A Journey through Madhya Pradesh

DAY 1 departure

Depart and fly to Delhi

DAY 2 Delhi

On arrival, you will be picked up by your driver and taken to your hotel in the heart of the city. In the late afternoon, you will do a short tour of New Delhi to get your bearings and see some of the classic sites such as the India gate and the President's house.

DAY 3 Delhi

An enjoyable experience this morning as you explore locally with a former street kid, turned guide, from the Salaam Baalak Trust; they'll give you a brilliant, fun tour of the streets where they grew up, tell you eye-popping stories and provide a fantastic insight into another side of Delhi. The cost of this tour goes directly to the trust for their work helping other street kids

DAY 4 – 5 Train to Gwalior

This morning your driver will take you to the train station and see you aboard the Shatabdi Express, to begin your four-hour journey to Gwalior. Travelling by train is an integral part of Indian life and no holiday in India is complete without one. On arrival, you will be transferred to a former palace for your overnight stay. The driver will meet you with your luggage a bit later.

On day five you will explore the remote fort city of Gwalior, getting your first introduction to the way of life/history and idiosyncrasies of the Madhya Pradesh people. The Gwalior Fort is a renowned landmark with a story going back 1000 years.

DAY 6 Orchha

Today you will drive towards Orchha which takes around 4 hours. En-route you will stop at the historic city of Jhansi with has a beautiful fort on the banks of the Pahuj River. On arrival at Orchha you can explore this city with your guide, or by yourself, as your hotel - a lovely boutique heritage hotel with great views of majestic cenotaphs -is centrally located.

DAY 7 To Satpura via Bhopal

Step back aboard the Shatabdi Express this morning, after driving 30 minutes to Jhansi railway station for the three-hour train to Bhopal. On arrival, transfer to the glorious Satpura National Park, a lesser visited parks which receives only a few visitors.

DAY 8 – 9  Satpura national park

During the next few days, you will get to experience the many wonders of this remote national park by various means, be it a traditional jeep safari, an early morning lake canoe trip, a walk in the core of the park or a night drive in the buffer zone.

For those looking for more adventure why not consider two nights of camping and trekking in the heart of the park or a night in a basic, remote lodge in the higher areas of the natural park where tigers roam freely?

And if you want some relaxation, ETG believes that extending your stay to 4-7 nights will allow you to switch off in beautiful surroundings and have the chance to explore the park and the rural areas around to get a fulsome experience of remote India.  

DAY 10 Bhopal

This morning you will make the three-hour journey back to Bhopal. On the way, you stop at Bhimbetka caves, a famous site which shows some of the early signs of civilisation with 5000-year-old cave paintings.

Your accommodation in Bhopal is an old converted palace with lovely views over the lake.

DAY 11 Bhopal

Bhopal has a fascinating and eclectic history and is famous for been ruled by females. Today you’ll have a rare opportunity to explore the city with a guide we are proud to be working with: a historian who knows the city inside out and will open your eyes to a history not known by many.

DAY 12- 15 Maheshwar

Rise early this morning for your six-hour drive to Maheshwar. Don’t be put off by the long transfer as the reward at the end is one of the most gorgeous hotels in all of India, Ahilya Fort. Here you’ll stay in an old fort on the banks of the Narmada River. It’s enchanting. Take some time out to relax over the next few days. Take a sunset river cruise, visit the ruined city of Mandu or explore the small ghats on the riverside.

On Day 15 you’ll take the two-hour drive towards Indore for your flight to Mumbai. On arrival check into your hotel for the next two nights to explore the sights and sounds of Mumbai.

DAY 16 Mumbai

Today you’ll experience a city tour of Mumbai. Visit the main sites like the Gateway of India, take a boat cruise on the harbour and get lost in the Prince of Wales Museum. Your guide will help you get local street food if you are feeling adventurous! 

DAY 17 Fly home (or Stay!)

Today you will fly back home. 

Your bespoke proposal with Experience Travel Group will include:

• International Flights (we can omit if you prefer)
• Accommodation as described
• Privately guided tours and transfers
• Tips for guides and drivers
• Original Experience Travel Group "signature" experiences 
• Full financial protection (ABTA and ATOL bonding.) 
• 24-hour in-country backup while away
• Your dedicated travel expert in the UK