Discover Best of West India

01 Day: Arrival Mumbai

Welcome to the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport Mumbai assistance on arrival our representative assists and escorts you by a/c car and transfer to the pre-booked hotel. After check in, you will be given all the required documents related to your tour plan; he will explain all your queries about the entire tour plan. If you are arriving by early flight, after relaxation you can take a walk to have a glance of the city, visiting local markets and restaurants. Overnight at the hotel.

Mumbai is a cluster of Seven Islands and derives its name from Mumba Devi, the patron goddess of the koli fisher folk, its oldest inhabitants. Mumbai pulsates with activity. It is a city that is disciplined by nos time frame neither day nor night. It is also the country's financial powerhouse, the nation's industrial heartland, and its economic nerve center. Dazzling shopping arcades, exciting sport activity, nightclubs & discotheques, theatre & music, gourmet restaurants and interesting sightseeing. It offers visitors a heady mix of all this and more.

02 Day: Mumbai

Today morning after breakfast take a sightseeing tour of Mumbai city, firstly visit to Gateway of India and cruise by motorboats to Elephanta Caves - ancient rock cut caves dedicated to Lord Shiva. Later cruise back Gate Way of India. And sightseeing continue visiting Prince of Wales Museum- A heritage museum exhibits ancient artifacts. Parliament house- (From outside), Nariman Point- Commercial Hub, Marine Drive- a most beautiful laid boulevards of the city. Dhobhi Ghat- a famous open air laundry, Mani Bhawan- Known also Gandhi Bhawan. Later return to the hotel. If time permits visit to Bandra and Juhu area where bollywood celebrity houses are located like Shahrukh Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, Salman Khan etc, (can be seen from outside). In the evening, visit Iskcon Temple: dedicated to Lord Krishna, The architectural splendour of the ISKCON Temple is adorned with murals and sculptures. After visit return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Note: Elephanta Caves and Prince of Wales museum are closed on every Monday.

03 Day: Mumbai – Aurangabad (By Air)

After breakfast check out of the hotel and drive to the airport to board the flight for Aurangabad. On arrival, transfer into hotel. After refreshment take sightseeing tour of Aurangabad, visit to Bibi ka Maqbara Built by Azam Shah in 1678, the Bibi ka Maqbara is a son's loving tribute to his mother. Panchakki - which literally means 'Water Mill' by Malik Ambar in 1695. An artificial waterfall has been created near the mill, through which this water is discharged on to the wheel to power the flourmill and grind grain for the pilgrims. Return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Aurangabad: Malik Ambar, the Prime Minister of Murtaza Nizam Shah II, founded the city of Aurangabad in 1610 A.D, on the site of a village, Khirki. When Fateh Khan, Malik Ambar's son succeeded the throne in 1626, he named the city 'Fatehpur'. In 1653, when Aurangzeb became the Viceroy of the Deccan, he made it his capital, and renamed it Aurangabad. Maurya rule heralded the advent of Buddhism in the state of Maharashtra. The earliest caves at Ajanta and Pithalkora were excavated in the 2nd century BC, during the Satvahana era.

04 Day: Aurangabad – Ajanta (Excursion 105 kms: 2 hrs)

After early breakfast take an excursion to the famous Ajanta caves. Ajanta is one of the few historical and architectural marvels of India. Recognized as the World Heritage Site today, it was discovered during the 19th century by a group of British officers who were on a tiger hunt. Later if time permit you may opt to visit Jami Masjid, Bharatmata Mandir, Elephant Tank and 'Chini Mahal' or Chinese Palace are the important monuments inside the fort. Khuldabad ("Heavenly Abode"), Many historical figures are buried here including Aurangzeb, the last major Mughal emperor. Return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Note: The Ajanta Caves are closed to public on all Monday.

Ajanta: It was only in the 19th century, that the Ajanta group of caves, lying deep within the Sahyadri hills, cut into the curved mountain side, above the Waghora river, were discovered. A group of British officers on a tiger hunt, stumbled on these ancient works of art. They depict the story of Buddhism, spanning the period from 200 BC to 650 AD. The 29 caves were built as secluded retreats of the Buddhist monks, who taught and performed rituals in the Chaityas and Viharas, the ancient seats of learning, and nerve - centres of the Buddhist cultural movement

05 Day: Aurangabad – Ellora (Excursion 40 kms: 1 hr)

After early breakfast take an excursion to Ellora, one of the highly visited World heritage sites of India. It houses 34 monasteries and temples with some exclusive uninterrupted sequence of monuments that date back from 600 to 1000 AD. The temples of Ellora are dedicated to Brahmanism, Jainism, and Buddhism. It also has some of the excellent stonework depicting the legends related to Lord Shiva. After lunch (on your own) take a short sightseeing tour of visiting: Daulatabad also known as Devagiri, is a town which includes the Devagiri-Daulatabad fort It is a 14th-century fort city in Maharashtra state of India, about 16 kilometers northwest of Aurangabad. Chand Minar in Daulatabad, situated about 15 km from Aurangabad, is an outstanding example of Islamic art. Ala-ud-din Bahmani built this minaret in 1445 to celebrate his occupation of the area. Return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Note: The Ellora cave cslosed to public on all on Tuesday.

Ellora: The Ellora caves, 34 in number, are carved into the sides of a basaltic hill, 30 kms from Aurangabad. The finest specimens of cave - temple architecture, they house elaborate facades and exquisitely adorned interiors. These structures representing the three faiths of Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism, were carved during the 350 AD to 700 AD period. The 12 caves to the south are Buddhist, the 17 in the centre dedicated to Hinduism, and the 5 caves to the north are Jain.

06 Day: Aurangabad – Mandu (350 kms: 8 hrs)

After breakfast checkout the hotel and drive to Mandu. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. Evening is free for leisure and relaxation. Overnight stay at the hotel.

The word Mandu literally means the city of joy in the local language here. Located at a distance of 99 kilometres from Indore, it is a must visit excursion point from Indore. Mandu has a number of sites to visit like the palaces, tombs, temples, and a fort that was the monsoon retreat of the Mughal emperors here. Moreover, Mandu has over 40 monuments which are divided into three broad groups: the Central Village Group, the Royal Enclave Group, and the Rewa Kund Group.

07 Day: Mandu – Indore (95 kms: 2 - 3 hrs)

After breakfast take a sightseeing tour of Mandu, the city of joy, is full of legends of love and glory, visit several noteworthy palaces and pavilions some of which are Ashrafi Mahal, Rewa Kund Group, Hindola Mahal (swinging Palace). After visit checkout of the hotel and drive to Indore. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. After some relaxation in the evening visit The Khajuri Bazaar offers you unique shopping options of gold and silver work, cloth, leatherwork and traditional garments. Famous for its glass bangles and jewellery, there are the Sarafa Market that specializes in snacks and jewellery and the Kasera Bazaar that specializes in metalwork where you can indulge in the variety displayed for selling. The Chanderi and Maheshwari silks of Indore are the other famous attractions of this city. Overnight at the hotel.

Indore: is known as the city of the Holkars. The city was built by a Holkar Rani Ahilya Bai, one of the famous queens of India. Located in the Narmada River valley in the western part of the state of Madhya Pradesh, Indore is an important industrial city of India. It is also the centre of trade and textile industry and home to many historical monuments and temples. A must visit, Indore is also affectionately called /’Mini Mumbai/’. Visiting Indore means a visit to some of the famous historical monuments and religious centres inside the town.

08 Day: Indore – Ujjain – Indore (55 kms: 1 ½ hrs)

After breakfast take a sightseeing tour of the city visiting the Rajwada or the Old Palace (a major centre of attraction), Lalbagh palace, Kanch Mandir (a marvellous Jain temple), Chattri Bagh (the memorial with some canopies) and the Bada Ganapati (the largest lord Ganesha statue in the world). After visit drive to Ujjain known for being one of the four centers of Kumbha Mela on arrival take a sightseeing tour visiting Mahakaleshwar Temple, the Gopal Mandir or the Ganesh Temple, the temple of Har Siddhi Mata (the family goddess of king Vikramaditya) and the Vedha Shala (Veda School). After visit drive back to Indore for overnight stay.

Ujjain is the modern name for Ujjayini. Legend has it that in the hoary past, the God like king Shiva of Avanti commemorated his victory over the demon-ruler of Tripura or Tripuri on the banks of the Narmada by changing the name of his capital, Avantipura to Ujjayini (one who conquers with pride). Modern Ujjain is situated on the banks of the river Shipra, regarded since times immemorial as sacred. The belief in the sacredness of Shipra, has its origins in the ancient Hindu mythological tale of churning of the Ocean by the Gods and the Demons, with Vasuki, the serpent as the rope. The ocean bed first yielded fourteen gems, then Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth, and finally the coveted vessel of Nectar.

09 Day: Indore – Bhopal (195 kms: 5 hrs)

After breakfast checkout the hotel and drive to Bhopal. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. After relaxation take a sightseeing tour of the city visiting the Jama Masjid: Gold spikes crown the minarets of this beautiful mosque built in 1837 by Kudsia Begum. Also visit the Taj-ul-Masajid is one of the largest mosques in Asia. The Quibla wall in the prayer hall is carved with 11 recessed arches, while the mimber is made of black basalt. Situated behind Shaukat Mahal on the banks of the Upper Lake is Gohar Mahal, which is an architectural gem dating back to the times of Kudsia Begum, also known as Gohar Begum, who built this sprawling palace in 1820. The Mahal is a magnificent expression of the fusion of Hindu and Mughal architecture. Evening visit the most unique national institutes in India, Bharat Bhawan is a center for the performing and visual arts. Afterwards return back to hotel for overnight stay.

Bhopal the capital city of the largest state in India, Madhya Pradesh, is also known as the City of Lakes because of the two beautiful lakes that are situated in the center of the city. Bhopal is a beautiful city also famous for its mosques. The city of lakes, Bhopal, is divided as; Old Bhopal and New Bhopal. Both the new Bhopal and the old Bhopal are contradictory to each other. One of the greenest cities of India, it has wide, clean, well-lit roads lined with fiery, tall Gulmohar trees.

10 Day: Bhopal – Sanchi – Bhopal (45 kms: 1 hr one way)

After breakfast drive to Sanchi - The ancient seat of Buddhist learning. The places worth visiting are Archaeological Museum - The most interesting pieces are the lion capital from the Ashoka pillar, a Yakshi hanging from a mango tree and a beautiful Buddha figure in red sandstone. Great Stupa - This is the finest work of art at Sanchi and amongst the finest examples of Buddhist art in India. After visit return back to Bhopal. Evening visit Laxmi Narayan Temple And Museum, Van Vihar, Upper And Lower Lakes. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Sanchi is known for its Stupas, monasteries, temples and pillars dating from the 3rd century B.C. to the 12th century A.D. The most famous of these monuments, the Sanchi Stupa 1, was originally built by the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka, the then governor of Ujjayini, whose wife Devi was the daughter of a merchant from adjacent Vidisha. Their son Mahindra and daughter Sanghamitra were born in Ujjayini and sent to Sri Lanka, where they converted the King, the Queen and their people to Buddhism.

11 Day: Bhopal – Gwalior (By train)

After breakfast check out from the hotel and drive to the railway station to board the train for Gwalior. Assistance on arrival at Gwalior railway station and transfer to the hotel for overnight stay.

Gwalior's legendary beginning stems from a meeting between Suraj Sen and the hermit Gwalipa, who lived on the hilltop where the fort stands. The hermit cured Suraj Sen of leprosy with a drink of water from the Suraj Kund, which still remains in the fort. Then he gave him a new name, Suhan Pal, and said his descendants would remain in power so long as they kept the name Pal. His next 83 descendants did just that but number 84 changed his name to Tej Karan and, you guessed it, goodbye kingdom. It offers visitors a heady mix of all this and more.

12 Day: Gwalior

After breakfast, take a sightseeing of the majestic Gwalior fort is one of the largest and mightiest forts in India. Also visit Sas-Bahu Temples are 11th-century temples of Lord Vishnu while Teli-ka-Mandir is a 300-metre-high Vishnu temple of the 9th Century, visiting Jai Vilas Palace, Usha Kiran Palace, Gwalior fort, Man Mandir, Gujri Mahal and the tomb of Mohammad Ghaus. After visit return to the hotel for overnight stay.

13 Day: Gwalior – Datia – Orchha (125 kms: 3 hrs)

After breakfast, check out of the hotel and drive to Orchha. Enroute visit Datia its main attraction is seven storey Palace atop a hill built by Raja Bir Singh Deo. Later proceed to Orchha. The word Orchha apparently means 'hidden" it is situated on the bank of Betwa River the Bundelkhand region. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. Afternoon take city tour of Orchha visiting various temple and Palaces such as Raja Ram temple, Chaturbhuj Temple, Laxmi Narayan Temple, Shiva Mandir, Panch Mukhi Mahadev Mandir and other cenotaphs " Chhatries" on the bank of river Betwa and also visit Fort Palace of Raj Mahal, Jahangir Mahal, Diwan -I- Khas and Rai Praveen Mahal. Overnight at the hotel.

Orchha: The medieval city of Orchha, in the state of Madhya Pradesh, seems to have frozen in time, its palaces and temples still retaining their original grandeur. Orchha had the distribution of being the capital of one of the largest and most powerful kingdoms of Central India. The Bundela Rajput chieftain, Rudra Pratap, founded the city, located by the side of the beautiful Betwa River, in the 16th century. The word Orchha means 'hidden'. When the Tughlaqs, who were ruling Delhi in the 15th century, pushed the Bundelkhand rajas out of Garkhundar, they retreated to distant Orchha.

14 Day: Orchha – Khajuraho (175 kms: 4 ½ hrs)

Today morning after a leisure breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Khajuraho. On arrival, transfer to the hotel, after refreshment visit Raneh Falls is one of the prominent tourist attractions, which is named after King Rane Pratap, the erstwhile ruler of the region, situated in close vicinity of the destination, the waterfall emerged at the confluence of Ken and Khuddar rivers. Also visit Archaeological museum with its collection of stone sculptures of the Chandela dynasty. In the evening enjoy the speculative light and sound show. Return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Light and Sound Show: This fascinating light & sound spectacle evokes the life and times of the great Chandela Kings and traces the story of the unique temples from the 10th Century to the present day. The 50 minutes sound and light show is conducted by tourism department in the garden of western group of temples. The show is entertaining and informative about the construction, history and importance of the temples. The life and times of the great Chandela kings and the legend and grandeur of the unique temples from the 10th century to the present day are narrated in the voice of Amitabh Bachchan– the Bollywood legend.

15 Day: Khajuraho

After breakfast explore Khajuraho, is worldly known for its magnificent temples of erotica built between 950 A.D. and 1050 A.D. Khajuraho - the very name, Khajuraho, arouses strange dreams even in daytime of full bodied feminine forms frozen in stone, so real that you wonder whether they might come alive at a touch. Khajuraho is world heritage town, the temples are scattered in an area of 8 sq km. take a sightseeing tour visiting Western group of Temples consisting of the massive Laxman Temple dedicated to lord Vishnu, the Laxmi and Varaha temples dedicated to Vishnu’s consort Laxman, the Kandariya Mahadev temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and the Chausath Yogini temple dedicated to goddess Kali. Later take a sightseeing tour of Eastern group of Temples which consists of 3 Hindu and 3 Jain temples, their proximity attests to the religious tolerance of the times in general and of the Chandela rulers in particular, visit the Jain temples of Parsvanath, Adinath, and Shanti Nath. Also visit the temples of Vamana and Brahma/Hanuman both dedicated to lord Vishnu. Afterwards return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Khajuraho: The fascinating temples of Khajuraho, India's unique gift of love to the world, in the state of Madhya Pradesh, were built between 950 and 1050 A.D. It derives its name from the Khajur tree (the date palm tree) which can be found in abundance in the area. The divine sculptures in these temples are a tribute to Life itself, embodying everything that is sublime and spontaneous about it. With the wane of the Chandela Empire, these magnificent temples lay neglected, and vulnerable to the ravages of Nature. It was only in this century, that they were rediscovered, restored and granted the recognition that they justly deserve. Originally there were 85 temples, of which only 22 still exist. These magnificent temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and the Jain Tirthankaras.

16 Day: Khajuraho – Bandhavgarh (230 kms: 6 hrs)

After an early breakfast check out the hotel and drive to Bandhavgarh. On arrival, transfer to the jungle resort. After relaxation if time permits enjoy a jungle safari. Dinner and overnight stay at the resort.

Bandhavgarh National Park: Set amongst The Vindhya Hills in Madhya Pradesh, Bandhavgarh consists of 168 sq miles of Sal & a mixed forest with large stretches of Bamboo and Grassland to The North. One is generally lucky to view The Tiger, Gaur ( Indian Bison) Chital, Chansingha ( Four horned antelope). This Park houses some 150 species of birds including the Blue Bearded bee eaters, White Browed Fantails, and The Malabar Hornbill. The Bandhavgarh Fort , besides offering breath taking views, houses a 35 ft reclining statue of Lord Vishnu and 10th Century Rock Images of the incarnation of the Lord.

17 Day: Bandhavgarh

Early morning jungle safari by open canter. Return to the hotel for breakfast, after breakfast, trek to Bandhavgarh Fort situated at the highest point of Bandhavgarh hills. Also study the water management system. See the archaeological find of over 1000 years and study the unique topography of the Park from a birds-eye view, visit to the rural schools at Bandhavgarh. Evening recap of the day’s activity, walk through Medicinal Plant garden, study conservation practices such as solar cooking, solar water heating, vermiculture, and study the unique architecture of the Lodge, which is mud huts, and a unique Indian Village. A lecture on astronomy will follow, including stargazing with a telescope. Dinner and overnight stay at the resort.

18 Day: Bandhavgarh – Kanha (215 kms: 6 hrs)

After breakfast checkout the resort and drive to Kanha National Park, which is one of the most well known tiger reserves worldwide. It's located among the Banjar and Halon valleys in the Mandla / Balaghat districts. Kanha is also famous for its animal conservation efforts made in collaboration and cooperation with the local resident communities. On arrival, transfer to the resort. Evening will be at leisure. Dinner and overnight stay at the resort.

Kanha's sal and bamboo forests, rolling grasslands and meandering streams stretch over 940 sq km in dramatic natural splendour which form the core of the Kanha Tiger Reserve created in 1974 under Project Tiger. The park is the only habitat of the rare hardground Barasingha (Cervus Duvaceli Branderi). By a special statute in 1955, Kanha National Park came into being. Since then, a series of stringent conservation programme for the protection of the park's flora and fauna has given Kanha its deserved reputation for being one of the finest and best administered National Parks in Asia, an irresistible attraction for all wildlife lovers and a true haven for its animal and avian population.

19 Day: Kanha

After breakfast take sightseeing to Kanha, safari at Kanha zone, etc. Enjoy Jeep safari in Jungle, A must see for all nature enthusiasts, Kanha gives you a perfect opportunity to escape the mundane city hustle bustle and get lost in the wooded charm of the dense forest. Later take Jungle walks in designated nature trails is a very good option to explore and understand about Kanha national park and its bio-diversity. Kanha National Park is nestled in the Maikal range of Satpuras in Madhya Pradesh, the heart of India that forms the central Indian highlands. Guides are available at the entry gate after payment of normal guide charges and they take you on the trail. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

20 Day: Kanha – Pench (115 kms: 3 hrs)

After breakfast, check out the hotel and drive to Pench, on arrival transfer to the resort, after refreshment enjoy Jeep safari to at Touria zone and Jamthara zone. The main vegetation of the park is the Kullu and Teak trees and a wide variety of deciduous trees some of which are rare and endangered as well. Enjoy dinner & overnight stay at resort.

Pench National Park is situated in Seoni and Chhindwara districts of Madhya Pradesh in India. It derives its name from the Pench River that flows through the national park from north to south dividing the park into almost equal western and eastern halves, the well forested areas of Seoni and Chhindwara districts respectively. The forest cover in the park area includes Teak mixed with other magnificent species like saja, bijiayasal, lendia, haldu, dhaora, salai, aonla, amaltas. There are 10 villages in the national park, one inside the park (Fulzari) and nine on the periphery.

21 Day: Pench

After breakfast, take safari at Touria zone enjoy Bird Watching and Jeep safari to the national park for wildlife viewing, the Tigers of Pench are the main attraction and have a reserved territory for the habitation and preservation of these endangered species. Later return to the resort. Enjoy dinner & overnight stay at resort.

22 Day: Pench – Nagpur (160 kms: 4 hrs) – Mumbai (By Air)

After breakfast, check out the hotel and drive to Nagpur airport to board schedule flight for Mumbai, on arrival take connecting flight for home town/onwards journey. On departure tour conclude with the happy memories.