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>> Heritage of Central India
Heritage Tour of Central India
Mumbai - Aurangabad
- Ajanta - Dhar - Mandu - Omkareshwar - Indore - Ujjain - Bhopal -
Sanchi - Orchha - Gwalior - Agra - Mathura - Delhi (Duration: 15 Days)
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This circuit begins with Bombay, India’s commercial centre and unfolds the exquisite sculptures and frescoes of the rock-hewn temples of Ajanta and Ellora. Madhya Pradesh, India’s largest state, with 1800 monuments a witness to its great past. Each page of its history is marked by its famous architectural brilliance. Alongside are esteemed Hindu, Buddhist and Muslim sites, you will discover the ancient palaces of Orcha and Mandu, the pearl of Hindustan- Gwalior to the grandeur of the Mughal Empire, the ever memorable and magnificent Taj and the historic and Grand Capital of India.
Duration : 15 days. |
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| Day 1- ARRIVE Mumbai |
| Assistance on arrival by our tour representative at Bombay International airport, transfer to hotel, where we will be holding rooms. |
| Day 2- Mumbai |
| Morning take a city tour visiting Gateway of India – The imposing stone archway in Indo-Saracenic architecture built in 1911, later cruise by motor boats to Elephanta island lies 9 km north-east to Apollo Bunder or Gateway of India. The island which was known as Gharapuri earlier is the glorious abode of Lord Shiva. This island was renamed, Elephanta by the Portuguese who landed here, after they saw the majestically carved elephant on this island. Spread over an area of 500 sq mt is the cave temple of Elephanta. A flight of 100 steps takes you to the top of the hill where it is set. The temple houses large pillars that seem to hold the ceiling which is made of cross beams. The picturesque presentation of the 9 marvelous sculptured panels, set on the walls are awe-inspiring. The most famous of the panels is the Trimurthi, or triple-headed Shiva, where the God is depicted as the destroyer, the preserver and the creator. Later in the afternoon cruise back to Gateway of India. Later visit Prince of Wales Museum, Afghan Church, Parliament House, Marine Drive, Jain Temple, Hanging Gardens, Towers of Silence which is Symmetry of Parsi and next to Hanging Gardens you can have a look from outside but not allowed inside the Tower of Silence besides Parsi Community, Later visit Mani Bhawan, Mahalaxmi Temple and Haji Ali Shrine. Evening free for leisure, overnight in Bombay. |
| Day 3- BOMBAY / AURANGABAD (Flight) |
| In the morning take a cruise in the Arabian Sea to see the famous Elephanta Caves- Hewn out of solid rock, the Elephanta Caves date back to 600 AD, The cave complex is a collection of shrines, courtyards, inner cells, grand halls and porticos arranged in the splendid symmetry of Indian rock-cut architecture, and filled with exquisite stone sculptures of Hindu Gods and Goddesses represented in many reincarnations. In the late Afternoon, transfer to the airport to take flight for Aurangabad. The city – named after mughal emperor Aurangzeb, is now more renown for its close proximity to Rock hewn caves of Ajanta and Ellora. |
| Day 4- AURANGABAD |
| Morning visit Ellora Caves carved between 7th & 11th century AD. Carved in sickle shaped hill, spread north to south in a area of 3 kms. Of these caves 12 are Buddhists, 17 are Hindus and 5 are Jains. The most remarkable of the carved shrines at Ellora is the Kailasa Temple,
chiseled out by hand from single rock with Gateway, Pavillion, Courtyard, Assembly Hall, Vestibule, Sanctum and Tower-hall. Thereafter return to Aurangabad. In the afternoon visit Bibi-ka-Maqbara. Return to Hotel. Overnight |
| Day 5- AURANGABAD / AJANTA / DHAR |
| Ajanta caves date back to between 200 BC and 650 BC. These 30 Buddhist caves hewn
painstakingly are cut into the scrap of a cliff are Chaityas (Chapels) & Viharas (Monasteries). These caves are known for their architectural beauty and for their remarkable frescoes/ paintings with infinite charm , which speak about the civilization of more than 2000 years . Painting in the caves and sculptures outside speak of some kind of transformation from Hinayana in the earlier caves to Mahayana in the latter caves where
Buddha is shown in an human form. Later continue your journey towards Dhar. Upon arrival at Dhar check in at hotel and
overnight. |
| Day 6- DHAR / MANDU / DHAR |
| Full day excursion to the city of Mandu, built as a testament of love by a Muslim ruler Baz Bahadur for his Hindu queen Roopmati, Mandu’s air of, serenity and spaciousness offsets to perfection its palaces, temple and mosque. It is also called the 'City of joy', Mandu is famous for exquisite palaces Jahaz and Hindola Mahals, ornamental canals, baths and pavilions. Each of Mandu's structures is an architectural gem. Return to Dhar. |
| Day 7- DHAR / OMKARESHWAR / INDORE |
| This day filled of rich visits on the course towards Indore with a first stop at Maheshwar is one of the most beautiful palace-temple- city located on the banks of river Narmada. Maheshwar temples are known for their carved overhanging balconies and their intricately worked doorways. This city is also famous for its silk saris. Thereafter we continue towards Omkareshwar, the sacred island, shaped like the holiest of all Hindu symbols, 'Om', Shri Omkareshwar Mahadeo temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is located at the confluence of Narmada and Kaveri . The devout Hindus come here to kneel before the Jyotilingham-one of the 12 in India Thereafter we continue our journey towards Indore. |
| Day 8- INDORE / UJJAIN / BHOPAL |
| In the morning, visit Indore, built by Ahilyabai, the brave Holkar queen, on the banks of the rivers Saraswati and Khan visit the archaeological museum and the temple of Digamber Jaïns, Kanch Mandir. Later departure towards Ujjain situated on the right bank of River Shipra, Ujjain is, one of the oldest and holiest of Indian cities,it is one of the venues of the Kumbh Mela. Visit of Mahakaleshwara temple. Continuation towards Bhopal, along the road or the caravans of camels . Overnight |
| Day 9- BHOPAL / SANCHI / BHOPAL (67 km) |
| Excursion on the Buddhist site of Sanchi known for its stupas, monasteries, temples and pillars dating from the 3rd century BC to the 12th century AD. The most famous of these monuments, the Sanchi Stupa, the world largest Stupa was originally built by the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka. Sanchi stands as one of the fine example of Buddhist art.The oldest Buddhist shrines at Sanchi reflect the serenity and glory of Ashokan times. Thereafter return to Bhopal, the capital of Madhya Pradesh which combines scenic beauty, historicity and modernitywith fine old mosques and palaces and new city withs its exquisitely laid out parks and gardens. Overnight |
| Day 10- BHOPAL / ORCHA / GWALIOR |
| Departure towards Gwalior via Lalitpur. To see splendid Dasvatrara Temple of the Gupta period with richly carved walls with fine
sculptures and superbly decorated doorways and other interesting sites nearby. Continue towards medieval city of Orcha flanked by the river Betwa, known for its palaces and temples of the 16th and 17th century built by Bundela rulers . After the visit continue towards Gwalior- the erstwhile capital of Scindias. |
| Day 11- GWALIOR / AGRA |
| Gwalior is called, the pearl of Hindustan, old princely state of the family of Rajput Sindhia. for the visit the imposing and magnificent Gwalior Fort made of sandstone, visit Man Mandir a six-towered palace. In the afternoon visit the enormous, 19th century Jai Vilas Palace. This Palace is famous for its ornate chandeliers & crystal. Also visit the, Gujari Mahal, the Tomb of Muhammad Ghaus, a saint worshipped by the Mughals & the Tomb of the famous musician Tansen. In the evening depart by an evening train for Agra,
on arrival transfer to hotel, relax & overnight in Agra. |
| Day 12- Agra |
| In the morning visit the world famous Taj Mahal, whose eternal beauty will astonish and mesmerize the visitors. The Taj Mahal,was built by the Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal who died in 1631. Thereafter visit the Visit the beautiful mausoleum of the tomb of
Itmad-Ud-Daula, the first monument in India to feature Persian mosaic style inlay work or "Pietra Dura" Greatly resembling the Taj in its use of inlay on white marble, and is known as the "mini-Taj". |
| Day 13- AGRA / MATHURA / DELHI (200 km) |
| Morning depart for Mathura birthplace of Lord Krishna. Visit archaeological museum, then continue towards Delhi. Arrive Delhi and proceed to the hotel. In the afternoon visit Delhi - the Capital of India, comprising Old and New Delhi. Old Delhi was the capital of Mughals between the 16th and the 19th centuries. Here there are many mosques, monuments and forts the most notable being the famous Red Fort |
| Day 14- Delhi |
| In the morning visit Lutyenes designed Delhi - the India Gate, Parliament Building and the Rashtrapati Bhawan, the official residence of the President of India. Qutab Minar. Qutabuddin erected this ‘Tower of Victory’ in 1193 and Humayun's Tomb; built by the wife of the second Mughal emperor is fine piece of architecture. Afternoon Rest of the day is free for rest and independent activities. |
| Day 15- DELHI / Back Home |
| Depart for airport to take flight to your destination. |
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