"The time that my journey takes is long and the way of it long.
I came out on the chariot of the first gleam of light and pursued my voyage through the wildernesses of worlds leaving my track on many a star and planet.
It is the most distant course that comes nearest to thyself, and that training is the most intricate which leads to the utter simplicity of a tune.
The traveller has to knock at every alien door to come to his own,
And one has to wander to all the outer worlds to reach the inner most shrine in the end."

This exploratory tour takes you through two very interesting Indian states, giving intimate glimpses of life in these provinces. This region abounds in scenic beauty with dense jungles teeming with wildlife; sparkling waterfalls and rivers; and rustic tribes occupied with their bucolic lifestyles. Ancient monuments and temples - Hindu, Buddhist and Islamic - as well as pre-historic caves swathed in the dust of bygone centuries, add variety and dimension to nature's bounty. Visits to these hoary memorials - these ancient and medieval temples, forts and other ruins - will make the vibrant past of this region come alive for you. Finally, in stark contrast is Mumbai - the financial hub of India - where your visits will include museums; the Island caves of Elephanta; and the grand Gateway of India.

CHHATTISGARH - Full of Surprises
Capital: Raipur
Area: 135,237 sq km
Population: 20,795,956 (2001census)
Language: Hindi and local dialects
Religion: Hinduism, Islam and tribal beliefs

A magical, unspoilt country, Chhattisgarh is truly a land of incredible scenic beauty. Striking vistas, pulsating local culture, low population densities, exceptionally good roads, hills, plateaux, jungles, wildlife, waterfalls, ancient sites and temples, warm and welcoming people, palaces, and diverse village and tribal communities, make up this multihued east Indian state. The name Chhattisgarh actually means '36 forts' which is the number of forts supposedly in the state, but this is a matter up for discussion as 36 forts have not actually been identified. This indeed is a hidden land, full of surprises.

MADHYA PRADESH - Heart of India

Capital: Bhopal
Area: 308,000 sq. km
Population: 60,253,000 (census 2001)
Language: Hindi, Urdu and local dialects
Religion: Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Buddhism and tribal beliefs

Madhya Pradesh is called the 'heart of India', not simply because it's centrally located in the country, but also because it has been home to the cultural heritage of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Islam. Innumerable monuments, exquisitely carved temples; forts and palaces; are interleaved all over the state: glorious reminders of emperors and kings; warriors and builders; poets and musicians; saints and philosophers. This state is a veritable haven for wildlife: in its lush forests, the majestic Tiger and the crafty Leopard stalk their prey, while Spotted Deer, Blue Bull and the Gaur, with several other denizens, roam free in the grasslands and woodlands of some of the most famous National Parks of the country.

Duration: 17 days
Best time: mid October to March
Focus: indigenous culture, monuments, tribal life, local art & crafts, wildlife
Routing: Delhi - Raipur - Jagdalpur - Kanker - Kawardha - Kanha National Park - Jabalpur - Bhopal - Ujjain - Mandu - Indore - Mumbai


Day 01, Delhi:
Arrive New Delhi International Airport around midnight; assistance on arrival with garland welcome and transfer to pre-booked hotel.

Delhi: Perhaps there is no other capital city in the world so steeped in history and legend as the Indian capital, Delhi. It was the magnet that drew the Mongols, Turks, Persians, Afghans, Mughals, and finally the British. All of whom contributed to its glorious, but turbulent history

Morning free, afternoon sightseeing of Delhi, visit Qutub Minar, Humayun's Tomb, Red Fort and India Gate. Qutub Minar is the tower built to celebrate the victory of Islam by the first Muslim ruler of Delhi; it has five distinct storeys, each marked by a projecting balcony. Emperor Humayun's Tomb was built as a memorial, by his widow Haji Begum in 1565-66, nine years after his death: she spent one-and-a-half million rupees on the mausoleum. Another marvel of Indian architecture is the Red Fort. Built of red sandstone, the fort is laid out as an irregular octagon along the river Yamuna surrounded by a wall of around 2.4 kilometres; the fort was completed in 1648. India Gate the 42 metres high free-standing arch was designed by Lutyens and built in 1931; it is dedicated to those 90,000 soldiers of the Indian Army, who died in World War I.
Evening, return back to hotel for overnight.

Day 02, Delhi - Raipur (Fly) - Jagdalpur (drive):
After early breakfast, transfer to domestic airport to board flight to Raipur. Raipur is the capital and the biggest city of Chhattisgarh; it is also the main business and industrial centre of the state.

Arrive Raipur airport; pick-up and straight drive to Jagdalpur (about 325km/7hrs). En route visit Kanker Palace for a light lunch. The family of the late Maharaja, Udai Pratap Deo, have opened a part of their private residence to visitors, maintaining an informal elegance amid many mementoes of their royal past. Kanker is well known for its ancient temple of Rajaswkal, Jagannath Temple, Laxminarayan Temple etc.

Day 03, Jagdalpur - Kanger Valley National Park - Jagdalpur:
After breakfast explore the rich forests of Kanger Valley National park; the enchanting Tirathgarh waterfall; and the extraordinary stalactite and stalagmite caves.

Afternoon visit a 'haat' (weekly market) and enjoy a slice of local life. Evening explore the town and visit Museum and Hill Myna bird centre. Jagdalpur is a small town but fun to explore on foot. The Bastar Palace is at one end of the main street and can be circumambulated from the outside. The main entrance is painted white, with rusty red, and as you enter the main gate, you pass a temple. The 70 years old palace, painted white with pale blue, is a few yards on and a part of it is now a medical college.

Day 04, Jagdalpur - Barsur - Chitrakote - Jagdalpur (about 170km):
Drive to Chitrakote via Barsur and visit Chitrakote Falls; later return to hotel for overnight.

Chitrakote are Niagara-like horseshoe waterfalls, created by Bastar's Indravati River, situated an hour's drive hour from Jagdalpur. The 96ft high falls are the widest in India and are truly spectacular during and after the monsoon. It is worth bearing in mind that there is good water until November; it slowly diminishes until January, and from February onwards there is virtually no water. However, it's still a great sight.

Day 05, Jagdalpur - Raipur (drive about 300km/7hrs):
Today, drive to Raipur, the largest city of the state. En route visit Kondagaon local crafts centre "Saathi". O/n hotel.

Saathi Centre (wood craft) is situated at Kondagaon, a small village an hour south of Kanker, and just off the road to Jagdalpur. Developed by two motivated and compassionate individuals, the aim of this village community is to revive the traditional handicrafts of Bastar, and to generate income for the local artists, both male and female. It is also working in the field of integrated rural development through environment management systems; natural resource management; empowerment and awareness for women; and general education. The result of their efforts, though varied, is hugely successful and boasts of a terracotta production centre.



Day 06, Raipur - Sirpur - Rajim - Raipur (full day excursion; about 7hrs):
Our outing to Sirpur includes a tour of Buddha Vihar, Swastik Vihar, Laxman temple and the local museum while at Rajim we visit the 6th century Buddha statue and Kuleshwar Mahadev temple; Someshwar Mahadev temple; and the temple of Kaal Bhairav. Later return back to Raipur for overnight.

Sirpur: This interesting site lies east of Raipur; the main shrine 'Laxman Temple' is one of the finest brick temples in the country, in a pretty garden setting and peaceful environs. Believed to have been built in the 7th century, it's in good condition and has attractive carvings. Down the road, on the banks of river Mahanadi, the Gandheshwar Temple has a collection of relics that will appeal to archaeologists. Also, nearby are the ruins of Buddha Vihar.

Rajim: Situated on the banks of Mahanadi, this was once an important urban centre of the Mahakoshal region. It has a fine group of temples and the chief holy place, Rajivalochana temple, is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

Day 07, Raipur - Kawardha (about 3hrs):
Post breakfast drive to Kawardha; visit Bhoramdeo temple complex, and experience the tranquillity of Baiga and Gond tribal villages. The Baiga, found mainly in the Maikal Hills, north of the Chattisgarh plains, are still 'Lords of the Animals', and although Hindi-speaking, live a shy traditional life, largely away from modern influence. They are considered to possess magical powers, and the ability to communicate closely with Nature, their mother, and with wild beasts. There are Gond sub-groups in neighbouring Maharashtra, Andhra, Madhya Pradesh and South Orissa too; an eclectic assortment of often remote hill tribes, some possibly related to the Bastar tribes, while some like the Orissa Bondo, are quite different and of obscure origin.

We quarter at Kawardha Palace today which is the ancestral home and private residence of Maharaja Vishwaraj Singh; it is located in the north-west of Chhattisgarh below the slopes of the Maikal Hills; it. O/n Kawardha Palace.

Day 08, Kawardha - Kanha National Park:
After breakfast drive to Kanha N.P. (about 5hrs); arrive and transfer to jungle resort. Afternoon game viewing in the park. O/n Jungle Resort.

Kanha National Park & Tiger Reserve lies deep inside pristine forests of the Maikal hills of the great central Indian mountain ranges. The remarkable ecosystem includes four principle types of vegetation: moist deciduous forest; dry deciduous forest; valley meadow; and plateau meadow. About 15 major mammalian species and 15 rare ones; over 300 bird species and an equally astounding array of reptiles, are found in Kanha. Though there are other parks - Corbett, Periyar, Ranthambore, Similipal, Manas - with perhaps more spectacular scenery, there is no better place in India, and probably in entire Asia, to see Sher Khan striding majestically in his kingdom, than Kanha National Park. The park has a core area of 940 sq km. encircled by a buffer zone of 1005 sq km.

Day 09, Kanha National Park:
Morning and afternoon Jungle safari. O/n Jungle Resort.

Day 10, Kanha - Jabalpur:
After morning safari drive to Jabalpur (about 170km/4hrs); afternoon excursion to Madan Mahal Fort and Jabalpur Marble Rocks. Built by Gond ruler Madan Shah in 1116AD on a hill just west of the city, the fort has superb views. O/n hotel.

Day 11, Jabalpur - Bhopal (drive about 294km/8hrs):
Evening free for rest. O/n hotel.

Bhopal: The capital of Madhya Pradesh is known for its scenic beauty; historicity; and modern urban planning. It is situated on the site of Bhojapal, an 11th century city, founded by legendary Raja Bhoja.

Bhopal is a multi-hued metropolis; the old city with teeming marketplaces, and fine old mosques and palaces, still bears the aristocratic imprint of its former rulers, among them the succession of powerful begums, who ruled Bhopal from 1819 to 1926.

Day 12, Bhopal - Sanchi - Udaygiri - Bhopal (day excursion):
Morning sightseeing in Bhopal: visit Taj-ul-Masjid (1878); Jama Masjid (1837) and Moti Masjid (1860). Taj-ul-Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India, was left unfinished for over a century and Jama Masjid has its minarets topped by gold spikes. Afternoon excursion to Sanchi, northeast of Bhopal about 47km away, and visit the Gateways - the basic model consists of two pillars joined by three architraves (cross beams), sculpted as if they actually passed through the upright posts. The East Gate shows young prince Siddhartha leaving his father's palace, and setting off on his journey in search of enlightenment; and the dream his mother had before his birth. The West Gate portrays the seven incarnations of Buddha. The North Gate is crowned by a Wheel of Law and the South Gate reveals the birth of Siddhartha (Buddha) in a series of dramatically rich carvings. The Gupta Temple, built in the 5th century is one of the early structural temples of India and now an Archaeological museum. Also visit Cave 1, Cave 5 and Cave 19 at Udaygiri. Later return back to Bhopal for overnight. O/n hotel.

Day 13, Bhopal - Ujjain (drive):
After breakfast drive (about 188km/5hrs) to Ujjain, one of the best known ancient Indian city and one of the seven sacred cities of Hindus. Today's visit includes 18th century Mahakaleshwar Temple dedicated to lord Shiva; Bina-Niv-Ki-Masjid, a Jain temple converted to a Mosque by the first independent Sultan of Malwa; and Kalidas Palace, built in 15th century it stands on an island on Shipra River, about 8 km north of Ujjain. O/n hotel.

Day 14, Ujjain - Mandu (drive):
After breakfast drive (about 154km/5hrs) to Mandu. Architecturally, Mandu represents the best of provincial Islamic style, restrained and lacking in elaborate external ornamentation. Visit Delhi Gate (1405-7), the main entrance to the city; Hathi Pol (Elephant Gate) the main entrance to the royal enclosure; Hoshang Shah's Tomb; Sagar Talao (Lake), and Rewa Kund (reservoir). O/n hotel.

Day 15, Mandu - Indore (drive) - Mumbai (fly):
Drive to Indore about 98km/3hrs. A rapidly growing, and rather nondescript city, Indore stands on the banks of river Sarasvati and Khan; arrive and visit Rajwada (Old Palace), with its seven storeyed gateway; Lal Bagh (The Nehru Centre), southwest of town; Chhattri Bagh, on the banks of the river Khan; and Kanch mandir. In late afternoon straightaway transfer to airport to board flight for Mumbai (CD-7134; ETD 1835 hrs). Arrive Mumbai at 1940 hrs; pick-up and transfer to hotel, O/n hotel.

Day 16, Mumbai:
Mumbai (previously Bombay) is well-known as a glamorous, cosmopolitan city and the commercial capital of India. It is also called Bollywood (Hollywood of India); a melting pot of several ethnic groups, from all over India, dominated largely by Marathis and Gujratis, and enriched with ultramodern lifestyles. Once called the 'City of Gold' its heart still throbs with the aspirations of millions who seek their fortune here. After breakfast, sightseeing excursion to Elephanta Caves (about 10km from Mumbai, on a small island) by motor launch. The caves were excavated in volcanic lava, high up on the slope of the hill. Over 1000 years ago, in these grottos, Hindu craftsmen translated their viewpoint on spiritual truths into massive carvings of extraordinary grace.

Afternoon visit to Gateway of India (1927); designed by George Wittet to commemorate the visit of George V and Queen Mary, in 1911; and Prince of Wales museum, also designed by George Wittet to commemorate the visit of the Prince of Wales to India in 1905.

Late evening transfer to international airport to board flight to home country.

Day 17, Mumbai:
Proceed by air for home country.

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