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Description: Arrive in Delhi. After you have cleared immigration and customs formalities, you are met outside the arrival hall by our representative, who will be holding a sign with your name. He will escort you to your vehicle and assist with transfer and check-in formalities at your hotel. (Check-in time 14:00 hrs) Delhi, India's capital and political hub is an ancient city that has something for everyone. Settled seven times over the centuries, this city has grown in a way that reflects its past, while retaining its cosmopolitan flavor. Delhi is India's showcase, be it architecture, religion, shopping, culture - everything is available here - waiting to be discovered. Imposing, inspiring and right at home among the grand landmarks of the New Delhi's Diplomatic Enclave, this iconic palace style hotel makes a significant statement in terms of architecture and intent.

Locations: Delhi

Highlights: Explore Delhi

Description: After breakfast proceed for a tour of India's capital. Start your day with a tour of Old Delhi, driving along the Rajpath and visiting the Asia's largest mosque known as Jama Masjid. A ride on a pedicab/rickshaw will take you to the heart of Old Delhi, allowing you to savour the sights, smells and sounds of this ancient city, its past reflected in its present. Your guide will take you through winding lanes recounting tales, anecdotes and legends of a Delhi that goes back thousands of years. The tour takes you to the age old Silver market, through quaint streets selling incredible ware. Drive past Red Fort to visit city's largest Sikh Temple known as Bangla Sahib Gurudwara. After lunch, the sightseeing of the New Delhi begins with drive past India Gate, built in memory of Indian soldiers killed during the First World War, Rashtrapati Bhawan, built in the early 20th century as the Imperial residence of the Viceroy, today the official residence of the President of India and Parliament House, an unique circular building with huge colonnades, houses the Upper and Lower Houses of Parliament. Visit Humayun's Tomb, the first Mughal garden tomb, with its four grand gateways, octagonal base-plan, soaring niche-shaped arches, lofty double domes and the symmetrical garden with its central canal. The sightseeing tour of New Delhi comes to an end with the visit of 70-meter high Qutub Minar, which looms majestically across the wide plains of Delhi. It was built during the 12th century Delhi Sultanate period and commemorates the conquest of Delhi by Qutb-ud-din Aibak, the slave and chief general of Mohammad Ghauri.

Locations: Delhi

Highlights: Explore Gwalior

Description: Early morning transfer to the railway station for the train to Gwalior. Delhi/Gwalior Shatabdi Express dep: 06:00 hrs arr: 09:23 hrs You are met on arrival at Gwalior railway station and transferred to the hotel. On arrival, check in at the hotel. Gwalior was established in the 8th century and named after Saint Gwalipa. Formally the capital of Madhya Bharat (Central India) it was ruled by Tomar kings, the Mughals and the Marathas. In the afternoon, take a tour of Gwalior, The city is dominated by its hill-top fort, one of the most redoubtable in the world. Rajput valour and chivalry are redolent in the very stones of the 15th century Palace of Raja Mansigh located in the citadel. The fort also houses the Teli-ka-Mandir, an ancient temple. Gujri Mahal at the foot of the fort has one of the finest museums of sculpture in India.

Locations: Gwalior

Highlights: Explore Orchha

Description: After breakfast depart on the drive to Orcha. On arrival, check in at the hotel. Orchha, founded in the 16th century by the Bundela king, Rudhra Pratap, on the banks of the Betwa River, is a medieval city frozen in time and space, existing even today as it must have done in the 16th and 17th centuries, when it was built. The countryside undulates gently between riverine plains and rolling forest-clad hills and the landscape is dotted with palaces and temples, a fortress and cenotaphs. In the afternoon, Visit the Jehangir Mahal, the most grandiose structure in Orchha; the Raja Mahal, another monument of historical importance and the Rai Praveen Mahal. With their rich historical background, these places hold great value for the legacy of Orchha. The architecture is a synthesis of traditional Hindu, hybrid Indo-Saracenic and ornate Mughal. One of the finest sights is the view of the cenotaphs from across the Betwa River.

Locations: Orchha

Highlights: Explore Khajuraho

Description: After breakfast depart on the drive to Khajuraho(4-5hrs). On arrival check in at hotel. This little village is renowned the world over for its fine temples, built between 950 and 1050 AD, which are among the most creative examples of Indian architecture. Only 22 of the original 85 temples survive today. The most popular theme is woman: reflective, playful, amorous. The carvings also depict gods in cosmic evolution, griffins, nymphs, beasts, demons in revolt and the several emotions of man - fear, doubt, jealousy, ardent love and consummate passion. The western group, contained within a fenced enclosure, is well maintained as a park. The large Lakshmana Temple is dedicated to Vishnu and is one of the earliest of the western enclosure temples, dating from 930-950 AD. It is also one of the best preserved, with a full five-part floor plan and four subsidiary shrines. The Vahara Temple, dedicated to Vishnu's boar incarnation (Vahara avatar) faces the Matangesvara Temple and has a huge solid and intricately carved figure of the boar incarnation, dating from around 900 AD. The Kandariya Mahadev Temple is not only the largest but also artistically and architecturally the most perfect. Build between 1025 and 1050 AD, it represents Chandela at its finest. The Mahadeva Temple is small and mainly ruined. However, it houses one of Khajuraho's best sculptures - a fine sardula figure caressing a lion. The Devi Jagadamba Temple was probably originally dedicated to Vishnu, but later changed to Parvati and then Kali. The Chitragupta Temple is unique in being dedicated to the Sun God, Surya. The Matangesvara Temple, standing next to the Lakshmana Temple, is not within the fenced enclose, because it is still in everyday use, unlike all the old temples. The eastern group of temples can be subdivided into two groups - an interesting complex of Jain temples in the walled enclosure and a group of four temples scattered through the small village of Khajuraho. Parsvanath is the largest of the Jain temples and also the finest in Khajuraho, noted for the exceptional skill and precision of its construction and for the beauty of its sculptures. The Adinath Temple has fine carvings on its three bands of sculptures. The Shanti Nath Temple is a relatively modern one, built about a century ago, but it contains many components from older temples around Khajuraho.

Locations: Khajuraho

Highlights: Slide Show on Bandhavgarh

Description: After breakfast depart on the drive to Bandhavgarh(5-6hrs). On arrival check in at hotel. On arrival, check in at hotel in time for lunch. Bandhavgarh is one of India's most picturesque Central Indian jungles. A relatively new entrant to the Project Tiger family, this forest has an ancient history, which is entwined with that of the kings of the Rewa dynasty. Steeped in legend, these forests gave the world the progenitors of all the white tigers alive today. Bandhavgarh National Park spreads across 448 sq. km. and shares its Vindhyan Hill topography with Kanha. Once contiguous, the landscape of both parks is not surprisingly similar; a vista that comprises 32 rocky hills (from 200-1,000 m.) many of them flat topped and grassy. The vegetation in Bandhavgarh can be classified as the Indus-Ganges Monsoon Forest type consisting mainly of semi-evergreen sal forest mixed with the lofty Terminalia and mixed bamboo species. Bamboo clumps are an intrinsic feature of Bandhavgarh, as is the hilly terrain with its steep ridges, sal forests and grassy pastures. In the evening, before dinner, there is a slide show or lecture on the park and its flora and fauna, with resident naturalists always on hand to answer any queries you may have

Locations: Bandhavgarh National Park

Highlights: Game Drives in Bandhavgarh

Description: The day is spent exploring the national park and its surroundings. Enjoy early morning and late afternoon jeep safaris in the Park in search of the Royal Bengal Tiger and other game. With a road network of over 200 km, it is possible to cover every habitat type in the park. Bandhavgarh is renowned for the relatively easy sighting of tiger, especially by daylight. Apart from this magnificent predator, some of the game found here includes Cheetal (Spotted deer), Sambar, barking deer, Chowsingha (four-horned antelope), wild boar, Nilgai (blue bull), wild boar, grey Langur, Rhesus macaque, Dhole (Asian wild dog) and a wide variety of birds.

Locations: Bandhavgarh National Park

Highlights: Explore Jabalpur

Description: After breakfast depart on the drive to Jabalpur (4hrs). The city of Jabalpur was the capital of the erstwhile medieval Gond rulers. It is not only an important historical place, but it is also famous for the Marble Rocks gorge on Narmada River, near it. It is an administrative and educational center and is the gateway to important wildlife sanctuaries around it. It is one of the largest cities in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. Jabalpur is located in central part of the state of Madhya Pradesh, in the central region of India. It is located just north of the Narmada River, in a rocky basin surrounded by low hills and dotted with lakes. You can visit the Old Bazaar area in Jabalpur. Also visit to Bedaghat the Narmada, making its way through the Marble Rocks, Narrows down and then plunges in a waterfall known as Dhuandhar or the smoke cascade. So powerful is the plunge that its roar is heard from a far distance, the falls and the breaking of the volume of water at the crest present an awesome spectacle of Nature's power unleashed.

Locations: Jabalpur

Highlights: Explore Bhimbetka

Description: After breakfast depart on the drive to Bhopal en-route visit the prehistoric cave paintings at Bhimbetka a world heritage site. Thereafter, drive to Bhopal and check-in your hotel. Bhopal is the capital of the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. Known as 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.

Locations: Bhopal

Highlights: Explore Sanchi

Description: Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, drive to Sanchi, the bastion of Buddhism, which lies 72 km (2 hours) 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 meters in diameter and 16 meters 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-meter 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-meter high Stupa # 2 is noted for its chaitya hall or shrine. The museum at Sanchi displays a number of sculptures found in the area. Return to Bhopal in the afternoon

Locations: Bhopal

Highlights: Day at leisure

Description: After breakfast enjoy the beautiful 4 hours drive to Mandu passing through the villages and farm fields. On arrival at Mandu check-in your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.

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Highlights: Explore Mandu

Description: Full day to visit Mandu,the "city of joy",. Founded in the 10th century by Raja Bhoj, it has a chequered and varied history. Of particular interest are Jahaz Mahal (ship palace), the magnificent harem built by Ghiyas-ud-Din, Hindola Mahal (swing palace) and the Champa Baoli, an interesting building, with subterranean levels featuring cool wells and baths. The Jami Masjid, built in 1454 AD, dominates Mandu. It is patterned on the great mosque in Damascus, Syria and is claimed to be the finest and largest example of Afghan architecture in India. Behind the mosque is the imposing marble tomb of Hohang Shah. Shah Jahan is said to have sent his architects to Mandu to study this tomb before the embarked upon the design of the Taj Mahal.

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Highlights: Explore Maheshwar

Description: After breakfast depart on the drive to Indore enroute visit Maheshwar. Maheshwar is situated on the banks of the Narmada River. It was once an important cultural and political centre at the dawn of Hindu civilization and was mentioned in the Ramayana and Mahabharata under its former name of Mahishmati. Numerous temples, distinguished by their overhanging balconies and intricately worked doorways, line the three ghats along the banks of the Narmada. Continue with drive to Indore. On arrival transfer to airport to connect flight for Mumbai Departure Indore 1915 hrs Flight: 6E 497 Arrive Mumbai 2045 hrs On arrival in Mumbai, connect flight from International terminal for your onward destination

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