Each state of India’s has much to offer to the perceptive traveller. This itinerary explores the Central India State of Madhya Pradesh connecting places dating from pre-historic times to modern day cities. Most of the places covered are deeply embedded and portrayed the heritage of the region. The state is also famous for its high population of tigers. The tour end on a religious note by visiting Maheshwar and Omkareshwar – Lord Shiva temples.

Meet and assistance on arrival by TOTAL HOLIDAY OPTIONS representative at the arrival lounge holding plaque card and transfer to the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure and stay overnight at Delhi.

Delhi has the proud privilege of being the capital of the world's largest democracy India. The place presents an amazing amalgamation of diverse cultures and traditions for which India is well known. Amidst all these modernity is the keyword. A city of antiquity, it finds mention in the Ramayana and Mahabharata - the great epics. Explore the city with guided tour and visit the Qutab Minar; built by Qutbuddin Aibak the founder of the Muslim rule in India, India Gate; built in memory of the soldiers who lost their lives in the World War I, the magnificent Red Fort; built in red sandstone by the Mughal Emperor Shahjehan, Jama Masjid; Asia's largest mosque which can accommodate 20,000 people at any given time and Gandhi memorial. Drive past the official residence of the president of India, Rashtrapati Bhawan, Parliament House and other government buildings. Apart from a host of historical monuments and structures, Delhi also boasts of swanky malls, sophisticated hotels, business centers and entertainment hubs. Afternoon free for your own activities and stay overnight at Delhi. (B,D)
Included Meals Indication: B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, E=Evening Tea, D=Dinner

Board morning train to Agra. Located in Uttar Pradesh in North India, Agra was once the imperial capital of the Mughal Dynasty, which ruled from 1526 A.D to 1858 A.D and a city of unspeakable grandeurs. Situated on the banks of the Yamuna, its narrow crowded streets and boulevards are medieval in structure, while its bazaars are splashed with colour and gaiety – which is the hallmark of the city. After bit of rest visit Agra Fort; the great Mughal Emperor Akbar commissioned the construction of the fort in 1565 A.D., which has forbidding exteriors hiding an inner paradise and Itimad-Ud-Daulah; on this marvel tomb, the Pietra Dura work on marble so characteristic of the Taj was first used, before concluding your day with sunset visit to The Taj Mahal. Set amongst the serene ambience of a well laid out garden the massive marble structure of the Taj Mahal is awe-inspiring, making no other monument in the world match its beauty and opulence. Mughal Emperor Shahjehan built it as the final resting place for his Queen, Mumtaz. The purity of the white marble, the exquisite ornamentation, precious gemstones used and its picturesque location, all make this monument gain a place amongst the most magnificent buildings of the world. Stay overnight at Agra. (B,D)
Included Meals Indication: B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, E=Evening Tea, D=Dinner

Enjoy your breakfast before boarding train to Bhopal, capital city of Madhya Pradesh state situated on the site of 11th century city, also known city of lake gifted with beautiful weather. Located on a gradient, the city has an amphitheatre-like quality with a fair sprinkling of landscaped gardens and lakes, sitting on the fringe of the Malwa Plateau which comprises of half-broken plains and forests in equal measure and is surrounded by the Shamla and Idgah hills. The city was built by the legendary King Bhoj and witnessed a power struggle between the local rulers and the Mughals, who later took over the region. The decline of the Mughal Empire with death of Aurangzeb (1707 AD) led to political turmoil, with the present-day city being founded by an Afghan soldier Dost Muhammad in 1723. Bhopal today presents a multi-faceted profile; the old city with its ethnicity, fine old palaces and mosques and the modern new city with its well laid out parks and gardens, broad avenues and streamlined modern facilities. The monuments reflect the aristocratic lifestyle of its rulers, reminding one of the glamorous lives led by the Nawabs and Begums of yesteryears. Arrive late afternoon and enjoy hotel facility. Stay overnight at Bhopal. (B,D)
Included Meals Indication: B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, E=Evening Tea, D=Dinner

Post breakfast take a guided excursion tour to Bhojpur named after legendary founder Raja Bhoj in 1010 enjoy visit to magnificent Bhojeswar temple; which bears all the stories of ancient Bhojpur, the culture, architecture, sculpture with its history laying in each and every stone of the temple and the cyclopean dam; a stone work done in Mycenaean style with its walls built of limestone boulders. Later visit Bhimbetka located northern fringes of the Vindhya Range surround by rocky terrain of dense forest and craggy cliffs. Enjoy vivid panoramic detail rock shelters belonging to the Neolithic age between 4000 - 2500 BC and explore paintings in over 500 caves depict the life of the pre-historic cave dwellers making the Bhimbetka an archaeological treasure, an invaluable chronicle in the history of man. The oldest paintings are believed to be up to 12,000 years old. Executed mainly in red and white, with the occasional use of green and yellow, with themes taken from the everyday events of aeons ago, scenes depicting hunting, dancing, music, horses and elephant riders, animals fighting, disguises and household scenes. Stay overnight at Bhopal. (B,D)
Included Meals Indication: B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, E=Evening Tea, D=Dinner

Have a leisurely breakfast and enjoy guided sightseeing tour of the city dominated by two lakes and visit Bharat Bhawan; a centre of unparallel excellence built to keep the traditions of verbal, visual and performing arts alive in Bhopal, where the total beauty of the cultural complex lies in a number of low lying remarkably structured buildings around the banks of the lake, Taj-ul-Masajid, which when translated means ‘The Crown of Mosques” and true to its name it is considered to be the second largest and most elegant mosque in India, followed by Van-Vihar; an oasis of greenery this national park houses a variety of herbivorous and carnivorous species in their natural habitat and Upper lake; this beautiful water body of the 11th century is the oldest man made water body in India, legend has it that King Bhoj constructed this gigantic lake, which is believed to have cured his skin disease. Spend remaining of the day at the bank of Lakeside or stroll around the old part of city. Stay overnight at Bhopal. (B,D)
Included Meals Indication: B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, E=Evening Tea, D=Dinner

Post breakfast travel to Ujjain regarded since times immemorial as sacred and has a plethora of temples spread all over. One of the holiest cities of Hindus, Ujjain is said to be home of Shiva as Mahakal, the presiding deity of Ujjain. According to Hindu scriptures, it was originally called Avantika and there is an interesting tale behind the sanctity of the city. Its origin is ascribed to the mythological legend of Sagar Manbthan (churning of the primordial ocean to discover the pot of nectar). The story goes that after the nectar was discovered, there was a chase between the gods and the demons to have the nectar first and thus attain immortality. During this chase a drop of nectar spilled and fell on Ujjain, thus making the city sacred. This primeval city was also famous due to its galloping strides taken in the field of astronomy in ancient times. Ujjain was the first meridian of longitude in Hindu geography from the 4th century BC, thus highly contributing to the richness of the country’s mysticism and historical significance. Afternoon enjoy city sightseeing of this religious and ancient city governed by legends like Vikramaditya, Ashoka the great and Kalidas who wrote his souls stirring poetry. A major seat of various religions, sects and cults, Ujjain is undoubtedly a sacred mosaic of divinity and purity. Stay overnight at Ujjain. (B,D)
Included Meals Indication: B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, E=Evening Tea, D=Dinner

This morning travel to Omkareshwar, a sacred island shaped like the holiest of all Hindu symbols ‘Om’ situated on the banks of Narmada River finds mention in the epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata. It is considered as one of the places among the 12 Jyotirlingas (symbol of Shiva) and holds a special significance for Shiv Bhakts (followers). On the southern and the eastern side of the island are soaring, 150 meters high cliffs that make the perfect backdrop to the architectural charm of the temples. Ruined temples, wayward shrines, bathing places, and caves inhabited by chillum-smoking shaivite sadhus are dotted around the island, strung together by an old paved pilgrims' trail. Explore this holy city and stay overnight at Omkareshwar. (B,D)
Included Meals Indication: B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, E=Evening Tea, D=Dinner

Today travel to Mandu, embraced by the majestic Vindhya mountainous ranges, it is a parable of many historical legends and is well-known for its natural beauty and fort. Breathtakingly beautiful this dreamy city was the former capital of the Sultanate of Malwa and was once the monsoon retreat of the Mughal Emperors. En-rout visit Maheshwar, a historical town nestling on the banks of the holy Narmada River full of architectural wonders. The temples and ghats in the city give Maheshwar town different hues of the bygone era. Present from the time of the Mahabharata and Ramayana, this town has a rich history, with mighty fort-complex standing in quiet beauty, mirrored in the river below. With their soaring spires, the many tiered temples of Maheshwar are distinguished by their carved overhanging balconies and intricately worked doorways. The distinctive hand-woven sarees Maheshwari sarees were introduced into Maheshwar 250 years ago by Rani Ahilyabai and are renowned throughout India for their unique weave. Stay overnight at Mandu. (B,D)
Included Meals Indication: B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, E=Evening Tea, D=Dinner

Perched atop a height of 2000 ft, this picturesque place seems like a scene straight out of a fairy tale, especially with its pastel colour monuments studded in the emerald green landscape. Its rich historical saga that still looms over its architectural gems, bestows Mandu with an enigmatic appeal. A place that celebrates the various aspects of joy, love and beauty, this sleepy town still chimes with a regal charm of the bygone era. Mandu is a celebration in stone, of life and joy, of the love of the poet-prince Baz Bahadur for his beautiful consort, Rani Roopmati. The pervading spirit of Mandu was of gaiety and its rulers built exquisite palaces, ornamental canals, baths and pavilions, as graceful and refined as those times of peace and poetry. The glory of Mandu still lives on, in legends and songs chronicled for posterity. After breakfasts enjoy guided sightseeing tour of Mandu. Evening at leisure with overnight at Mandu. (B,D)
Included Meals Indication: B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, E=Evening Tea, D=Dinner

Travel to Indore, located in the Narmada River valley, it was built by the famous Rani Ahilyabai of the Holkar dynasty and the city represents an interesting mix of industry and architecture. Indore is the largest city in the Malwa region of Central India and the cosmopolitan state of Madhya Pradesh and is often referred to as mini Mumbai. Enjoy visit to Rajwada; two hundred years ago this seven storeyed historical building formed the nerve centre of all trading activities and even today is a silent tribute to the craftsmanship of unknown artisans of centuries ago, Lal bagh Palace; exquisitely constructed with great detailing, it reflects the royal taste of the Holkars and is a blend of varied architectural designs, Kanch Mandia; Place of mirrors is a quaint Jain Shrine and as the name indicates, the attraction is in the myriad mirrors studded on the interior walls and ceilings, consisting of 50 murals depicting Jain stories. Spend remaining of the day at leisure. Stay overnight at Indore. (B,D)
Included Meals Indication: B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, E=Evening Tea, D=Dinner

Enjoy your leisurely before your board flight to Delhi or Mumbai to catch a connecting flight for onwards journey. (B)
Included Meals Indication: B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, E=Evening Tea, D=Dinner

Private Car Guided Tour

Starts in: Delhi Ends in: Indore Grade: Easy Paced Tour

• Accommodation in hotel with private facilities
• Travel by private air-conditioned car
• Meals as specified (B=Breakfast, D=Dinner)
• Private English speaking guide during sightseeing
• Entry fee/Monument charges
• Train ticket in 1st /2nd class air-conditioned chair car
• Assistance and transfers

• Departs daily
• Itinerary can be changed to suit your specific requirements.
• Overland travel by private car and train
• Order of events and sightseeing may vary according to local conditions
• Ask for pre and post accommodation

• Any meals other than specified, drinks, laundry, Mineral water, telephone calls or other expenses of a personal nature.
• Camera fees (Video or still) at the monuments
• Tips/gratuity