Cultural Highlights of Central India

Upon reaching New Delhi, you’ll receive a warm welcome at the airport before being chauffeured to your hotel for the night. If time and energy allow, you can explore New Delhi in the evening using the car at your disposal.

The following day promises an immersive exploration of Delhi with a comprehensive guided tour. From iconic historical landmarks to bustling traditional markets and flavoursome street cuisine, the Old Delhi excursion unveils a tapestry of ancient wonders and unexpected delights. Meanwhile, New Delhi offers a glimpse into the modern pulse of twentieth-century India and beyond, both narratives weaving together to narrate India’s rich history, culture, and tradition.

You can tour Old Delhi in a car or if you wish you can also go sightseeing in a rickshaw. In Old Delhi, your senses will come alive as you encounter the many captivating sights and sounds this fantastic part of the city offers. You can visit Chandani Chowk, famous for its vibrant bazaar, where you can shop for some ancient artefacts and jewellery. Within Old Delhi, you will also see the Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque and the Red Fort, two of Delhi’s magnificent ancient buildings built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century. You can also visit Lutyen’s Delhi, including buildings and monuments made during the colonial period. You may want to include Raj Ghat (the cremation and memorial spot of Mahatma Gandhi), Lotus temple, Akshardham temple, Qutub Minar, and Humayun’s Tomb. There is also unbelievable shopping in Delhi. Delhi Haat showcases jewellery, handicrafts, art, fabrics, and souvenirs from various parts of India, and fashionable Khan Market has outlets for some of India’s best-loved boutiques (Anokhi, FabIndia) as well as book and stationery shops, great food shops and a lovely cafe.

After breakfast, you will be picked up from the hotel and transferred to the Rajputana city of Jaipur (250 Km/5 hours) to arrive for lunch.

Known as a pink city, Jaipur is a conglomeration of pink houses which dot the entire city. Adorned with pink sandstone palaces, majestic forts and verdant green gardens against a scenic backdrop of the Aravalli hills, Jaipur represents the charm of its rich culture and history and the sophistication of a flourishing metropolis.

Your lodging will be at a heritage mansion affectionately known as Haveli, an urban sanctuary nestled within the ancient walls of Jaipur. This enchanting abode is a quintessential Indian mansion ensconced within lush gardens, featuring apartments arranged around serene courtyards. Built 225 years ago as the abode of local royalty, it remains in the care of their descendants, who have gracefully transformed it into a luxurious hotel.

After some rest, set out to explore the city with your guide. You will have one and half day to immerse yourself in the city’s rich history and architectural wonders. Begin your exploration at the majestic City Palace, an 18th-century complex to experience the precious antique artefacts that showcase the Rajput heritage.

Next, visit the iconic Hawa Mahal, famously called the Palace of the Winds. This architectural gem is celebrated for its exquisite design, intricate jharokhas, and airy windows.

Do not miss the Jantar Mantar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its exceptional astronomical observatory. One of its most remarkable features is the world’s largest sundial, towering at 27 meters (89 feet). Explore this fascinating complex to marvel at other intriguing instruments used for astronomical calculations, offering a fascinating glimpse into the profound knowledge of ancient Indian astronomers.

No visit to Jaipur is complete without immersing yourself in the grandeur of the magnificent Amber Fort. Perched on a ridge just outside the city, this architectural masterpiece is a testament to the opulence and splendour of Rajputana heritage.

You may also choose to stroll along the bustling and colourful markets of Jaipur, where you can try local delicacies, shop for fabrics, artefacts, and handicrafts. You can also explore the oldest and busiest markets in the walled city Johari Bazaar.

After breakfast, set off for Agra. Five hours (250 km) drive through the Chambal ravines will take you to the romantic city of Agra.

Pause a little short of Agra at the deserted red sandstone city of Fatehpur Sikri built by Emperor Akbar in the 16th century. A fine example of a Mughal walled city with defined private and public areas and imposing gateways, its architecture, a blend of Hindu and Persian styles, Fathepur Sikri reflects Akbar’s secular vision and style of governance. Today numerous notable imperial buildings and a fabulous mosque still stand, and a short  guided tour of this ancient city is a truly memorable experience.

After lunch at Fatehpur Sikri, continue to Agra. Your guide will meet you at the hotel to discuss the plan with you for the Agra visit. The afternoon plan may include visiting the Taj Mahal at sunset from the river, which very few people do. You can also plan to visit Agra fort.

Stay in Agra promises to be a luxurious affair, nestled a huge gardens and in close proximity to the Taj Mahal. This opulent hotel pays homage to the legendary Mughal architects of yore.

A guided tour of the Taj Mahal which looks best in the early hours during sunrise. You should be back in the hotel for breakfast after the Taj Mahal visit. Then, after some rest, check out and keep the luggage in the car and go on another sightseeing session before travelling south to Gwalior.

Taj Mahal, the pinnacle of Mughal architecture and one of the world’s seven wonders, was built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in 1648 in the memory of his beloved wife Arjumand Bano Begum, entitled ‘Mumtaz Mahal’. The exquisite marble structure is a mausoleum, an enduring monument to the love of a husband for his favourite wife. It’s also an eternal testament to a wealthy empire’s artistic and scientific accomplishments.

The Taj Mahal’s familiar marble domes are framed by four minarets from which Muslims are called to prayer. Two red sandstone buildings also flank the main mausoleum on either side. These buildings are set within lush gardens, complete with an enormous reflecting pool that regularly does what no human has ever been able to accomplish—duplicate the beauty of the Taj Mahal.

Though the Taj Mahal is the single most attraction in Agra, there are other monuments to see too. The great Mughal emperor Akbar built the majestic Red Fort in 1565-75. The Agra fort contains numerous impressive structures. Its royal audience hall, immense stone courtyards, marble mosque and private royal chambers give us a glimpse of the grandeur of the Mughal Empire.

After Agra visit drive south the Sindia’s capital Gwalior to reach in time for lunch. Accommodation will be at a comfortable hotel located near the iconic Gwalior fort.

After some rest set out with your guide to explore the Gwalior city. The history of Gwalior spans centuries and dynasties, each contributing its unique essence to the city’s allure. A blend of the old and the new forms the heart of Gwalior’s charm.

The Jai Vilas Palace, constructed in 1874 by Maharaja Jayajirao Scindia, stands as a testament to European elegance. Its architecture seamlessly fuses Italian, Tuscan, and Corinthian styles. Currently a museum, it showcases an extraordinary collection of artifacts from the Scindia reign, including exquisite Belgian chandeliers and historic swords belonging to Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb.

Next morning after breakfast explore the Gwalior fort. Perched atop a sandstone hill, the majestic Gwalior Fort bears witness to centuries of history under various dynasties. The fort exemplifies captivating medieval architecture. Its elevated vantage point provides a 360-degree panoramic view of the surroundings. Being one of India’s largest forts, Gwalior Fort holds a distinguished place in the country’s architectural heritage.

Today you can also explore the ancient locales of Mitaoli (also spelled as Mitawali), Padaoli (also spelled as Padawali), as well as Bateshwar.

Mitaoli is known for its unique Chausath Yogini Temple, which is circular in shape and dedicated to the goddess Kali. The temple is believed to date back to the 9th century and is one of the few remaining circular Yogini temples in India.

Padaoli is famous for its group of ancient temples, primarily dedicated to Lord Shiva. The most prominent structure at Padaoli is the Padaoli temple, which features intricate carvings depicting various scenes from Hindu mythology.

Not far from Padaoli is Bateshwar, an archaeological site containing more than 200 ancient temples dedicated to various Hindu deities. These temples date back to the 8th to 10th centuries and are spread across the Bateshwar valley along the banks of the Chambal River.

After a day filled with exploration, you will return to your hotel in the evening for some well-deserved rest.

After breakfast, you will be taken to Orchha (130 km/2.5 hrs), where your accommodation will be an old palace converted into a modern hotel while retaining old-world charm.

After lunch, set out on a guided tour of this beautiful medieval town which was once the capital of Bundela Kings. Built along the banks of the river Betwa, through the rugged countryside, it retains the captivating air of a bygone era. Amongst the various imposing edifices of particular interest is the Jehangir Mahal, built by Raja Bir Singh Deo to commemorate the visit of the Moghul Emperor Jehangir. The Raj Mahal and the Laxminarayan temple are noted for their fine frescoes and mural paintings.

Today you will drive to Khajuraho, the historic capital of the Chandela dynasty. Following breakfast at Orchha, travel towards Khajuraho covering a distance of 200 km over approximately 4 hours. Arriving at your accommodation, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy lunch. The hotel is a premier establishment in the region, boasts its location just 200 meters away from the renowned Western Group of Temples.

In the evening, you can relax and rest at the hotel or attend the captivating light and sound show in Khajuraho.

Next day go on a full-day guided tour of the magnificent Khajuraho temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These temples were built by the Chandela dynasty between the 9th and 10th centuries and are renowned as one of the seven wonders of India, second only to the iconic Taj Mahal.

The intricate sculptures adorning the temples provide a glimpse into the vibrant life in ancient India. These exquisite stone friezes depict gods, goddesses, heroes, kings, concubines, and more, showcasing various aspects of Indian society from a thousand years ago. Notably, the temples are famous for their unique and captivating erotic sculptures inspired by the Kama Sutra. While these sculptures represent only a tiny fraction of the temple artwork, they have become synonymous with love and erotica.

Beyond the erotic art, the Khajuraho temples are architectural marvels, boasting brilliant symmetry and intricate designs. The temples portray royalty, courtship, marriage, spiritual teachings, meditation, kinship, and intimate scenes that capture the depth of human emotions and relationships.

After a leisurely morning, you’ll be chauffeured to Khajuraho airport for your flight to New Delhi. From there, continue your journey, carrying with you the beautiful memories of India.