15 DAYS ~ FROM £2,184
This tour is a true voyage of discovery, for around every corner a treasure trove will delight and amaze! Discover the jewels of Delhi. Roam the magnificent Forts built by the mightyMughul Emperors. Bask in the beauty of Ahilya Fort, then, at Ajanta and Ellora gaze at exquisite paintings and superb rock sculptures. Don’t forget to meander the back street bazaars searching for your very own Treasure to take home!
Delhi • Gwalior • Bhopal • Indore • Mandu • Dhar • Maheshwar • Aurangabad • Ajanta • Ellora • Mumbai
 Day 1. To Delhi
Fly direct from London to Delhi on Jet Airways or Virgin Atlantic.
Day 2. Delhi
Morning arrival in Delhi. Afternoon sightseeing includes an interesting cycle rickshaw ride through the busy backs streets of Chandni Chowk market area, to the Jama Masjid. During Mughal times this area was the centre of its capital city – Shah Jehanabad. Finally visit Mahatma Gandhi’s poignant cremation site. Two nights stay Maidens Hotel.
Day 3. Delhi
Morning sightseeing of pulsating Delhi, including Humayun’s majestic Tomb, QutabMinar and India Gate. Afternoon at leisure.
Day 4. To Gwalior
Early morning Shatabdi train to Gwalior. Afternoon Gwalior sightseeing including Gwalior Fort considered to be the finest example of Hindu architecture in North India. Also visit the Jai Vilas Palace and Museum, Tombs of Ghaus Mohammed (noted for its fine sandstone screen work) and Tansen. Evening Son et Lumiere show at the Fort. Overnight at the Usha Kiran Palace.
Day 5. To Bhopal
Morning Shatabdi train to Bhopal. Afternoon sightseeing of Bhopal including Taj–ul–Masjid Mosque, said to be the largest Mosque in Asia, and Dhai Seedhi Masjid believed to be Bhopal’s oldest Msjid. Two nights stay at the Jehan Numa Palace.
Day 6. Bhopal
Morning excursion to Sanchi Stupa – a World Heritage Site, originally commissioned by the Emperor Ashoka the Great in the 3rd c. BC. Afternoon excursion to Bhimbetka with its ancient cave paintings some thought to be 12,000 years old. They depict an amazing wealth of information about the life and death of early man.
Day 7. To Indore
Morning drive to Indore. Afternoon visit the Kanch Mandir an exceptional Temple with every part of the interior – floors, ceilings, walls, doors and pillars ornamented with mirrors of all sizes and shapes. Overnight stay at the Rashid Kothi.
Day 8. To Dhar via Mandu
Drive to Dhar, en–route visit the vast deserted Fort of Mandu including the Royal Enclave, Village and Rawa Kund Buildings. Mandu is known for its fine architecture, it celebrates in stone the life and love of the poet, Prince Baz Bahadur for his consort, Rani Roopmati. Overnight stay at the Jhira Bagh Palace.
Day 9. To Maheshwar
Drive to Maheshwar and relax in the delightful Ahilya Fort – perhaps walk to the beautiful Ghats and explore the lovely Temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Two nights stay at Ahilya Fort.
Day 10. Maheshwar
Day at leisure to enjoy the beauty of the 250 year old Ahilya Fort perched high above the Narmada River. Stroll around the gardens, swim in the pool or take a boat ride along the sacred river.
Day 11. To Aurangabad
Drive to Aurangabad. Three nights stay at the Taj Residency.
Day 12. Aurangabad
Full day Ajanta excursion where the exquisite 2000 year old Buddhist paintings will transport you back through the centuries, bringing to life a bygone age of wonder.
Day 13. Aurangabad
Morning sightseeing of the vibrant, exotic Hindu sculpture and charismatic Buddhist art work at Ellora – the Jain caves are ascetic with intricate detailing. The spectacular work will feast the senses particularly the stunning Kailasanatha Temple. Afternoon sightseeing of Aurangabad.
Day 14. To Mumbai
Fly to Mumbai in the morning. Afternoon sight – seeing of this pulsating city including the Prince of Wales Museum, Crawford Market and Dhobi Ghats. Overnight stay at the Marine Plaza Hotel.
Day 15. To London
Fly to London on direct Jet Airways or Virgin Atlantic flights.
With love from India....Gwalior
The shops in Gwalior are a treasure trove of souvenirs. Hunt for gorgeous lacquer ware, dolls, hand woven carpets, wall hangings, jewellery and the famous Chanderi Saris. Other delights include Dokra figurines and Tribal jewellery.
Suggested extensions: Goa, The Hill Station of Matheran
(Various other extensions are available on request)
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