Arrive Delhi

Arrive in Delhi and stay for two nights at the Maidens Hotel or upgrade to the Imperial Hotel. Delhi is India’s capital and a city of diversity. Old Delhi – is a historic district of grand mosques, majestic forts, busy bazaars, and dilapidated monuments. In contrast to New Delhi, that has a modern skyline, a variety of malls, and restaurants along with old government buildings. It has wide tree-lined avenues and pretty whitewashed bungalows purpose-built in the 1930s by the British as a colonial capital and remains the epicenter of Indian political power. Delhi is crowded, colorful, and beautifully chaotic.

Delhi to Bhopal By Air

This morning we fly to the city of Bhopal and stay for two nights at the historic Jehan Numa Palace Hotel where all senses come alive. Capital of Madhya Pradesh, Bhopal has beautiful parks and palaces. Forward-thinking Muslim women ruled Bhopal.  The city quickly modernized with the establishment of an early postal system and comprehensive rail network.

Bhopal Visit Sanchi

We take today to visit the oldest surviving Buddhist sanctuary in India, which was once the principal center for Buddhism in the country.

It’s the Great Stupa, India’s finest Buddhist structure, and one of the subcontinent’s oldest remaining religious monuments that define Sanchi. The stupa convenes at the heart of a reminiscent complex of temples and monasteries all of which exhibit a unique character. We conclude our day and visit the historical Taj-ul-Masjid mosque, Jama Masjid, and Shaukat Mahal to satisfy our soul with tales and stories.

Bhopal to Pachmarhi We cover approximately - 200kms

You would want to linger on in the cultural tales of Bhopal; but we make our way to Pachmarhi hill station, which was once the summer capital of the central provinces during the British Raj.

A sleepy town of graceful bungalows and stone churches, Pachmarhi retains a distinctive colonial atmosphere. Located in the heart of the Satpura Hills, the area around the town has rich biodiversity and a staggering array of bird-life not commonly seen elsewhere in central India. Stay three nights at the Satpura Retreat Hotel or the Rock-End Manor.

Pachmarhi

Starting at Duchess Falls, take a guided morning walk to Mount Rosa. Passing waterfalls and rock-paintings, this is an ideal opportunity to encounter the flora and fauna in the areas around Pachmarhi. It is not uncommon to see tiger and leopard tracks as well as a wide range of bird-life including the black eagle and honey buzzard. In the afternoon visit the man-made Pandav Caves, protected monuments, which potentially date to the time of Emperor Ashoka and end the day at Dhupgarh to enjoy the sunset.

Pachmarhi

We arrange an 8kms walk into the sal forests outside of Pachmarhi that will leave you refreshed. Beginning at Jatashanker Cave, there will be further chances to view some of the local wildlife including barking deer, gaur, tree shrew, sambar, the Malabar giant squirrel, and numerous vulture roosts.

Pachmarhi to Satpura We cover approximately - 60kms

Walk to the butterfly garden in Panarpani on a trail where fresh tracks of tiger, leopard and sloth bear are often seen. On a good day, over fifty species of butterfly can be seen in the garden and is a must for any butterfly enthusiast. After lunch, we continue to Forsyth’s Lodge in Satpura National Park for a three-night stay. A relatively new reserve, Satpura is spread across mountains of the same name. Uniquely, Satpura is also the only tiger reserve that permits walking safaris, which are led by trained local guides.

Satpura

We see a flawless backdrop of plateaus and hills at the highest part of the Deccan, the huge Tawa reservoir protects the entire northern flank of the park and sustains the perfect habitat for a plethora of bird species that the area is home to.

The thick forests of this unspoiled reserve also provide some of the finest tiger habitats in the subcontinent and, although these wonderful animals are present in good numbers, Satpura is home to a host of other rare species including sloth bear and leopard.

Satpura

We see a flawless backdrop of plateaus and hills at the highest part of the Deccan, the huge Tawa reservoir protects the entire northern flank of the park and sustains the perfect habitat for a plethora of bird species that the area is home to.

The thick forests of this unspoiled reserve also provide some of the finest tiger habitats in the subcontinent and, although these wonderful animals are present in good numbers, Satpura is home to a host of other rare species including sloth bear and leopard.

Satpura to Maheshwar We cover approximately - 380kms

We drive to the humble town of Maheshwar and stay three nights at the enchanting Ahilya Fort. One of central India’s best-kept secrets, a stay at Ahilya Fort is something to be remembered. Largely constructed in the late 17^th century, this converted fortress has changed little and continues to hold a commanding position high above the banks of the sacred Narmada River. Rooms are comfortable and captivatingly furnished and there are many nooks and crannies to explore.

Maheshwar

Explore the fort and walk down to the riverside and the beautiful ghats to witness the timeless daily rituals of the local villagers. Followers of Lord Shiva revere the town and there are numerous shrines and temples that line the river’s bank. Maheshwar is also known for its Maheshwar sarees and is a thriving local industry.

Maheshwar visit Mandu

Perched in a dominant position astride part of the Vindhya ranges, Mandu is an architectural masterpiece of understated Islamic style with many fine buildings spread over the site. With a history dating back to the early 6^th century AD, Mandu’s heyday was during the medieval period under the Pathan sultans whose rule ushered in a period of peace and prosperity. Rightly famed for its Islamic architecture, explore Mandu’s many palaces, mosques and mausoleums.

Maheshwar to Indore We cover approximately - 90kms

Indore to Mumbai – By Air

With everlasting memoirs, we leave Maheshwar and transfer to the Indore Airport for the flight to Mumbai, where you will stay overnight at the Leela Kempinski Hotel close to the international airport.

One of the greatest cities of the world – Mumbai has grown from a small group of islands to India’s economic powerhouse and gateway to the world. Still growing fast, Mumbai is a combination of old and new, the chaotic and the peaceful, which draws tourists back time again to what is the most vibrant, bustling cities of the world.

Depart Mumbai

Transfer back to the Mumbai Airport to catch the British Airways flight non-stop to the UK.