Depart on your flight to Ahmedabad.
Most suited for
Couples, Families
Ideal time to visit
December- May
Discover the soul of India travelling west to east from Gujarat into rural Madhya Pradesh—an enchanting fusion of vibrant culture, ancient history, and untouched landscapes.
Off the Beaten Track Gujarat & Madhya Pradesh
As with all our holidays, this itinerary is just a starting point. We will create a bespoke package which will be completely unique for you.
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Day 1
Your adventure begins
Days 2 - 4
Ahmedabad
Take a heritage walk through the ancient UNESCO World Heritage City of Ahmedabad as an introduction to the region’s rich culture and history. The bustling streets are contrasted by tranquil temples and mosques, including the Gandhi Ashram.
Take a full day excursion to see the ancient stepwells of Patan and see Patola silk weaving before visiting the 11th century Sun Temple of Modhera. The temple is famed for its intricate carvings and provides a glimpse of medieval Hindu culture.
Day 5
Ahmedabad to Bhavnagar
Depart Ahmedabad and head South to the lost city of Lothal. Explore the once prominent city of the Indus Valley civilization, now an archaeological site dating back 4500 years. Many ancient artefacts are on display at the Lothal Museum and the site is home to the world’s oldest known artificial dockyard. Continue to Bhavnagar, a coastal city and home to the all-marble Takteshwar Shiva Temple with panoramic views of the city below.
Day 6
Bhavnagar
Today, you’ll take a round trip to the 1000 temples of Palitana and join hundreds of pilgrims as they make their way up the nearly 4000 steps to the summit. Although the journey is a long one, the scale of the temple complex and unique spiritual atmosphere of devotion make it a wholly worthwhile climb, and you’ll have the rest of the day free to relax.
Days 7 - 8
Velavadar
The Black Buck Sanctuary is one of India’s smallest national parks but is densely populated with fascinating wildlife. Spend two days taking in the park’s natural beauty and look out for the blackbuck antelope and some of the 120 species of birds that live here.
Day 9
Velavadar to Dared
Just an house away from Velavadar is Dared where you’ll stay tonight. En route explore the historical Darbargadh fort, before taking a walk through the village. After lunch you can explore the village where local trades include diamond polishing. In the late afternoon you can watch daily rituals from the balcony of the fort and end the day with a jeep ride to the riverside for sundowners.
Day 10
Dared to Jambhugodha
Journey onwards to the UNESCO Heritage sites of Champaner and Pavagadh, home to forts, mosques, stepwells, and temples from the 8th -14th centuries. The Kalikamata Temple which sits on the summit of the mountain and draws pilgrims to worship the goddess Kali, and the Saher ki Masjid and Kayda Masjid mosques in the citadel.
Day 11
Jambhugodha – Kathiwara
Travel to Kathiwara and settle into your heritage hotel for the evening.
Days 12 - 13
Kathiwara
Spend time here relaxing in your lovely hotel. The restored mansion is full of historical art and artefacts from the region, and the surrounding area is worth exploring on a privately guided tour of local villages or a trek through the nearby forests and jungles on the state border of Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh.
Days 14 - 15
Maheshwar
Transfer by road to Maheshwar, located in south-western Madhya Pradesh, it is one of the most atmospheric and magical towns in India. The fort and many-tiered temples situated on the banks of the sacred Narmada River are stunning, and people of all faiths are welcome to enter any of the temples to participate in age-old rituals. Your base here is an incredible 250-year-old fort, quirky and enchanting, with delicious food and a lovely pool surrounded by lush gardens.
Two days at leisure to enjoy the activities on offer here as well as relax and soak up the atmosphere. You might wish to take a trip to the ruined city of Mandu. You can also explore the local area on foot, stroll by the ghats or shop for the famed local saris, woven in plain cotton with decorative silk ends.
Day 16
Fly home
Depart your hotel for Indore Airport and fly back home (or continue your tour in India).
Immersive India
A relaxed yet comprehensive introduction to India's many different shades, customs, history, beliefs, cuisine and societal strata. Meeting people from all walks of life and trying different foods. A well-thought-out tour offering a range of environments all backed up by fabulous hotels and supportive team.
Charles
24 October 2024Excellent
850 Reviews
850 Reviews
What’s included:
With ETG, what’s included goes well beyond the basics. From the moment your trip begins to your final farewell, the essentials are already taken care of, leaving you free to immerse, explore and enjoy without the hassle of hidden extras.
Here’s what comes as standard in all of our holidays:
All flights (unless you’ve booked your own!)
Expert guides and drivers
All accommodation
Many meals and snacks
Immersive experiences throughout
All regional transfers
Tips
24/7 In-Country support
Personal travel consultant throughout
Pricing:
As every holiday is bespoke, prices vary depending on destination, flights, hotel choices, inclusions and travel dates. We aim to include as much as possible upfront, so you know exactly where you are. As an approximate guide:
Bespoke Holidays £4,500 - £8,500pp
Bespoke Luxury Holidays £8,500 - £14,500pp
Bespoke Family Holidays from £4,000 - £7,500pp
Meet Our India Experts
With over a decade of experience, Sara knows how to blend India’s vibrant energy with luxurious, personalised touches. Her itineraries balance historic cities, serene countryside retreats, and cultural experiences that stay with you forever.
Sara
Regional Expert
Explore Our Hotels & Villas
Wherever you go, and whatever you do, at the end of every day you can always be sure of a comfortable rest. Every location on our list of hotels is handpicked, and in its own way, shares the history, the hospitality, and the soul of the destination. Below are some examples of the different hotels we use.
The ETG Guarantee
We guarantee you an experience no one else has ever had.
The travel magic you’ll remember won’t be found on a well-trodden – or over-Instagrammed – itinerary. It will be the surprises, discoveries and secrets that you’ll uncover along the way with us.
Do you ever feel like people aren’t listening to you?
We get it. And we will – that’s a promise. Your holiday starts with with a proper, no-pressure call to understand what you want, what you don’t want, and what matters to you. From there, we create a completely unique adventure, inspired by our conversation together.
And because of our long-standing relationships with trusted partners across Asia, you’ll have access to experiences you can’t find on Google. The kind of special experiences that are literally impossible to find on your own.
Experiences in India
Crafting bespoke packages is the heart of what we do. Each holiday is specially designed to confound preconceptions and share magical, memorable, and truly exceptional experiences.
Important FAQs about India
India is a place of contrasts and deep cultural richness, and travelling here with ETG ensures you experience it in a way that is authentic, seamless, and meaningful.
We craft holidays that go far beyond the typical tourist trail: think hand-picked boutique hotels, private guides with expert local knowledge, and immersive experiences that give you genuine insight into India’s diverse traditions and landscapes. From the calm of rural Rajasthan to the chaotic charm of Delhi, our holidays are designed to be both inspiring and stress-free, with 24/7 in-country support so you can focus on the magic of the moment.
India is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on the region and your interests. For most of northern India, the cooler, drier months from October to March are ideal for exploring cultural sites, cities, and wildlife reserves. The southern states, such as Kerala and Tamil Nadu, are also wonderful during these months, while the Himalayan regions are best visited in the warmer months from April to June. If you’re looking for fewer crowds, travelling in the shoulder seasons—September or April—can offer a great balance of pleasant weather and quieter
Every ETG holiday to India is designed to feel seamless, immersive and stress free. We’ll arrange international flights (if you’d like us to), your drivers and guides, and stays in characterful hotels we know and trust.
You’ll experience India in a way that’s completely bespoke to you – from quiet moments to big adventures – all planned by our India specialists. And while you’re away, our local team is on hand 24/7, so you’ll always feel well looked after.
