Passage through Central India Tour

Upon arrival at Delhi International Airport, you will be welcomed by your Authentic India Tours representative and taken to your hotel for an overnight stay.

The rest of the day is free for you to relax and enjoy the facilities of your hotel and the surrounding area. If you would like to discover Delhi please speak to the Authentic India Tours team when booking your holiday and they can arrange an additional night’s accommodation and city tour.

Accommodation: The Claridges

Meals included: Breakfast

This morning you will be taken to the station for the train to Gwalior. After being picked up from the station and taken to your hotel the rest of the afternoon is free to relax before enjoying a ‘Sound and Light’ show in the beautiful setting of Gwalior Fort.

Accommodation:  Taj Usha Kiran Palace, Gwalior

Meals included: Breakfast

This morning you will visit the Gwalior Fort which is considered to be most impregnable fort in India. The fort houses several monuments including the Man Mandir, a six towered palace decorated with unperforated screens, mosaics, floral design and Gurjari Mahal,which is now an archaeological museum. This is followed by a tour of Jai Vilas, an extravagant palace housing the largest pair of crystal chandeliers in the world, then the tomb of Muhammed Ghaus, a renowned Sufi saint and the tomb of Tansen, a famous musician in Emperor Akbar’s court.

Accommodation:  Taj Usha Kiran Palace, Gwalior

Meals included: Breakfast

This morning take a short train ride to Jhansi and drive for 3-4 hours to Khajuraho. Stay at Radisson Jass for two nights. This evening enjoy ‘Sound and Light’ show at famous Khajuraho temples.

Accommodation: Radisson Jass, Khajuraho

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, its time to explore  Khajuraho.

A UNESCO World Heritage site, the small town of Khajuraho houses the largest group of medieval Hindu and Jain temples, famous for their erotic sculpture. In the evening a visit to the Kandariya Mahadev, the Chaturbhuj and the Parshvanatha temple has been arranged.

Accommodation: Radisson Jass, Khajuraho

Meals included: Breakfast

Today’s drive to Orchha, nestled on the banks of River Betwa, takes about 4-5 hrs. This sleepy hamlet is home to fascinating temples and palaces revealing tales of battles between kings.

On your sightseeing tour of this charming medieval town dotted with palaces and cenotaphs of the Bundela rulers from the 16th and 17th century, you will visit the Jahangir and Raj Mahal Palaces of the royal family and the Ram Raja temple.

Approximate travel time and distance: 4 hours 30 mins, 190 kms

Accommodation: Orchha Palace, Orchha

Meals included: Breakfast

A short 30 minute transfer will take you to Jhansi Railway Station to board the Shatabdi Express to Bhopal. This comfortable air-conditioned train leaves Jhansi late morning and takes about 3 hours.

You will be met on arrival at Bhopal Station and transferred to your hotel.

In the evening there is a sightseeing tour of the Bhopal, the capital of Madhya Pradesh. The city is split by a pair of lakes, and offers two starkly contrasting cityscapes. South of the lakes are the modern offices and shopping centres, whereas to the north is Bhopal’s Muslim dominated old city, a labyrinth of mosques and crowded bazaars. About a quarter of Bhopal’s population is Muslim, and the women in black niqabs are reminders of the four female Islamic rulers, known as the Begums of Bhopal, who developed the city in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Approximate travel time: 3 hour train journey plus travel time

Accommodation: Jehan Numa Palace, Bhopal

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, it’s another full day of sightseeing with a days excursion to Sanchi.

Sanchi is a Buddhist complex, famous for its Great Stupa, on a hilltop at overlooking Sanchi Town. The Great Stupa at Sanchi is one of the oldest stone structures in India and was originally commissioned by the Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BC.

Accommodation: Jehan Numa Palace, Bhopal

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, the drive to the holy town of Ujjain which takes about 3 1/2 hours.

As you weave your way between pilgrims along the river ghats, make an offering at some of Ujjain’s famous temples, and get lost in the old city’s maze of alleyways, you’ll see why the enchanting town has been attracting traders and pilgrims for hundreds of years. An undeniable energy pulses through the sacred sites, which isn’t surprising, given this is one of Hinduism’s seven sacred cities and also one of the four cities that hosts the gigantic Kumbh Mela pilgrimage festival every 12 years.

Following the visit, your journey continues with an hours drive to Dhar.

Accommodation: Jhira Bagh Palace, Dhar

Meals included: Breakfast

This morning’s drive to Maheshwar includes a stop at picturesque Mandu . Perched on a lovely green plateau, the area is forested with baobab trees, which were transported on ancient trade routes from Africa.

Mandu is also home to some of India’s finest examples of Afghan architecture. The plateau is littered with World Heritage listed palaces, tombs, monuments and mosques. Some cling to the edge of ravines, others stand beside lakes, while Rupmati’s Pavilion, the most romantic of all, sits serenely on the edge of the plateau, overlooking the vast plains below. Little more than a one street village, Mandu is a great place to spend some time exploring grand and beautiful architecture in a relaxed rural setting.

Approximate travel time and distance: 4 -5 hours, 130 kms

Accommodation: Ahilya Fort, Maheshwar

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After quite a lot of travelling, today is a day of leisure and the chance to appreciate the sights of Maheshwar.

There is plenty to see and do, which can easily be reached on foot from your centrally located heritage hotel. The Rehwa Society for hand‐loom weaving and the Ahilya School supported by Rehwa, offers a fascinating insight into local life and traditions. There are also temples to explore and local markets to discover. If you fancy venturing a little further you can take a trip across the river to stroll through the village of Navdatoli, or enjoy a walk or cycle ride through the rural countryside. Or why not visit the hotel’s organic farm, swim in the garden pool or play petanque with cannon balls.

Accommodation: Ahilya Fort, Maheshwar

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After a leisurely morning your tour continues to the city of Burhanpur which is situated on the banks of the Tapti River.

This historic city, dates back to 1400 AD, and was once the capital of the Mughal Kingdom. As an important outpost of the Mughals, Burhanpur was known as the gateway to southern India for its strategic location. Ruled by Shah Jahan for an extensive period, it is one of the most beautiful symbols of Mughal architecture and grandeur. The magnificent mosques, tombs and palaces give you a sense of what Mughal life was like at its peak.

Approximate travel time and distance: 4 hours, 170 kms

Accommodation: Ambar and Holiday Resort, Burhanpur

Meals included: Breakfast

After an early breakfast the drive to the Ajanta Caves takes about 3 hours.

The Ajanta Caves are a marvel of art and architectural splendour. This UNESCO World Heritage Site dating from the 2nd century BC to 600 AD is a series of caves, carved out of rock by Buddhist monks. The wall paintings and sculptures housed within the collection of 26 monasteries and four temples is an astonishing sight.

After the tour your journey continues to Aurangabad.

Approximate travel time and distance: 6 hours 220 kms

Accommodation: Vivanta, Aurangabad

Meals included: Breakfast

Your morning excursion is a visit to the Ellora Caves, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. The impressive rock hewn temples and monasteries of Ellora are the meeting point of Buddhists, Jains and Hindus. In total there are 34 elaborate cave temples to enjoy.

Then in the afternoon you can visit the visit Bibi ka Maqbara, a mausoleum of Aurangzab’s first wife followed by a stop at an old water mill.

Accommodation: Vivanta, Aurangabad

Meals included: Breakfast

This morning you will be taken to Aurangabad Airport to board your short flight to Mumbai. You will be met on arrival at Mumbai Airport and transferred to your hotel.

In the afternoon it is time to explore Mumbai with a sightseeing tour. This will include a visit to the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, (formerly the Prince of Wales Museum), the colourful Crawford Market and Dhobi Talao.

Accommodation: Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai

Meals included: Breakfast

In plenty of time you will be transferred to Mumbai Airport to board your return flight.

Alternatively, if you have time, you could spend a couple more days exploring Mumbai, add a South India Tour or you could enjoy a beach extension in relaxing Goa or visit an invigorating spa.

Meals included: Breakfast

Pricing and Inclusions

The price guide for this 16 day Central India Tour is

• £3490 in low season
• £3890 in high season

The prices do not include flights.

Authentic India Tours is a member of ABTA and ATOL. All the holidays on this website are ABTA protected. If you would like us to arrange your holiday including flights we will be happy to provide a quote and your holiday will also be ATOL protected.

This is a private tour and can be tailor-made to meet your exact requirements. Prices will vary depending on the number of people, length of tour, accommodation & season. Reductions are normally available for groups of three or more. Some hotels operate an additional peak pricing rate during busy times which is normally from mid December to mid January.

Please get in touch with your dates and we will be pleased to provide you with your personal itinerary and accurate quote.

Included with this tour are the following:

• Meet and greet assistance on all arrivals and departures.
• All internal road travel by a private chauffeur driven air-conditioned large car.
• All scheduled sightseeing expenses including English speaking guides and entrance fees at monuments.
• Accommodation for 15 nights on double/twin sharing basis.
• Train fares
• Internal flight from Aurangabad to Mumbai
• Meal Plan: Ahilya Fort on Full Board; Bed & Breakfast elsewhere.
• Mineral water on all days of travel.

Price does not include:

• International flight tickets
• Travel insurance and visa
• Expenses of personal nature like laundry, tips, beverages etc
• Meals other than mentioned in the above meal plan
• Camera and video fees at national parks, museums & monuments

Prices mentioned above are per person based on two people sharing a double or twin room. All prices were valid at the time of publication but they may be subject to change, based on your date of travel and local market fluctuations. You will be informed of any price differences prior to booking.

For further information or a quote based on your exact dates of travel, any alternative accommodation or a change to the itinerary, please call Authentic India Tours on 01792 315499 or email us at info@aitholidays.com

Please remember all our private tours are designed to meet your exact requirements, and this North India tour is just an example to help inspire you.

This tour can be combined with a range of options such as a tour of South India or a beach extension in Goa.

For more information please email info@aitholidays.com or call our India specialists on 01792 315499.

Authentic India Tours is a member of ABTA and ATOL. All the holidays on this website are ABTA protected. If you would like us to arrange your holiday including flights we will be happy to provide a quote and your holiday will also be ATOL protected.