Central India Heritage Tour – 15 Nights / 16 Days
Central India Heritage Tour – 15 Nights / 16 Days
(Destination Covered: Delhi – Agra – Orchha – Khajuraho – Bhopal – Aurangabad – Nashik– Mumbai)
Day 01:- Arrive Delhi
Welcome on arrival by Yesme Travels representative at New Delhi Airport. After meet and assist transfer to hotel. Overnight stay at hotel in Delhi.
Day 02: At Delhi
Morning after breakfast enjoy the guided visit of Old Delhi covering Jama Mosque – the largest mosque in India built in red sandstone. Between the mosque and Chandni Chowk is a narrow shop-lined street along which you will be transported by cycle rickshaws on your most photogenic journey of the tour. Drive pass the Red Fort. While driving back to New Delhi visit Raj Ghat – a memorial that is dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi. The ghat is located in the banks of River Yamuna. It is a black marble platform that is built at the spot of cremation of Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the nation.
Afternoon visit of New Delhi which will include photo opportunities at some of the following attractions - the exterior of the Parliament, the War Memorial Arch (India Gate) and residence of the President House of India in New Delhi. Stay overnight at hotel in Delhi.
Day 03:- Delhi – Agra (approx. 205kms / 04hrs drive)
Morning after breakfast drive towards Agra, home to India's most famous landmark, the Taj Mahal. A poem of white marble, the Taj is described as the most extravagant monument ever built for love. On arrival check into the hotel& have lunch.
Afternoon visiting one of the world’s most popular monument – TajMahal(it is closed on every Friday)built by Mughal Emperor Shah- Jehan for his Empress MumtajMahal. The construction believed to have taken 22 years to complete with over 20,000 craft men working round the clock. Lunch will be serving at Hotel. Now proceed for sightseeing tour of magnificent Agra Fort- built at the bank of Yamuna River, is situated in the center of the town. Various styles of the architecture are evident within the fort & demonstrate the love of Mughal Emperors towards building beautiful monuments. Rest of the time free for shopping. Visit handicraft & textile industry and then visit Govt. approve shops for souvenirs or gifts for friend or family, Agra is known for its fabulous marble-made handicrafts and soft stone inlay work. The Mughal were great patrons of arts and crafts. Dinner & overnight stay at hotel in Agra.
Day 04:- Agra – Gwalior – Orchha (approx. 250kms / 06hrs drive)
Morning after breakfast travel to Orchha. En-route stop at Gwalior to visit Gwalior Fort & it’s palace. An architectural marvel of the 8th century, the Gwalior Fort is perched on a hilltop, near the Gwalior city of Madhya Pradesh. Amongst it, the most acknowledged is the Teli-Ka-Mandir and Man Singh Palace. The former one was built in the Dravidian style shrine and its generously sculpted exteriors are highly appreciated. Quite a watch are the two pillared Saas-Bahu temples in the fort complex as well. After visit continue drive to Orchha a small village set amongst the hills. It is a wonderful valley formed by crystal-clear waters of Betwa River that flows beautifully along its banks. On arrival check-in at hotel. Stay overnight at hotel in Orchha.
Day 05:- Orchha – Khajuraho (approx. 170kms / 04hrs drive)
Morning after breakfast sightseeing tour of Orchha: visiting Jahangir Mahal, Raj Mahal, Rai ParveenMahal, Chaturbhuj built in 16t Century. Here, you will see many pristine and charming historical monuments, from which you'll learn the stories and legends of war and peace, of love and hate, and of war and destruction. It is a place famous for Bundela paintings, which are the imprints of Bundela dynasty that once ruled the area. Later travel to Kahjuraho. This small modest village with no more than 3000 residents surrounded by forestland, but thousand years ago it was a large city of the Chandellas, medieval Rajput kings who ruled over Central India. On arrival check-in at hotel. Later explore the Chandella temples which are an excellent example of Indo-Aryan architecture and famed for their erotic sculptures, the temples in fact depict an exquisite detail of the everyday life of people during that era. Built on high platforms, several meters off the ground. The stone used throughout is either granite or a combination of light sandstone and granite. Stay overnight at hotel in Khajuraho.Stay overnight at hotel in Khajuraho.
Day 06:-Khajuraho – Jhansi (approx. 170kms / 04hrs drive) – Bhopal (Train: TBA)
Morning after breakfast travel to Jhansi railway station to board your schedule train to Bhopal. On arrival at Bhopal railway station, transfer to hotel. Later in the afternoon city tour of Bhopal which include Bharat Bhavan Museum, Birla Temple, Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya and Taj-UL-Masjid. Stay overnight at hotel in Bhopal.
Day 07:- At Bhopal
Morning after breakfast, full day tour of Bhimbetka and Sanchi is on the cards. Start with a trip to the massive stupas and museum of Sanchi, a famous pilgrimage destination for Buddhists. It was Emperor Ashoka who commissioned the design of Sanchi Stupa in the 3rd century B.C. The beautiful Stupa is surrounded by toranas which reflect love, peace, trust and courage. The central chamber of Stupa is made up of large hemispherical domes, which comprise of different relics of Lord Buddha. It is one of the well preserved ancient stupas in central India and is ranked among the world Heritage sites. Also, it is a great relic of Buddhist school of Architecture dating back to 3rd century B.C. During the Shunga period, the Sanchi Stupa was renovated and decorated with staircase, railings and a harmika. The entrance of the stupa is curved with beautiful sculptures which represent various Bhuddhist traits and adorned with grand sculptures which depicts incidents from the Life of Lord Buddha.
Thereafter, head straight to Bhimbetka rock caves, famous for its paintings and sketches dating back to the pre-historic times. The Bhimbetka caves were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the year 2003. Out of the 760 rock shelters found here, 500 are adorned with paintings. The cave paintings here date back to 3,000yrs. Later, return back to the hotel. Stay overnight at hotel in Bhopal.
Day 08:- Bhopal – Ujjain– Indore (approx. 260kms / 06hrs drive)
Morning after breakfast travel to Indore. En-route stop at Ujjain. The ‘Temple City’, Ujjain, is thronged largely by the Hindu devotees. As the name given to it suggests, the city is dotted with number of big and small, old and new temples making it an important religious place in India to visit. However, Ujjain is not only for the Hindu devotees, there are few places in the city that marks it as a historic city as well. Situated on the bank of River Shipra, Ujjain is also the venue for the famed KumbhMela. Explore its tourist attractions which include Bade GaneshjiKaMandir, KalBhairava, Kaliadeh Palace, Navagarha Mandir, Gopal Mandir, Harsiddhi Temple and Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple is one of the most famous Hindu temples that is dedicated to Lord Shiva. In fact it is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, which are supposed to be the most sacred abodes of Shiva. Located in Ujjain, the temple is situated on the side of the Rudra Sagar lake with the presiding deity of Shiva in the lingam form also known as Swayambhu. After visit travel to Indore. On arrival check-in at hotel. Stay overnight at hotel in Indore.
Day 09:- Indore – Omkareshwar – Maheshwar – Mandu(approx. 200kms / 06hrs drive)
Morning after breakfast travel to Indore. First stop at Omkareshwar for sightseeing. Omkareshwar is a popular pilgrim center and one of the 12 jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. Pay a visit to the famous OmkarMandhata Temple. Second stop at Maheshwar. make a visit to the sacred Mahakaleshwar Temple. After visit continue travel to Mandu. Stay overnight at hotel in Mandu.
Day 10:-Mandu – Jalgaon (approx. 250kms / 05hrs drive)
Morning after breakfast sightseeing tour of Mandu which include Hoshang's Tomb: a massive, foursquare monument with a huge dome, constructed in AD 1435, it is the oldest marble structure in India and depicts typical Hindu influences An inscription on the right jamb of the door mentions the name of Ustad Hamid who was involved with the building of the Taj Mahal in Agra. JahazMahal (Ship Palace): It is one of the most popular monuments in Mandu, this ship-like structure was erected by Ghiyas-ud-din, son of Mohammed Shah, for his harem. According to the legends, this harem was home to 15,000 maidens. There are two lakes on the east and west side of the palace that create a perfect illusion of a ship with its rectangular shape.HindolaMahal (Swing Palace): It is near the JahazMahal. It’s a large hall supported by sloping buttresses which, resembled the supports of a swing. According to legends, both the Jahaz and HindolaMahal were popular with the Mughals for partying on monsoon evenings. Also visit AshrafiMahal, and the Rupmati’s Pavilion. Later after visit travel to Jalgaon. Stay overnight at hotel in Jalgaon.
Day 11:-Jalgaon – Ajanta – Aurangabad (approx. 170kms / 04hrs drive)
Morning after breakfast travel to Aurangabad. En-route visit Ajanta Caves(it is closed on every Monday) - a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the first Buddhist cave monuments of 1st and 2nd centuries BC. Ajanta caves are the set of 29 Buddhist cave temples. The Ajanta Caves shaped into the face of a mountain, appear as a horseshoe around the Wangorah River. These caves are the matchless epitomes of one of nation's distinctive artistic traditions- the rock cut temples. Comprising the Buddhist traditions of Theravada and Mahayana, Ajanta caves boast some of the most precious works of Buddhist art that is carved in it. Ajanta caves were made for three purposes: education, residence and spirituality. As per a Chinese scholar, the caves had several hundred teachers and students. Its history has been divided in two periods: Satavahana and Vakataka. After visit continue travel to Aurangabad. Stay overnight at hotel in Aurangabad.
Day 12:- Aurangabad – Ellora – Aurangabad
Morning after breakfast, take a full day tour to world-renowned Ellora Caves(it is closed on every Tuesday). One of the most popular UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India, Ellora caves are also known as Verul. Dating back to the 6th and 10th century, these are a group of Hindu, Buddhist and Jain caves. These stunning man-made monolithic cave temples were carved during the rule of Kalachuri, Rashtrakuta and Chalukya dynasties. UNESCO inscribed the heritage site in the year 1983. There are a total of 34 caves temples. These comprise of 17 Hindu, 12 Buddhist, as well as 5 Jain caves, and are a proof of religious harmony prevalent in those times. Extending over 2 km, these caves are a display of architectural marvel of ancient India. It is said that the estimated dates of the caves coincide with the timing of the decline of Buddhism in India and reinstating of Hinduism. The Chalukya and Rashtrakuta rulers were great patrons of the Brahmanical movement, under whom most of the work of Ellora caves was done, including the most popular 7th century Kailasa temple. A set of caves was built during the 10th century. This was the time when the local rulers, converted from Shaivism (the followers of Lord Shiva) to the Digambara sect of Jainism. The prime reason of these caves being in the UNESCO list is that religious harmony that has been displayed here.Stay overnight at hotel in Aurangabad.
Day 13:- Aurangabad – Nashik(approx. 190kms / 04hrs drive)
Morning after breakfast, visit BibiKaMaqbara, which bears a strong resemblance to the iconic Taj Mahal in Agra. It is mainly a mausoleum marking the burial ground of Aurangzeb's wife, Rabia-Durrani. Aurangzeb started constructing the BibiKaMaqbara, but it was his son Prince Azam Shah who completed its construction.
Later visit Daulatabad Fort which is also known as the Devagiri Fort. It is said that the battles that were fought in this fort were always won. The fort stands on a conical hill and the lower slopes of the hill had been cut for the purpose of more defense. The way to reach the top of the fort is very challenging as one has to pass through a narrow bridge which can hold only two persons at a time. While going towards the summit you will notice huge cannons at almost every interval of the slope. Later after visit travel to Nashik. An ancient city that has even found mention in the Hindu epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata, Nashik has so many aspects to show to its visitors apart from its religious one. On arrival check-in at hotel. Stay overnight at hotel in Nashik.
Day 14:-Nashik – Mumbai (approx. 180kms / 04hrs drive)
Morning after breakfast, you can begin by seeking blessings of Lord Shiva with a visit to Trimbakeshwarjyotirlinga: One of the holiest places that occupy a special position in the religious beliefs of every Hindu is Trimbakeshwar. One reason is that it is among the 12 ‘jyotirlingas’ dedicated to Lord Shiva. Godavari originates at the adjacent hill of Brahmagiri, the place has both historical and mythological significance because of the presence of several caves which have had association with the ‘Nath’ sect. A circumambulation of this hill in the Hindu calendar month of Shravan is treated as an extremely pious act.
Later, you can visit Pandava Caves which house a group of 24 Buddhist Caves and were excavated in 1 CE. Spend the evening at leisure. Later travel to Mumbai. Stay overnight at hotel in Mumbai.
Day 15:-At Mumbai
Morning after breakfast start your sightseeing of Mumbai. We start with the famous monument, the main tourist attraction in Mumbai, the Gateway of India is decked with four turrets and its yellow basalt stone structure has delicate latticework carved in it. Stands the rich and famous Royal Taj Mahal Hotel. Listed next on your trip is the exclusive Prince of Wales Museum (Closed on Monday). Then, you will catch a glimpse of the other famous buildings of Mumbai as we drive you past the University of Bombay, High Court of Bombay and Crawford Market. You will also visit the esteemed Gandhi Memorial Museum (Mani Bhavan) and the religious Jain Temple. Recognized as the world's largest outdoor laundry, the Dhobi Ghat is exclusive to the city of Mumbai. Evening around 4 – 5 PM we will take you to the beautiful Marine Drive, popularly known as the Queen's Necklace. Here, you can sit and relax (30 – 60 Minutes) taking in the spellbinding view the Arabian Sea offers. Stay overnight at hotel in Mumbai.
Day 16: Mumbai + Departure
Morning after breakfast transfer to Mumbai international airport to board flightfor onwards destination along with Sweet Memories.