Day 1 – Indore
You arrive in Indore today. This afternoon you will be visiting the Indore city. 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. Here you will be visiting some of the famous historical monuments and religious centers – Rajwada, Kanch Mandir and Bada Ganapati.
The Rajwada or the Old Palace is located in the old city; the building is a blend of French, Mughal and Maratha architecture. This 200 year old palace belonged to the Holkar dynasty. The Kanch Mandir (Glass Temple), which is a Jain mandir (temple), is a marvel in glass. The walls, ceiling, floor, pillars, doors are entirely inlaid with glass creating a stunning kaleidoscope of reflections. Bada Ganapati, better known for its size than antiquity, this temple houses perhaps the largest Ganesh idol in the world measuring 25 feet from crown to foot. It was built in 1875. You will be staying in Indore tonight.
Day 2 – Indore – Mandu
This morning you will be driving to Mandu. The grandiose and remarkable architecture of Mandu makes it one of the places having the most impressive collection of Afghan art in India. Mandu is located in an evergreen plateau in the middle of lusting vegetation, surrounded everywhere by lakes and splendorous monuments. You will be staying in Mandu tonight.
Day 3 – Mandu
Continue to explore the town of Mandu today. Mandu is covered with architectonic gems widely spread in the whole perimeter. You will be staying overnight in Mandu.
Day 4 – Mandu – Maheshwar – Omkareshwar – Ujjain
This morning you will be visiting Maheshwar. Maheshwar is a historical town on the banks of river Narmada known for temples, mighty fort-complex standing in quiet beauty, mirrored in the river below and distinctive hand woven sarees called Maheshwari.
Later, drive to Omkareshwar to visit the sacred island, shaped like the holiest of all Hindu symbols, ‘Om’. Omkareshwar is situated on the banks of river Narmada, and is one of the 12 revered Jyotirlinga shrines of Shiva.
The significance of this linga is that the linga is not situated below the cupola. The idol of Lord Shiva is situated on the top of the temple. The temple can be reached by ferry from the banks of the river. In the evening proceed towards Ujjain where you will be staying overnight.
Day 5- Ujjain – Bhopal
Ujjain is a venerated pilgrimage center enshrining Mahakaleshwara, one of the Jyotirlinga manifestations of Shiva. Situated on the banks of the sacred river Shipra, Ujjain which is the modern name of Ujjaini. It is one of the sacred places of the Hindus, and the Kumbh Mela (religious fair) is held here every twelve years.
There are many great mythological legends about Ujjain city. Apart from mythological legends, the city has a long distinguished history. It was governed by the likes of Vikramaditya and Ashoka. Kalidas wrote his souls stirring poetry here. Visit Mahakaleshwara temple for the darshan of Shree Mahakaleshwara. One of the twelve Jyotirlingas in India, the lingam at the Mahakala is believed to be born of itself (swayambhu) deriving currents of power (shakti) from within itself as oppose to the other images and lingams which are ritually established and invested with the mantra-shakti. Later in the afternoon we will be driving to Bhopal. Overnight stay in Bhopal.
Day 6 – Sanchi – Bhimbetka
This morning you will be visiting the Sanchi Stupas. On the way to Sanchi, you will pass through several towns and small villages. Sanchi is 46 kms north east of Bhopal. It is unique for having the most perfect and well-preserved Buddhist stupas. The remains of Buddhist saints Sariputra and Mahamodgilya are also preserved here. The holy relics are displayed once a year, particularly, on the last Sunday of November during the annual Chetiyagiri Vihar festival.
Make sure you have enough film roles for the camera and the batteries of your digital cameras are fully charged, as you are about to witness a mesmerizing piece of Buddhist art. Our next stop will be at Bhimbetka. Bhimbetka is a World Heritage Site and is situated south of Bhopal. This is the site of the second oldest cave paintings in the world. The location is beautiful, along the Satpura range of mountains. The area around the caves is forested, which adds to the natural beauty. The Bhimbetka rock shelters exhibit the earliest traces of human life in India; its Stone Age rock paintings are approximately 9,000 years old, making them among the worlds oldest.
You will be staying overnight in Bhopal.
Day 7 – Bhopal – Khajuraho 7 h 2 min (370.7 km) via NH146
Early Morning Tiger Trail by Jungle Safari with 1 Separate Gypsy. Afternoon departure to Khajuraho. Arrival at Khajuraho Check in to Hotel. In evening enjoy witness the spectacular sound & light show Overnight stay at the Khajuraho.
Day 8 – Khajuraho Sightseeing
After breakfast, Full Day Sightseeing of Khajuraho i.e Kandariya Mahadeo Temple, Chaudsath Yogini, Chitrgupta etc. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 9 – Khajuraho – Gwalior
After breakfast, Proceed to Gwalior. Enroute visit Pool Bagh, Dinman Herdaul’s palace, Sunder Mahal. Arrival at Gwalior Check in to Hotel. In the evening enjoy sound light show. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 10 – Gwalior
After breakfast, Visit half day city tour includes the massive sandstone fort doting the city skyline, the 9th Century Teli Ka Mandir and 11th Century Sas bahu ka mandir. Afternoon drop to Railway Station.