Passage through Central India Tour

16 Day – Private tour with air-conditioned car and driver
From £3490 low season & £3890 high season
ABTA and ATOL protected holidays

On this spectacular Passage through Central India Tour you’ll journey through the heart of India and discover a world of rich culture and natural beauty. If some places look familiar, scenes from the BBC drama, ‘A Suitable Boy’ was filmed in places like Maheshwar.

Visit the princely state of Gwalior to see its striking fort and an opulent palace. Appreciate the intricately carved exotic temples of Khajuraho. Discover the faded splendour of Orchha’s palaces and ancient temples. Visit the world heritage site of Sanchi to see the Great Stupa, the oldest stone structure in India. Admire the intelligent architecture of Mandu’s medieval palaces and tombs. Enjoy the rustic charm of Maheshwar from your riverside fort palace hotel. Explore the World heritage sites of Ajanta and Ellora caves, containing the world’s largest monolithic structure. This is a wonderful tour to go ‘off the beaten path’ with awe inspiring landscape, magnificent World Heritage Sites, beautiful ancient temples set in a pristine countryside.

Please remember all our private tours are designed to meet your exact requirements, and this tour is just an example to help inspire you. If you would like we can also arrange your flights for a fully ATOL protected holiday. Contact the team for more information on 01792 315499 or email info@aitholidays.com

Highlights of the Passage through Central India Tour

Kandariya Mahadeva Temple, Khajuraho,, Madhya Pradesh
  • Full day tours of Gwalior, Sanchi and Mumbai
  • Spectacular sound and light shows
  • Tours of Khajuraho, Orchha, Bhopal, Ujjain, Mandu and Burhanpur
  • Engage with local people and school children in Maheshwar
  • Visits to the iconic Ajanta and Ellora Caves
  • Quality hotels including specially selected heritage and traditional accommodation
  • Train journey aboard the Shatabdi Express
  • Airport meet and greet service. Chauffeur driven air-conditioned car

Passage through Central India Tour Itinerary

Passage through Central India Tour

Upon arrival at Delhi International Airport, you will be welcomed by your Authentic India Tours representative and taken to your hotel for an overnight stay.

The rest of the day is free for you to relax and enjoy the facilities of your hotel and the surrounding area. If you would like to discover Delhi please speak to the Authentic India Tours team when booking your holiday and they can arrange an additional night’s accommodation and city tour.

Accommodation: The Claridges
Meals included: Breakfast

This morning you will be taken to the station for the train to Gwalior. After being picked up from the station and taken to your hotel the rest of the afternoon is free to relax before enjoying a ‘Sound and Light’ show in the beautiful setting of Gwalior Fort.

Accommodation:  Taj Usha Kiran Palace, Gwalior
Meals included: Breakfast

This morning you will visit the Gwalior Fort which is considered to be most impregnable fort in India. The fort houses several monuments including the Man Mandir, a six towered palace decorated with unperforated screens, mosaics, floral design and Gurjari Mahal,which is now an archaeological museum. This is followed by a tour of Jai Vilas, an extravagant palace housing the largest pair of crystal chandeliers in the world, then the tomb of Muhammed Ghaus, a renowned Sufi saint and the tomb of Tansen, a famous musician in Emperor Akbar’s court.

Accommodation:  Taj Usha Kiran Palace, Gwalior
Meals included: Breakfast

This morning take a short train ride to Jhansi and drive for 3-4 hours to Khajuraho. Stay at Radisson Jass for two nights. This evening enjoy ‘Sound and Light’ show at famous Khajuraho temples.

Accommodation: Radisson Jass, Khajuraho
Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, its time to explore  Khajuraho.

A UNESCO World Heritage site, the small town of Khajuraho houses the largest group of medieval Hindu and Jain temples, famous for their erotic sculpture. In the evening a visit to the Kandariya Mahadev, the Chaturbhuj and the Parshvanatha temple has been arranged.

Accommodation: Radisson Jass, Khajuraho
Meals included: Breakfast

Today’s drive to Orchha, nestled on the banks of River Betwa, takes about 4-5 hrs. This sleepy hamlet is home to fascinating temples and palaces revealing tales of battles between kings.

On your sightseeing tour of this charming medieval town dotted with palaces and cenotaphs of the Bundela rulers from the 16th and 17th century, you will visit the Jahangir and Raj Mahal Palaces of the royal family and the Ram Raja temple.

Approximate travel time and distance: 4 hours 30 mins, 190 kms
Accommodation: Orchha Palace, Orchha
Meals included: Breakfast

A short 30 minute transfer will take you to Jhansi Railway Station to board the Shatabdi Express to Bhopal. This comfortable air-conditioned train leaves Jhansi late morning and takes about 3 hours.

You will be met on arrival at Bhopal Station and transferred to your hotel.

In the evening there is a sightseeing tour of the Bhopal, the capital of Madhya Pradesh. The city is split by a pair of lakes, and offers two starkly contrasting cityscapes. South of the lakes are the modern offices and shopping centres, whereas to the north is Bhopal’s Muslim dominated old city, a labyrinth of mosques and crowded bazaars. About a quarter of Bhopal’s population is Muslim, and the women in black niqabs are reminders of the four female Islamic rulers, known as the Begums of Bhopal, who developed the city in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Approximate travel time: 3 hour train journey plus travel time
Accommodation: Jehan Numa Palace, Bhopal
Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, it’s another full day of sightseeing with a days excursion to Sanchi.

Sanchi is a Buddhist complex, famous for its Great Stupa, on a hilltop at overlooking Sanchi Town. The Great Stupa at Sanchi is one of the oldest stone structures in India and was originally commissioned by the Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BC.

Accommodation: Jehan Numa Palace, Bhopal
Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, the drive to the holy town of Ujjain which takes about 3 1/2 hours.

As you weave your way between pilgrims along the river ghats, make an offering at some of Ujjain’s famous temples, and get lost in the old city’s maze of alleyways, you’ll see why the enchanting town has been attracting traders and pilgrims for hundreds of years. An undeniable energy pulses through the sacred sites, which isn’t surprising, given this is one of Hinduism’s seven sacred cities and also one of the four cities that hosts the gigantic Kumbh Mela pilgrimage festival every 12 years.

Following the visit, your journey continues with an hours drive to Dhar.

Accommodation: Jhira Bagh Palace, Dhar
Meals included: Breakfast

This morning’s drive to Maheshwar includes a stop at picturesque Mandu . Perched on a lovely green plateau, the area is forested with baobab trees, which were transported on ancient trade routes from Africa.

Mandu is also home to some of India’s finest examples of Afghan architecture. The plateau is littered with World Heritage listed palaces, tombs, monuments and mosques. Some cling to the edge of ravines, others stand beside lakes, while Rupmati’s Pavilion, the most romantic of all, sits serenely on the edge of the plateau, overlooking the vast plains below. Little more than a one street village, Mandu is a great place to spend some time exploring grand and beautiful architecture in a relaxed rural setting.

Approximate travel time and distance: 4 -5 hours, 130 kms
Accommodation: Ahilya Fort, Maheshwar
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After quite a lot of travelling, today is a day of leisure and the chance to appreciate the sights of Maheshwar.

There is plenty to see and do, which can easily be reached on foot from your centrally located heritage hotel. The Rehwa Society for hand‐loom weaving and the Ahilya School supported by Rehwa, offers a fascinating insight into local life and traditions. There are also temples to explore and local markets to discover. If you fancy venturing a little further you can take a trip across the river to stroll through the village of Navdatoli, or enjoy a walk or cycle ride through the rural countryside. Or why not visit the hotel’s organic farm, swim in the garden pool or play petanque with cannon balls.

Accommodation: Ahilya Fort, Maheshwar
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After a leisurely morning your tour continues to the city of Burhanpur which is situated on the banks of the Tapti River.

This historic city, dates back to 1400 AD, and was once the capital of the Mughal Kingdom. As an important outpost of the Mughals, Burhanpur was known as the gateway to southern India for its strategic location. Ruled by Shah Jahan for an extensive period, it is one of the most beautiful symbols of Mughal architecture and grandeur. The magnificent mosques, tombs and palaces give you a sense of what Mughal life was like at its peak.

Approximate travel time and distance: 4 hours, 170 kms
Accommodation: Ambar and Holiday Resort, Burhanpur
Meals included: Breakfast

After an early breakfast the drive to the Ajanta Caves takes about 3 hours.

The Ajanta Caves are a marvel of art and architectural splendour. This UNESCO World Heritage Site dating from the 2nd century BC to 600 AD is a series of caves, carved out of rock by Buddhist monks. The wall paintings and sculptures housed within the collection of 26 monasteries and four temples is an astonishing sight.

After the tour your journey continues to Aurangabad.

Approximate travel time and distance: 6 hours 220 kms
Accommodation: Vivanta, Aurangabad
Meals included: Breakfast

Your morning excursion is a visit to the Ellora Caves, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. The impressive rock hewn temples and monasteries of Ellora are the meeting point of Buddhists, Jains and Hindus. In total there are 34 elaborate cave temples to enjoy.

Then in the afternoon you can visit the visit Bibi ka Maqbara, a mausoleum of Aurangzab’s first wife followed by a stop at an old water mill.

Accommodation: Vivanta, Aurangabad
Meals included: Breakfast

This morning you will be taken to Aurangabad Airport to board your short flight to Mumbai. You will be met on arrival at Mumbai Airport and transferred to your hotel.

In the afternoon it is time to explore Mumbai with a sightseeing tour. This will include a visit to the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, (formerly the Prince of Wales Museum), the colourful Crawford Market and Dhobi Talao.

Accommodation: Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai
Meals included: Breakfast

In plenty of time you will be transferred to Mumbai Airport to board your return flight.

Alternatively, if you have time, you could spend a couple more days exploring Mumbai, add a South India Tour or you could enjoy a beach extension in relaxing Goa or visit an invigorating spa.

Meals included: Breakfast

Sights to enjoy on the Passage through Central India Tour

Gwalior Fort, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh
Kandariya Mahadeva Temple, Khajuraho,, Madhya Pradesh
Kandariya Mahadev Temple, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh
Orchha, Madhya Pradesh
Palace at Sunset, Orchha, Madhya Pradesh
Jahangir Mahal, Orccha, Madhya Pradesh
Chaturbhuj Temple, Orchha, Madhya Pradesh
Upper Lake - Bbada Talab, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
Taj-ul-Masajid, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
Gayatri Shakti Peeth Temple, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh
Ram Mandir Ghat, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh
Jahaz Mahal (Ship's Palace), Mandu, Madhya Pradesh
Jahaz Mahal, Mandu, Madhya Pradesh.
Mandu Rani Roopmati Pavillion, Mandu, Madhya Pradesh
Rehwa Society, Maheshwar, Madhya Pradesh
Ahilya School, Maheshwar, Madhya Pradesh
Fishermen at Lake, Dhar City, Madhya Pradesh
Local Market, Madhya Pradesh
The Great Stupa, Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh
Black Taj Mahal, Burhanpur, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
Ajanta Caves, Aurangabad, Maharashtra
Ellora Caves, Aurangabad, Maharashtra
Ellora Paintings, Aurangabad, Maharashtra
Daulatabad Fort, Aurangabad, Maharashtra
Bibi Ka Maqbara, Aurangabad, Maharashtra
Taj Hotel and Waterfront, Mumbai, Maharashtra
Skyline, Mumbai, Maharashtra
High Court, Mumbai, Maharashtra
Gateway of India, Mumbai, Maharashtra
Crawford Market, Mumbai, Maharashtra
Dobi Ghat, Dharavi, Mumbai, Maharashtra
Pottery Making, Dharavi, Mumbai
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Mumbai, Maharashtra

Gwalior Fort, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh

Kandariya Mahadeva Temple, Khajuraho,, Madhya Pradesh

Kandariya Mahadev Temple, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh

Orchha, Madhya Pradesh

Palace at Sunset, Orchha, Madhya Pradesh

Jahangir Mahal, Orccha, Madhya Pradesh

Chaturbhuj Temple, Orchha, Madhya Pradesh

Upper Lake - Bbada Talab, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh

Taj-ul-Masajid, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh

Gayatri Shakti Peeth Temple, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh

Ram Mandir Ghat, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh

Jahaz Mahal (Ship's Palace), Mandu, Madhya Pradesh

Jahaz Mahal, Mandu, Madhya Pradesh.

Mandu Rani Roopmati Pavillion, Mandu, Madhya Pradesh

Rehwa Society, Maheshwar, Madhya Pradesh

Ahilya School, Maheshwar, Madhya Pradesh

Dhar, Madhya Pradesh

Local Market, Madhya Pradesh

The Great Stupa, Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh

Black Taj Mahal, Burhanpur, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh

Ajanta Caves, Aurangabad, Maharashtra

Ellora Caves, Aurangabad, Maharashtra

Paintings, Ellora Caves, Aurangabad, Maharashtra

Daulatabad Fort, Aurangabad, Maharashtra

Bibi Ka Maqbara, Aurangabad, Maharashtra

Taj Hotel and Waterfront, Mumbai, Maharashtra

Skyline, Mumbai, Maharashtra

High Court, Mumbai, Maharashtra

Gateway of India, Mumbai, Maharashtra

Crawford Market, Mumbai, Maharashtra

Dobi Ghat, Dharavi, Mumbai, Maharashtra

Pottery Making, Dharavi, Mumbai

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Mumbai, Maharashtra

Places on the Passage through Central India Tour

Passage through Central India Tour Hotels

Pricing and Inclusions

The price guide for this 16 day Central India Tour is

  • £3490 in low season
  • £3890 in high season

The prices do not include flights.

Authentic India Tours is a member of ABTA and ATOL. All the holidays on this website are ABTA protected. If you would like us to arrange your holiday including flights we will be happy to provide a quote and your holiday will also be ATOL protected.

This is a private tour and can be tailor-made to meet your exact requirements. Prices will vary depending on the number of people, length of tour, accommodation & season. Reductions are normally available for groups of three or more. Some hotels operate an additional peak pricing rate during busy times which is normally from mid December to mid January.

Please get in touch with your dates and we will be pleased to provide you with your personal itinerary and accurate quote.

Included with this tour are the following:

  • Meet and greet assistance on all arrivals and departures.
  • All internal road travel by a private chauffeur driven air-conditioned large car.
  • All scheduled sightseeing expenses including English speaking guides and entrance fees at monuments.
  • Accommodation for 15 nights on double/twin sharing basis.
  • Train fares
  • Internal flight from Aurangabad to Mumbai
  • Meal Plan: Ahilya Fort on Full Board; Bed & Breakfast elsewhere.
  • Mineral water on all days of travel.

Price does not include:

  • International flight tickets
  • Travel insurance and visa
  • Expenses of personal nature like laundry, tips, beverages etc
  • Meals other than mentioned in the above meal plan
  • Camera and video fees at national parks, museums & monuments

Prices mentioned above are per person based on two people sharing a double or twin room. All prices were valid at the time of publication but they may be subject to change, based on your date of travel and local market fluctuations. You will be informed of any price differences prior to booking.

For further information or a quote based on your exact dates of travel, any alternative accommodation or a change to the itinerary, please call Authentic India Tours on 01792 315499 or email us at info@aitholidays.com

Please remember all our private tours are designed to meet your exact requirements, and this North India tour is just an example to help inspire you.

This tour can be combined with a range of options such as a tour of South India or a beach extension in Goa.

For more information please email info@aitholidays.com or call our India specialists on 01792 315499.

Authentic India Tours is a member of ABTA and ATOL. All the holidays on this website are ABTA protected. If you would like us to arrange your holiday including flights we will be happy to provide a quote and your holiday will also be ATOL protected.