North, Central and West India Monuments Tour

North, Central and West India Monuments Tour: Complete Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive Delhi
Arrive Delhi international airport by flight. Meet & greet with our office representative, assistance and transfer to hotel. Rest day free and easy for personal activities relax etc. Overnight at hotel.

Day 02: Delhi
Breakfast at hotel, full day city tour. Drive past Red Fort & Chandni Chowk Bazar, Khari Baoli spice market.

Visit Jama Masjid (Mosque). Shah Jahan (King of the World) founded the city of Shahjanabad, now referred to as Old Delhi, in 1648. Opposite the fort is the Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in the world, built by Shah Jahan to dominate his city. Raj Gath: The memorial of Mahatma Gandhi where he was cremated after his assassination. Qutab Minar: The building complex dated back on the onset of Muslim rule in India and are fine examples of Afghan architecture. Himayun’s Tomb: Build by wife of Humayun, the second mughal king. It is an early example of Mughal architecture. India Gate: The 42m high stone "Arch of Triumph", erected in the memory of Indian soldiers who died in the First World War; Drive through Rajpath "Kingsway" a VVIP area of Delhi including Rashtrapati Bhawan. Laxmi Narayan Temple: Garishly colored modern temple is erected by the industrialist Birla. This temple is dedicated to Laxmi - the goddess of wealth and Narayan - Lord Vishnu, husband of Laxmi. Lotus Temple: In the heart of New Delhi, the bustling capital of India, a lotus-shaped outline has etched itself on the consciousness of the city's inhabitants, capturing their imagination, fuelling their curiosity, and revolutionising the concept of worship. [Temple is closed on Monday's]. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 03: Delhi – Jaipur (165kms/ 5hrs approx)
Breakfast at hotel, drive to Jaipur, check in at hotel, rest day free and easy for personal activities relax. Overnight at hotel.

Optional Evening; Dinner at Chokhi Dhani; Capturing the spirit of Rajasthan and ensuring the perfect Rajasthani experience is Chokhi Dhani, a unique Village Resort. Chokhi Dhani literally means a “fine hamlet” i.e. a quintessential village that offers an ideal pastoral experience. Away from the urban life the quaint mud and thatch dwellings in the resort give the right blend of traditions - modern amenities in typical ethnic environment.

Day 04: Jaipur
Breakfast at hotel, visit Amber Fort and enjoy Elephant Ride (upto the hills). Raja Man Singh the Rajput commander of Akbar’s army constructed the fortress palace in the end of 16th century. Amber is superb example of Rajput architecture, situated on a hilltop, overlooking a lake. Amber Fort is known for its unique artistic style, blending both Hindu and Muslim (Mughal) elements, and its ornate and breathtaking artistic mastery. The fort borders the Maota Lake. Amber was originally built by the Meenas in the town they consecrated to Amba, the Mother Goddess, whom they knew as `Gatta Rani' or `Queen of the Pass'. Built over the remnants of an earlier structure, the palace complex which stands today was commenced under the reign of Raja Man Singh, Commander in Chief of Akbar’s army and a member of the Emperor's inner circle of nine courtiers, in 1592. The initial structure of the fort was entirely completed by his descendant; Jai Singh I. Amber was modified by successive rulers over the next 150 years, until the Kachwahas shifted their capital to Jaipur during the time of Sawai Jai Singh II.

City tour of Jaipur, the origins of the beautiful city of Jaipur can be traced back to the eighteenth century, during the reign of Jai Singh II who ascended the Amber throne in 1699. Jaipur today, epitomizes the spirit of Rajputana. In-spite of growing into a bustling metropolis, it still retains it's character and history - Beautiful fusion of the yesteryears and modernity. Popularly known as the Pink City because of the extensive use of the locally abundant pink plastered stone, painted so in honor of the visit of the royal consort of Queen Victoria Jaipur thrills the soul with its massive forts, magnificent palaces, exquisite temples and lush gardens. Main tourist attractions of Jaipur are City Palace with its fine collection of textiles, costumes and armory and the Hawa Mahal or Palace of the Winds. Maharaja Jai Singh was a great astronomer of his time. He built here extraordinary (and very accurate) stargazing Observatory here named as “Jantar Mantar”. Overnight at hotel.

Day 05: Jaipur – Fatehpur Sikri – Agra (235kms/ 5hrs approx)
Breakfast at hotel drive to Agra, Enroute visit to Fatehpur Sikri: built by Emperor Akbar in 1569 and abandoned after 15 yrs. Due to scarcity of water. Predominately, a red sandstone construction sprawling over a huge area, the architectural style is very much in tune with emperor’s dream & partakes of both Hindu & Muslim styles. See the graceful buildings including Jama Masjid, Tomb of Salim Chisti, Panch Mahal & other places.

Salim Chishti Dargah; built by Emperor Akbar in 1569 and abandoned after 15 yrs. Due to scarcity of water. Predominately, a red sandstone construction sprawling over a huge area, the architectural style is very much in tune with emperor’s dream & partakes of both Hindu & Muslim styles. Salim Chishti (1478-1572) was one of the famous Sufi saints of the Chishti Order in India. Salim Chishti was the descendant of the famous Khawaja Moinuddin Chishti whose tomb is in Ajmer, Rajasthan.

Continue drive to Agra, on arrival check in at hotel. Evening free to scroll the market. Overnight at hotel.

Day 06: Agra – Gwalior (118kms/ 3hrs approx)
Breakfast at hotel, visit Taj Mahal: One of the Seven Wonder of the World was build by Shah Jahan in 1631 AD and was completed in 1651. This symbol of love was build in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Described as the most extravagant monument ever build for love. It was constructed by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a memorial to his queen Mumtaz Mahal, made out of white marble took 22 years to complete. Ustad Ahamad Lahori, a Parsian Architect, is said to be the main designer and planer of this magnificent memorial. On full moon night, the glory of the Taj is at its best. (Taj Mahal remain closed on every Friday)

Agra Fort: build by the famed Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1565AD, the fort is predominantly of red sandstone. Construction of the massive red sandstone Agra Fort on the bank of the Yamuna River was begun by Emperor Akbar in 1565, though additions were made up until the rule of his grandson, Shah Jahan region it has partially become Palace. The fort presents a good sampling of their favoured architectural styles. Akbar drew on Islamic and Hindu traditions and the result is eclectic. By Shah Jahan's time the style had become so homogenized that it is impossible to separate the Hindu and Muslim strands. The Diwan-I-Am (public audience hall) the beautiful Diwan-I-Khas (private audience hall) were also added by Shah Jahan. Overnight at hotel.

Afternoon drive to Gwalior, check in at hotel, rest day free and easy for personal activities relax etc. Overnight at hotel.

Day 07: Gwalior – Shivpuri – Orchha (235kms/ 5hrs approx)
Breakfast at hotel, visit, Gwalior Fort: Standing on a steep mass of sandstone, Gwalior Fort dominates the city and is its most magnificent monument. The magnificent outer walls of the Fort still stand, two miles in length and 35 feet high, bearing witness to its reputation for being one of the most invincible forts of India. This imposing structure inspired Emperor Babar to describe it "the pearl amongst the fortresses of Hind." 

Within the fort are some marvels of medieval architecture. The 15th century Gujari Mahal is a monument to the love of Raja Mansingh Tomar for his Gurjar queen, Mrignayani. Man Mandir Palace, built between 1486 and 1517. Teli ka Mandir: The Teli ka Mandir is a 9th century edifice, towering at 100 ft high. Sas-Bahu-ka-Mandir, built in 11th century dedicated to Vishnu. Tomb of Gaus Mohammad and the Mausoleum of Tansen. Another landmark is the historic Gurudwara Data Bandhi Chhod built in the memory of Guru Hargobind Sahib, the 6th Sikh Guru who was imprisoned here by Jehangir for over two years.

Afternoon drive to Orchha via Shivpuri an ancient town and a sacred place. It was formerly known as Sipri. It received its current name after independence in honor of the God Shiva. It is steeped in the royal legacy of its past, when it was the summer capital of the Scindia rulers of Gwalior. Earlier to that, Shivpuri's dense forests were the hunting grounds of the Mughal emperors. Emperor Akbar captured herds of elephants for his stables while returning from Mandu in year 1564. The thick forests are still there and continue to be a source of forest-produce for domestic and industrial use.

Chhatri is one of the famous cenotaphs in Shivpuri which has been erected by the Scindia rulers. The marble chhatri has been constructed in a Hindu-Islamic architectural fusion style, along with Rajput and Mughal styled pavilions. There is also a Mughal Garden at the site that has the royal tombs of the Scindias. These tombs are surrounded by huge trees, green orchards and criss-cross pathways that depict the Mughal architectural style.

The Mahua Shiva temple is a 7th century temple that resembles the Gupta temples at Sanchi and Tigawa. It is one of the famous temples in the region that has ornate door frames and pillars, dating back to the 7th and 8th centuries.

After sightseeing of Shivpuri continue drive to Orchha. On arrival check in at hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 08: Orchha – Khajuraho (178kms/ 4hrs approx)
Breakfast at hotel, visit, Orchha Fort; a wonderful example of a medieval fort palace, within the fort are the first buildings to explore. The tiered Jahangir Mahal was built in 1606 to commemorate the visit of Emperor Jahangir in 1606. The Raj Mahal, to the right of the courtyard, was built by Madhukar Shah and has bold colorful murals inside. The third palace, is the Rai Praveen Mahal, which is a two storey brick structure set in the gardens of Anand Mahal. Of the many temples within the fort, three are especially worth visiting. The Ram Raja Mandir was originally a palace and became a temple more by accident than design. An image of Ram was installed while the temple, The Chaturbhuj was being built for it.  For some reason the image could not be moved from the palace and despite its spires and ornate decoration became a sacred place. Linked to the Ram Raja is the Lakshminarayan temple, the interiors of which have some of the best preserved murals and wall paintings in Orchha.

Afternoon drive to Khajuraho, check in at hotel. Rest day free for personal activities relax. Overnight at hotel.

Day 09: Khajuraho – Bhopal (375kms/ 7hrs approx)
Breakfast at hotel, visit eastern, western & southern group of temples. Khajuraho, home to most famous of India’s temples on account of their remarkable erotic sculptures, lies in a rich, well watered plain. The temple 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.

Khajuraho temples were built in hundred years, from 950 to 1050 AD. Only 22 of the 85 original temples have survived the ravages of time. Each temple stands on a high platform. There are three main parts in each temple, the entrance (ardhamandapa), assembly hall (mandapa) and sanctum (garbha griha). The Khajuraho temples are made of sandstone. The builders didn't use mortar: the stones were put together with mortise and tenon joints and they were held in place by gravity. This form of construction requires very precise joints. The columns and architraves were built with megaliths that weighed up to 20 tons.

Today, the temples serve as fine examples of Indian architectural styles that have gained popularity due to their explicit depiction of sexual life during medieval times. Locals living in the Khajuraho village always knew about and kept up the temples as best as they could. They were pointed out to an Englishman in late 19th century but the jungles had taken a toll on all the monuments.

Afternoon drive to Bhopal, check in at hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 10: Bhopal
Breakfast at hotel, sightseeing of the "lakeside city", Bhopal is a fairyland half hidden among seven high hills, nestling in rich foliage. It was built in the 11th century when the legendary Raja Bhoj, fond of lakeside views, created a lake around which grew the beautiful sprawling city named after him. Soon more lakes and gardens, parks and ponds appeared, turning Bhopal into one of the most beautiful cities in India. Succeeding battalions of invaders seemed determined to erase it from the face of the earth and Bhopal went into oblivion. However, with the coming of the extravagant Mughals in the 14th century, the city was reborn. The Mughals made it a city of artists and musicians, monuments and mausoleums. The Jama Masjid, built by Qudsia Begum, has tall dark minarets crowned with glittering golden spikes. The Moti Masjid is patterned on Delhi's Jama Masjid. Among more recent constructions of note are the Tah-ul-Masjid, started by Begum Shah Jahan and completed in 1982. It has an impressive main hall, inter-arched roof, broad facade and wide courtyard with a shopping arcade - Taj market - around its boundary walls. Bharat Bhavan, a multi-arts centre without parallel in India, was designed by one of India's leading architects - Charles Correa. Another outstanding feature of Bhopal is its two picturesque lakes. An over-bridge divides one lake into two - Upper Lake and Lower Lake. A large expanse of water, the Upper Lake is over 2 sq. km in area. From the two high points of Idgah and Shamla, you get a fabulous view of the sunset on the lakes and of the twinkling city lights in the distance. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 11: Bhopal – Bhimbetka – Sanchi – Bhopal (211kms/ 5hrs approx round trip)
Bhimbetka 44km from Bhopal. Bhimbetka has South Asia’s richest collection of prehistoric paintings and many other archeological discoveries. This is the setting for a thousand shelters, stretching for some 10 km. - over 500 of them contain prehistoric and later paintings and a smaller number have evidence of Stone Age habitation from the Lower Paleolithic period to the late Mesolithic. Situated in the middle of a dense deciduous forest, there are over 30 species of trees with edible fruit, flower seeds and tubers - a vital food for tribal people even today. There is also a rich wildlife including several species of deer, wild boar, sloth bear, antelope, leopard, jackal, scaly ant-eater and a wide range of bird species. Some 7-km south east of Bhimbetka, Barkhera is one of the richest open-air Stone Age sites in South Asia. On the south edge of the road one sees thousands of Acheulian tools scattered in the thick teak forest and the fields on the north side of the road are equally rich in tools. Return to Bhopal for overnight stay.

Sanchi, the bastion of Buddhism, 72km from Bhopal. The first thing you notice are the huge stupas standing on a tranquil hill overlooking rich forests. These stupas are funeral mounds where the holy relics of the Buddha and other sages were interred. Emperor Ashoka built as many as eight stupas at Sanchi. Today only three survive but they are unparalleled for their stonecraft. The most magnificent Great Stupa is 37 m in diameter and 16 m high. The ground balustrade circumscribing the Great Stupa has four toranas or gateways, providing access from the four directions. These exquisitely carved gateways depict Buddhist legends and the main events in the Buddha's life. Close to the South gateway lie the ruins of the Ashoka Pillar. Other interesting  monuments include the 15-m high Stupa # 3 and the new vihara or monastery, where the relics of the Buddha have been enshrined in a glass casket in the inner sanctum. The 7-m high Stupa # 2 is noted for its chaitya hall or shrine. The museum at Sanchi displays a number of sculptures found in the area.

Some 12 km north-west of Sanchi lies the ancient town of Vidisha, also known as Besnagar, Vidisha was an important town in Emperor Ashoka’s time and his wife came from here. It is the sight of many relics of Mauryan civilization, including the Udayagiri Caves. The Khamb Baba is a monolithic pillar built in 90 BC by Heliodorus, an ambassador of the Greek king to the court of Vidisha. The pillar celebrates his conversion to Hinduism and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The museum has a fine collection of the earliest antiquities from Besnagar, dating back to the 2nd century BC.

Evening return to Bhopal. Overnight at hotel.

Day 12: Bhopal – Indore via Ujjain
After breakfast depart on the 244-km drive to Indore. En route visit Ujjain, one of the holy cities for Hindus and site of the Kumbh Mela. It was an important city in the kingdom rules by Ashoka’s father, when it was known as Avanti. Later it was also attractive to Chandragupta II (380-414 AD), one of the Gupta kings, who ruled from here, rather than his actual capital, Patliputra. Chandragupta’s court supported the Navratnas or ‘nine gems’ of Hindu literature,  including the important poet Kalidasa. Ujjain abounds in temples - the Mahakala Temple, which stands near the palace of Maharaja Scindia, the Bridh Kaleshwar temple, the marble-spired Gopal Mandir, built by Maharaja Jai Singh of Jaipur and the Temple of Nine Planets. Jantar Mantar is an ancient stone observatory constructed by Maharaja Jai Singh, and Kaliadah, the water palace of the Mandu Sultans, which stands on an island in the Sipra river. On arrival in Indore check in at the hotel for overnight stay.

Day 13: Indore – Mandu (95kms/ 2hrs approx)
Breakfast at hotel, drive to Mandu the “city of joy” situated on an isolated outcrop. Founded in the 10th century by Raja Bhoj, it has a chequered and varied history. Visit Jahaz Mahal; One of the most popular monuments in Mandu, this ship-like structure was constructed by Ghiyas-ud-din, son of Mohammed Shah, for his harem. According to the legends, this harem was home to 15,000 maidens. There are two lakes on the east and west side of the palace that create a perfect illusion of a ship with its rectangular shape.

Baz Bahadur’s Palace; The Rewa Kund is actually a tank of sacred water from the river Rewa, another name for the Narmada. This is the place where the love of poet-prince Baz Bahadur and Rani Roopmati flowered. Baz Bahadur was the last independent king of Malwa who fell in love with an ordinary shepherdess called Roopmati. Unfortunately, their love had a tragic end when the great Mughal emperor, Akbar, spurned by Roopmati’s beauty, attacked Mandu and Baz Bahadur fled Mandu leaving his lover to poison herself. Baz Bahadur’s Palace was constructed in 1509 beside the Rewa Kund, well before he became the king. The palace displays a curious mix of Rajasthani and Mughal style of architecture. There was a water lift at the northern end of the tank to supply water to the tank.

Roopmati’s Pavilion; Roopmati’s Pavilion, looking out over the distant river valley of the Narmada, is situated on the very edge of Mandu Fort. It is a very romantic building, a perfect setting for fairytale romance. From the pavilion at the end of the terrace of this palace you feel as if you are standing on the prow of a great ship, surging through a rising sea of clouds, with water streaming away in cascades as you ride the swell of your imagination. It’s a heady feeling!

Hoshang Shah’s Tomb; From the Jami Masjid, move on to the tomb of Hoshang Shah: a massive, foursquare monument with a huge dome. Constructed in AD 1435, it is reputed to be the oldest marble structure in India and depicts typical Hindu influences including carved marble lattice screens (jali). An inscription on the right jamb of the door mentions the name of Ustad Hamid who was involved with the building of the Taj Mahal in Agra. Overnight at hotel.

Day 14: Mandu – Aurangabad (380kms/ 8hrs approx)
Breakfast at hotel, drive to Aurangabad, checkin at hotel, rest time for personal activities relax etc. Overnight at hotel.

Day 15: Aurangabad
Breakfast at hotel, visit the Ellora Caves: hold the distinction of being a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ellora Caves represent the major religions, namely Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism. There are a total of 34 monasteries and temples at Ellora, belonging to the three different religions.

Also visit Aurangabad Caves: artificial caves, dug out of the rather soft rock during the 6th and 7th century. This caves are found on two separate locations, called Western Group Caves (caves 1-5) and Eastern Group Caves (caves 6-10), about 1km from each other. Each group has five caves. The architecture and iconography is influenced by Tantric Hinduism.

Bibi Ka Maqbara; the burial place of Aurangzeb's 1st wife, Rabia-ud-Durrani. It is an imitation of the Taj at Agra, termed as the poor man's Taj Mahal. Located behind the mausoleum is a small archeological museum. This mausoleum is also termed as 'poor man's Taj Mahal' owing to it being a poor replica of the Taj. Behind the mausoleum is located a small archeological museum. Emperor Aurangzeb's son built this monument in 1679 AD in memory of his mother Rabia (Aurangzeb's wife). Overnight at Hotel.

Day 16: Aurangabad – Ajanta - Aurangabad (104kms/ 2hrs one way)
Breakfast at hotel, full day excursion to Ajanta Caves. The Buddhist Caves of Ajanta were discovered by the British officers in 1819 while tiger hunting. Ajanta Caves were first mentioned in the writings of the Chinese pilgrim Hiuen Tsang who visited India between A.D 629 and 645. The Caves at Ajanta are older than those at Ellora , which date from about 200 B.C to 650 A.D. The thirty Caves at Ajanta are set in a steep crescent-shaped hillside in a forested ravine of the Sahayadri hills, which you can explore on tours to Ajanta. Thirty beautiful Buddhist Caves with mesmerizing sculptures and paintings depicting Buddha's life as well the lives of the Buddha in his previous births. Five of these Caves are Chaityas (Place of worship) while the other twenty-five are Viharas (monasteries). Ajanta Caves are divided in two categories based on two schools of Buddhist thought - Hinayana Caves and Mahayana Caves. Evening back to the hotel in Aurangabad. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 17: Aurangabad - Nasik (218kms/ 5hrs)
Breakfast at hotel, drive to Nasik, check in at hotel.

Later city tour visit Ramkund; Ramkund is a holy tank in Nasik, constructed by Chitrarao Khatarkar in the year 1696. The legend associated with the tank goes that when Lord Rama was sent to exile for fourteen, it was here only that he used to take bath. Muktidham Temple; Built entirely with shining white makrana marble, the temple is extremely famous for its magnificent and unique architecture. The white walls of the temple have been inscribed with the 18 chapters of the Gita. In the hindu religion, it is believed that visiting this temple holds as much significance as visiting the four dhams or holy centers. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 18: Nasik – Alibaug (231kms/ 5hrs approx)
Breakfast at hotel, drive to Alibagh, check-in at resort.

Alibag Beach - The main beach of the town Alibag beach is totally pollution free. Trees move through and fro giving fresh air with a fresh feeling. Walking on the sandy beach is quite pheasant, the waves bring the water close to your feet and because of this one can't resist himself from entering the water. Fresh air, Sandy beach, sight of the Colaba fort are the major attractions. In addition to that you may enjoy Bhel-puri, Coconut water, Ice-cream, Sea Food, Alu Bonda etc. Alibagh other beaches are Akshi Beach, Nagaon beach, Kihim Beach, Mandwa Beach & Kashid Beach.

Colaba Fort: It is situated in the sea at a distance of 1-2 km from the Alibag shores. At the time of fall, one can walk to the fort in waist-deep water. However, during the tide, boats need to be used. Colaba fort, major water fort in Konkan, Shivaji Maharaj built this fort in 1680, Nine hundread feet long and three hundread fifty feet wide, Having two 'dwars' (gates), one from the shore, another from the sea side.

Kanakeshwar temple: The old temple of Lord Shiva is about 12 km away from Alibag and falls on the way to Mandawa. The temple of Kanakeshwar is very beautiful, it is a ' Hoysal ' style structure built in 1764. A water tank - popular known as 'Pushkarni' - has water almost through out the year. Kanakeshwar is a place to feel the jungle and silence of the jungle and hills. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 19: Alibaug
Day free for personal activities, relax etc. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 20: Alibaug – Mumbai ( 110 kms/ 2-3 hrs)
Breakfast at hotel, drive Mumbai, check-in at hotel. Excursion to Elephanta Caves.

The Elephanta Island is located 10km away from the Gateway of India at Mumbai. These caves house rock cut temples dating back to the 5th century BC. The rock cut temples dedicated to Shiva Mahadeva are rich in sculptural content. Motorboats take passengers from Appollo Bunder near the Gateway of India. The rock cut temples were created by carving out rock, and creating the columns, the internal spaces and the images. The entire temple is akin to a huge sculpture, through whose corridors and chambers one can walk. The entire complex was created through a process of rock removal. Some of the rock surfaces are highly finished while some are untreated bare rock.

The island, located on an arm of the Arabian Sea, consists of two groups of caves—the first is a large group of five Hindu caves, the second, a smaller group of two Buddhist caves. The Hindu caves contain rock cut stone sculptures, representing the Shaiva Hindu sect, dedicated to the god Shiva. The rock cut architecture of the caves has been dated to between the 5th and 8th centuries, although the identity of the original builders is still a subject of debate. The caves are hewn from solid basalt rock. All the caves were also originally painted in the past, but now only traces remain.

The main cave (Cave 1, or the Great Cave) was a Hindu place of worship until Portuguese rule began in 1534, after which the caves suffered severe damage. This cave was renovated in the 1970s after years of neglect, and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 to preserve the artwork. It is currently maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India. Overnight at hotel.

Day 21: Mumbai - Home country
Breakfast at hotel, transfer to international airport to board connecting flight for your home country.