Depart on your flight to Delhi.
Most suited for
Couples, Families
Ideal time to visit
December- May
This itinerary embraces a slower rhythm through the heart of India, revealing the quiet beauty of Madhya Pradesh.
From the untamed wilderness of Satpura National Park and the cultural riches of Bhopal to the riverside serenity of Maheshwar, you’ll explore a region steeped in history and tradition yet blissfully untouched by mass tourism. With heritage stays, immersive safaris and time to truly unwind, this journey shows that sometimes, less really is more.
Less is More in 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
Day 2
Delhi
Arrive in Delhi and transfer to your hotel in the heart of the city.
Day 3
Delhi
An interesting experience this morning as you explore locally with one of the ex-street kid guides from the Salaam Baalak Trust. They’ll give you a brilliant and fun tour of the streets where they grew up, tell you eye-popping stories and give you a fantastic insight into another side of Delhi. The cost of this tour goes directly to the trust in its work, helping other street kids.
After lunch, you will see both sides of Delhi – the historic city and its modern face. Old Delhi is the ancient walled city, capital of the Mughal Empire. Explore by cycle rickshaw and see the formidable Red Fort. Make your way through Chandni Chowk, filled with twisting lanes and crowded bazaars. Return to New Delhi by the very modern Delhi Metro system, a marvel of advanced engineering in one of the busiest parts of India. In the evening we can suggest some superb restaurants for you to try.
Day 4
Delhi to Satpura National Park
Your drive will take you to the airport this morning for your flight to Bhopal. On arrival, you’ll meet you, chauffeur, for the next ten days and drive approximately 3 hours to Satpura National Park.
Days 5 - 6
Satpura National Park
Satpura is the only park in India where a variety of safari options are available to you. In addition to the usual jeep safari, canoeing and boating safaris are possible, as are walking safaris through the core area of the park. Or, try a night drive through the buffer zone to search for nocturnal animals. The park is little visited and well off the normal tourist trail, so to an extent, you’ll have the park to yourselves.
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 simple, 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 full experience of remote India.
Day 7
Satpura to Bhopal
Back to Bhopal today. After arrival and check-in, you can explore Bhimbetka Caves, famous for their 5000-year-old paintings that have been protected from the elements by rock overhangs. On a clear day, the views over the plains from here are quite spectacular.
Day 8
Bhopal
A fabulous walking tour today exploring Bhopal, a city infamous for the tragedy in the 1980s but one with a fascinating and rich cultural heritage. Your guide is a local history buff, and he’ll bring the story of this great city to life, including learning about its female rulers, the Begums of Bhopal, who built and developed the Old City and ruled Bhopal for over 100 years.
Day 9
Bhopal and Sanchi
Today, you’ll travel to Sanchi, to admire the ancient Buddhist monuments on the hilltop here. It’s a great place to spend a relaxed morning or to enjoy the beautiful sunset in the evening.
Day 10
Bhopal to Maheshwar
Maheshwar, located in south-western Madhya Pradesh, must be 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.
Days 11 - 12
Maheshwar
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. Inside are 23 miles of walls are palaces, mosques, and pavilions, each with romantic legends attached – such as the ‘Ship Palace’, which looks like a ship floating on the lake below, and which was once the sultan’s harem and home to 15,000 women.
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 14
Maheshwar to Delhi
Drive today to Indore and fly to Delhi. On arrival in Delhi, we can suggest various ways to enjoy your last evening in India in a memorable way and allow you to reflect on an amazing holiday.
Day 14
Fly home
Transfer to the airport for your journey home.
India, exceeded all expectations
A trip taking in the Golden Triangle... rest and relaxation at Ramathra Fort and a beach resort in Kerala. Great planning... everything went perfectly and we felt we experienced all aspects of India.
Ian
28 February 2025Excellent
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.
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Maheshwar, India
Ahilya Fort
Perched high above the ghats of the River Narmada, Ahilya Fort is a rare gem in rural Madhya Pradesh. Once the palace of the legendary Ahilya Bai Holkar, it’s now a boutique retreat rich in history and charm. With panoramic river views, peaceful courtyards, and warm village integration, the fort offers a timeless escape.
Highlights
Highlights
Magical setting,
Maheshwar Ghats right below
Best for
Couples
Solo
Gallery
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Madyha Pradesh, India
Jehan Numa Palace
Set on the verdant slopes of Shamla Hill, Jehan Numa Palace is a grand 19th-century residence turned hotel. With classical architecture, expansive grounds, and a sought-after location near Bhopal’s lake and city centre, it offers an elegant base for exploring central India’s hidden treasures.
Highlights
Highlights
Historic architecture,
Ideal sightseeing base
Best for
Couples,
Families,
History Buffs
Gallery
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Madhya Pradesh, India
Reni Pani Jungle Lodge
Reni Pani Jungle Lodge sits on the edge of Satpura National Park, offering immersive safaris and a deep connection to nature. Tucked within 30 acres of pristine forest, this characterful lodge is run by passionate conservationists and brings guests close to the wildlife that makes this region so special—without compromising on comfort.
Highlights
Highlights
Safaris,
Forest views,
Peaceful setting
Best for
Couples,
Families,
Wildlife Enthusiasts
Gallery
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Delhi, India
The Claridges
Set among leafy avenues in one of New Delhi’s most prestigious neighbourhoods, The Claridges blends classic elegance with contemporary comforts. Built in 1952 and recently renovated, it offers a refined atmosphere with a pool, gardens, and easy access to the capital’s key cultural and commercial sights.
Highlights
Highlights
Historic charm,
Central location,
Elegant garden setting
Best for
Couples,
Families,
Business Travellers
Gallery
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.
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Uttar Pradesh, India
Temples, Ghats & Wildlife in the Chambal Valley
The calm waters of the Chambal River are best explored by boat and a river safari provides a great opportunity to view the wildlife. The Chambal Safari boatmen are exceptionally skilled at manoeuvring as close to the birds and animals as possible without disturbing them, and the trained naturalists who accompany you will provide expert information about everything that you see. Opportunities to go on Crane and blackbuck safaris are also available in this beautiful, remote region.
Alternatively the ancient temple complex at Bateshwar on the river Yamuna, 10 km from the Chambal Safari Lodge, consists of more than a hundred temples dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva. The ravines surrounding the temples and river are home to a number of Naga sadhus (snake worshipping ascetics) who have carved out little caves and temples within the mud walls. The local Ghats and aarti ceremonies provide a calmer and quieter experience to that of frenetic Varanasi too.
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Delhi, India
Old Delhi Street Food Tour
Take a street food tour of Old Delhi, negotiating the noisy labyrinthine lanes of Chawri Bazaar and Chandni Chowk by cycle rickshaw. Visit selected food stalls to sample the myriad of dishes on offer such as thick and juicy jalebis; aloo chaat crispy fried potato cutlets dipped in chutneys; and parantha flatbreads generously stuffed with vegetables, spices or even dried fruits. For dessert, try the deliciously creamy phirni which is served in earthenware pots, and end your walk with an exotic fruit-flavoured Kulfi ice cream. This is a wonderful chance not only to experience some true culinary delights but also to go behind the scenes and meet some of the chefs, bakers and families who have been providing fabulous food here for generations.
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Madhya Pradesh, India
Gwalior Fort
This massive fort, 3km in length, has dominated Gwalior since it was built in the 15th century and to this day can be seen from every point in the city.
Long regarded as the most impregnable of central India’s impressive array of Imposing forts, Gwalior Fort was built at a vantage point 100m above the rest of the city and has huge thick sandstone walls, enclosing the palace within.
Emperor Babar who was inspired by this imposing structure described it “the pearl amongst the fortresses of Hind.” To see whether you agree with the great emperor, your local guide will bring the magnificent fort to life, with some telling anecdotes and a cunning route around the fort.
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Madhya Pradesh, India
Satpura National Park Safari
If you enjoy visiting wildlife sanctuaries without the crowds, Satpura National Park, deep in Madhya Pradesh, is a great option. It’s very much the wildlife connoisseur’s choice: access is not easy, and there are only a few accommodation options (though they are very good!).
Satpura is the only park in India where a variety of safari options are available. In addition to the usual Jeep safari, canoeing and boating safaris are also possible, as are walking safaris through the core area of the park. This, combined with the fact that the park attracts very few other visitors, means that you’ll get a much richer and more immersive wildlife experience.
Gallery
View Experience Page
Madhya Pradesh, India
Bhopal Heritage Walk
It is always said that the best way to get under the skin of a city is to spend time with a knowledgeable local. Our signature Bhopal experience is guided by a man obsessed with the city of lakes and its proud history and keen to demonstrate that there is so much to the city than the legacy of the great industrial disaster which wreaked havoc here.
Absorb the typical Bhopali way of life as you wander around and visit the old monuments with your guide. It’s a great way to discover the unique heritage of this fascinating city.
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.
