Day 1: Arrive Delhi

On arrival assistance & transfer to hotel (hotel check in/ out time 12pm). 
Later city tour of Delhi. In Old Delhi visit the majestic Red Fort (closed on Monday) the residence of the Mughal emperor for nearly 200 years until 1857. Jama Masjid one of the largest mosques in the world built by Shah Jahan. Cycle Rickshaw ride in Chandni chowk & Khari Baoli Spice Market a busy shopping area with markets full of spices, dried fruit, silver jewelry and vivid saris, while the narrow side streets are crowded with tiny shops selling essential oils, stationery and traditional Indian sweets. Raj Gath the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi where he was cremated after his assassination. 

In New Delhi visit Humayun Tomb the first garden-tomb in Indian subcontinent and an early example of Mughal architecture commissioned by Humayun`s first wife Empress Bega Begum in 1569-70. Qutab Minar a 73-metres tall minaret that forms part of the Qutb complex a fine examples of Afghan architecture. Lotus Temple a Bahai House of Worship notable for its flowerlike shape. Also drive pass President House, Parliament & India Gate etc. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 2: Delhi - Ahmedabad (flight)

Breakfast at hotel, transfer to airport to board flight for Ahmedabad. Transfer to hotel. 

On arrival at Ahmedabad airport assistance & transfer hotel check in. Later city tour visit Hatheesing Jain Temple established in 1850 by Seth Hatheesing a rich Jain merchant, the temple is dedicated to 15th Jain Tirthankar Dharamnath. Bhadra Fort a beautiful monument that is famous for its intricate carvings, pattern works and beautiful frescos suits. Located in the middle of lush greenery the huge 44 acre Fort got its name from the Bhadrakali Temple that it houses. Sabarmati Ashram once the residence of Mahatma Gandhi located on the tranquil and serene stretch of Sabarmati River. The museum is one of the most interesting sections of the ashram as it has on display some of Gandhi`s personal letters and photographs. Shaking Minarets one of the most intriguing architectural wonders & an unsolvable mystery that the world has ever seen. Shree Swaminarayan Mandir Kalupur the first Temple of the Swaminarayan Sampraday, a Hindu sect. Kite Museum in the premises of Sanskar Kendra the museum had an elaborate display of about 125 uniquely carved kites including mirror embroidered kites, block print kites and Japanese kites such as Rokuku. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 3: Ahmedabad

Breakfast at hotel. Excursion to visit Adalaj Stepwell a magnificent structure built in 1498 to provide access to groundwater in this arid region. Walk in to witness astonishing beauty captured in stone and feel soothing drop in temperature. The tale of its creation is full of love and war, devotion and betrayal. Next head to Patan to visit Modhera Sun Temple a Hindu temple dedicated to the solar deity Surya built wetbeen 1026-27 CE during the reign of Bhima I of the Chaulukya dynasty. The temple complex has three components: Gudhamandapa, the shrine hall; Sabhamandapa, the assembly hall and Kunda, the reservoir. The halls have intricately carved exterior and pillars. The reservoir has steps to reach the bottom and numerous small shrines. Rani ki Vav 11th century Solanki era step well built by the Queen Udayamati & Karna in memory of her husband Bhima I. The stepwell is designed as an inverted temple highlighting the sanctity of water, divided into seven levels of stairs with sculptural panels, more than 500 principal sculptures and over a thousand minor ones combine religious, mythological and secular imagery. And Panchasara Jain Temples, more than 100 Jain temples with exquisite domes & sacred carvings on the walls built by king Vanraj Chavada around 746 CE.

After sightseeing drive back to Ahmedabad. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 4: Ahmedabad - Kevadia (200kms)

Breakfast at hotel, drive to Kevadia via visiting Vadodara & Champaner-Pavagadh.

In Vadodara visit Lakshmi Vilas Palace the largest private dwelling built till date, four times the size of Buckingham Palace. The striking Laxmi Vilas Palace was constructed in 1890 and took nearly twelve years to complete. Sprawling across an area of about 700 acres, it is still home to the royal family of Vadodara, the Gaekwads. It is built in the Indo-Saracenic style which is a hybrid of the Hindu, Gothic and Mughal architectural forms with the presence of domes, minarets and arches. The Laxmi Vilas Palace incorporates several other buildings within its complex including the LVP Banquets and Conventions, Moti Baug Palace and the Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum building. Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum houses an extraordinary collection of paintings by Raja Ravi Verma and various other artifacts gathered from all around the world. Also visit Kirti Mandir, built to commemorate the memory of his beloved ancestors in 1936 as part of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations of his mighty administration.

Next visit UNESCO World Heritage Site of Champaner-Pavagadh, located around the historical city of Champaner, a city which was founded by Vanraj Chavda, the most prominent king of the Chavda Dynasty, in the eighth century. The site encompasses forts, temples, mosques, mausoleum complexes, pavilions, wells and tanks built around 1523 in Indo-Saracenic architecture. 

Arrive Kevadia, check in at hotel. Evening Light & Sound show. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 5: Kevadia - Maheshwar (265kms)

Breakfast at hotel. Visit world tallest Statue of Unity, visit Sardar Sarovar Dam, the world`s second-largest concrete gravity dam, located on the mighty Narmada river near the Statue of Unity. Sardar Sarovar Dam provides electricity, drinking, and irrigation water to four states in India. Valley of Flowers, a beautifully landscaped garden with the mighty Narmada river and the Statue of Unity in the background. Made to give a glimpse into local ecology, featuring hundreds of species of native flowers, shrubs, trees, bamboo, grasses, and more. Also featuring many selfie points for all visitors to capture photos from the most scenic spots. 

Later drive to Maheshwar check in at hotel. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 6: Maheshwar 

Breakfast at hotel. Excursion to Mandu an ancient fort city dotted with gateways, adorned with spell-binding Afghan architecture, surrounded by baobab trees, native to Africa. The grand palaces are still alive with royal romance while the gateways speak of a history of imperial conquests. Landmark buildings include Hoshang Shah`s Tomb, a domed marble mausoleum, the vast Jami Masjid mosque, with courtyards framed by colonnades and the imposing centuries-old Jahaz. Floating over it`s own reflection, the Jahaz Mahal looks like a ship that`s about to sail. However, for centuries this ship made of stone and mortar never did. Instead, it stood floating over the twin lakes, bearing a silent witness to Mandu`s long, rich and varied history. 

Drive back to Maheshwar, visit Fort of Maheshwar built during 4th to 5th century, the best example of ancient Indian material construction, war tactics & defense policy. The present structure belongs to 17th to 18th century. There are five main entrance & several rooms for watching soldiers. It also has a five feet wide footpath to supervise the area around it. The monuments inside the fort are Rajwada Palace, having golden jhula & Rajrajeshwar temple. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 7: Maheshwar - Indore (145kms)

Breakfast at hotel. Drive to Indore via visiting Omkareshwar one of the 12 Jyotirlinga temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, nestled in the Omkar mountain, an island in the middle of River Narmada. The five storeys temple has a large sabha mandap (prayer hall) standing on 60 brown huge stone pillars. Taking a dip in the Narmada river before going inside the temple is considered auspicious. The ancient shivling in the temple is barricaded by a glass box to avoid destruction. 

Arrive Indore check in at hotel. Later visit Lal Bagh Palace Museum. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 8: Indore - Bhopal (255kms)

Breakfast at hotel. Drive to Bhopal via visiting Mahakaleshwar jyotirlinga Temple in Ujjain. 

Arrive Bhopal check in at hotel. Later city tour of Bhopal famous for the pair of artificial Upper & Lower Lake that split the city. Towards the north of the lakes lie the intriguing old town with rustic mosques, bustling bazaars, serpentine alleys and exquisite havelis. To its south is the new town with swanky infrastructure, shopping complexes and wide roads. The city will catch your attention through its breathtakingly beautiful havelis and museums as well as Nawabi food. Visit two historic mosques the Jama Masjid a classic Islamic architecture with two tall minarets & Moti Masjid an architectural marvel. Only Muslim can enter Taj-Ul-Masjid a stunning and elegant architecture with enormous domes, a spectacular hallway and elegant minarets. 

Also visit arts center in Bharat Bhawan a centre of performing arts, a unique institution with an unparalleled and impactful architecture. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 9: Bhopal 

Early morning visit Bhoj Wetland a Ramsar site consists of two lakes Upper and & Lower Lake a man-made reservoir and home to diverse flora & fauna. 179 species of birds, 43 species of fishes, over a dozen species of reptiles and amphibians (including five species of tortoise), 206 species of phytoplankton and 98 species of insects, all of which add up to a vibrant and thriving ecosystem. over a hundred sarus cranes (India`s largest avian species) have been observed congregating here. Other species sighted at this birders paradise are Eurasian wrynecks, roufous-tailed finch larks, white-throated kingfishers, white-bellied drongoes, black-headed orioles, western reef herons, grey-headed canary-flycatchers, Egyptian vultures and bay-backed shrikes.

Breakfast at hotel. Excursion to visit Bhimbetka rock shelters an archaeological site dating back to the Paleolithic age inhabited by the homo erectus more than 100, 000 years ago. Bhimbetka is a world heritage site and houses one of the oldest cave paintings in the world, a must-visit site for all history enthusiasts. 

Next visit Bhojpur an incomplete 11th CE Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The construction was abandoned for unknown reasons, with the architectural plans engraved on the surrounding rocks. It houses a 7.5 feet high lingam in its sanctum, considered to be one of the finest examples of temple architecture in the region. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 10: Bhopal - Khajuraho (380kms)

Breakfast at hotel. Drive to Bhopal enroute visit Sanchi a serene hill crowned by a group of stupas, monasteries, temples and pillars dating from 3rd BCE to 12th CE. Sanchi Stupa, a UNESCO world heritage site is home to the relics of Buddha and his followers. Built by the Mauryan emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE, it is a remarkable specimen of Buddhist art and architecture. Sanchi`s uniqueness lies in the fact that Buddha isn`t represented by figures but through symbols. 

Next visit Udayagiri Caves, early Hindu ritual site, extensively carved and reworked under the command of Chandragupta II, Emperor of the Gupta Empire, in the late 4th & 5th CE. Udayagiri has a series of rock-shelters and petroglyphs, ruined buildings, inscriptions, water systems, fortifications and habitation mounds, all of which have been only partially excavated. 

Arrive Bhopal check in at hotel. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 11: Khajuraho - Prayagraj (300kms)

Breakfast at hotel. Visit well maintained UNESCO World Heritage Site, exploring eastern, western & southern group of temples adorned by erotic and sensuous carvings. The architecture of these temples depict the erotic forms of love, the carvings on the walls display passion in the most sensuous yet aesthetic ways. Built between 950 to 1050 AD by Chandela dynasty the temples of Khajuraho are India`s unique gift to the world, representing, as they do, a paean to life, to love, to joy, perfect in execution and sublime in expression. Of the 85 original temples, 22 have survived till today to constitute one of the world`s great artistic wonders. 

Drive to Prayagraj check in at hotel. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 12: Prayagraj - Varanasi (120kms)

Breakfast at hotel. Visit Sangam, the confluence of Ganges, Yamuna and a mythical river Saraswati. The place is considered to be one of the most sacred in Hindu religion and is the site for Ardh-Kumbh and Kumbh Mela that takes every 6 and 12 years respectively. Allahabad Fort, situated on the northern banks of Yamuna near the confluence, Emperor Akbar himself commissioned this magnificently designed fort in the year 1583. At a time this fort was considered among the best garrisons in the entire Mughal Empire. The fort has massive walls and three gateways that are flanked by high towers. Anand Bhawan, the ancestral home of Jawaharlal Nehru, the freedom fighter and the first Prime-Minister of India. The place has been turned into a fine museum that displays the memorabilia of the Nehru family. 

Drive to Varanasi check in at hotel. Evening attend Holy Ganga Aarti, a magical ritual held every evening at sunset on the banks of the Holy Ganges. The entire Ghat gets illuminated with a divine light that can be felt strongly. The magnificent ritual involves huge brass lamps lit with oil and the priests chant the holy mantras that reverberate in the entire location. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 13: Varanasi 

Early morning boat ride & ghat visit along the Ganges and catch the scene of devotees bathing and praying in the sacred water. Ghats in Varanasi are riverfront steps leading to the banks of the River Ganges. The city has 88 ghats, most of the ghats are bathing and puja ceremony ghats, while two ghats are used exclusively as cremation sites. The ghats are frequented by the people which include early morning bathers, priests, people practicing meditation and yoga, students and tourists as well. 

Breakfast at hotel, city tour visit Banaras Hindu University. With 5.3 sq kms campus and 30, 000 residing students it is the largest residential university in the continent. Bharat Mata Temple built in 1936 houses a relief map of undivided India, carved out of marble. Tulsi Manas Mandir one of the most famous temples in Varanasi. The temple has beautiful images of Lord Rama, Mother Sita, Lakshman and Lord Hanuman. The walls of temple are adorned with verses from Ramcharitmanas, the Hindi version of the epic Ramayana.

Continue to Sarnath, it was here Lord Buddha preached his first sermon after attaining the Enlightenment at Bodh Gaya. The great Dhamekh Stupa and glistening pillar established by Emperor Ashoka in 273-232 B.C. stand testimony to the importance the place enjoyed at that time. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 14: Varanasi - Delhi (flight)

Breakfast at hotel, transfer to airport to board flight for Delhi. Transfer to hotel check in at hotel.

Rest time free to relax. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 15: Delhi - Departure

Breakfast at hotel. As per flight schedule transfer to airport to board flight for onward destination.

Assistance on arrival at airport.

14 Nights' accommodation in selected price category hotels.

Daily breakfast at hotels. Any other meal (lunch/ dinner) if clearly mentioned in the itinerary).

Private air-conditioned deluxe car for airport transfer, sightseeing and excursion as per program.

English speaking tour guide on sightseeing days (local guide in each city), as per program.

Monument entrances and activities charges mentioned in the itinerary.

Bottled drinking water in car.

Government taxes.

 

Hotels used or similar for 14 nights accommodation

Delhi x 2 nights
3* - Madhuban Hotel/ Emarald Hotel
4* - The Royal Plaza/ Country Inn & Suite Saket
5* - Le Meridien/ The Claridges

Ahmedabad x 2 night
3* - WelcomHeritage Mani Mansion/ Parker Lords Eco Inn
4* - Ramada Hotel/ Lemon Tree Premier 
5* - The House of MG/ Le Meridien

Kevadia x 1 night
3* - Tent City Narmada / Brg Budget Stay
4* - Statue of Unity Tent City 1 - Royal Cottages/  Ramada Encore
5* - Statue of Unity Tent City 1 - Royal Villa

Maheshwar x 2 nights
3*/4* - MPT Narmada Resort/ Gurukripa Hotel and Restaurant
5* - Ahilya Fort 

Indore x 1 night
3* - Citrus Hotels/ Hotel Nahargarh Palace
4* - Lemon Tree Hotel/ Pride Hotel
5* - Indore Marriott Hotel/ Sheraton Grand Palace

Bhopal x 2 nights
3* - Lake View Ashok/ The Fern Residency
4* - Noor Us Sabha Palace/ Sayaji Bhopal
5* - Jehan Numa Palace/ Courtyard by Marriott

Khajuraho x 1 night
3* & 4* - Ramada/Clarks Hotel
5* - Radisson Hotel/ Hotel Chandela

Prayagraj x 1 night
3* - Hotel Allahabad Regency/ Hotel Milan Palace
4* & 5* - Hotel Kanha Shyam/ Grand Continental Hotel

Varanasi x 2 nights
3* - Meraden Grand/ Amaya Hotel
4* - Rivatas by Ideal/ Palace On Ganges
5* - Radisson Hotel/ Gateway Hotel Taj

Delhi - Ahmedabad & Varanasi - Delhi flight fare approx INR 9, 500 per person in economy class.

Camera charges at monuments.

Meals other than mentioned in day plan.

Expenses of personal nature like liquor, laundry, tips, telephone, fax, internet etc. 

Gratuities & optional activities.

Anything not mentioned in inclusions.