Across the Heart of India
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Product Code : AGORA52
Journey Across the Heart of India and uncover the country’s rich tapestry of history, spirituality, and royal heritage. Begin in Mumbai’s lively metropolis before exploring the ancient marvels of Ajanta and Ellora. Continue through the royal city of Hyderabad, the sacred ghats of Varanasi, and the artistic brilliance of Khajuraho. Experience the colonial elegance of Kolkata and the divine tranquility of Bodhgaya and Puri. From the regal palaces of Jaipur to the architectural grandeur of Delhi, every destination showcases a unique facet of India’s soul. This immersive journey offers a perfect blend of culture, heritage, and timeless beauty across India’s heartland.
Day 1: Arrival in Mumbai
Upon your arrival in Mumbai, you will be greeted by our representative and escorted to your hotel for check-in and relaxation. The rest of the day is at leisure, giving you time to unwind or explore the bustling streets of India’s financial capital at your own pace. You can sample local cuisine or simply enjoy the lively atmosphere that defines this cosmopolitan city.
Day 2: Mumbai
After breakfast, embark on a full-day city tour covering Mumbai’s iconic landmarks. Begin at the Gateway of India, overlooking the Arabian Sea, followed by a scenic walk along Marine Drive, famously called the Queen’s Necklace. Explore Crawford Market’s vibrant stalls and the architectural marvel of Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Relax at the Hanging Gardens atop Malabar Hill, stroll through Colaba’s bustling lanes, and visit Mani Bhavan Gandhi Museum, where Mahatma Gandhi once lived and worked during India’s freedom struggle.
Day 3: Mumbai to Aurangabad (Flight)
Enjoy breakfast before your flight to Aurangabad, a city known for its historical and cultural heritage. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and proceed for a half-day sightseeing tour. Visit Bibi Ka Maqbara, often called the “Taj of the Deccan,” resembling the Taj Mahal’s beauty. Continue to Daulatabad Fort, an ancient stronghold offering sweeping views, and end your day at Panchakki, a fascinating 17th-century water mill renowned for its ingenious hydraulic system.
Day 4: Aurangabad - Ajanta - Aurangabad (210kms round)
After breakfast, embark on a full-day excursion to the UNESCO-listed Ajanta Caves. These ancient rock-cut caves house magnificent murals, sculptures, and paintings that depict the life of Lord Buddha and the cultural richness of ancient India. Marvel at the artistry and spiritual serenity of these masterpieces before returning to Aurangabad for an overnight stay.
Day 5: Aurangabad to Hyderabad (Flight)
Post breakfast, visit the remarkable Ellora Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site representing a confluence of Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain faiths. Admire the grandeur of the Kailasa Temple, carved entirely out of rock. Later, fly to Hyderabad, where upon arrival, you’ll check in at your hotel and have the evening free to relax or explore the vibrant bazaars and cuisine of the “City of Pearls.”
Day 6: Hyderabad
Begin the day with breakfast before exploring Hyderabad’s splendid landmarks. Visit the majestic Golconda Fort, once a center of diamond trade, followed by the iconic Charminar surrounded by lively markets. Admire the grandeur of Mecca Masjid and explore the diverse collections at Salar Jung Museum. Walk through Chowmahalla Palace, a regal residence of the Nizams, and later unwind by Hussain Sagar Lake, where the evening light show at Lumbini Park provides a delightful end to the day.
Day 7: Hyderabad to Bhubaneswar (Flight) - Puri (75kms)
After breakfast, fly to Bhubaneswar and drive to Puri, a coastal town known for its spirituality and serene beaches. Upon arrival, check in at your beachfront hotel and relax, soaking in the soothing sea breeze and the rhythmic sound of the waves.
Day 8: Puri
Post breakfast, explore Puri’s sacred and cultural treasures. Visit the revered Jagannath Temple, one of India’s Char Dham pilgrimage sites, followed by a trip to Konark Sun Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage marvel shaped like a chariot dedicated to the Sun God. Visit Raghurajpur Artist Village to witness the intricate Pattachitra paintings and local craftsmanship. End the day with an enchanting evening aarti by the beach, a soul-stirring experience under the open sky.
Day 9: Puri – Bhubaneswar (60kms) / Kolkata (Flight)
Enjoy breakfast and drive back to Bhubaneswar to catch your flight to Kolkata. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and spend the rest of the day exploring local markets, savoring Bengali sweets, or relaxing in your hotel’s comfort.
Day 10: Kolkata
After breakfast, explore Kolkata’s colonial and cultural landmarks. Visit the iconic Victoria Memorial, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and the historical Howrah Bridge. Discover the treasures of the Indian Museum, Asia’s oldest, and visit Mother House, the home and resting place of Mother Teresa. In the evening, enjoy a serene walk along the Hooghly River or experience Kolkata’s lively street food culture and artistic charm.
Day 11: Kolkata to Patna (Flight) - Bodhgaya
Enjoy breakfast before flying to Patna and driving to Bodhgaya, one of Buddhism’s most sacred sites. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and relax amidst the peaceful ambiance of this spiritual destination.
Day 12: Bodhgaya
After breakfast, visit the revered Mahabodhi Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site marking the place where Buddha attained enlightenment. Admire the sacred Bodhi Tree and the towering Great Buddha Statue nearby. Visit the Archaeological Museum to explore relics and artifacts from ancient times. Conclude your day with a serene aarti ceremony at the Mahabodhi Temple, an uplifting spiritual experience.
Day 13: Bodhgaya to Varanasi (250kms)
After breakfast, drive to Varanasi, one of the world’s oldest living cities and a center of Hindu spirituality. In the evening, witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat, a spellbinding ritual of fire, chants, and devotion along the sacred Ganges River.
Day 14: Varanasi
Begin with a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges to observe pilgrims performing rituals along the ghats. Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the holiest shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. Explore Sarnath, where Buddha delivered his first sermon, and the Banaras Hindu University. Visit Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum before concluding the day with another soul-stirring Ganga Aarti, an unforgettable spiritual experience.
Day 15: Varanasi - Ayodhya - Lucknow (340kms)
After breakfast, drive to Lucknow, stopping in Ayodhya to visit Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, believed to be Lord Rama’s birthplace. Continue your journey to Lucknow, check in at your hotel, and relax after the day’s travel.
Day 16: Lucknow
Enjoy breakfast before exploring the city’s architectural gems. Visit Bara Imambara and its labyrinthine Bhool Bhulaiya, followed by the ornate Chhota Imambara and the grand Rumi Darwaza. See the Hussainabad Clock Tower and the State Museum before spending time shopping for Lucknow’s famous Chikankari embroidery in the local bazaars.
Day 17: Lucknow – Khajuraho (310kms)
After breakfast, drive to Khajuraho, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its intricately carved temples. On arrival, check in at your hotel and spend the evening at leisure, enjoying the serene atmosphere of this historical town.
Day 18: Khajuraho - Panna National Park (45kms)
Start your day exploring the Khajuraho temples, celebrated for their exquisite sculptures and artistic brilliance. Later, drive to Panna National Park and enjoy a wildlife safari in this biodiverse sanctuary. Visit Raneh Falls, admired for its colorful rock formations and scenic vistas, before returning to your lodge for a relaxing evening.
Day 19: Panna National Park
After breakfast, embark on another exciting wildlife safari, keeping an eye out for tigers, leopards, and exotic birds. Visit Pandav Falls, a picturesque waterfall surrounded by lush greenery. In the evening, enjoy a campfire and local cultural performances that bring the region’s traditions to life.
Day 20: Panna National Park – Orchha (200kms)
After breakfast, drive to Orchha, a charming town filled with medieval architecture. Explore the grand Orchha Fort complex, visit Jahangir Mahal, and pay homage at the Ram Raja and Chaturbhuj Temples. End the day with a tranquil boat ride on the Betwa River and a stroll through the vibrant local bazaars.
Day 21: Orchha - Gwalior - Agra (220kms)
After breakfast, drive toward Agra, stopping at Gwalior to visit its mighty fort, the elegant Jai Vilas Palace, and the beautifully carved Sas Bahu Temple. Continue to Agra, check in at your hotel, and unwind after the journey.
Day 22: Agra - Fatehpur Sikri - Abhaneri - Jaipur (245kms)
Start early to visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise, the epitome of love and Mughal artistry. Explore Agra Fort before driving to Jaipur via Fatehpur Sikri and Abhaneri’s Chand Baori stepwell. Arrive in Jaipur by evening and check in at your hotel for overnight stay.
Day 23: Jaipur
After breakfast, visit the majestic Amber Fort, the regal City Palace, and the astronomical marvel Jantar Mantar. Admire the stunning façade of Hawa Mahal and enjoy panoramic views from Nahargarh Fort. Spend the evening shopping in local bazaars, known for jewelry, textiles, and handicrafts.
Day 24: Jaipur - Delhi (265kms)
After breakfast, drive to Delhi with sightseeing en route. Visit Qutub Minar, Humayun’s Tomb, and the Lotus Temple before checking into your hotel in the capital. Relax and prepare for your final day in India.
Day 25: Delhi
After breakfast, explore Delhi’s highlights including Red Fort, India Gate, and Chandni Chowk, known for its bustling markets and street food. Later, transfer to the airport for your onward journey, concluding your remarkable journey across the heart of India, filled with culture, spirituality, and history.
- Assistance on arrival at airport.
- 24 Nights' accommodation in selected price category hotels.
- Daily breakfast at hotels.
- Private AC car/van for airport transfers, sightseeing, and excursions as per the program.
- English speaking tour guide on sightseeing days (local guide in each city), as per program.
- 3 Time gypsy safari in Panna National Park with naturalist.
- Monument entrances and activities charges mentioned in the itinerary.
- Bottled drinking water in car.
- Government taxes.
Hotels used or similar
Mumbai x 2 nights
3* - Hotel Suba Palace/ BW Hotel Sahil
4* - Sun-N-Sand Hotel/ Fariyas Hotel
5* - Trident Hotel/ ITC Grand Central
Aurangabad x 2 nights
3* - Keys Hotel The Aures/ Aurangabad Gymkhana Club
4* - Ambassador Ajanta / VITS Hotel
5* - WelcomHotel Rama International / Lemon Tree Hotel
Hyderabad x 2 nights
3* - Aditya Park/ Lemon Tree Hotel
4* - Lemon Tree Hotel/ Fortune Park Vallabha
5* - ITC Kakatiya, a Luxury Collection/ Trident Hotel
Puri x 2 nights
3* - Toshali Sands/ Blue Lily Beach Resort
4* - The Hans Coco Palms/ The Chariot Resort & spa
5* - Mayfair Waves
Kolkata x 2 night
3* - Regenta Orko's/ The Fern Residency
4* - The Peerless Inn/ The Fern Residency
5* - ITC Sonar, a Luxury Collection/ The Lalit Great Eastern
Bodhgaya x 2 night
3* - Hotel Taj Darbar/ Hotel Mahamaya
4* & 5* - The Royal Residency/ Lotus Nikko Hotel
Varanasi x 2 nights
3* - Meraden Grand/ Amaya Hotel
4* - Rivatas by Ideal/ Palace On Ganges
5* - Radisson Hotel/ Gateway Hotel Taj
Lucknow x 2 nights
3* - Sapna Clarks Inn/ Hotel Lineage
4* - Lemon Tree Hotel/ La Place Sarovar Portico
5* - Renaissance Hotel/ Hyatt Regency
Khajuraho x 1 night
3* - Ramada/Clarks Hotel
4* - Ramada/Clarks Hotel
5* - Radisson Hotel/ Hotel Chandela
Panna National Park x 2 nights
3* - Greetoe Resorts
4* - Tuli Tiger Corridor/ Pench Jungle Camp
5* - Sarai at Toria/ Pugdundee Safaris Pench Tree Lodge
Orchha x 1 night
3* & 4* - Orchha Resort/ Amar Mahal
5* - Orchha Palace and Convention Centrerchha x 1 night
Agra x 1 nights
3* - Howard Plaza the Fern/ Atulyaa Taj
4* - Radission Hotel/ Crystal Sarovar Premier
5* - Trident Hotel/ Courtyard by Marriott
Jaipur x 2 nights
3* - Redfox Hotel/ Park Ocean
4* - Fortune Select Metropolitan/ Lemon Tree Premier
5* - ITC Rajputana/ Hilton Jaipur
Delhi x 1 nights
3* - Madhuban Hotel/ Meridian Plaza
4* - The Royal Plaza/ Country Inn & Suite Saket
5* - Le Meridien/ The Claridges
- Mumbai - Aurangabad - Hyderabad - Bhubaneshawar - Kolkata - Patna flight fare approx INR 25,500 per person in economy class.
- Camera charges at monuments if any.
- Meals other than mentioned in the inclusions.
- Expenses of personal nature like liquor, laundry, tips, telephone, fax, internet etc.
- Gratuities and optional activities.
- Anything not mentioned in inclusions.