Alluring Madhya Pradesh Tour Packages for enchanting Madjya Paradses Tourism.
Discover culture from monuments to skyscrapers with exclusive Madhya Pradesh Tour Packages taking you around celebrated Madhya Pradesh tourist attractions. Travel to Madhya Pradesh to discover the thrilling experience of Tourism in Madhya Pradesh. Travelling to Madhya Pradesh with our exclusive Madhya Pradesh Tour Packages will guide you to break loose from the bustles of city life and indulge in pure travel delight in Madhya Pradesh.
Three wonderful sites of the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage are included in the Central India – Madhya Pradesh Tour Program including the Neanderthal (Stone Age) cave paintings of Bhimbetka, the Buddhist stupas of Sanchi and the Erotic Temple art of Khajuraho. The mystical atmosphere of legendary pilgrimage sites and the fascinating discovery of untouched nature in the realm of the Tigers top off the program.
17 nights and 18 days
Private car round trip: Delhi - Khajuraho - Orchha - Jhansi - Datia - Sonagiri - Gwalior - Bhopal - Sanchi - Udaygiri - Bhimbetka - Bhojpur - Ujjain - Indore - Mandu - Maneshwar - Omkareshwar - Indore - Mumbai/Delhi.
Day 1: Arrival in Indore and have a reception at the airport. You will then drive on to Dhar for about 2 hours, and upon arrival check in at the hotel Jhira Bagh Palace.
Dhar was once the princely state of the Central India Agency of British India. The region was annexed to the Mughal Empire in 1560 by the great mughal emperor Akbar and was lost again in the Marathe wars. In 1742, the Peshwa of Pune gave the Maratha chief Udaji I Rao Puar some of the areas of Malwa during the feud. In the following decades, much of it was lost however some of the land was recovered with the help of the British. Dhar became a British protectorate in 1819 (until 1947). Raja Udaji Rao II Puar (1898-1926) was a lieutenant colonel in the British-Indian Army and in 1918 was bestowed with the title of Maharaja. In 1941 Dhar was approximately a 2000-square-mile area with more than 279,000 inhabitants. Dhar executed its annexation to India on June 15, 1949 and acceded on June 16 to the Prince Union of Madhya Bharat (Madhya Pradesh). On November 1, 1956, all princely states in the Union were dissolved or terminated and annexed to the state of Madhya Pradesh.
The Jhira Bagh Palace was built by Maharaja Ananad Rao Puar III in 1860 as a guesthouse for foreign visitors. Until 1943, stayed here British officers, governors-general and viceroys. Then, the last ruler of Dhar, Ananad Maharaja Rao Puar IV, made the palace to his private residence, and let the renovation of the property in the Art Deco and Bauhaus-style. Since a short time ago, the Jhira Bhag Palace is a nostalgic heritage hotel with spacious suites. The operator attaches great importance to environmental protection and adopted appropriate measures for the responsible use of natural resources. Solar energy, biogas and water treatment are important pillars of the environmental concepts, products from own cultivation to batten without the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides and ensure healthy meals in local recipes. Overnight at Jhira Bagh Palace.
Day 2: Drive to Mandu (approximately 18 miles), Sightseeing.
The once royal city of Mandu (in middle age also known as the "City of Joy") today still reflects its former richness in different historic buildings. In the Vindhyachal mountain ranges lies the old abandoned capital of the pre-Mughal dynasties of Central India hidden in the midst of lush vegetation and artificial ponds and lakes. The famous fort is secured by a 130-foot-long wall with ten mighty gates making it the world's largest fortification. Behind the city walls you will find the ruins of 75 magnificent monuments, mosques, palaces and pavilions. The palaces of the royal enclave represent glory and the power of the Hindu ruler of Malwa during the period of the sultans. Because of its combination of scenic beauty and historical attractions, Mandu is regarded as one of the most beautiful places in Asia. You will find your tour through the deserted ghost town a profound experience. The unique palaces and historical ruins are surrounded by water reservoirs that awake the memories and the love story between Sultan Baz Bahadur’s and his queen Rani Rupmati. The ruler, under the influence of the beautiful dancer, had abjured any kind of war-like activities and devoted himself totally to the music. It is said that he had built especially for his beloved a pavilion overlooking the river Rewa, because otherwise she would not have married him. However their story didn’t have a fairy tale ending. When Adham Khan approached the city in 1561 with his troops, Baz Bahadur absconded and left Rupmati behind. The queen eluded the conquest by committing suicide. Among the notable buildings of Mandu is the tomb of the Hoshan Shah, built by him. It is said that the master-builder of the marvelous Taj Mahal let himself be inspired by its construction. After that tour, you will drive on to Omkareshwar approximately 31 miles away.
Omkareshwar is one of the most famous places of pilgrimage in India. The temples and sacred sites are located on an island where the rivers Narmada and Kaveri meet. The island has the shape of the sacred symbol Om, which gives this place the name Om-kareshwar. In the Shiva temple of Shri Omkar Mandhata, you will discover one of only twelve Jyotirlingams (shiva Phallus) that are there on the Indian subcontinent. The shiva Phallaus of Omkareshwar attracts pilgrims from all over India. The island of Omkareshwar with the palace of the former Maharaja of Omkareshwar is accessible from the village over two bridges. The island is surrounded by a 20-mile pilgrims’ path through which the Hindu pilgrims move reciting the prayers in honor of God Shiva. On Narmada, about two miles upstream from Omkareshwar, a dam is built for producing electricity. The dam after completion will generate an output of 520 megawatts and make a significant contribution in reducing India's energy problem. The project is however is being fought by environmentalists, plus a protest movement is fighting against the relocation of villages. One of the most prominent opponents of the dam is the Arundhati Roy, author of the novel "God of Small Things".
Drive on to Maheshwar (24 miles).
Maheshwar, situated on the banks of the Narmada, has been an important cultural and political center of India since the beginning of civilization. The city is mentioned in the Ramayana and Mahabharata under its old name Mihishmati. In 1741 it was ruled by the Maratha Dynasty of Holkar. Queen Ahilya Bai became the main figure of this ruling dynasty and ruled from Maheshwar for 18 years. According to the legend, she built 91 temples throughout India and is, therefore, widely revered. It is also noted that she allowed her own son to be publicly trampled to death by an elephant after he suppressed his subjects and deprived them of their reward. The Ghats (bathing steps) on the banks of the Narmada can be seen from the mighty walls of the fortress which is adorned by small memorial temples. Along the Ghats you will find memorials erected to the widows who committed Sati (Sati is an old Indian ritual in which the widow commits suicide on the pyre of her just died husband). In memory of Queen Ahilya Bai, admirers travel from afar to pay her homage and pray in front of the life-size statue, which is placed in the former audience room on the original throne. Maheshwar is famous for its cotton saris of its weaver’s cooperative, which was established in the 1970’s by the Holkar family, to fight unemployment. You will then return to Dhar (approximately 43 miles) and stay overnight.
Day 3: Drive to Ujjain (36 miles).
Ujjain is situated on the banks of the river Shipra and is one of the seven holy places of Hindus, where every 12 years the largest Indian bathing and purification festival (the Kumbh Mela) is held the next Kumbh Mela in Ujjain will held in 2016. During the years there are smaller Melas (Fairs) but during the rest of the year when the festival is not being held, pilgrims flock to the city to visit the Mahakaleshwar Temple from which a lingam (phallic symbol of Lord Shiva) projects. No matter what time of year you visit, there will be long lines to get into the temple. Further religious landmarks are the Mangalnath temple on the Hindu prime meridian (the birthplace of the planet Mars, according to the Hindu doctrine) and the Sandipani Ashram, where according to legend, god Krishna, his brother Balaram and their friend Sudama received instructions for 64 days from Guru Sandipani. Outside of Ujjain, you will visit the Sree-Kal-Bhairava temple where people bring flasks filled with schnaps’ where during chants pour half of the liquor in a bowl by the priests, which is then placed at the mouth of the stone figure of God (and is said to drink it). The rest of the liquor is drank by the person. Another ritual is held in honor of Kal Bhairava, the Black Lord of time and death revered by two sects of Shivaism. His partner is a dog. Therefore dogs are revered as God’s creature and given delicacies.
Excavations north of Ujjain uncovered traces of human settlement from the period of 8th Century BC. The ancient city was an important regional capital of the Maurya ruler. Formerly known as Avantika, Ujjain was located on the main trade route from India to northern Mesopotamia and Egypt. According to Hindu mythology, Shiva once changed its name to Ujjaiyini, meaning "conquered with proud" to emphasize his victory over the demon king Tripuri. It was later ruled by the Sultans of Mandu, the Mughals and Raja Jai Singh II of Jaipur. Jai Singh II of Jaipur built one of his five observatories (Jantar Mantar) in Ujjain. The long Ghats (steps leading to river) instills the atmosphere of the hustle and bustle in the holy city of Varanasi.
After visit of Ujjain, drive on to Indore (approximately 49 miles)
For centuries Indore was an insignificant station on the pilgrim's path to Omkareshwar and Ujjain. Since 1715 it developed into a major trading center. Malhar Rao Holkar (1694-1766), founder of the Holkar dynasty, made Indore the capital of his kingdom. Since 1956, Indore belongs to the state Madhya Pradesh. Today Indore is the largest trade and economic center of the region. The nearby Pithampur industrial area, often called the "Detroit of India", is the seat of numerous steel giants and engine works, including Honda, Hindustan Motors, Bajaj and Pratap Steel. Worth seeing is the Lal Bagh Palace, standing on the bank of river Kham. It is an example of the extravagant neo-classical buildings, which were the penchant of the immensely wealthy Maharajas of the 19th and 20th Centuries. The landmark of Indore is the old Holkar Palace "Raj Wada", which is dominated by the palm-fringed area in the heart of the city. The villa was built in the style of a western Indian town house. You will stay overnight in Indore.
Day 4: Drive on to Bhopal, about 5 hours (116 miles).
The name Bhopal is recognized worldwide for one of the most devastating industrial disasters of modern history: on December 3, 1984, around 40 tons of methyl isocyanine (MIC) were released into the atmosphere at the plant of U.S. firm Union Carbide. This highly volatile, highly reactive fluid that can cause skin and mucus membrane chemical burns, eye damage and pulmonary edema, built up into a chemical cloud over the ground by an adjacent slum. Due to this disaster1600 people died immediately, and about 6000 more later on. About one fifth of the 500,000 people, who were exposed to the gas, now suffer from chronic and incurable diseases, while thousands more lost their eyesight. A higher rate of cancer has also been observed. Union Carbide paid a total of 690 million U.S. dollars to the Indian state.
Bhopal dates from the 11th Century, when Raja Bhoj (1010-53), Parmar king of Dhar, was told by his minister, to murder his mother where the nine rivers of his kingdom joined. After one of these rivers was blocked by a dam, the ruler founded on the banks of the two resulting lakes his new capital Bhojapal. At the end of the 17th Century, Dost Muhammad Khan (1672-1740), an opportunistic soldier of fortune, ex-soldier and former General of the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb (1618-1707) conquered the territory so he could build his own city on the ruins of the Mughal Empire. In 1723, the place Bhopal was declared the capital of the princely state, and has continued to be the capital of Madhya Pradesh until today. The Islamic dynasty founded by Dost Muhammad Khan, became one of the most important ruling families of Central India, whose relatives belong to the favored few amongst Britain's viceroys. They were honored by a salute of 19 gunshots - in recognition of their support to General Thomas Goddard (1740-83) in his march to the Hindu Maratha State in 1778. From 1820 to 1926, Bhopal was governed exclusively by women. The Begums (princesses) administered the scepter from behind the Purda (curtain; separate from men living quarters, veils) and led the erection of the three sandstone mosques which dominate the landscape today. Worth visiting is the Mosque (Jama Masjid) in Old Town quarter. The Jama Masjid mosque, with its red sandstone walls and stout minarets, was built in 1837 by Qudsia Begum (1801-1881), the first monarch of Bhopal. East of the city stands the Moti Masjid (also known as Pearl Mosque), built in 1860 by Qudsias’ daughter Sikander Begum (1818-1858). The Pearl Mosque is known for its slender minarets covered with gold spires and sandstone domes. The most impressive building in the city is the Taj-ul-Masjid. The largest mosque in India with its colossal pink-colored minarets that over tower the city gives it the name “mother of all mosques”. Also worth seeing is the Adivasi-Centre, located on a hill on the east coast of the lake, where you will see the Indian tribes in their natural environment Also visit the museum inside the Adivasi Centre. Bhopal is an ideal starting point for your tour of the world heritage sites of Sanchi and Bhimbetka and the Cave Temples of Udaygiri. You will stay overnight in Bhopal.
Day 5: Drive on to Udaigiri (approximately 30 miles).
The cave temple of Udaigiri (about an hour's drive away from Bhopal) dates from the Gupta period and originated during the reign of Emperor Chandragupta II (382 - 401 AD). Particularly noteworthy is Cave 4 with a Shiva Lingam plus a carving of Shiva’s face with the third eye. Cave 5 is dominated by an impressive depiction of Vishnu (in his incarnation as Vahara, boar), which bears the earth goddess Pritrhvi. A richly ornamented frieze of the god images entwine Vishnu-Vahara-Figure and also adorn the entrance of the Cave 6. The ceiling of the Cave 7 that was exclusively destined for the emperor is crowned by a lotus decoration. On the crest of the hill, you will find the ruins of a sun temple from the 6th Century. A few miles away is Heliodorus pillar, which was built in 140 AD by a Greek ambassador from Taxili (now Pakistan). The local inhabitants use the pillar for mystical rites when during the full moon someone is chained to the pillar to win strength and drive out evil spirits. If an exorcism is successful, a nail is driven in the trunk of a huge tamarind and a (sweet) lime; a piece of coconut and a red lace are attached to it, which symbolizes the defeated demon.
Drive on to Sanchi (8 miles)
On a hill near the small town of Sanchi, you will see the oldest Buddhist stupas of India. They are over 2000 years old. Stupas in Buddhism symbolize the sacred tree of life and enlightenment. After the death of Buddha, it was the great Maurya emperor Ashoka, who discovered Buddhism for himself and during his golden period in India, helped build 84,000 large and small stupas in honor of Buddha. The Great Stupa of Sanchi is over 35 feet high and is considered as the ideal type of Buddhist Stupa. The massive, windowless shrine fulfills a symbolic function: Expression of one's own faith, serve as a guide for others, and follow Buddha's teachings. According to legend, each stupa contains at least one grain of Buddha’s ashes. The four entrances to walk around the Stupa are decorated with magnificent gates. The intensely lively and detailed reliefs exhibit the high level of skills ancient India’s carvers. Each gate varies its own main theme: the east gate tells Buddha's birth, the south gate shows the fight for his remnants, and the magnificently decorated north gate depicts miracles that are attributed to Buddha.
For the numerous visitors the come from all over the world, these gates represent the real pinnacle of the temple complex. The city is used today as a quiet place of meditation and the followers of Buddhism view it as the symbol of compassion, tolerance and peacefulness. The eight oldest stupas at Sanchi were constructed under the reign of King Ashoka from the Maurya dynasty (reigned about 268 BC - 232 BC). Further stupas and religious buildings were added in the following centuries until the 12th Century, until Buddhism was completely superseded by the growing Hinduism and Islam. Later, the Buddhist monuments were no longer respected by the population and extensively fell into disrepair. Structures of Sanchi document almost the entire Buddhist period of India which lasted over 1500 years.
In 1818, a British colonial officer, General Taylor, discovered the ruins. As a result, amateur archaeologists and treasure seekers plundered the sites, until 1881 when the professional restoration work began. Between 1912 and 1919, further restorations were ensued under the direction of the archaeologist Sir John Marshall. Today, the historic area of Sanchi includes 50 structures - three stupas and several temples. The "Great Stupa”, whose oldest parts date from the time of King Ashoka, was almost entirely rebuilt during the middle of the 2nd century BC. Around 35 BC, four stone gateways (Toranas) with detailed reliefs were built. During the Gupta period (330 AD- early 6th century) it became usual to represent Buddha in human form, not only represented by symbols such as the "wheel of doctrine" (Sanskrit: Dharmachakra), the "footprint of the Buddha" (Buddhapada), the Bodhi tree or just the stupa - the four stone sculptures of the Buddha were erected on the walls that front the gates. Since 1989, the monument of Snachi is included in World Cultural Heritages by UNESCO.
You will return to Bhopal (about 31 miles) and visit the Taj-ul-Masjid, the largest mosque in Asia, plus stroll through the narrow streets and markets of the Chowk.
Day 6: Drive on to Bhimbetka (about 31 miles).
In 2003, the caves of Bhimbetka were added to UNESCO’s World Cultural Heritage list. They lie at the edge of the Vindhyachal Mountains north of the Satpura ranges. The entire region is covered with dense forests and vegetation. It is rich in natural resources such as perennial spring of waters, natural drifts, a rich forest flora and fauna.
Bhimbetka was first mentioned as a Buddhist site in Indian archeological records based on information from local tribes. In 1957, the archaeologist VS Wakankarl saw on the train journey to Bhopal rock formations similar to those he had seen in Spain and France. He visited the area together with a team of archaeologists and discovered several prehistoric rock grottos. Since then, more than 700 caves have been identified of which 243 are located in the Bhimbetka group and 178 in the Lakha Juar group. Archaeological investigations revealed a continuous colonization by Stone Age cultures (from the Mesolithic to the Middle Stone Age) as well as the oldest stone walls and floors of the World. The oldest rock paintings (petroglyphs) probably originate from the Middle Stone Age. A rough dating of the findings was carried out, while a detailed chronological classification is still pending. The paintings in the rock grottos and caves of Bhimbetka represent in vivid images the lives of people who lived in these caves and their natural environment. The caves and paintings depict the oldest evidence of human life in India. One of the rocks (in the vernacular it is called "Zoo Rock") represents Elephant, Sambar, bison and deer. Paintings on another rock show a peacock, a snake, a deer and also the sun. On another rock, two elephants are depicted with tusks. In this collection of prehistoric paintings one finds also hunting scenes with hunters, who are carrying bows and arrows, swords and shields. In one of the caves, a bison is depicted giving a chase to a hunter while his companions are standing by defenselessly. In another scene you see riders along with archers. Their rock paintings date from the Mesolithic and show the everyday life of the former inhabitants of the caves. The colors of the drawings, even after up to 12 000 years, are still vibrant and not faded. It is believed that the colors were produced from colored earth, vegetable dyes, roots and animal fats. The brushes were made of plant fibers.
Drive on to Jabalpur (186 miles, 6 hours).
Jabalpur—home to over 1 million people--is an important industrial site, and an important transportation hub for tourists due to the rail system. The so-called Marble Rocks in nearby Bhedaghat, as well as the local waterfalls and the Durga temple are favorites of both local people and tourists. It’s exciting to sail down the Narmada ravine, which is bordered by unusual marble cliffs. The boat owners will charge extra to take you to “special sites” along the way. The whole place is dominated by innumerable vendor stalls, which offer arts and crafts made of marble. You will stay overnight in Jabalpur.
Day 7: Drive on to the Bandhavgarh National Park (about 124 miles, 4 hours). Check-in at hotel.
Bandavgarh: The former hunting ground of the Maharajas of Rewa became a national park during 1968. In 1994, the 920-square-mile area was declared a tiger reserve. The chance to see India’s tigers is exceptionally good here. In the heart of the park you can see a variety of wildlife such as the nilgai -antelope, wild boar, jackal, gaur, Sambar deer and porcupines, as well as many bird species. Bandhavgarh is home to the white tiger. In 1915, the Maharaja of Rewa caught a white tiger cub and kept it until its death. He also sent a white tiger cub as a gift to the English King George V. Maharaja Shri Martand Singh caught a white tiger cub which he had in his courtyard, but it escaped. After it was captured again, it was named Mohan and was used in a breeding program. Several male tigers were born of the golden color, but when bred to one of his daughters the four cubs in the first litter were all white. Since then breeders have used inbreeding to produce white tigers. The problems associated with inbreeding include distorted bones, shortened legs, and a convergent look. Tiger breeders concluded that it is safer to out cross a white tiger with a yellow tiger, and then breed their offspring to each other, which can result in a litter of white tiger cubs. The 160 white tigers worldwide are all related to Mohan. You can take a tour of the park on a wildlife jeep safari. The guests set off each morning and afternoon with experienced naturalists to tour the park in jeeps on fixed routes. Up ahead of the jeeps are trackers on elephants, watching for fresh tiger spoors. If they spot a big cat, they radio the naturalist in the jeep. Once the jeep arrives at the spot where a tiger is spotted, you will mount elephants to get closer to the tiger, but be safe on the back of an elephant. You will stay overnight in Bandhavgarh.
Day 8 and Day 9:
Early morning and late afternoon excursions in the reserve of Bandhavgarh. You will stay overnight in Bandhavgarh.
Day 10 and Day 11: Drive on to Khajuraho (118 miles, about 4.5 hours).
Check-in at hotel. You will have dinner, and settle in for your overnight stay in Khajuraho.
At the end of the 19th century, the temples in Khajuraho were discovered and quickly became news around the world. Although the buildings were in disrepair, the temples feature dramatic scenes of eroticism. Today the temples are on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage list.
Khajuraho was one of the world’s finest cities from 950 to 1050 AD. In those days, it was the headquarters of the Chandellas, a bellicose Rajput tribe. Out of the original 85 temples, 22 are now well preserved. The reliefs show birds of prey, nymphs, demons and revolts, Gods in cosmic evolution, people, fear, doubt, jealousy, love and passion. Together they represent the finest and best of the art from India’s medieval period. Some scientists believe the erotic sculptures represent Kamasutra in stone; however, in addition to the literally acrobatic positions and occasionally quite humorous depictions of love, there are also many scenes of everyday life. The temples are located just a few minutes walk away from the village. You will stay overnight in Khajuraho.
Day 12: Drive on to Orchha (108 miles, approximately 3.5 hours). Sightseeing of Orcha:
The small town of Orchha was founded during the 16th Century and unifies a large variety of styles. Particularly impressive is the Jehangir Mahal palace, whose upper floors offer a magnificent view of the surrounding landscape. The palace was built specifically for the visit of Emperor Jehangir in 1606 and since then has never been inhabited. You will stay overnight in Orchha.
Day 13:
Drive on over Jhansi (location of the Rani Laxmi Bai with a huge and massive fort), Datia (with the now abandoned but well-preserved seven-story palace of Raj Singh Deo) and Sonagiri (impressive temple town of the Jain religion) to Gwalior, the former capital of the Scindia dynasty (77 miles, about 3 hours).
The foundation of Gwalior is associated with a nice legend: The incurably ill (sickened with leprosy) prince Suraj Sena once hunted on the steep cliffs of Gopagiri. When he became thirsty, he asked a meditating sadhu for a sip of water. The water he sipped not only quenched his thirst, but immediately cured his disease. In gratitude Suraj Sena built a fort, and expanded the pond, from which he received the healing potion. With the construction of the fort began the checkered history of vindication and conquest. Gwalior occupies a strategic position in the northern region of India, with the famous fort situated in the center of several historic kingdoms of North India. Gwalior was the capital of the homonymous state and the Principality of Maharajas of Scinidia. The 5th-century fortress of Gwalior stands on a sandstone cliff over 180 feet above the surrounding plains. As you enter the fortress, you will pass through one of six major gateways decorated with sculptures. While climbing the path, you will see the super-sized statues of Tithankara (Jain saints) encircling the walls of the fortress. Within the fortress walls, you will find palaces, temples and cisterns. The impressive building of the Gwalior fort is the Man Mandir Palace built from 1486 to 1516 under Rajah Man Singh. The palace reflects the high standard of Hindu architecture from those days, its highly decorated façade makes it one of the most photographed buildings in India. The six round towers are crowned by small cupolas, which were once gold-plated and decorated with blue, green and yellow tiles. The beautifully decorated small rooms at the two interior courtyards are presumably provided for the ladies of the royal court. The iron rings in the walls were used for swings and decorative wall hangings. You will stay overnight in Gwalior.
Day 14: Drive on to the Chambal region (34 miles north of Gwalior) in the border territory of the Union states of Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan.
The route passes through an area that stood during the 1980’s under the control of "bandit queen" Phulan Devi. She was acclaimed by the population as a female Robin Hood. After her release from prison, she was politically active and had at times even a seat in the Indian Parliament. The screen adaptation of her life history led to violent Controversies in the Indian society. In July 2001, Phulan Devi was murdered in Delhi. The era of the robber bands, however, is far from over. It is still considered extremely unsafe to travel through there at night.
Check-in at the Chambal Safari Lodge.
You will take an excursion to the temple town Bateshwar on the bank of Yamuna River, 6 miles away from the Chambal Safari Lodge. Around 100 large and small temples along the river banks are dedicated to the god Shiva. In ancient scriptures, the place was called Surajpur. The current name Bateshwar refers to Bateshwar Mahadev (one of the many names of Shiva). In the ravines around the temple, an array of Naga Sadhus (ascetics of the snake cult) have dug into the soil residential caves and temples. During autumn each year, held in Bateshwar is one of the largest cattle markets of India (2009: October 14-23 and October 31-November 6 / (2010: November 2-11 and November 18-25). The fair always coincides with blessings held at the temple, and also offers guests a unique opportunity to encounter the rural population without the tourist “push” such as Pushkar Mela. You will stay overnight in Chambal Safari Lodge.
Day 15: Safari in Chambal Region
The National Chambal Sanctuary is a unique and original area on the banks of Chambal river, at the border between the states of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. The reserve is established to protect the remaining crocodile population and the endangered Ganges dolphins. By boat you will explore this area and have the chance to see crocodiles and - with luck - even Ganges dolphins. The Chambal Sanctuary is a paradise for some 250 domestic and hibernating bird species, which make their habitat along the river banks. Birdwatchers rejoice by seeing the rare Indian skimmer, as well as other birds such as great stome plover, little pratincole, Indian river tern, black bellied-tern, bar-headed goose, spot-billed duck, northern shoveller duck, common merganser, kentish plover and many more other species. You will take a morning drive to Chambal and take a River Safari by boat. During the afternoon you will take a camel safari along the riverbank through the Ravines and villages to Fort Ater. You will stay overnight at the Chambal Safari Lodge.
Day 16: Drive to Gwalior by Road and Gwalior to New Delhi by train
You will drive back to Gwalior (34 miles), and have time to see Gwalior. Visit the fort and Palace and also have tonga ride in the old bazaars of Gwalior. You will then have an evening transfer to the Gwalior railway station to board the superfast air-conditioned train to New Delhi. Your luggage will be transferred by the same car or bus to your hotel in Delhi. You will stay overnight in New Delhi.
Day 17: Explore Delhi!
Today you will explore the old and new city of Delhi. Delhi is India's second largest metropolis next to Mumbai, which is located in the northern part of the country. The architectural features in the city are similar to those which can be seen in Athens, Rome and Istanbul. You’ll be mesmerized by the 100-foot, red-stone boundary walls of the Red Fort built during the 17th century. Opposite this ancient structure is the Jama Masjid, built in 1656. Found in front of the Jama Masjid is the 1656 AD construction of red sandstone and white marble. It is the largest mosque in India where 20,000 people can pray together. You will also tour the town in a Rickshaw. Along the streets of old Delhi you will see the Raj Ghat, Mahatma Gandhi (Father of the Nation) Memorial, which is close to the river Yamuna. Next, you will visit the Humayun Tomb of the second Mughal emperor, which was completed by his wife during the 16th century. Shahjahan had the vision for the structure of the Taj Mahal. The Qutub Minar, a 220-foot tower made by one of the first Muslim leaders in India, was built between 1199 and 1368 AD. It runs counter to Rashtrapati Bhawan, the residence of the President of India. There you’ll see the buildings of government and parliament and India Gate which is 130-foot wall built in memory of the soldiers who died during the First World War.
Day 18: Transfer to airport for onward journey
Transfer to International Airport.
Price List
| Madhya Pradesh: Kaleidoscope of Cultures | ||||
| 01 Apr 2009 - 30 Sep 2009 | 01 Oct 2009 – 31 Mar 2010 | |||
| Twin | Single | Twin | Single | |
| Delux | USD 2426 | USD 3872 | USD 2546 | USD 4872 |
| Classic | USD 1747 | USD 2894 | USD 1867 | USD 2976 |
| Standard | USD 1560 | USD 2454 | USD 1680 | USD 2545 |
| There will be an obligatory surcharge during Christmas Eve and New year Eve. ** Twin- Cost per person on twin sharing for minimum two persons traveling. |
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Cost includes:
- 17 nights accommodation in mentioned hotels with daily breakfast and dinner. Full Board in the National Parks.
- Surface Travel by exclusive SUV air-conditioned car.
- All transfers & sightseeing as per the itinerary by air-conditioned SUV car.
- Jeep safaris in Bandhavgarh National Park
- Entrance fee to monuments
- Local English speaking guides
- Train Tickets from Gwalior to New Delhi
- Boat and Camel Safari in Chambal Region
- Mineral water (1litre) per person per day
- All applicable taxes and service charges
- All taxes, driver allowances, Parking etc.
Services not included
- Any international airfare/ Flight from Delhi/Mumbai to Indore
- Tips, laundry or any expense of personal nature
- Any item not shown in Cost Includes
Important hints: The national parks are closed during the monsoons (from July until September)
For Cancellation Policy and Limitations & Liabilities Click Here
| Selected Hotels for "Madhya Pradesh: Kaleidoscope of Cultures" | |||
| Place | Delux | Classic | Standard |
| Dhar | Jhira Bagh Palace | Jhira Bagh Palace | Jhira Bagh Palace |
| Indore | Fortune Park Landmark | Lemon Tree | Sarovar Portico |
| Bhopal | Jehan Numa Palace | Noor-us Subah | Palash Regency |
| Jabalpur | Narmada Jackson Welcome Heritage | Bedha Ghat MP Tourism | Bedha Ghat MP Tourism |
| Bandhavgarh | Bhandav Vilas | Kings´ Lodge | Nature Heritage |
| Khajuraho | The Lalit Temple View | Taj Chandela | Radisson |
| Orcha | Amar Mahal | Orcha Resort | Bundelkand Riverside Retreat |
| Gwalior | Taj Usha Kiran Palace | Central Park | Gwalior Regency |
| Chambal Valley | Chambal Safari Lodge | Chambal Safari Lodge | Chambal Safari Lodge |
| Delhi | Le Meridien | The Park | Hotel Connaught |
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