Hidden Gems of Central India

Post breakfast take a boat cruise to the 5th Century Elephanta Caves Island known for its cave temples. Many of these temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva. Elephanta Cave Island is known for its rock-cut stone sculptures displaying a splendid amalgamation of Hinduism and Buddhism.

Return back to Mumbai by boat cruise & further proceed to visit Gateway of India– one of the most prominent landmarks in Mumbai, standing at the height of 26 meters, overlooking the Arabian Sea. Explore Prince of Wales Museum which is also known as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya. The museum houses approximately 50,000 exhibits of ancient Indian history as well as objects from foreign lands. Later, visit Mani Bhavan, which once served as the residence and Mumbai headquarters of Mahatma Gandhi between 1917 and 1934. Later evening explore Marine drive also called the Queen's Necklace. Return to hotel. Overnight stay at hotel in Mumbai.

Post breakfast, transfer to Mumbai airport to board a flight to Aurangabad. Upon arrival transfer to hotel (Early check in subjected to availability).

Later proceed to visit Ajanta Caves – this is a prominent World Heritage Site located in the beautiful valley of the Sahyadri Hills. These caves are dates back to the 2nd Century BCE to about 480 CE. These are known for their rock-cut sculptures and paintings depicting various stages of the life of Lord Buddha. Evening return to Aurangabad. Overnight stay at hotel in Aurangabad.

Post breakfast proceed to visit visit the famous Ellora Caves which are localteed 33 Km from Aurangabad. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is known for its rock-cut monastery-temple complexes with monuments and caves dedicated to Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism.

While returning back, visit the Daulatabad Fort which is considered as one of the 7-wonders of Maharashtra. Later visit Bibi-Ka-Maqbara bearing a striking resemblance to the majestic Taj Mahal at Agra. It was commissioned in 1660 by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb in the memory of his wife Dilras Banu Begum. Overnight stay at hotel in Aurangabad.

Post breakfast drive to Maheshwar. Upon arrival check into the hotel. Evening at Leisure or take boat ride in the Narmada River, amidst the beautiful natural landscape of the region. This is a great experience that bestows ample mental solace & explores the historical Ghats of Maheshwar along with ancient temples like Ahilyabai Temple. Overnight stay at hotel in Maheshwar.

After breakfast, excursion to Mandu. Visit Jahaz Mahal, Hindola Mahal, Hoshang Shah’s Tomb, Jami Masjid, Rewa Kund, Baz Bahadur’s Palace and Roopmati’s Pavillions. Hoshang Shah’s tomb is an excellent example of Afgan art and architecture. The tomb was constructed in the 15th century to honor Hoshang Shah. Jahaz Mahal appears like a ship sailing on the water and is surrounded by two lakes. The Hindola Palace was constructed with sloping walls, making it appear like a swing. The Roopmati Pavillion and Baz Bahadur’s Palace are classic examples of Islamic architecture in India. Both have large courtyards and offer you a whale of a time. Later afternoon return to Maheshwar. Overnight stay at hotel in Maheshwar.

After breakfast, Day at Leisure at Maheshwar. Overnight stay at hotel in Maheshwar.

Optional Activities

**THE AHILYA VITALITY MASSAGE: Duration: 1 Hrs: Combines deep tissue, trigger-point therapy, and assisted stretches to bring vitality back to a tired body. This is a perfect treatment if you have sore muscles from a lot of activity or from extended periods of sitting in cars, trains or airplanes. This massage will alleviate tight muscles, increase flexibility and encourage the body to heal from pain. Selecting and stimulating appropriate trigger points and opening and stretching the body through assisted stretches are very powerful ways of effectingchange.

SLOWLY DOWN THE NARMADA - FROM MANDELESHWAR TO MAHESHWAR

For those wishing to spend a prolonged time on the river, we highly recommend jumping into a car for a short 20 minute drive to Mandeleshwar, a village upstream from the fort. Here you can see an abundance of local life. There are plenty of shops selling chapatti rollers, recycled tin spice boxes, and a variety of street vendors. Don’t miss all of the chai wallas, sweets and snacks shops as well! After a relaxed stroll through the town, you will find yourself on the Mandleshwarghats. Enjoy visiting the delightful family-run temple.

Your paddle boat will be waiting for you on the ghats below the temple. Climb aboard and drift down the peaceful Narmada for 2 hours with a soothing cup of tea in hand. You will pass temples, fields and a whole variety of wonderful characters going about their daily business on the banks of this holy river.
This is a terrific way to enjoy the birdlife, read a book or just soak up Indian culture and the Maheshwari way of life.

MOONLIGHT RIVER PROMENADE ON A HAND-POLED BOAT

An unforgettable, magical hour under the stars on the Narmada. Your traditional wooden boat will be hand paddled up the river through hundreds of flickering lamps, as you are serenaded by local musicians. Our hospitality boat will provide non-alcoholic libations and vegetarian snacks as you float, drift and dream under the timeless night sky.

CANDLELIGHT DINNER IN THE GARDEN OF THE BOLEYA NOBLES:

Dine in the ancient garden of the Boleya family, the Holkar State’s chief nobles.After a cocktail at Ahilya Fort walk down to the river and take a hand-poledboat along the ghats. Two hundred metres downriver, disembark and climb thesteps to the magical BoleyaChhatri gated garden for a delectable vegetariandinner by candlelight, served by our staff.

The garden is notable for the beautifully carved chhatri of Sarkar Boleya, and thesmaller, delicate mazaar of his paramour, a Muslim dancing girl. Legend has itthat her only wish was that in death she should “be at the feet of her lord andmaster”. Hence, Sarkar Boleya ordered that her grave be placed next to hischhatri.

Maheshwar is a temple town, and out of respect for religious sensitivities, noalcohol or meat may be served at this location on the Holy Narmada…but their chef’s delicious vegetarian feast will not disappoint you !

Post breakfast drive to Bhopal. Upon arrival check into the hotel. Evening at Leisure. Overnight stay at hotel in Bhopal.

Post breakfast proceed for excursion tour to Sanchi, 46-km from Bhopal. Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites of the Sanchi Stupa and Ashoka Pillar. These structures were commissioned by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd Century BC and contain inscription based on tenants on Buddhism on them.
Later during the day, we visit the 5th Century rock-cut caves of Udaigiri and Vidisha. These caves are known for their sculptures and temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva, and Goddess Durga and Matrikas. Return to your hotel for an overnight stay in Bhopal.

Post Breakfast in time transfer to airport to board flight to Delhi. Upon transfer to hotel.
Afternoon proceed to visit of Old Delhi visiting –Jama Mosque-one of the iconic, historic and largest mosques in India - constructed by Shah Jahan, Chandni Chowk-an extremely famous and busy market in vintage Delhi. see the locals and their bustling day to day activities. Chandni Chowk has shops selling delicious mouth-watering meals, garments, jewels, family matters, and so on. This is definitely a shopper's paradise. And a panoramic tour of Red fort (From outside).

Also visit the Raj Ghat where the father of India, Mahatma Gandhi was cremated. For Indians, it is a place where our national spirit peaks, and for tourists, it’s a great opportunity to look at the Indian Nationalistic spirit up close and personal.
Also visit the Sikh temple (Bangla Saheb Gurudwara)- is one of the most prominent Sikh gurdwara, or Sikh house of worshipand known for its association with the eighth Sikh Guru, Guru Har Krishan,.

Evening return to hotel & Overnight stay at hotel in Delhi.

Breakfast & in time transfer to airport to board flight to onward destination.

******TOUR END*******