Forts and Caves in the heart of India

Enjoy a day of sightseeing in Delhi. Visit the classic monuments of the Mughal and British eras like the Humanyun Tomb; or explore lesser known places: Nizamuddin Sufi shrine, Lodhi Garden or the Sikh Temple.Savour the street food of Old Delhi and indulge in some shopping if you please.

In the early morning board an express train from Delhi to Gwalior. Visit the historical fort of Gwalior which has been the stage of many historical events, including an assault by Queen Rani of Jhansi against the British, during the Sepoy Mutiny. Visit richly adorned palaces (Man Mandir Palace, Gujari Mahal) as well as Jain, Hindu and Sikh temples: Surya Temple, Teli ka Mandir, Saas Bahu, Gurudwara. Gwalior is a world renowned for medieval majesty and makes for an interesting stop to better known tourist destinations.

Start your trip with a visit to the temple-covered hill of Sonagiri and then Govind Palace in Datia. Proceed to Orchha, once the capital of Bundelkhand kingdom. This small town now offers a pleasant setting along Betwa River withscared temples and magnificentpalaces.

Enjoy a full day sightseeing in Orchha. Visit the palaces of Raj Mahal and Jahangir Mahal, and the temples of Ram Raja Mandir, Chaturbhuj Mandir, Laxmi Narayan. Enjoy the funerary cenotaphs called Chattris and take a stroll along the river.

Enjoy a scenic train journey to Bhopal, capital of Madhya Pradesh. Known as a dynasty of Muslim Navabs and Begums, the city is dotted with Mosques and lakes. Visit the museums devoted to the region’s tribal heritage (Bhil and Gond tribes) and enjoy the delectable cuisine of Bhopal.

Day trip to Sanchi, renowned for its great Stupa (a symbol of Buddhist cosmology). Ashoka Emperor built the Stupa, a must see in Sanchi.

Drive to Ujjain, a sacred city of Hindus, located on the bank of Shipra River. Visit the Mahakaleshwar Temple, home to one of Shiva’s 12 Jyotirlinga (“pillar of Light”). Visit the Vedha Shala, the Observatory built by Maharaja Jai Singh II of Jaipur, a great amateur of astronomy. Stay overnight in Ujjain or Indore.

Drive to Mandu, former capital city of Malwa, a Muslim kingdom. The city’s architecture is a harmonious blend of palaces, ponds and gates. Wander around its maze of alleyways and discover the spiritual side of the city.

Make a trip to the fortress and also to the main palaces-Roopmati Palace (built by King Bas Bahadur for his love, Hindu queen Roopmati), Hindola Mahal and Baz Bahadur Mahal. Also visit Afghan style Hoshang Shah Mausoleum and the mosque of Jama Masjid. The peace and tranquility felt there is unparalled.

Leave for Maheshwar, renowned for its handloom sarees and its magnificent fort. Go onto Narmada River to Omkareshwar, a sacred town which also hosts a Jyotirlinga in the rock-carved temple of Sri Omkar Mandhata.

Drive to the small city of Burhanpur, famous for Muslim shrines and monuments. Archaeology enthusiasts will love this place for its ruins and monuments.

Drive to Ajanta Caves, a World Heritage Centre dating back to 200 BC. They were among the earliest monastic institutions in the country.Admire its renowned ‘frescoes’ that adorn many of the caves interior. These paintings are a rare sight and are of great heritage value. Spend the night in Aurangabad, former Mughal capital founded by Emperor Aurangzeb.

Make a day trip to Ellora Caves dedicated to Buddhist, Hindu and Jain cults. A world heritage site, the Ellora caves are a sign of tolerance at that time (7th to 12th century). The carving of Kailasa temple chiseled from one giant basalt rock took 150 years. Head back to Aurangabad and visit Bibi-ka-Maqbara, modeled on the famous Taj Mahal, a fine example of Mughal architecture.

Head to Mumbai. Visit the Gateway of India in Colaba, the Hanging Gardens, Mani Bhawan and a Jain Temple. These are some iconic symbols of the financial capital of India.

Take a boat trip to Elephanta Island and visit Shiva Caves. Also, enjoy a trip to Dhobi Ghat and Haji Ali Dargah, where peace and tranquility will keep you company. Evening board a flight back home.