Central India

Namaste! Welcome to India!
Delhi stands as the capital of Modern India. The city has seen the rise and fall of many emperors, which has left behind a plethora of monuments that commemorate the grandeur and glory of bygone ages. Very few cities in the world can express such a profusion of architectural styles.

Experience Old Delhi, from the opulent Red Fort and massive Jama Masjid mosque to the narrow bustling lanes ofChandni Chowk. New Delhi’s Gateway to India and the Presidential Palace showcase modern history, yet the 12th century Qutub Minar and Humayun’s Tomb show that even these parts of Delhi have an ancient past.

Agra is home to one of the world’s most famous monuments: the Taj Mahal, seventh wonder of the world and an impeccable ode to undying love.  See the Shah Jahan’s masterpiece and visit the mighty Agra Fort, a massive palace where Mughal emperors lived and ruled for centuries. You’ll also visit Fatehpur Sikri, the short-lived capital of Emperor Akbar that is now a pristine, palatial ghost town.

Take the train to Jhansi, and then travel onward to Orchha, the former capital of Bundela rulers. Orchha features a collection of impressively well-preserved 16^th century palaces, many of which are still visited regularly by thousands of devotees.

Drive to Khajuraho, home of the world-famous Kama Sutra carvings. Visit the Chandela Temple Complex, a stunning example of Indian architectural styles that has gained popularity due to their salacious depiction of the traditional way of life during medieval times. Later, soak in the spectacular Light and Sound show at the temple site.

Today, you drive to Bandhavgarh, known for having the highest density of tigers in the world. Check into your lodge and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Explore the park on morning and evening game safaris. The park is home to 22 species of wildlife, including the regal gaur, many varieties of deer, the striped hyena, jungle cat, sloth bear and over 250 species of birds. The ruins of Bandhavgarh Fort hover mightily over the park, and are now largely overrun by the surrounding forest.

Discover more wildlife in the park on morning and afternoon game drives today. In between, take a walk through the humble dwellings of Tala Village, allowing you a glimpse at a day in the life of an Indian village.

This morning offers more opportunities to discover this renowned wildlife haven. In the afternoon, drive to Jabalpur where you can unwind.

Make your way to another prime wildlife habitat: Satpura National Park, one of India’s best-kept secrets. Apart from jeep, elephant and boat safaris, Satpura is the only park of its kind in Central India that offers walking safaris, giving enthusiasts a thrilling opportunity to explore tiger country on foot.   While here, you might spot leopard, sloth bear, wild dogs, gaur, sambhar and, if you’re lucky, the magnificent tiger.

Explore this off-the-beaten-path gem in the morning and the afternoon. The elephant safari is particularly interesting: being atop this massive creature is an experience unlike any other, and a superb way to immerse yourself in this wilderness. You may wit

You have yet another full day to explore the park. Alternatively, you can choose to visit some of the nearby tribal villages, getting a sense of the everyday life of the native people.

Onward you travel on your Central India tour, as you make our way to Maheswar, an ancient city on the banks of the sacred Narmada River. Explore the city’s ghats, visit some of the local artisans at the Rehwa Society (famous for textiles) and see some of the unique hand-woven sarees (called Maheshwari) that are made here.

Discover Mandu, which was once the largest fortified city on the planet. A series of ancient rulers built elaborate palaces like the Jahaz and Hindola Mahals, as well canals and pavilions. You’ll gain insights into the history of this place once called “City of Joy” before heading back to Maheswar.

Situated on the site of an 11th century city, Bhopal is a city of old mosques and regal palaces, yet it also is a vibrant modernity to it. The “new” city has an inviting collection of parks, gardens, broad avenues and modern buildings that complement its ancient past.

Today, get to know Sanchi, home to Sanchi Stupa a shining example of the artistic acumen of Buddhist monks. You can see how Buddhist architecture and sculpture evolved between the 3rd century BC and the 12th century A.D. Later, see the State Museum, the Taj-ul-Masajid mosque and Big Lake in Bhopal.

This morning, your tour of Central India draws to a close, but not before you see the cave paintings in Bhimbetka. These paintings date to the Neolithic era, each depicting the life of prehistoric cave-dwelling humans. In the evening, you’ll fly to Delhi and transfer to the International airport for your flight home.