East due to textile industry which is located here. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the hotel in Ahmedabad. In the afternoon we go for the sightseeing in Ahmedabad. We visit the Gandhi ashram. Gandhi ashram is situated in Sabarmati which is about 6 kms from the Ahmedabad. This ashram is one of the beautiful ashram and the important tourist attraction in Ahmedabad. This ashram was the Mahatma Gandhi's headquarters during their struggle for India's independence and now houses some of the records of the major events in his life, a memorial centre and a library. After visiting the Gandhi Ashram we visit the city of Gandhinagar and the famous temple "Akshardham". The Akshardham temple is the most famous temple of Swaminarayan sect, one of the richest religious sects in the world. This temple houses a large statue of God Swaminarayan and is a unique cultural complex. Akshardham is a large monument, where 6000 tons of pink sand stones were installed and this resort is surrounded by lush green gardens and beautiful fountains.

Day 20. Ahemdabad: Excursion
Today we have sightseeing of Ahmedabad. We we visit the Hathee Singh Jain Temple. This temple is dedicated to Dharamanath, the 15th Jina or Jain apposite. This temple is one of the best ornated Jain temples in Ahmedabad and is built of pure white marble and decorated with rich carvings. Later we visit the Jama Masjid. Jama Masjid was built in 1423 by Ahmad Shah and described by some as the most beautiful mosque in India. This mosque is believed to have been constructed from the items salvaged from the demolished Hindu and Jain temples. After visiting the mosque we visit the Calico museum of textiles. This museum is widely regarded as one of the finest textiles museums in the world, started in Calico Textile Mill. This museum of textiles has excellent exhibits of antique and modern textiles including rare tapestries, wall hangings, costumes and old weaving machines. After sightseeing we drive to hotel. Rest of the time free for leisure at the hotel.

Day 21. Ahmedabad - Adelaj - Bhavnagar (about 230 km / 4½ hrs)
Gujarat has a special kind of architecture - the stepwell. One of the most beautiful stepwell is situated in the Adelaj Village. We visit the Adelaj Village. Then we walk through the bazaars and admire the colorful spice mountains and everything you need for everyday life. Then we visit the Siddhi-Sayid Mosque. In the afternoon we drive to Bhavnagar, where we have overnight stay.

Day 22. Bhavnagar - Palitana - Sasan Gir National Park (about 280 km / 6 hrs)
Today in the morning we drive to Sasan Gir National Park. En route we visit palitana. Palitana is the gateway to the Shatrunjaya hill and one of the Jainism's holiest pilgrimage sites. There are about 863 temples on the top of the hill, exquisitely carved in marble and built over a span of 900 years. To visit the temples on the Shatrunjaya hill one has to climb 600 m up the hill. So today we will ascend the Shatrunjaya hill either on foot or in Doli or lift chairs. After reaching the top of the hill we will visit the Jain temple. The temple which is dedicated to Shri Adishwara, the first Jain Tirthankara (apostle) is one of the most magnificent temples and the most sacred temple on Shatrunjaya hill. The Muslim shrine of Angar Pir is also situated near the temple. After visiting the temple we will visit the Chaumukha or the four faced temple. It has an image of Adinath facing out in the four cardinal directions. After the sightseeing of Palitana we drive to Sasan-Gir National Park.

Day 23. Sasann Gir National Park (Camp)
In the morning and afternoon enjoy the jeep safari in Gir National Park. Changeable hawk eagle, crested serpent eagle, Bonneli’s eagle, shaheen peregrene falcon, laggar falcon, shikra, painted sandgrouse, quails, black-hooded and golden oriels, marshall’s and common iora, Asian paradise flycatcher, tickell’s blue, red-throated, verditer and Asian brown flycatchers, yellow-crowned, brown-capped pygmy, black-rumped flameback woodpeckers, green and blue-cheeked bee-eaters, coppersmith barbet, common, lesser pied and white-throated kingfisher, blossom-headed parakeet, hoopoe, black, ashy and white-bellied drongos, rufous treepie, large cuckoo shrike are some of the birds that could also be seen here. In the evening we have a nature walk with a birding guide to a riverside spot near Gir Birding Lodge. A good number of birds especially quails and passerines, can be seen in the bushes along the trail.

Day 24. Sasan Gir Nationalpark - Somnath (about 60 km) - Diu (about 90 km / 2 hrs)
In the morning we drive further to visit the legendary shore temple of Somnath. This temple is one of the twelve most sacred shrines dedicated to the Lord Shiva and a jyotirlinga. According to the legend, Somnath temple was built originally in gold by Somraj, the moon god. This Somnath temple was rebuilt and destroyed seven times till 1706 when it was raided by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. After that it was finally rebuilt in 1950 with the support of Sardar Vallabhabhai Patel. The current temple was built to traditional designs on the original site by the sea. After visiting the Somnath temple we drive to Diu. Diu is a tiny island in the Arabian Sea which is situated near the port of Veraval in Gujarat and is separated from the southern extremity of the Saurashtra peninsula by a narrow channel running through the swamp. Diu is a sensuous blend of sun, sand and deep blue sea.

Day 25. Diu
Today we start with our sightseeing in Diu and visit the Diu Fort. Diu Fort is an expansive and imposing structure, situated on the coast of the island. It was constructed between 1535 and 1541 AD and offers a magnificent view of the sea. After visiting the fort we visit the St. Paul's Church. St. Paul's Church is dedicated to our Lady of Immaculate Conception. This church was built during the 17th century and adorned with curiously treated volutes and shell-like motifs. Later we visit the Diu museum. Diu museum houses wooden carvings, statues, idols, shadow clocks and other important artifacts collected from various sites. In the evening we visit the Nagoa beach. This beach stretches about 2 km from one end to the other and is very beautiful and quiet and is in the shape of a horse shoe.

Day 26. Diu - Mumbai (by air)
Today we have flight from Diu to Mumbai. Arrival in Mumbai and transfer to the hotel. Mumbai is the capital of Maharashtra. Mumbai is the largest film industry and largest textiles market in the world. Mumbai is a cluster of seven islands. It derives its name from Mumbadevi, the patron goddess of the Koli fisher folk, its oldest inhabitants. Mumbai city is full of contrasts. Mumbai with its temples, cathedrals and mosques is a real cosmopolitan city of India. Rest of the day free for leisure at the hotel.

Day 27. Mumbai: Excursion
After having our breakfast we have sightseeing in Mumbai. Today in our sightseeing we visit the Gandhi Museum, Hanging Garden, City Museum, Marine Drive Flyover, St. Thomas Cathedral, Chhatrapati Shivaji terminus, Rajabai Tower, Kamala Nehru Park, Hanging Gardens, Mumbai University, High Court, Oval Maidan and Gateway of India. We have a walk through the harbor area and visit the Gateway of India built in 1927 to commemorate the visit of George 5th from England. We have a Boat Ride at Gateway of India. In the afternoon we visit the laundry people on the shore (Dhobi Ghat) and later we will also learn about the art of Dabbawalas. A dabbawala is a person who is part of a delivery system that collects hot food in lunch boxes from the residences of workers in the late morning, delivers the lunches to the workplace by various modes of transport, mostly bicycles and the railway trains, and returns the empty boxes back to the customer's residence that afternoon. They are also made use of by prominent meal suppliers in Mumbai where they ferry ready, cooked meals from central kitchens to the customers and back.

Day 28. Flight to Home Destination
The day is today at leisure. You have to checkout from the hotel up to 12.00 am. Depending on your departure time you will be transferred to airport / Railway station of / Bus station for onwards journey. (End of Tour)

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About Hotels:
We provide you the accommodation as per your budget mentioned above in the table of hotels category for any of the booked tour. Hotels provided by us are from budget to luxury class hotels. The criteria for selecting hotels by us remains the best value of your money. We also provide you wherever possible accommodation in heritage hotels. Heritage Hotels are old Palaces, Forts and Grand mansions of Maharajas which have been later renovated and converted into Hotels. Rooms are decorated all individually. Rooms are comfortable, romantic and present the flair of olden Maharaja days.