Treat yourself to a sojourn to Central India exploring historic forts and stunning caves of Ajanta & Ellora
This tour is an ultimate discovery of Indian treasures focusing on hidden gems of Central India. Discover the jewels of Delhi, roam around the mighty forts built by Mughal dynasty and gaze at historic paintings and rock sculptures at Ajanta and Ellora caves of Aurangabad.
- Discover historic Orchha and it's cenotaphs
- See the Bhimbetka caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site near Bhopal
- Visit the 10th century grandiose and impressive fort of Mandu
- Witness awe-inspiring sights of Ajanta and Ellora
Itinerary
Day 01 - Arrive Delhi
On arrival in Delhi, you’ll be met by your Indus Bound Representative and transferred to your hotel, where you’ll be staying for two nights. Spend the remainder of the day recovering from your journey, and perhaps a stroll around the local neighborhood later.
Day 02 - In Delhi
Explore Delhi today starting with Old Delhi in the morning: enjoy a cycle rickshaw ride in the bustling lanes of Chandni Chowk followed by the Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India. In the afternoon, drive past Lutyens's New Delhi and visit the tomb of Humayun and the Qutab Minar. Spend some time at the Bangla Sahib Sikh Temple for blessings and see & participate in the community kitchen.
[Optional : Cooking Class experience with a local]
Day 03 - Train to Jhansi & Drive to Orchha
Take a morning train to Jhansi and then driven to Orchha (01 Hr). Explore the hamlet of Orchha, dotted with ruins of temples and palaces of the Bundela kings, scattered around the banks of the Betwa River. Highlights include Chhatris Cenotaphs, Jehangir Mahal and Ram Raja Temple
Day 04 - Drive to Gwalior
Morning drive to Gwalior (02-03 Hrs). The afternoon's sightseeing tour takes us to the imposing Gwalior fort and the Scindia Museum. You will explore some unique temples here - particularly the Jain and Hindu temples which are intricately carved.
Day 05 - Train to Bhopal
After breakfast, take a train to Bhopal. Spend your day at the hotel at leisure or pursue independent activities with your driver.
Day 06 - In Bhopal
Day 07 - Drive to Maheshwar
After breakfast, drive to Maheshwar (06-07 Hrs) with an en-route visit to the Bhimbetka caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has the largest collection of prehistoric art and architecture in India. Spend your day at leisure exploring your beautiful Ahilya Fort hotel.
Day 08 - In Maheshwar
Today you will visit Mandu, where you will see the 10th century grandiose and impressive fort of Mandu. It has one of the best collections of Afghan architecture in India, also Jama Masjid, Baz Bahadur Palace and Hoshang Tomb.
Day 09 - Drive to Aurangabad
After breakfast, head for Aurangabad (06-07 Hrs) seeing the rural parts around the region. On arrival, spend your day at leisure to relax at the hotel.
Day 10 - In Aurangabad
Today, you will explore Ajanta (closed on Monday). The Buddhist caves of Ajanta lying 166 km northeast of Aurangabad date from 200 BC to 650 AD. The 30 rock-hewn caves are adorned with sculptures and frescoes, portraying in epic form the religious and secular life through eight centuries. Many of the caves house panels depicting stories from the Jatakas, depicting Buddha’s previous births. It is a World Heritage site.
Day 11 - In Aurangabad
Today, you will explore Ellora Caves (closed on Tuesday). The Caves of Ellora, another World Heritage site, are carved into the side of a basaltic hill 30 km from Aurangabad. The finest specimens of cave-temple architecture, they encompass 34 rock-cut shrines representing Buddhist, Jain and Hindu art dating from the 4th to 5th century AD. It is the best example of rock cut architecture and an engineering marvel. On your return, you will stop halfway between to see the magnificent hilltop fortress of Daulatabad (Deogiri) which is surrounded by 5 km of sturdy walls.
Day 12 - Fly to Mumbai
Morning flight to Mumbai. Spend leisure time at your hotel.
[Optional : Night walk of Mumbai]
Day 13 - In Mumbai
Full Day tour visiting, Gateway of India, Prince of Wales Museum & other important sights. Get ready for an experience to see and meet the Dabbawala. A Dabbawala literally meaning "box person", is a person in Mumbai, who is employed in a unique service industry, whose primary business is collecting freshly cooked food in lunch boxes from the residences of the office workers. Evening visit to Crawford Market, the city’s principal source of fresh produce.
Day 14 - Departure Transfer
At time transferred to Mumbai Airport for your flight back home, or continue with your onward journey with us
Quick Enquiry
Starting from USD 1380 Per Person
Price is based on double occupancy, and is subject to change based on hotels & dates of travel. Price includes daily breakfast, sightseeing, monument entrance fees, private guides, domestic flights, Train Tickets, transfers, chauffeur driven air-conditioned SUV car & All Taxes.
When to Travel?
The Central India is best visited between October and November or February and April, when temperatures are comfortable throughout the day, dipping slightly at night when a light jumper should suffice if you're outdoors.
Hotel Ideas
These are some of the recommended hotels for your private tour. Let us know for more options you may need, we work with a wide range of hotels in India & Beyond.
The Imperial
New Delhi
OPULENT, HERITAGE
The Claridges
New Delhi
FIRST CLASS, HERITAGE
Colonels Retreat
New Delhi
BASIC, B&B
Taj Usha Kiran Palace
Gwalior
OPULENT, HERITAGE
Jehan Numa Palace
Bhopal
MID RANGE, HERITAGE
Ahilya Fort
Maheshwar
FIRST CLASS, HERITAGE
The Vivanta
Aurangabad
FIRST CLASS
Taj Mahal Palace
Mumbai
OPULENT, HERITAGE
The Oberoi
Mumbai
FIRST CLASS
Why 'Private' Travel?
Full flexibility & personalized service with your own experienced private guide
A private car & driver at your disposal for your holiday. Set your own pace
Select from hand-picked hotels; from luxury palaces to boutique homestays
Meet the locals & discover the real 'authentic' experiences of a destination
Our Reviews
Our guests seem happy to tell us about their experience and we are very happy to share their thoughts with you.
Dear Pankaj, you delivered what we missed in our last 6 trips to India, a true Indian experience!! An advise for all those hesitating working with you, 'If you are tired of cookie-cutter tours and looking for an authentic travel experience in India, you are at the right place'.
Ms Elaine & Mr Wayne Helson, UK
Tailor-made Central India & Gujarat
I wanted to take the time to thank you for all the hard work you put in to arrange a magical honeymoon for us. We had a ball. All the transfers worked like clockwork, the hotels were great and the route planning excellent. We really felt we were spoon-fed all the way through.
You guys were absolutely true to your word, the holiday experience we have been waiting for years. Big thanks for arranging our visit to Ruskin Bond's home, you are certainly more than a holiday provider.
Mr Neil & Mrs Susan Everington, UK
Tailor-made North India & Nepal
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