Central India & Taj Mahal

Distant India Journeys representatives will receive you on arrival at the airport in Delhi and transfer to the hotel.

Start a full day sightseeing of Delhi at 0930hrs

OLD DELHI  - A sightseeing tour of Old Delhi would entail visiting the Raj Ghat   - the memorial site where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated; Jama Masjid - the largest mosque in India and the Red Fort - once the most opulent fort and palace of the Mughal Empire.

Enjoy the cycle rickshaw ride from Jama Masjid to Chandni Chowk.

NEW DELHI - An extensive sightseeing tour of New Delhi would include a visit to the Humayun’s Tomb, the Qutub Minar, a drive along the ceremonial avenue - Rajpath, past the imposing India Gate, Parliament House, the President’s Residence, and Lotus Temple and would end with a drive through the Diplomatic Enclave.

Early morning transfer to railway station to board your express train for Agra. On arrival in Agra, leave your bags at hotel and proceed for a guided sightseeing tour of Agra.

Two great Mughal monarchs, Akbar and Shah Jahan, transformed the little village of Agra into a befitting second capital of the Mughal Empire - giving it the name Dar-ul-Khilafat {seat of the Emperor}. Today a visitor to Agra is caught up in a world of contrasting edifices, of red sandstone and white marble, narrow galleys and quaint buggies, and that irresistible charm that this favourite city of the Mughals still retains. It is not surprising, that modern Agra still reflects its Mughal heritage most conspicuously.  A walk down the narrow bustling streets of the city will introduce the visitor to the wafting aroma of Mughlai cuisine.

TAJ MAHAL: Little needs to be said about this architectural wonder which is always the soul raison-de-etre for every tourist's visit to Agra. Built by Shah Jahan, the Taj is a white marble memorial to his beautiful wife Mumtaz Mahal. This monument took 22 years to be completed and was designed, and planned by Persian architect Ustad Isa. Apart from its stunning design balance and perfect symmetry, the Taj is also noted particularly for its elegant domes, intricately carved screens and some of the best inlay work ever seen.   

Proceed for visit to the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Itmadullah’s Tomb with English speaking guide. Return to hotel and relax in the evening.

After breakfast transfer to railway station to board your train for Gwalior. On arrival in Gwalior get ready for a guided sightseeing tour of Gwalior.

Visit Gwalior Fort which dominates the city and is its magnificent monuments. Within the fort are some marvels of medieval architecture which include Man Mandir, Gujari Mahal (today an archaeological museum), temples of Saas Bahu, Teli ka Mandir, Jai Vilas Palace, Tomb of Ghaus Mohammad and the mausoleum of Tansen. In the evening enjoy the light and sound show in Man Mandir Palace.

Overnight will be in Gwalior.

After breakfast drive to Khajuraho and check into your hotel.

Khajuraho was capital of Chandela Kings. It is famous for the temple of lord Shiva and lord Vishnu and Jain Tirthankars built in 950 to 1050 AD which represent some of the most exquisite specimens in medieval India that has made Khajuraho one of the most beautiful religious centres of that time. Overnight will be in Khajuraho.

Morning sightseeing shows us the temples built during the 9^th to the 11^th centuries by the powerful dynasty of Chandela Rajputs. The temples with their erotic sculptures are a feast to the eyes. Visit the eastern and western group of temples

The Chandelas built 85 temples in all but today only 20 temples stand intact. Even ten centuries after they were constructed, the temples of Khajuraho reflect an eternal philosophy relevant to all mankind. The temples of Khajuraho are a world heritage site and belong not just to India but to the world. The nearby Panna National Park is a project tiger park making the area a unique combination of outstanding cultural and natural heritage - one of the few millennium destinations of the world.

Continue drive to Orchha. On arrival in Orchha, check into your hotel and relax.

See the beautiful Palace Complex – Jahangiri Mahal and the Raja Mahal. Closely study the intricacies of the mural paintings in the Raja Mahal and visit the Laxminarayana Temple.

Later transfer to Jhansi railway station to board train for Bhopal.

Reach Bhopal and check into your hotel.

After breakfast proceed for a visit to Bhimbetka where paintings in over 500 caves depict the life of the pre-historic dwellers in vivid, panoramic detail.

Continue drive to Sanchi and Udaigiri Caves to witness the masterpieces of Buddhist art which speaks of the story of Emperor Ashoka becoming follower of Buddhism. Later return to Bhopal for an overnight stay.

After breakfast drive to Mandu by road while stopping midway at the two famous temple towns of Omkareshwar and Maheshwar. Omkareshwar is a popular pilgrimage center and Omkar Mandhata Temple is very famous here. Maheshwar is nestled along the banks of River Narmada. You can visit its striking temples and the Ghat.

Later, continue drive to Mandu and transfer to hotel upon arrival for night stay.

Mandu, The city of Joy, is full of legends of love and glory, especially those of Baz Bahadur and the beautiful Roopmati. In Mandu, you visit several noteworthy palaces and pavilions some of which are Ashrafi Mahal- the Palace of gold coins & was conceived as an academic institution, Rewa Kund Group - it includes Rewa Kund, and the Hindola Mahal (swinging Palace). Overnight will be in Mandu.

After breakfast, drive to Jalgaon and check into your hotel. Rest of the day is to relax. Overnight will be in Jalgaon.

After breakfast drive to Aurangabad enroute visiting Ajanta Caves. Ajanta caves were excavated dated back second century BC. Ajanta caves were an excellent masterpiece of Buddhist period. The Art and architecture of Ajanta caves were the excellence of Art work of that age. The shrines at Ajanta caves are just perfectly blended with the Buddhist culture. 

Continue drive to Aurangabad. On arrival in Aurangabad, check into your hotel and relax.

Overnight will be in Aurangabad.

After breakfast proceed for a guided city tour of Aurangabad covering the major attractions in the city. Visit the Daulatabad fort which was originally the mountainous Deogiri fortress, it was an old Hindu stronghold, finally captured and plundered by deceit in the 13^th century. Made the capital of the Delhi Sultanate a 100 years later by Tughlaq, it was the prime fortress of many successive dynasties in the Deccan. Daulatabad is famous for its series of trick defences, secret escape routes, etc. Important monuments within the fort include the Jami Masjid – now the Bharat Mata Mandir, the Chand Minar, Elephant Tank and Chini Mahal or Chinese Palace.

Also visit Bibi ka Maqbara. It is the tomb of Begum Rabia Durani, wife of Emperor Aurangzeb. Due to its similar design, it is popularly known as the mini Taj of the Deccan. The Maqbara stands in the middle of a spacious and formally planned Mughal garden with axial ponds, fountains, water channels, broad pathways and pavilions. Transfer to the hotel.

Afternoon visit to the Ellora Caves. Ellora caves (29 kms) which encompasses 34 rock cut shrines representing Buddhist, Hindu & Jain art dating from the 4th to 9th century A.D. the most remarkable among them is the Kailash Temple meant to be a replica of Lord Shivas celestial abode, Kailash, it is the best example of rock cut architecture and an engineering marvel.

After breakfast, transfer to airport to catch your flight for Mumbai. On arrival in Mumbai, check into your hotel and relax.

In the afternoon see the other attractions in Mumbai like Kamla Nehru Park and Hanging Gardens situated on the slopes of Malabar Hill, offering a panoramic view of Marine Drive, Chowpatty Beach, Prince of Wales Museum, Mani Bhawan, Dhobi Ghat, Gateway of India and drive through the Crawford market, Marine Drive & Flora Fountain.

Overnight will be in Mumbai.

In the morning after your breakfast transfer to the Gateway of India Apollo pier to board your motor launch to Elephanta caves. Visit the caves and admire at the cave art that developed during that era. After spending time in Elephanta and studying the intricacies of cave art and architecture return to Mumbai mainland.

Transfer to airport to board your flight back home....