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Duration
10 days / 9 nights
Price Per Person
Destinations
India

Over the course of Madhya Pradesh’s rich history, it has it has been home to Hindu kings, Muslim sultanates, and Buddhist believers alike. All of these groups have left cultural marvels behind that still dot the lush landscapes of this central Indian state, and this 10-day trip gives you an excellent opportunity to explore them all. Discover towering sandstone forts, ornate Hindu temples, and ancient Buddhist stupas with pictorials that narrate the religion’s teaching through painstakingly crafted stonework. You will even get a chance to observe early cave drawings made tens of thousands of years ago by early humans. Madhya Pradesh is known as the “Heart of India” and promises not only insight into the cultural heritage of India, but also into that of humanity itself.

This itinerary is an example. It’s designed to inspire you and provide you with thoughtfully curated ideas. You can choose to do this exact itinerary or completely personalize it. All trips are 100% bespoke.

Highlights

  • Ancient Relics: Examine ancient, elaborately carved stone gateways surrounding the Great Stupa in Sanchi.
  • Enduring Traditions: Experience the Hindu aarti ceremony at a riverbank and witness the resilient community that still resides at Omkareshwar despite historical persecution.
  • Marble Rocks Gorge: Take a scenic boat ride on the river for a close-up look at the Marble Rocks of Jabalpur, where the river has carved through the soft marble to produce a gorge of nearly 5 miles in length.

Day-by-Day

Day 1

New Delhi

Upon arriving at the Indira Gandhi International Airport, you’ll be met for VIP arrival assistance and your guide will be waiting to greet you for the private transfer to your hotel. You have the rest of the day to relax and unwind from your flight, but if you want to get out and stretch your legs, there is plenty to see. We recommend checking out the nearby Rajpath ceremonial boulevard. It features many important Indian landmarks such as the India Gate and Rashtrapati Bhavan, a memorial in honor of Indian soldiers fallen in the First World War and the residence of India's president, respectively.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Stunning Décor: The rooms and suites are painstakingly decorated to stunning effect, with elements spanning from handcrafted tapestries to the Presidential Suite’s gold leaf ceilings.

Accommodations: Even the smallest guestrooms at The Leela New Delhi are larger than the rooms at all other hotels throughout the capital, not to mention The Leela’s 4,800 square foot Presidential Suite.

Service: No problem is too small for the hotel’s lauded, professional butler service, available 24-hours a day.

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The Leela Palace Preferred Hotel
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: With stunning views of Delhi Golf Course and Humayun’s Tomb, a World Heritage Site, this hotel is located within lush vegetation in the heart of New Delhi.

History: The capital’s first luxury hotel, this hotel opened in 1965 and has been an iconic landmark ever since.

Service: From dining to the world-class spa to organizing unique tours and excursions, the dedicated staff at the hotel cater to every guest’s needs. For more discerning business travelers, there is an extra level of service offered in Business Travel Plus.

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The Oberoi, New Delhi Preferred Hotel

Day 2

New Delhi

Today you have a full day of sightseeing ahead of you that starts with a tour around Old Delhi visiting Jama Masjid and the Baoli spice market. You’ll see Agrasen ki Baoli, a 197-foot-long, 49-foot-wide step well attributed to the legendary king Agrasen that roughly dates back to the 14th Century. Make your way by rickshaw along the narrow lanes of Chandni Chowk, one of the oldest and busiest markets of Old Delhi. In the afternoon visit Gurudwara Bangla Sahib to witness and participate in the bread making process. Later explore New Delhi, driving past the Presidential Palace, Parliament House, and India Gate, followed by a visit to Humayun’s tomb, the beautiful first garden-tomb complex on the Indian subcontinent that dates back to 1547 CE.

New Delhi
New Delhi

Day 3

Jabalpur

After a morning flight to Jabalpur, you’ll check into your hotel and then set out for a sightseeing tour of the city. Explore heritage-rich colonial architecture left over from the days of British rule and meander through scenic Old Jabalpur. Come evening, you will head to Gwari Ghat, just outside the city, to experience a traditional Aarti ceremony at Gwari Ghat. Sanskrit for "remover of darkness," this ancient Hindu ritual of offering takes place along the scenic Narmada River.

Hotel Options
About

The Narmada Jackson’s Hotel, Jabalpur, dates back to the colonial British Raj era in the nineteenth century and boasts heritage and royal elegance alongside modern facilities and amenities. All rooms and suites are spacious and appointed with contemporary furnishings of complimentary WiFi, mini bar and fridge, tea/coffee maker, LCD television, and 24-hour room service.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 4

Jabalpur

Take a day trip to Bhedaghat, which is about 50 minutes outside of Jabalpur. This land is famous for its Marble Rocks, where the river has carved through the soft marble to produce a gorge of nearly 5 miles in length. The first stop here is the famed Chaunsath Yogini temple. One of only four major extant temples that contain carvings of the 64 yogini, this beautiful temple dates back to the 10th Century CE. Following the temple visit, take a boat ride directly through the stunning Marble Rocks Gorge. Afterward, you will be transferred back to the city for a chance to explore the Rani Durgavati Museum. This museum is dedicated to the memory of the Queen Durgavati and houses an expansive collection of sculptures, inscriptions, and other prehistoric relics.

Jabalpur
Jabalpur

Day 5

Bhopal

This morning you’ll be transferred to Sanchi by road, a trip that takes about five hours. Sanchi is home to the Sanchi Stupa, one of the oldest stone structures in India that date back to the 3rd Century BCE. It was originally commissioned by the emperor Ashoka and built on a hill atop relics of the Buddha. In the 1st Century BCE, four elaborately carved stone gateways were added, which pictorially express the story of the Buddha’s journey and central themes of the Buddhist religion. After spending some time exploring the Great Stupa, you will then complete your journey to Bhopal, which takes an additional hour. After arriving, you will check in to your hotel and have an opportunity to relax.

Hotel Options
About

The Taj Lakefront is an iconic landmark in Bhopal located by the Upper Lake or Bada Talaab. The property offers 152 well-appointed rooms that blend stunning lakeside views with modern comforts and regional flourishes.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Bhopal
Bhopal

Day 6

Bhopal

After breakfast, take a short ride to visit the Bhimbetka rock shelters. This UNESCO world heritage site contains some of the earliest evidence of human life on the Indian subcontinent. There are shelters with evidence indicating they were inhabited by Homo Erectus more than 100,000 years ago and prehistoric cave paintings depicting animals, dance rituals, and hunting excursions that are estimated to have been produced 30,000 years ago. You will also visit the nearby religious town of Bhojpur to see its famous, incomplete temple to Shiva, Bhojesvar Temple. The structure features intricate stone carvings, a massive lingam, and – on account of its abandonment before construction was completed – blueprints that were engraved in nearby stones shed a light on 11th Century Indian building techniques. For the afternoon, you will return to Bhopal and take a heritage tour through Old Bhopal City, meandering your way through its narrow lanes past hand-embroidered goods and on to the old market that is filled with all manner of curious finds.

Day 7

Maheshwar

Drive onward to Maheshwar by road. It’s a 5.5-hour drive, but the scenery along the way is beautiful and the Ahilya Fort hotel awaits your arrival. Maheshwar is a beautiful city known for its unique, colorful saris and its fabric tradition. Maheshwar also bears the distinction of having been an imperial capital; its many temples and examples of regal architecture and design attest to this. Located along the banks of the sacred Narmada River, the Ahilya Fort is a renovated 18th Century fort-turned-hotel and former royal palace featuring traditional hammered metal decor and ornate wood-carved arches. Upon arrival you can freshen up, dine al fresco, and look out across beautiful vistas of Madhya Pradesh.

Hotel Options
About

Along the banks of the sacred Narmada River deep in the heart of India lies the opulent Ahilya Fort. Occupying 6 buildings, the renovated 18th-century fort and former royal palace is minutes away from famous Rajarajeshwara Temple by foot.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Maheshwar
Maheshwar

Day 8

Maheshwar

Today you’ll take a day trip to Mandu, a two-hour drive both ways and that is home to a number of beautiful sites. You'll stroll through the tentative UNESCO heritage sites that include such landmarks as the rock-cut caves from the 11th Century, the early Indo-Islamic architecture at Dilawar Khan's Mosque, and the massive 15th Century meeting hall Hindola Mahal. In total, there are 61 protected monuments in the town, along with a host of other archaeological remnants, including the ruins of the Rajput kingdom and scenic African baobab trees that have found their way into the heart of India likely as a result of human devices. A picnic meal will then cap this day of sightseeing before you head back to your hotel.

Day 9

Maheshwar

Today you will spent taking in the sights of Maheshwar Town. You will visit the Rehwa Society for hand-loom weaving, see the Ahilya School and the town’s temples and local markets. Choose between being paddled across the river to stroll the nearby village of Navdatodi or if you’re feeling more active go for a longer walk and cycle through the countryside. Return to your hotel for leisure time or as an optional day excursion, you may also wish to visit Omkareshwar, a sanctified island covered with numerous Hindu temples located 1.5 hours from the Alyhiya Fort.

Maheshwar
Maheshwar

Day 10

Departure

Today depart for Indore Airport (2.5 hours), where you will fly to Delhi or Mumbai to connect to your homeward-bound flight.

Suggested Hotels For Days 1–2

The Leela Palace
Preferred Hotel

The Leela Palace

Located near the heart of Chanakyapuri, the city’s diplomatic enclave, the Leela Palace New Delhi is a five-star luxury hotel in the Indian capital. Its 260 rooms and suites combine traditional Indian opulence with sleek contemporary decor and amenities in typical Leela luxury. Dining options include the striking glass-house Qube,offering an eclectic global menu and show kitchens, overlooking the Leela’s gardens; Jamavar for traditional Rajasthani and north Indian cuisine; and new outposts of the acclaimed restaurants Le Cirque (French and Italian) and Megu (Japanese). The Library, meanwhile, is a sophisticated retreat for cocktails, fine whiskeys, cigars, and a collection of first-edition books. The ESPA spa offers a range of Western, Oriental and Ayurvedic-influenced health and beauty treatments, as well as a café, a state-of-the-art fitness studio, relaxation lounge, finishing studio, roof terrace, and sauna, steam and drench rooms. The Leela is approximately a 30-minute drive from Indira Gandhi International airport (DEL).

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The Oberoi, New Delhi
Preferred Hotel

The Oberoi, New Delhi

A symbol and staple of elegant Indian hospitality, The Oberoi, New Delhi is a ultra-luxe urban oasis of sophistication and world-class service. An iconic landmark in the New Delhi skyline, this historic hotel enjoys sweeping views of the Delhi Golf Course and Humayun’s Tomb, overlooking crystal blue waters, palm trees and a spectacular white, marble lotus fountain in the glamorous entrance. With incredible restaurants offering up delicious cuisine from around the world, a wide variety of spacious and luxurious suites and a world-class spa, The Oberoi is more than just a hotel - it’s a destination. As an added bonus, for the most discerning of business guests, many suites offer private office spaces and meeting rooms, in addition to the extra level of service offered in Business Travel Plus.

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Suggested Hotel For Days 3–4

Narmada Jackson

Narmada Jackson

The Narmada Jackson’s Hotel, Jabalpur, dates back to the colonial British Raj era in the nineteenth century and boasts heritage and royal elegance alongside modern facilities and amenities. All rooms and suites are spacious and appointed with contemporary furnishings of complimentary WiFi, mini bar and fridge, tea/coffee maker, LCD television, and 24-hour room service. The ‘Back in Time’ restaurant offers a variety of Indian, Chinese, and continental favorites, the 19th Century is a bar and lounge where guests are invited to lounge and sip drinks, while Asanzo’s Fast Food Eatery serves snacks and meals in casual dining setting. Other facilities and amenities include a fitness center, hairdresser’s, and 24-hour front desk. The airport is a quick 15 minute drive away.

Suggested Hotel For Days 5–6

Taj Lakefront

Taj Lakefront

The Taj Lakefront is an iconic landmark in Bhopal located by the Upper Lake or Bada Talaab. The property offers 152 well-appointed rooms that blend stunning lakeside views with modern comforts and regional flourishes. Guests can choose between 4 different dining options available to them which include signature Asian dining at House of Ming and contemporary, global dishes at Machan, as well as elegant sundowners and al fresco dining at Infinity, or baked snacks and fresh brews at the Emperor Lounge. Additional facilities include a full service spa and wellness center, a large outdoor infinity pool with 4 jacuzzi pools, and a gym with cardio and weight lifting stations. This hotel is a 30-minute drive from the Raja Bhoj International Airport (BHO).

Suggested Hotel For Days 7–9

Ahilya Fort

Ahilya Fort

Along the banks of the sacred Narmada River deep in the heart of India lies the opulent Ahilya Fort. Occupying 6 buildings, the renovated 18th-century fort and former royal palace is minutes away from famous Rajarajeshwara Temple by foot. The room’s interiors feature such aesthetic elements as traditional hammered metal decor and ornate wood-carved arches along with such modern amenities as mini fridges and tea and coffee making facilities; upgraded rooms offer air-conditioning, sitting areas, and even balconies that look over the river. The facilities house private gardens, intimate tent spaces, an outdoor pool, and a treatment room where guests can enjoy Maheshwari massages. The hotel’s restaurant serves Indian and International cuisine prepared with ingredients sourced from a local organic garden. The hotel is pet friendly and Wi-Fi equipped.

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