MADHYA PRADESH WITH TAJ MAHAL & DELHI TOUR

Day 01: Arrive Delhi

Day 02: Delhi – Bhopal (Flight)

Day 03: Bhopal / Sanchi / Udaigiri / Bhopal

Day 04: Bhopal / Bhimbetka / Bhojpur / Bhopal

Day 05: Bhopal – Pachmarhi

Day 06: Pachmarhi –Bhedaghat Water Fall - Jabalpur

Day 07: Jabalpur – Bandhavgarh National Park

Day 08: Bandhavgarh – Khajuraho

Day 09: Khajuraho – Dhubela – Alipura – Orchha

Day 10: Orchha –Gwalior – Dholpur

Day 11: Dholpur – Agra

Day 12: Agra – Delhi / Departure

DAY 01: ARRIVE DELHI

In time arrive at Delhi – Indira Gandhi International airport.

Delhi - is a city that bridges two different worlds. Old Delhi, once the capital of Islamic India, is a labyrinth of narrow lanes lined with crumbling havelis and formidable mosques. In contrast, the imperial city of New Delhi created by the British Raj is composed of spacious, tree-lined avenues and imposing government buildings. Delhi has been the seat of power for several rulers and many empires for about a millennium. Many a times the city was built, destroyed and then rebuilt here. Interestingly, a number of Delhi's rulers played a dual role, first as destroyers and then as creators.

On arrival meeting, assistance at airport by our representative and transfer to hotel. Where our executive will explain the travel plan in detail and hand over the essential documents (Tour programme, hotel’s vouchers, feedback report etc) to you. Overnight at hotel.

DAY 02: DELHI – BHOPAL (FLIGHT)

After breakfast & checkout from the hotel enjoy city tour of New Delhi & old Delhi start from Red Fort - from outside (Closed on Monday) -  built in red sandstone, Constructed by Mughal Emperor Shahjahan, Jama Masjid - India's largest mosque. Rajghat - crimination place of Mahatama Gandhi.  Laxmi Narayan Temple, Lotus Temple and Qutab Minar - the highest stone tower in India. India Gate - This solemn monument was built in memory of the 90,000 Indian soldiers who laid down their lives in the World War Ist. Drive past the Rashtrapathi Bhawan, Parliament House.

Later in time, transfer to airport to board on flight to Bhopal. Bhopal, capital of Madhya Pradesh combines scenic beauty, historicity and modern urban planning. It is situated on the site of an 11th century city, Bhojapal, founded by Raja Bhoj. Bhopal today presents a multi-faceted profile; the old city with its teeming market places and fine old mosques and palaces still bear the aristocratic imprint of its former rulers; among them the succession of powerful Begums who ruled Bhopal from 1819 to 1926. Equally impressive is the new city with its verdant, exquisitely laid out parks and gardens, broad avenues and streamlined modern edifices.

Upon arrival, check-in at hotel. Rest of the day free at your own. Overnight at hotel.

DAY 03: BHOPAL / SANCHI / UDAIGIRI / BHOPAL

After an early breakfast at hotel enjoy day trip to Sanchi & Udaigiri Caves.

Sanchi, a renowned Buddhist pilgrimage site. Sanchi is a famous world heritage site that is known for housing the stupas that contain leftovers of Buddha. Some of the popular tourist destinations of Sanchi include Ashoka Pillar, Great stupa, Temple 17, stupa 3 and Mauryan apsidal. In addition, one can also visit Temple 40 in the southern part of Sanchi and temple 45 in the eastern part of Sanchi. The great stupa in Sanchi was specially made by Emperor Ashoka.

The Udayagiri Caves are twenty rock-cut caves They contain some of the oldest surviving Hindu temples and iconography in India. They are the only site that can be verifiably associated with a Gupta period monarch from its inscriptions.

Later return back to Bhopal and enjoy explore the splendid city of Nawabs. During the tour, you will be visiting some of the major attractions of Bhopal which includes the name such as Lakshmi Narayan temple, Moti Masjid, Rastriya Manav Sangrahalaya, Shaukat Mahal, Bharat Bhavan, Upper Lake and Lower Lake. Evening free at your own. Overnight at hotel.

DAY 04: BHOPAL / BHIMBETKA / BHOJPUR / BHOPAL

After an early breakfast at hotel enjoy day trip to Bhimbetka and Bhojpur.

Bhimbetka rock shelter is an archaeological site of the Paleolithic, displaying the original traces of human life on the Indian subcontinent, and thus the beginning of the South Asian Stone Age. In 2003, these caves were declared as a World Heritage Site. Nested in the foothills of the Vindhyan Mountains, the five clusters of natural caves showcase paintings which appear to date from the Mesolithic Period.Bhojpuris a popular town in Raisen District of Madhya Pradesh acknowledged for its religious and historical significance.

Later return back to Bhopal. Overnight at hotel.

DAY 05: BHOPAL – PACHMARHI (200 KMS / 4.5 HRS)

After an early breakfast & checkout from the hotel, drive to Pachmarhi.

Pachmarhi is the one and only hill station in Madhya Pradesh state, also known for the Pachmarhi Cantonment. It is widely known as "Satpuraki Rani" (Queen of Satpura), situated at a height of 1000 m in a valley of the Satpura Range in Hoshangabad district. The highest point in the central India region and the Vindhya and Satpura range; Dhupgarh at 1100 m is located here.

On arrival, check-in at hotel. After wash and change at hotel visit Pandava caves, Bee Fall & Mahadeo hill. Overnight at hotel.

DAY 06: PACHMARHI –BHEDAGHAT WATER FALL - JABALPUR (250 KMS / 5.5 HRS)

After breakfast & checkout from the hotel, drive to Jabalpur.

Jabalpur - Under the brightly lit moon, 100 feet tall mountains of marble change forms as the river Narmada passes through it. This view is so scenic that it stays with you for long. But this is just one of the many gifts that Jabalpur offers. Here you will enjoy the privilege to experience surreal spectacles of nature romance man's endeavours to carefully preserve the breath-taking imperial history. No wonder it has been a witness to some of the greatest episodes written by history, folklore and mother nature. Jabalpur is sure to amaze you, whichever direction you turn to, reminiscent of your trips to fun-fairs as a child.

On arrival visit Bhedaghat- a small village about 25kms before Jabalpur city. It is a popular tourist spot close to Jabalpur city. Here holy Narmada River passes through marble rocks which offers chance to enjoy boating view the natural beauty of natural rock formations.

Here mainly 3 spots are to be visited: Dhuandhar waterfall, Chousat Yogini Temple and Bhedaghat. They all are within radius of 3kms and can easily be visited by tourists. Whole are is part of Narmada valley which is rich in fossils. There are number of ghats in this region where scientists have found egg-shells of Dinosaurs.

Later continue to Jabalpur city. On arrival check-in at hotel. Overnight at hotel.

DAY 07:  JABALPUR – BANDHAVGARH NATIONAL PARK (175 KMS / 4.5 HRS)

After breakfast & checkout from the hotel and drive to Bandhavgarh National Park.

Bandhavgarh National Park is spread at vindhya hills in Madhya Pradesh. Bandhavgarh National Park consists of a core area of 105 sq km and a buffer area of approximately 400 sq km of topography varies between steep ridges, undulating, forest and open meadows. Bandhavgarh National Park is known for the Royal Bengal Tigers. The density of the Tiger population at Bandhavgarh is the highest known in India.

On arrival, check-in at jungle resort. Later in the, evening enjoy Jungle safari to explore wildlife inside the park. Overnight at hotel.

DAY 08: BANDHAVGARH – KHAJURAHO (250 KMS / 5.5 HRS)

Early morning enjoy Jungle safari to explore wildlife inside the park.

Later after breakfast & checkout from the hotel drive to Khajuraho. Khajuraho is a fascinating village with a quaint rural ambience and a rich cultural heritage. The monuments of Khajuraho, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site are extremely controversial yet showcase exceptions artwork and craftsmanship.

On arrival, check-in at hotel. Later in the evening enjoy Sound & Light Show. This fascinating light & sound spectacle evokes the life and times of the great Chandela Kings and traces the story of the unique temples from the 10th Century to the present day.

The 50 minutes sound and light show is conducted by tourism department in the garden of western group of temples. The show is entertaining and informative about the construction, history and importance of the temples. The show runs in Hindi and English every evening. The life and times of the great Chandela kings and the legend and grandeur of the unique temples from the 10th century to the present day are narrated in the voice of Amitabh Bachan – the Bollywood legend. Overnight at hotel.

DAY 09: KHAJURAHO – DHUBELA – ALIPURA – ORCHHA (18 KMS / 4.5 HRS)

After an early breakfast & checkout from the hotel visit Western & Eastern group of Temples.

Later drive to Orchha. Orchha - This historic small town on the Betwa River showcases a supreme display of Mughal-influenced Rajput architecture in the shape of spectacular palaces, temples and royal chhatris (cenotaphs). The atmosphere in Orchha is far more laid-back and hassle-free than in northern Madhya Pradesh's other famed monument village.

On arrival, check-in at hotel. Later in the evening be the witness of ceremony at Raja Ram temple of Orchha. Overnight at hotel.

DAY 10: ORCHHA – GWALIOR – DHOLPUR (200 KMS / 4.5HRS)

After breakfast & checkout from the hotel visit Jahangir Fort - The three storeyed ornate edifice is one of the major tourist attractions in Orchha. Chaturbhuj Temple - The spectacular soaring spires of the 16th-century Chaturbhuj Temple are visible from all over town.

Later drive to Dholpur, enroute visit the famous fort of Gwalior. Gwalior - is best known for its imposing hilltop fort, which was famously described as ‘The pearl amongst fortresses in India’. Historically, the city has been the cradle of a number of dynasties that ruled it over the years. Gwalior makes an interesting stop enroute to some of the better-known destinations in this part of India.

Continue to Dholpur. Dholpur- Situated in the eastern part of Rajasthan, Dholpur remains one of the most fascinating regions in the state that has witnessed the oldest civilizations, and is extremely rich in cultural heritage. It used to be the seat of the Dholpur princely state before Independence, and today is a city of diverse culture and historical grandeur.

On arrival, check-in at heritage hotel - known for its red colour sandstone rather than precious stones. Dholpur was a protectorate of the British East India Company from 1779 onwards. In 1949, it merged with the young Indian Nation and in 1956 the princely state ceased to exist. Apparently Dholpur Palace was built to welcome HRH Albert Edward, when he visited in 1876. With vibrant history and a rich heritage, Dholpur Palace also known as Raj Niwas Palace. Overnight at hotel.

DAY 11: DHOLPUR – AGRA (60 KMS / 1.5 HRS)

After breakfast & checkout from the hotel enjoy Chambal Ravine Safari - The area we cover in JEEP SAFARI through the ravines starts with visiting the Shergarh fort. Through the small muddy tracks among the ravines and along the banks of the river, we explore village life through small villages hidden deep into the ravines along the Chambal river. Life is full of hardships as the land available for agriculture is scares. 05 hours safari programme which covers Shergarh fort, Talab e shahi, Nadi Ka tal, Van Vihar and a glimpse into Chambal ravines and village life (visiting Gama village and banks of Chambal)

Later in the afternoon drive to Agra. Agra, situated on the west bank of River Yamuna, Agra was once the flourishing capital of the Muslim rulers of India. Two great Mughal monarchs, Akbar and Shah Jahan, transformed the little village of Agra into a befitting second capital of the Mughal Empire – giving it the name Dar-ul-Khilafat {seat of the Emperor}. Today a visitor to Agra is caught up in a world of contrasting edifices, of red sandstone and white marble, narrow galleys and quaint buggies, and that irresistible charm that this favorite city of the Mughals still retains. It is not surprising, that modern Agra still reflects its Mughal heritage most conspicuously.

On arrival, check-in at hotel. Rest of the day free at your own. Overnight at hotel.

DAY 12: AGRA – DELHI (200 KMS / 4.5 HRS) / DEPARTURE

Early morning be the witness of Sunrise while exploring Taj Mahal. Taj Mahal (Closed on Friday) - world's greatest monument to love. Emperor Shah Jahan built this pristine white marble mausoleum in memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The monument looks amazingly graceful from almost any angle and took 24 years and 20,000 people to build. It is one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

Later return back to hotel. After breakfast & checkout from the hotel visit Agra Fort, built by the Mughal dynasty's greatest Emperor, Akbar, in 1565. A number of the fort’s beautiful palaces, mosques and gardens were built by his successors in later years. Inside the fort you can visit Pearl Mosque, it shined like a pearl. It is held that this mosque was constructed by Shah Jahan for his members of royal court. Diwan-i-Khas - Here envoys and other honoured guests were granted a personal audience with the ruler. the Dīwān-e-Khās is a small marble structure near the Dīwān-e-Ām. Diwan-i-Aam - the ruler held mass audience. He would sit on his throne facing petitioners. His minister would assemble the petitions and refer them to the Dīwān-e-Khās for private audience. Jahangir Mahal - Jahangiri Mahal is the most important building of the Akbari period in the Agra Fort.

Later in time transfer to Delhi airport to board your homebound flight with the happy memory of our incredible nation.

Note: This is just a suggested itinerary indicative of what could be possible. We tailor holidays for your specific needs. Contact us if you want modifications so that we could tailor a holiday to suit your need for an unforgettable India tour.