Central and North India Temple Tour

01 Day: Arrival Mumbai

Welcome to Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, Mumbai. Our representative will assist and escort you by an air-conditioned car to your pre-booked hotel. After check-in, you will be provided with all the necessary documents related to your tour, and any queries regarding the itinerary and services will be explained. The evening is free for leisure and individual activities. Overnight stay at the hotel.

02 Day: Mumbai

This morning after breakfast, proceed for a sightseeing tour of Mumbai. Begin with a visit to the Gateway of India, followed by a boat ride to the Elephanta Caves, ancient rock-cut caves dedicated to Lord Shiva. Later, return by boat to the Gateway of India. Continue the city tour with a visit to the Prince of Wales Museum, a heritage museum showcasing a rich collection of artefacts. Drive past the Parliament House (view from outside), Nariman Point, the city’s commercial hub, and Marine Drive, one of Mumbai’s most beautiful seaside boulevards. Also visit the Dhobi Ghat, the famous open-air laundry, and Mani Bhavan, also known as Gandhi Bhavan. Later, return to the hotel. If time allows, you may visit the Bandra and Juhu areas, known for the residences of famous Bollywood celebrities such as Shah Rukh Khan, Amitabh Bachchan and Salman Khan (view from outside). In the evening, visit the ISKCON Temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna and admired for its beautiful architecture, murals and sculptures. After the visit, return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Note: Elephanta Caves and Prince of Wales museum are closed on every Monday.

03 Day: Mumbai – Aurangabad (By Air) | Ajanta Excursion (105 km / 2 hrs)

After breakfast, check out of the hotel and drive to the airport to board your scheduled flight to Aurangabad. On arrival, check in at the hotel. After some time to refresh, proceed for an excursion to the famous Ajanta Caves, one of India’s most remarkable historical and architectural marvels and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These magnificent cave temples are carved into the rocky sides of a dramatic crescent-shaped gorge, at the head of which a waterfall cascades down the mountain in a series of steps into a pool below. Deep within the hills lie the ancient Buddhist chaitya and vihara caves, used as prayer halls and monasteries. After the visit, return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Note: The Ajanta Caves are closed to public on all Monday.

04 Day: Aurangabad – Ellora Excursion (30 km / approx. 30 min)

After breakfast, set out on an excursion to the renowned Ellora Caves, an UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of India’s finest examples of ancient rock-cut architecture. Comprising 34 monasteries and temples carved between 600 and 1000 AD, the complex reflects the harmonious coexistence of Hindu, Jain and Buddhist traditions, with remarkable stone carvings illustrating various legends of Lord Shiva. Following lunch (on your own), continue with a brief sightseeing tour starting at Daulatabad Fort (Devagiri), a historic hill fortress known for its strategic design and imposing structure. Proceed to the nearby Chand Minar, an elegant 15th-century tower built by Ala-ud-din Bahmani, showcasing classic Islamic architectural style. Later, visit the beautiful Bibi Ka Maqbara, built in 1678 by Azam Shah in memory of his mother, Begum Rabia Durrani. Conclude the tour with a visit to Panchakki, an ingenious water mill system where water was brought from distant hills to operate flour mills for pilgrims. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Note: The Ellora caves are closed to public on Tuesday.

05 Day: Aurangabad – Maheshwar (340 km / approx. 7 hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Maheshwar. On arrival, check in at the hotel. After some time to refresh, proceed to visit the Ek Mukhi Dutta Temple, also known as Shiva Datta Dham, one of the newly constructed temples located in Sahastradhara, Jalkoti near Maheshwar. The temple is also referred to as the Sri Somavamsha Sahasrarjuna Temple. The original shrine dates back to the 2nd century but was destroyed during invasions and later rebuilt in the 13th century. It is sometimes also known as the Sahasrabahu Temple. Afterwards, return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

06 Day: Maheshwar – Mandu (40 km / 1 hr) | Mandu – Indore (100 km / 2–3 hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Mandu. Today, proceed for a full-day sightseeing tour of the monuments of Mandu, also known as the "City of Joy." The town is home to a number of well-preserved historical structures including forts, palaces, water reservoirs, gardens, mosques, cenotaphs and temples. Visit important sites such as Ashrafi Mahal, Rewa Kund Group and Hindola Mahal (Swinging Palace). Mandu is set in a picturesque location and is considered one of the most photogenic destinations in the region. After the visit, drive to Indore. On arrival, check in at the hotel for an overnight stay.

07 Day: Indore

After breakfast, proceed for a sightseeing tour of Indore. Visit Rajwada (Old Palace), one of the city’s major landmarks, followed by the Lal Bagh Palace. Continue to the Kanch Mandir, a beautifully crafted Jain temple, and Chhatri Bagh, known for its elegant canopies. Also visit the Bada Ganapati Temple, home to one of the largest idols of Lord Ganesha. In the evening, explore the vibrant local markets including Khajuri Bazaar, offering a wide range of gold and silver work, textiles, leather goods and traditional garments. Visit the famous Sarafa Market, known for its jewellery and street food, and Kasera Bazaar, popular for its metalwork. The city is also renowned for its Chanderi and Maheshwari silk fabrics. Overnight stay at the hotel.

08 Day: Indore – Ujjain – Indore (55 km / 1.5 hrs one way)

After breakfast, drive to Ujjain, one of the four sacred sites of the Kumbh Mela. On arrival, proceed for a sightseeing tour visiting the Mahakaleshwar Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. Continue to Gopal Mandir and Ganesh Temple, followed by a visit to the Harsiddhi Mata Temple, the family deity of King Vikramaditya. Also visit the Vedha Shala (Observatory), an ancient centre for astronomical studies. After the visit, drive back to Indore for an overnight stay.

09 Day: Indore – Bhopal (195 kms / 5 hrs)

After breakfast, check out of the hotel and drive to Bhopal. On arrival, check in at the hotel. After some time to relax, proceed for a sightseeing tour of the city. Visit the Jama Masjid, a beautiful mosque built in 1837 by Kudsia Begum, distinguished by its elegant minarets crowned with golden spikes. Continue to the Taj-ul-Masajid, one of the largest mosques in Asia, known for its impressive architecture featuring a prayer hall with intricately carved arches and a mimbar made of black basalt. The structure reflects a magnificent blend of Hindu and Mughal architectural styles. In the evening, visit Bharat Bhavan, one of India’s most unique cultural institutions and a centre for performing and visual arts. Designed by renowned architect Charles Correa, the complex blends harmoniously with the natural landscape, creating a striking sense of openness and elegance. After the visit, return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

10 Day: Bhopal – Sanchi – Bhopal (45 km / 1 hr one way)

After breakfast, proceed for an excursion to Sanchi. En route, pass through the towns of Dewanganj, Salamatpur and several small villages. Sanchi is renowned for its well-preserved Buddhist stupas, including Ashoka’s Stupa, built by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BC. Also visit the Archaeological Museum, which houses a rare collection of ancient artefacts, along with the Buddhist Vihara, The Great Bowl and the Gupta Temple. Later, continue to visit the magnificent Shiva Temple and the Bhimbetka Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its prehistoric rock shelters. Overnight stay at the hotel.

11 Day: Bhopal – Gwalior (By train)

After breakfast, check out of the hotel and drive to the railway station to board your scheduled train to Gwalior. On arrival at Gwalior Railway Station, you will be assisted and transferred to the hotel. After some time to relax, proceed for a sightseeing tour of the majestic Gwalior Fort, one of the largest and most impressive forts in India. Also visit the Sas-Bahu Temples, 11th-century temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and the Teli Ka Mandir, a towering Vishnu temple dating back to the 9th century. Continue to explore the Jai Vilas Palace, Usha Kiran Palace, Man Mandir, Gujari Mahal and the Tomb of Mohammad Ghaus. After the visit, return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

12 Day: Gwalior – Datia – Orchha (125 kms / 3 hrs)

After breakfast, check out of the hotel and drive to Orchha. En route, visit Datia, known for its main attraction, the seven-storey palace built atop a hill by Raja Bir Singh Deo. After the visit, continue the drive to Orchha. On arrival, check in at the hotel. After some time to refresh, proceed for a city tour of Orchha visiting its famous temples and palaces including the Raja Ram Temple, Chaturbhuj Temple, Laxmi Narayan Temple, Shiva Mandir and Panch Mukhi Mahadev Mandir. Also explore the beautiful cenotaphs (“Chhatris”) located along the banks of the Betwa River. Later, visit the Fort complex including the Raj Mahal, Jahangir Mahal, Diwan-i-Khas and Rai Praveen Mahal. Overnight stay at the hotel.

13 Day: Orchha – Khajuraho (180 kms / 5 hrs)

After breakfast, check out of the hotel and drive to Khajuraho. On arrival, check in at the hotel. After some time to refresh, proceed to visit the scenic Raneh Falls, one of the prominent attractions in the region, named after King Rane Pratap. Located near Khajuraho, the waterfall is formed at the confluence of the Ken and Khuddar rivers and is known for its striking natural beauty. Also visit the Archaeological Museum, which houses an impressive collection of stone sculptures from the Chandela dynasty. In the evening, enjoy the spectacular Light and Sound Show. Later, return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

14 Day: Khajuraho

After breakfast, explore Khajuraho, an UNESCO World Heritage town where the temples are spread across an area of about 8 sq km. Proceed for a sightseeing tour of the Western Group of Temples, including the magnificent Laxman Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the Laxmi and Varaha Temples dedicated to Vishnu’s consort, the grand Kandariya Mahadev Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, and the Chausath Yogini Temple dedicated to Goddess Kali. Later, continue to explore the Eastern Group of Temples, which includes both Hindu and Jain temples, reflecting the religious harmony of the Chandela period. Visit the Jain temples of Parsvanath, Adinath and Shanti Nath, along with the Vamana Temple and the Brahma/Hanuman Temple, both dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Afterwards, return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

15 Day: Khajuraho – Varanasi (By Air)

After breakfast, check out of the hotel and drive to the airport to board your scheduled flight to Varanasi. On arrival, you will be assisted and transferred to the hotel. After some time to relax, proceed for an excursion to Sarnath, located about 10 km from Varanasi, where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon to his five disciples. Visit the Dharmarajika Stupa and the 110 ft tall Dhamekh Stupa, marking the exact spot of his first sermon. Also visit the Archaeological Museum, which houses a remarkable collection of ancient Buddhist relics, including numerous images of Buddha and Bodhisattvas. See the famous Ashoka Pillar with its four-lion capital, built in the 3rd century BC, symbolizing both Emperor Ashoka’s rule and the spiritual authority of Buddhism, and later adopted as the national emblem of India. After the visit, drive back to Varanasi. In the evening, if time permits, you may explore the local markets and narrow lanes of the old city, known for their world-famous Banarasi silk fabrics and sarees. Afterwards, return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

16 Day: Varanasi

Early morning, enjoy a boat ride on the holy River Ganges. At sunrise, the city and the river come alive as devotees gather along the ghats to bathe and offer prayers to the rising sun. Later, return to the hotel for breakfast. After breakfast, proceed for a sightseeing tour of Varanasi, visiting the various ghats including the two main cremation ghats, Manikarnika Ghat and Harishchandra Ghat. Continue the tour with visits to the Bharat Mata Temple, which houses a unique relief map of the Indian subcontinent, the Sankat Mochan Temple, Tulsi Manas Mandir, and the famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple, also known as the Golden Temple. Also visit the Durga Temple, popularly known as the Monkey Temple, and Banaras Hindu University, one of the largest residential universities in Asia. In the evening, visit the banks of the Ganga to witness the spectacular Ganga Aarti, a mesmerizing ritual performed with brass lamps accompanied by chanting of mantras, creating a deeply spiritual atmosphere. Afterwards, return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

17 Day: Varanasi – Delhi (By Air)

This morning after breakfast, check out of the hotel and transfer to the domestic airport to board your scheduled flight to Delhi. On arrival, you will be assisted and transferred to the hotel. After some time to relax, the rest of the day is free for shopping. Delhi offers a wide range of shopping experiences, from luxury boutiques to vibrant street markets. The city is especially known for textiles, jewellery, shoes, bags, leather goods, carpets, handicrafts and both traditional and contemporary Indian art. Several leading designers also have their boutiques and showrooms here. Explore the bustling Chandni Chowk market, shop for handicrafts at Dilli Haat, and visit Connaught Place, one of Delhi’s most popular shopping destinations since 1931. In the evening, witness the captivating Light and Sound Show at the Red Fort, which brings alive the rich 5000-year history of the city. Afterwards, return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

18 Day: Delhi

After breakfast, proceed for a sightseeing tour of Old Delhi. Visit the majestic Red Fort, a magnificent structure built in red sandstone, and the Jama Masjid, one of the largest and most impressive mosques in India. Also visit Raj Ghat, the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi where he was cremated. Continue the tour to New Delhi, including a drive past the President’s House and India Gate, built in honour of Indian soldiers who sacrificed their lives. Visit the Birla Mandir (Laxmi Narayan Temple), Humayun’s Tomb, the lotus-shaped Baháʼí Temple (Lotus Temple), and the Qutub Minar, built by Qutub-ud-din Aibak of the Slave Dynasty. Also visit the ISKCON Temple (Sri Radha Parthasarathi Mandir). You may also opt for a cycle rickshaw ride through the lively and colourful lanes of Chandni Chowk. Later, return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

19 Day: Delhi – Haridwar (220 kms / 6 hrs)

After breakfast, check out of the hotel and drive to Haridwar. On arrival, check in at the hotel. After some time to relax, in the evening attend the spectacular Ganga Aarti at the holy River Ganges. The Aarti takes place at the ghats after sunset, where priests perform rituals with large lamps while chanting sacred mantras dedicated to the river Ganga, Lord Shiva, Surya (the Sun God) and the universe. The atmosphere at Har Ki Pauri during the Aarti is truly mesmerizing and spiritually uplifting. Afterwards, return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

20 Day: Haridwar – Rishikesh – Haridwar (22 km / approx. 30 min one way)

This morning after breakfast, proceed for a religious and spiritual sightseeing tour of Haridwar and Rishikesh. In Haridwar, visit the Daksh Mahadev Temple (Shri Daksheshwar Temple), associated with King Daksha and Lord Shiva, the Gorakhnath Temple, Bharat Mata Temple, representing India in the form of a mother goddess, and the revered Mansa Devi Temple, one of the most visited temples in the city. Later, proceed for an excursion to Rishikesh, visiting its prominent temples and ashrams including the Bharat Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the Shatrughan Temple, and the iconic Laxman Jhula. Also visit Rishikund and the Raghunath Temple, associated with Lord Rama, along with spiritual centres such as Swarg Ashram, Gita Bhawan, Parmarth Niketan, Triveni Ghat, Sivanand Ashram and the Kailash Ashram, known for meditation and spiritual learning. After the visit, drive back to Haridwar. Overnight stay at the hotel.

21 Day: Haridwar – Delhi (220 kms: 6 hrs) – Hometown

This morning after breakfast, check out of the hotel and drive to Delhi International Airport to board your scheduled flight for your hometown. With pleasant memories of your journey, the tour concludes on departure.