Activities

India is home to so most impressive architectural wonders and monuments which go beyond the Taj Mahal. In our specially crafted Central India Tour itinerary, we have included the Ajanta and Ellora Caves with other splendid tourist sites of India. Ajanta Caves are a group of 30 Buddhist Rock Cut caves dating back to the 2nd century BC. They include some of the most magnificent sculptures and ancient cave paintings some of which are prime examples for ancient Indian and Buddhist art & culture.

On the other hand, Ellora caves are the epitome of rock-cut architecture in India. The Kailash Temple of Ellora is the extraordinary cave temple due to its size, sculptural treatment, and architecture. Also, the Stupa of Sanchi is one of the oldest stone constructions in India that stands as one of the brightest architectural gems from the Mauryan period. The rock shelters at Bhimbetka exhibits the earliest proof of human life in India. Some of these shelters were inhabited over 100,000 years ago, and some of these shelters house rock paintings from the Stone Age era with a history going back to over 30,000 years old.
Itinerary Details
Day 01: Welcome to Mumbai

As you arrive at Mumbai – the city of Dreams, our representative will greet you in a beautiful traditional manner at the airport. After wards you are transferred to your pre-booked hotel.
Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 02: Mumbai
Full day guided city tour of Mumbai.

After breakfast, our guide will meet at the hotel and take you for a boat cruise to the 5th Century Elephanta Caves Island known for its collection of cave temples. Most of these temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva. Elephanta Cave Island is known for its rock-cut stone sculptures displaying a splendid amalgamation of Hinduism and Buddhism.

Take back the boat cruise to Mumbai and visit Gateway of India– one of the most prominent landmarks in Mumbai, standing at the height of 26 meters, overlooking the Arabian Sea. Explore Prince of Wales Museum now known as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya. It houses over 5000 artifacts and relics. These artifacts span from the Indus Valley Civilization to the pre- Independence era. Later, visit Mani Bhavan, which once served as the residence and Mumbai headquarters of Mahatma Gandhi between 1917 and 1934. Also, explore Marine Drive and Dhobi Ghat, etc.

Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 03: Mumbai - Aurangabad (By Flight)

Early morning, transfer to the airport to board a flight to Aurangabad. Upon arrival at the airport, transfer to the hotel & check-in. Today, visit Ajanta Caves – this is a prominent World Heritage Site located in the beautiful valley of the Sahyadri Hills which is approximately 107km from Aurangabad city. Ajanta Caves date back to the 2nd Century BCE to about 480 CE. These are known for their rock-cut sculptures and paintings depicting various stages of the life of Lord Buddha.

Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 04: Aurangabad
Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel and get ready to walk down the memory lanes by visiting the famous Ellora Caves. This UNESCO world heritage site is known for its rock-cut monastery-temple complexes with monuments and caves dedicated to Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism. You can find over 100 caves at the site sharing some key insights about the history.

Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel and get ready to walk down the memory lanes by visiting the famous Ellora Caves. This UNESCO world heritage site is known for its rock-cut monastery-temple complexes with monuments and caves dedicated to Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism. You can find over 100 caves at the site sharing some key insights about the history.

After visiting the Ellora Caves, visit the Daulatabad Fort located about 16-kms from the city of Aurangabad and is considered as one of the 7-wonders of Maharashtra. Next on this tour to central India is Bibi-Ka-Maqbara bearing a striking resemblance to the majestic Taj Mahal at Agra. It was built between 1668 and 1669 C.E and features a Charbagh formal garden, pillared pavilions, pilasters topped with small minarets.

Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 05: Aurangabad to Maheshwar (By Surface 07 hrs drive)

After a delightful breakfast at the hotel, take a drive from Aurangabad to Maheswar. Since it is a long drive, stop for the refreshing lunch. Upon arrival, check into the hotel and relax. Later get ready for a boat ride in the Narmada River, amidst the beautiful natural landscape of the region. This is a great experience that bestows ample mental solace to you. Explore the historical Ghats of Maheshwar along with ancient temples like Ahilyabai Temple.

Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 06: Excursion to Mandu (03 hrs)

After breakfast, embark a day-long excursion to Mandu. Here take a guided tour of Delhi Darwaza Maheshwar, Jahaz Mahal, Hindola Mahal, Hoshang Shah’s Tomb, Jami Masjid, Rewa Kund, Baz Bahadur’s Palace and Roopmati’s Pavillions. Delhi Darwaza is one a dozen gateways to enter the city, and the doorway is made up of red stone. Hoshang Shah’s tomb is an excellent example of Afgan art and architecture. The tomb was constructed in the 15th century to honor Hoshang Shah.

Jahaz Mahal appears like a ship sailing on the water and is surrounded by two lakes. The Hindola Palace was constructed with sloping walls, making it appear like a swing. The Roopmati Pavillion and Baz Bahadur’s Palace are classic examples of Islamic architecture in India. Both have large courtyards and offer you a whale of a time.

Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 07: Maheshwar to Bhopal (by surface 05 hrs drive)

After breakfast drive to Bhopal enjoying amazing views of the Narmada River. Upon arrival, check-in to your hotel, relax and get ready for exotic adventure in the central India tour. Bhopal is also known as a city of Lakes and the state capital of Madhya Pradesh means a central province of India.

Day 08: Excursion to Sanchi & Vidisha (03 HRS)

Sanchi, Vidisha & Udaigiri

After breakfast at the hotel, get ready for an excursion tour to Sanchi, 46-km from Bhopal. Here you will delve into the beauty of UNESCO World Heritage Sites of the Sanchi Stupa and Ashoka Pillar. These structures were commissioned by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd Century BC and contain inscription based on tenants on Buddhism on them.

Later during the day, we visit the 5th Century rock-cut caves of Udaigiri and Vidisha. These caves are known for their sculptures and temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva, and Goddess Durga and Matrikas. Return to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 09: Visit to Bhimbetka & Bhojpur (03 HRS)

Adventure continues on your central India Tour. Enjoy your breakfast and travel to Bhimbetka to explore cave paintings from the Palaeolithic period and Mesolithic period at the Bhimbetka rock shelters. Bhimbetka is also a UNESCO world heritage site. Spread in more than 10 KMS area, there are about 750 rock shelters in Bhimbetka consisting of 07 hills.

Bhimbetka rock paintings provide rare glimpses into human life from the prehistoric era.

Continue your journey to Bhojpur to explore the very popular Bhojesvar Shiva Temple – it has India’s largest Shiva Lingam crafted from one rock. Also, visit the unfinished 1100 AD Jain Temple. Return to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 10: Flight to Delhi

Today after breakfast you will be transferred to Bhopal Airport to catch a flight to Delhi. From Delhi international airport, board the onward connection back to the home country. This historically rich central India tour ends here.