Day 01 : Delhi
Delhi
Meeting and assistance on arrival at the airport and transfer to the hotel. Rest of the day is free for individual leisure activities. The night is spent at Delhi.

Delhi, the city actually consists of two parts. Delhi or ‘Old Delhi’ was the capital of ancient India between the 12th and 17th centuries. Old Delhi boasts of many mosques, monuments and forts that provide glimpses of the grandeur and glory of the Moghul India. The other part of Delhi is ‘New Delhi,’ the Imperial city, created as the capital of India by the British. It is a spacious city marked by tree-lined avenues. Many embassies and government buildings are situated here. The monuments of the city represent rich architectural diversity.

Day 02 : Delhi
Morning a full day city tour visiting Raj Ghat, Shanti Vana, Qutub Minar built in 1199 and Lotus Temple. Also drive past President House, Parliament House, India Gate and Connaught Place. An option available to visit Delhi Haat in the evening. Return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Lotus Temple or Baháí House of Worship or Bahá'í Mashriqu'l-Adhkar
This lotus shaped temple is one of the most visited edifices in India. Its soothingly quiet Prayer Hall and tranquil surroundings have touched the hearts of numerous visitors, awakening in them a desire to trace its inspirational source and capture a bit of its peace for themselves.

As a symbol of beauty and purity, representing divinity, the lotus flower remains unsurpassed in Indian iconography. Rising up pure and unsullied from stagnant water, the lotus represents the manifestation of God. The architect used this ancient Indian symbol to create a design of ethereal beauty.

Against the backdrop of a religious milieu which encourages the fragmentation of the Supreme Reality into innumerable gods and goddesses, each personifying a specific attribute of the Almighty, the Bahá'í Temple, with its total absence of idols, elicits bewilderment. Few temples radiate the atmosphere of sublimity, peace, and calm so necessary to elevate a devotee spiritually as the Bahá'í House of Worship.

Delhi Haat
In the hub of South Delhi lies Delhi Haat. The place has been developed by the Tourist Dept. of Delhi, to promote the craftsmanship of India. It offers a kaleidoscopic view of the richness and diversity of Indian handicrafts and artifacts. Spread over a large area and imaginative landscaping, the plaza is paved with stones and brickwork skillfully interspersed with grass, flowering shrubs and towering eucalyptus trees that conjures up an oasis in which visitors can explore at their leisure. The food plaza offers the inimitable flavours of gastronomic delights from the various regions of India.

A wide variety of skillfully crafted handicrafts, intrinsic to various part of the country are available in this exotic bazaar. These range from intricate rosewood and sandalwood carvings, embellished camel hide footwear, to sophisticated fabrics and drapery. Gems, beads, brass ware, metal craft, silk and woolens… the range is endless!

Day 03 : Delhi – Indore by flight – Maheshwar by road (95 km/2 hrs)
Drop to Delhi airport. Meet on arrival at Indore airport and transfer to Maheshwar. Before leaving to Maheshwar, a short orientation tour of Indore is conducted. On arrival at Maheshwar, check into the hotel. Rest of the day is free for individual leisure activities. Overnight stay at Maheshwar.

Maheshwar
Maheshwar situated on the banks of the river Narmada, is a glorious city from a very old time. Maheshwar's temples and massive fort-complex presents an unusual charm of architectural grandeur. The carved pendant balconies with elevated spires and the intricately worked doorways give a discerning look to the temples of Maheshwar. The literal meaning of the term Maheshwar means abode of Lord Mahesh, which shows this temple city’s close connection with the Lord Shiva. It is well known as a famous centre of handloom weaving and its distinctive hand-woven saris now referred to as Maheshwari saris.

Day 04 : Maheshwar – Mandu by road (65km/1 hr)
Morning is spent visiting the Fort, temples and saree weaving centres of the Maheshwar. After the sightseeing, proceed towards Mandu to visit the historic buildings of Mandu. These buildings are some of the finest specimens of Afghan architecture in India. Overnight stay at Mandu.

Mandu
Mandu was the fort capital of the Paramara rulers of Malwa. Later, towards the end of the 13th century, it came under the rule of Sultans of Malwa, one of whom renamed it as Shadiabad - the city of joy.

Some of the structures worth seeing in the fort complex are the Jama Masjid, conceived on the lines of the great mosque of Damascus. Jahaz Mahal or Ship Palace is an elegant two storied palace. Probably it was built by Sultan Ghiyas-ud-din-Khilji for his large harem. Hindola Mahal is an audience hall, also belonging to Ghiyas-ud-din's reign. Hoshang Shah's Tomb, its unique features are the magnificently proportioned dome, marble lattice work of remarkable delicacy and porticoed courts and towers to mark the four corners of the rectangle. The Roopmati Pavilion is situated on the banks of the Rewa Kund. This retreat was built by Baz Bahadur for his queen Roopmati. Baz Bahadur's Palace built in the early 16th century, the palace's unique features are its spacious courtyards surrounded by halls and high terraces which afford a superb view of the surrounding countryside.

Day 05 : Mandu – Indore by road (100km/2 hrs)
Morning after sightseeing of Mandu, proceed to Indore. On arrival at Indore, check into the hotel. Later a short orientation tour of Indore is conducted. Overnight stay at Indore.

Indore
Indore was planned and built by Rani Ahilya Bai Holkar. Ahilya Bai was one of the foremost Maratha personalities and an extraordinary woman ruler of India. Today, Indore is a throbbing, vibrant city coloured by its brave past. Of interest are the numerous monuments associated with the Holkars.

Rajwada
Rajwada, this 200 year old seven-storey historic palace of the Holkars is built in a mixture of Muslim, Maratha and French styles. Even today it stands as a mute witness to the bygone splendour of the Holkar rulers. Kanch Mandir, the walls, ceiling, floor, pillars, doors are entirely inlaid with glass creating a stunning kaleidoscope of reflections. Lal Baugh Palace, the current residence of a direct descendent of the Holkars. Exquisitely constructed with great detailing, it reflects the royal taste of the Holkars. Bada Ganpati, this temple houses perhaps the largest Ganesh idol in the world. It was built in 1875.

Day 06 : Indore – Ujjain – Bhopal by road (55 km + 188km)
Morning proceed directly to Bhopal OR an option to go to Bhopal via Ujjain (at a distance of 45 km from Indore) in which case it will be an early morning departure. Overnight stay at Bhopal.

Ujjain
Ujjain, situated on the shores of the river Shipra is one of the sacred cities of the Hindu religion, at par with Varnasi, Gaya and Haridwar. It is home to the famous and holy Mahakaleswar Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, which is among the 12 jyotirlingas. Ujjain is one of the four sites of the Kumbha Mela held here every four years, the others being Nashik, Haridwar and Prayag (Allahabad).

Bhopal
Bhopal is called the City of Lakes and is the capital of Madhya Pradesh. The city itself sits on the banks of a vast lake. It is an interesting blend of scenic beauty, historicity and modern urban planning. Bhopal’s historic influences are evident in its buildings and architecture. There are huge old mosques and palaces of former begums who ruled the city between 1819 and 1926.

Among the attractions are, The Moti Masjid, built by Sikander Jahan Begum in 1860 A.D., similar in style to Delhi's Jama Masjid. The Taj-ul Masjid is a huge pink mosque with two massive white-domed minarets. The Shaukat Mahal, situated in the heart of the walled city, is built in a European style rather than the predominantly Islamic architecture of the area. Nearby is the Sadar Manzil, which used to be the hall of public audience of the former rulers of Bhopal.

Day 07 : Bhopal – Sanchi – Bhopal by road (45km x 2)
Morning an excursion to Sanchi, which is known for its stupas, monasteries, temples and pillars. Rest of the day is free for leisure activities or one can also explore the bazaars of Bhopal. Overnight stay at Bhopal.

Sanchi
Sanchi, located on an isolated hill crowned by a group of Stupas from the 3rd century B.C. to the 12th century A.D., occupies an unmatched place in Buddhist history. Its Stupas, Chaityas, temples, monasteries and gateways engraved with delicate carvings depict the Buddha's life and teachings. The greatest monument of these is the Sanchi Stupa, which was built by emperor Ashoka.

Day 08 : Bhopal – Bhimbetka – Jabalpur by road (46 km + 270 km)
Morning, proceed to visit Bhimbetka and then onwards to Jabalpur. On arrival at Jabalpur, check into the hotel. Overnight stay at Jabalpur.

The Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka, within massive sandstone outcrops, above comparatively dense forest, are the five clusters of natural rock shelters, displaying paintings that appear to date from the Mesolithic Period right through to the historical period. Executed mainly in red and white with the special use of green and yellow, the scenes usually depict hunting, dancing, music, horse and elephant riders, animals fighting, honey collection, decoration of bodies, disguises, masking and household scenes. Animals such as bison’s, tigers, lions, wild boar, elephants, antelopes, dogs, lizards, crocodiles etc, have been abundantly depicted in some caves. Bhimbetka is now a World Heritage Monument.

Jabalpur
Jabalpur, the wonder of Jabalpur lies in its Marble Rocks canyon and the torrential waterfall called Dhuandhar (Fumes of water). Soaring in their glittering splendor, the rocks at Bhedaghat rise to a hundred feet on either side of the river Narmada.

Day 09 : Jabalpur – Bhandavgarh by road (170 km/4 hrs)
Morning, proceed for an excursion to the Marble Rocks canyon and Dhaundhar Waterfalls. Enjoy the enticing sight of Marble rocks in the small and old canoe-type ferryboats. Later depart for Bhandavgarh Tiger Reserve. On arrival at Bhandavgarh, check into the resort. Overnight stay at Bhandavgarh.

Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve was originally the hunting ground of the Maharajas of Rewa. Rich in flora and fauna Bandhavgarh has a wealth of natural beauty for all to see. It is home to a variety of mammals including Tiger, Leopard, Jungle Cat, Dhole, Wolf, Sloth Bear, Sambhar and Chital, over 275 species of birds, hundred plus species of butterflies and a considerable number of reptiles and amphibians including 20 species of snakes. Bandhavgarh has been an excellent habitat of tiger and is known for the highest density of tigers in the world.

Day 10 : Bhandavgarh
Morning and afternoon, a jeep safari into the reserve for tiger sightings.
Overnight stay at Bhandavgarh.

Day 11 : Bhandavgarh – Khajuraho by road (240 km/6-7 hrs)
Morning, proceed to Khajuraho. On arrival check in to the hotel. Rest of the day is free for leisure activities. Evening, watch light and sound show. Overnight stay at Khajuraho.

Khajuraho
Khajuraho, once the capital of the Chandela kings, is famous for its magnificent carved temples. Built in between 950AD and 1050AD, the temples are beautiful examples of Indo Aryan architecture and feature exquisitely carved sculptures. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and the Jain Thirthankars, only 22 out of 85 remain. The Khajuraho temples are a World Heritage monument

Day 12 : Khajuraho
Full day sightseeing of Khajuraho temples. The temples are divided into three groups, i.e. Western group, Eastern group and Southern group. An option to see the sound and light show in the evening. Overnight stay at Khajuraho.

In the Western group, the main temple, the Kandariya Mahadeo Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is the largest of the Khajuraho temples. It features a 31 meter high spire and bands of beautiful carvings. Lakshmana Temple is one of the earliest and also the best preserved temple in that area, with full five part floor plan and four subsidiary shrines. Around the platform there are two bands. The lower one has the fine figures of Apsaras (Celestial Maidens). Around the base of the temple is the continuous frieze with the scene of battle, hunting and processions. Chausat Yogini Temple is the oldest of the surviving temples of Khajuraho and the only temple built in granite. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali. Chitragupta Temple is dedicated to Surya, the sun God. It houses some of the finest sculptures which include processions, dancing girls, elephant fights and hunting scenes. In the inner sanctum, Surya can be seen driving his chariot and seven horses. Visvanath Temple, here it is the depiction of women that draws the attention. They are shown caressing a baby, writing letters, playing music and also in the most provocative poses.

Eastern Temples compromises the Parsvanath Temple, which is the largest and finest of the Jain temples at Khajuraho. The temple was originally dedicated to Adinath and later to Parsvanath. Adinath Temple, adjacent to the Parsvanath temple, has fine carvings, very similar to the Hindu Temples at Khajuraho.

Southern Temples are the Duladeo Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva; this temple has fine carving of sculptures of Apsaras on display. Chaturbuj Temple, the temple has a 3-meter high richly carved statue of Vishnu.

Day 13 : Khajuraho – Orchha by road (180 km/5 hrs)
Early morning proceed to visit the temples of Khajuraho. Later drive to Orchha. On arrival at Orchha, check into the hotel. Overnight stay at Orchha.

Orchha
Orchha is famous for its palaces and temples built in the 16th and 17th century. Most famous among them are Jahangir Mahal, built in 17th century to mark the visit of Mughal Emperor Jahangir. Raj Mahal is well known for its murals depicting religious themes, Chhatris or the memorial of the rulers.

Day 14 : Orchha – Gwalior by road (120/3 hrs)
Morning, drive to Gwalior. On arrival at Gwalior check into the hotel. Later a city tour of Gwalior is arranged. Overnight stay at Gwalior.

Gwalior Fort
Gwalior Fort, perched high on a rocky massif, makes an imposing edifice with its blue tiled palace. Nearly three km. long and built at a vantage height of 100 metres above the city. The Fort houses a number of historic monuments like the ancient Jain monoliths carved into the rock face, the Scindia School, a famous residential school for boys, and the Man Mandir Palace.

Man Mandir Palace
Man Mandir Palace built by Raja Man Singh towards the end of the 15th century is an impressive structure that clings to the very edge of the fort; its façade is embellished with blue ceramic tiles. A ‘son-et-lumiere’ (Light & Sound) show is held here every evening.

Day 15 : Gwalior – Agra by road ( 140km/3-4 hrs)
Morning depart to Agra. On arrival at Agra, check in to the hotel. Later a tour of the Agra Fort is arranged. Overnight stay at Agra.

Agra
Agra is globally renowned as the city of the Taj Mahal. But this royal Mughal city has, in addition to the Taj, many monuments that epitomize the high point of Mughal architecture.

Agra Fort
Agra Fort was built by Emperor Akbar on the west bank of the river Yamuna and beautified with palaces and gardens by Jehangir. The crescent-shaped fort with its 20-metre high, 2.4-km outer walls contains a maze of buildings that form a small city within a city. One can enter the fort only through the Amar Singh Gate. The public access is limited to the southern part of the fort, which includes nearly all the buildings of tourist interest. The Diwan-i-Aam (hall of public audience) and Diwan-i-Khas (hall of private audience) were built by Shahjahan for receiving audiences.

Jehangir's palace built by Akbar was the largest private residence in the fort. Close to Diwan-i-Khas, stands an octagonal tower known as Musamman Burj. It was here that Shahjahan breathed his last after seven years of imprisonment. Other places to see within the fort include the Khas Mahal, Sheesh Mahal (the mirror palace) and the Anguri Bagh (the Grape Garden).

Day 16 : Agra - Fatehpur Sikri – Delhi Aiport by road (50 km + 250 km/6 hrs)
Morning depart to Agra. On arrival at Agra, check in to the hotel. Later a tour of the Agra Fort is arranged. Overnight stay at Agra.

Agra
Early morning proceed for sightseeing of Taj Mahal and return to the hotel. After breakfast visit Fatehpur Sikri and drive to Delhi.

Taj Mahal
Taj Mahal, one of the most photographed tourist attractions in the world is the attraction that pulls the tourists from all over the world. The Taj Mahal is entirely made of white marble and its walls are decorated with exquisite pietra dura (stone inlay) work. It is said that different types of precious and semi-precious stones were used in the intricate inlay work done on the interiors. This magnificent monument is set around a Charbagh or 'four garden' plan, which is split by watercourses-a reflection of the Persian style.

Fatehpur Sikri
Fatehpur Sikri- Thirty-nine kilometers from Agra stands Fatehpur Sikri, the red sandstone city of yesteryears. The city was built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar in AD 1564 in honor of the Muslim saint Sheikh Salim Chisthi. Fatehpur Sikri was intended to be the capital city but the shortage of water and unrest in the north-west made Akbar abandon it after 14 years. One of the major attractions of this city is the marble tomb of Sheikh Salim Chisthi. Other places of interest include Diwan-i-Aam, Diwan-i-Khas, Buland Darwaza, Panch Mahal, Jodha Bai’s Palace and Birbal Bhavan.

Drop to Delhi airport.