Glimpses Of Ancient India

AM visit Gateway of India, Mumbai’s most famous landmark, was the first sight to greet travelers to Indian shores during the heyday of British Raj. It was built to commemorate the visit of king George V and Queen Mary in 1911. Also visit the Victoria Terminus railway station, the most impressive example of Victorian Gothic architecture, richly ornamented extravaganza of domes, spires and arches.

Later drive through Queens Necklace and visit Prince of Wales Museum & Dhobi Ghat.  Later departure transfer to Mumbai domestic airport for flight to Aurangabad. On arrival meet, assist & transfer to hotel.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

AM excursion to Ellora Caves a UNESCO World Heritage (29 Kms)  which encompass 34 rock-cut shrines representing Buddhist, Hindu and Jain art. Ellora, with its uninterrupted sequence of monuments dating from A.D. 600 to 1000, brings the civilization of ancient India to life. Not only is the Ellora complex a unique artistic creation and a technological exploit but, with its sanctuaries devoted to Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism, it illustrates the spirit of tolerance that was characteristic of ancient India. (Closed on Tuesdays)

Later visit Bibi Ka Maqbara. The mausoleum dates from 1678 and it was erected by Prince Azam Shah, one of Aurangzeb's sons, in memory of Begum Rabia Durani, his mother. It stands in the middle of a spacious and formally planned garden, some 457 by 274 metres, with axial ponds, fountains, and water channels, many defined by stone screens and lined with broad pathways. The garden is enclosed by high crenellated walls with bastions set at intervals, and open pavilions on three sides.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

Morning drive to Burhanpur. En-route visit the Ajanta Caves. Ajanta caves a UNESCO World Heritage. About 107 kms. from the city of Aurangabad, the rock-cut caves of Ajanta nestle in a panoramic gorge, in the form of a gigantic horseshoe. Among the finest examples of some of the earliest Buddhist architecture, caves-paintings and sculptures, these caves comprise Chaitya Halls, or shrines, dedicated to Lord Buddha and Viharas, or monasteries, used by Buddhist monks for meditation and the study of Buddhist teachings. The paintings that adorn the walls and ceilings of the caves depict incidents from the life of the Buddha and various Buddhist divinities. Among the more interesting paintings are the Jataka tales, illustrating diverse stories relating to the previous incarnations of the Buddha as Bodhisattva, a saintly being who is destined to become the Buddha. (Closed on Monday). On arrival at Burhanpur, check in at your hotel.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

Burhanpur – Omkareshwar – Maheshwar – Dhar

Drive to Dhar via Omkareshwar. The island of Omkareshwar at the confluence of the Narmada & Kaveri rivers, is one of India’s most enchanting pilgrimage towns. Here you shall visit the Sri Omkar Mandhata & The Siddhnath Temples at the banks of the river Narmada. Continue drive to Maheshwar. Picturesquely sited on the banks of the Narmada, with its beautiful temples & ghats erected by Queen Ahilyabai of the Holkar dynasty.

On arrival at Dhar check in & overnight stay at Hotel

Morning excursion to Mandu. Perched on a crest of the Vindhya Mountains, is the deserted citadel of Mandu, one of India’s most romantic & picturesque sites. Between the Village group of monuments and Sagar Talao, Mandu’s largest lake, are several monuments worth visiting.

Enclosed within its winding parapet walls, and surrounded by steep, wooded ravines, are palaces, mosques, lakes and pleasure pavilions. Later drive back to Dhar.

Overnight at the hotel.

Morning drive to Bhopal. En-route visit the Sacred ghats on the Shipra river & the Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain, which is India’s seven sacred cities, and one of the four sites of the Kumbh mela. 

On arrival at Bhopal, check in at the hotel.

Ovenight stay at the Hotel.

Morning excursion to Bhimbetka a UNESCO World Heritage. The Indian archaeologist discovered over 1000 cave shelters in a rocky sandstone ridge, surrounded by thick deciduous forest. More than 500 of these were covered with paintings done in bold, fluent lines of large animals such as Rhino and bison done in red pigment, with humans drawn in green. Paintings from Mesolithic period (8000 to 5000 BC) depict vivid vignettes of daily life, hunting scenes and a range of animals.

Later this evening visit Bhopal, founded in the 11^th century, ringed by hills, stretches along shores of two artificial lakes. Here you will visit the Taj-ul-Masjid, The chowk, Jami Masjid & the Moti masjid.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

Morning excursion to Sanchi a UNESCO World Heritage & Vidhisha. The tranquil hill of Sanchi contains one of India’s most extensive Buddhist sites. From 3^rd century BC to the 7^th century AD, this was a thriving Buddhist establishment of stupas and monasteries. Later visit the Udayagiri caves, has fine examples of 5^th century AD rock-cut caves, carved into the hillside.

Later drive back to Bhopal for connect train to Jhansi and transfer to Orchha.

On arrival check in & overnight at the hotel.

AM visit Orchha Palace Raj Mahal, the first palace within the Orccha citadel was built by Raja Rudra Pratap, but completed by his successor, Madhukar Shah. Rani-ka-Mahal, built for Madhukar Shah's wife, is of notable interest. Her ornate bedroom was decorated with beautiful murals depicting scenes from Ramayana and various incarnations of Lord Vishnu. 

Jehangir Mahal built by Bir Singh Deo is probably the most striking palace in Orchha with its elegant hanging balconies, countless windows with stone pierced screens and a beautiful gateway decorated with turquoise tiles. It was built in honour of Mughal emperor Jehangir during his visit to Orchha. The painted palace of Rai Praveen Mahal was built for the beautiful courtesan and poetess, Rai Praveen, by Raja Indramani, who had great affection for her. & Chatturbhuj Temple are quite famous. A cluster of 14 cenotaphs or chattris of the kings of Orchha on the riverbanks of Betwa are best viewed from across the bridge.

Continue drive to Khajuraho. On arrival check in at the Hotel.

Over night at the Hotel 

AM visit the Khajuraho temples a UNESCO World Heritage. Khajuraho combines history, architecture, culture and environment with delectable charm. The temples of Khajuraho are divided into the Western, Eastern, and Southern groups.

After noon optional tours to Panna National Park or Village . Panna National Park situated in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh . The region which is famous for  its Diamonds  is also home to some of the best  wild life species in India and is one of the better Tiger Reserve in the country . Panna National Park is known worldwide for its wild  Cats , including Tiger as well as Deer and antelope.

Overnight stay at the Hotel

Morning at leisure. Later transfer to domestic airport for connect flight to Delhi. On arrival meet, assist & transfer to International airport for connect flight to your home destination.