Relish the historical sites of Golden Triangle of India with Orchha, Khajuraho, Varanasi as well as some of the most fascinating cities in Madhya Pradesh (central India). Enliven the monuments of the period of the Begums of Bhopal and of Rani Ahilya Bai Holkar, the most influential female ruler of the Maratha kingdom covering most of the former Malwa region. In Ujjain in this central India region is the Yantra Shala of Sawai Jai Singh that is smaller than the ones in Delhi and Jaipur but its instruments are all functional and being used daily. Near Bhopal is the ancient Buddhist archaeological site of Sanchi where partial remains of Buddha are enshrined in a beautiful Stupa. The fort of Rani Ahilya Bai Holkar at Maheshwar on the banks of Narmada River has painstakingly restored maintaining its original character and now serves as an all inclusive heritage hotel.

ITINERARY :

Day 1: Delhi :

Arrive in Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi. Traditional welcome with fresh flower garland and transfer to hotel for overnight.

Day 2: Delhi :

After breakfast sightseeing of Qutub Minar: its construction was initiated by Qutubudin-Aibak in 1198 CE upon becoming the first Sultan of Delhi. Qubub Uddin Aibak was born in Turkestan of ethnic Mamluk descent. This was a region where youth went out to neighboring countries and joined their armies as mercenaries. Often they were enslaved when the army they were fighting with lost. Qutubuddin was sold to the Qazi (Islamic judge) of Nishapur in Persia. There he became favorite of his master because of his skills of horse-riding and archery among other warrior abilities. Qazi’s sons were jealous and they sold him after the Qazi’s death. Finally he ended up as slave of Sultan Muhammad of Ghur province of Afghanistan. He led Sultan of Ghur’s army in the 1st and 2nd battles of Tarain and was appointed Governor of Lalkot, the capital of the last Hindu Chauhan dynasty kingdom. When Muhammad of Ghur was assassinated, Qutubuddin bin Aibak declared himself sovereign monarch and started the construction of Qutub Jami Mosque (a.k.a. Quwwat ul Islam Mosque) and Qutub Minar. The construction of minaret did not complete in his lifetime and many later Islamic rulers of various successive dynasties left their mark on this monument, which is now 5 stories high and 73 meters or 240 feet tall. The mosque was constructed using architectural elements of 27 Hindu and Jain temples that were demolished to build it. Much of the decorative pillars and facades of walls in the mosque were used without alteration in the new mosque, only the Arabic verses from the Quran were added new, sculpted by Hindu artisans who did not know the Arabic language. They curved the endings of letters as they did with Sanskrit language carvings. Qutub Minar is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Later sightseeing of the Second Mughal Emperor Humayun's Tomb - its architecture may have influenced the construction of the Taj Mahal in Agra. Emperor Humayun died just six months after winning the throne of Delhi in 1556 CE. His widow, Hamida Bano Begum (a.k.a. Haji Begum) supervised its construction under Mughal Emperor Akbar’s rule. Having recently returned from Persia and its architect, Mirak Mirza Ghiyath, being a Persian, the monuments has elements of Persian and Hindu architecture blended in it. Many later Mughal rulers are also buried in this mausoleum. Humayun’s Tomb is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Proceed further for sightseeing of India Gate (the war memorial), Parliament House and Presidents House (from outside) and for lunch at Gulati’s Restaurant in Khan Market nearby. The British decided in 1911 to move their capital from Calcutta (now Kolkata) to Delhi. Edwin Landseer Lutyens and his friend Herbert Baker were chosen for designing various buildings in the new capital. In 1914 the First World War started and continued until 1918. During this period the new capital’s construction was halted. Finally after its construction completed, the British capital was moved to New Delhi in 1931. India Gate was originally a monument to honor the fallen Indian soldiers in World War I, but now honors Indian soldiers all subsequent wars. Drive past Parliament Street where the architecture of some of the modern buildings in early 20 th century CE was influenced by the Jantar Mantar astronomical observatory that Sawai Jai Singh II built here.

In the afternoon stop by the Red Fort for photography from outside - the massive sandstone fort built by Shah Jahan on the banks of river Yamuna. The fifth Mughal Emperor Shahjahan moved his capital from Agra to Delhi in 1636 and started the construction of the walled “Shahjahanabad” city with 14 gates. The most important gates, Mori, Lahori, Ajmeri, Turkman, Kashmiri and Delhi Gates still exist along with some remnants of the wall. Within the city there were many monuments constructed but the most ambitious project was the Red Fort – according to a horoscope done to determine the auspicious time for starting its construction, the work on building the Red Fort started on May 12, 1639. In the Emperor’s Balcony in Diwan-i-Am or the Hall of Public Audience, there are a set of marble panels that were made in Pietra Dure art by the Florentine jeweler, Austin de Bordeaux. The most famous of these is the one depicting Orpheus playing the flute. There are many other palaces in the fort that were decorated with inlay of semi-precious stones in marble. Red Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In the afternoon stop by the Red Fort for photography from outside - the massive sandstone fort built by Shah Jahan on the banks of river Yamuna. The fifth Mughal Emperor Shahjahan moved his capital from Agra to Delhi in 1636 and started the construction of the walled “Shahjahanabad” city with 14 gates. The most important gates, Mori, Lahori, Ajmeri, Turkman, Kashmiri and Delhi Gates still exist along with some remnants of the wall. Within the city there were many monuments constructed but the most ambitious project was the Red Fort – according to a horoscope done to determine the auspicious time for starting its construction, the work on building the Red Fort started on May 12, 1639. In the Emperor’s Balcony in Diwan-i-Am or the Hall of Public Audience, there are a set of marble panels that were made in Pietra Dure art by the Florentine jeweler, Austin de Bordeaux. The most famous of these is the one depicting Orpheus playing the flute. There are many other palaces in the fort that were decorated with inlay of semi-precious stones in marble. Red Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Jama Masjid - is the largest mosque in India and stands across the road from the Red Fort, built by Mughal Emperor Shahjahan 1650-56 CE. It was originally called "Masjid-i-Jahannuma" or world reflecting mosque. Its construction was supervised by Vazir Saadula Khan and its chief architect was Ustad Khalil. About 25,000 people can pray here at a time. End the day with thrilling Rickshaw Ride in narrow lanes between Jama Masjid and Chandni Chowk Bazaar. Transfer to domestic airport to board Indigo flight departing at 9.10 pm and arrive at Jaipur at 10.05 pm. Transfer to hotel in Jaipur.

Day 3: Jaipur :

After breakfast drive through the walled pink city to Hawa Mahal, which is mere facade with about 3 feet deep balconies behind stone carved, latticed screens where royal family women used to sit to watch the royal processions on the street in front. After photographing drive further through the pink city to Amber Fort, the ancient capital of Kachwaha Maharajas before Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh designed India’s first planned city in ca. 1727 CE.

Enjoy a royal ride on decorated Elephants to the hilltop palaces of Amber Fort. The two main palace complexes in the fort belong to the reigns of Mirza Raja Jai Singh (1621 – 1667 CE) and Maharaja Man Singh (1589 – 1614 CE). Maharaja Man Singh already as a prince was in the service of Mughal Emperors. He established a life-long friendship with Emperor Akbar already in his younger years and was honored as one of the nine “Navratnas” (the 9 Jewels of Emperor’s court). He was governor of Bengal under Emperor Akbar and brought back the idol of Shila Devi that is now in the Kali Temple in Amber Fort. The descendants of the priests who accompanied the idol to Amber still serve in this temple. Mirza Raja Jai Singh served as a courtier and commander under Mughal Emperors Akbar, Jahangir and Shahjahan. The first palace entering from the Ganesh Pol gate was constructed during his reign and has influence of Mughal architectural style. It is most famous for the flat and convex mirror decorations on its walls and ceilings. After sightseeing descend by Jeeps and return to Jaipur city with stop on the way at Jal Mahal Island Palace for photographing.

In the afternoon visit the City Palace of Jaipur. Sightseeing includes the Royal portraits gallery in the Diwan-i-Am (Hall of Public Audience), the Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience) where the famous “Gangajalis” – the silver urns are on display; these urns were used to carry Ganga river water to London when Maharaja Madho Singh II went there for celebrations of the coronation of King Edward VII in 1901; the Mor Chowk (peacock) courtyard of Chandra Mahal, the palace where the present head of the Jaipur royal still resides. One of the gates leading into the courtyard has beautiful sculptures of Peacocks giving it the name of Mayur (Peacock) Chowk. Stepping out the City Palace through its southern courtyard visit the world famous “Yantra Shala” astronomical observatory popularly called Jantar Mantar constructed by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. It is the largest of the five astronomical observatories built by the Maharaja. All but one of its 17 instruments are still functional. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The “Brihad Samrat Yantra” or the large sundial here is largest in the world and has an accuracy of 2 seconds. Overnight in Jaipur hotel.

Day 4: Jaipur – Abhineri - Fatehpur Sikri – Agra :

After breakfast drive to Dausa town near Abhineri Village to view the Chand Baori, the world's deepest step-well and the nearby Harshad Mata Godess Temple. Drive further to Fatehpur Sikri for sightseeing of Mughal Emperor Akbar’s deserted capital and the tomb of Sufi saint Sheikh Salim Chistie in the courtyard of the grand mosque.

Emperor Akbar did not have a male heir to his throne for a long time. He came to the Sikri village to seek the blessings of the Sufi saint, Sheikh Salim Chistie, who prophesied that Emperor Akbar would have three sons. The emperor moved with his Hindu queen, Jodha Bai, to Sikri village to live with the saint and started building an alternative capital at the site which was earlier a query for red sandstone. The entire capital was built with red sandstone from the ridge on which it is located. The first born son was named Salim after the Sufi saint. The second was named Murad or the longed one. The third son was named Daniel, probably influenced by the Jesuit priests from Goa who were invited by the Emperor to teach him about Christianity. Emperor Akbar developed the philosophy of “Sulah Qul” – living in harmony with all religions. Later he developed his own religion, Din-i- Ilahi or faith of God. His dear friend and official biographer, Abul Fazl, was among the first to convert to the new religion which he described in “Akbar Nama”.

Visit the grand Friday “Jama Masjid” and the mausoleum of Sheikh Salim Chistie, which was renovated using the white marble by later Mughal Emperors. After Emperor Akbar moved away from this capital, living there only 14 years, the capital was deserted for more than 400 years until Lord Curzon, British Viceroy of India ordered the Archaeological Survey of India to restore this fascinating capital and this renovation work is still going on. The palaces were all covered with wild forest and wild animals lived in the palaces. The “Dargah” or mausoleum of the saint was never deserted and people from Agra and nearby villages have been coming there to seek the saint’s blessings for centuries. Fatehpur Sikri is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

On arrival in Agra check-in to hotel and sightseeing of Itmad-ud-Daulah’s mausoleum. This mausoleum was built under supervision of Empress Nur Jahan for her parents, Mirza Ghiaz Beg (honored by Emperor Jahangir with title of Itmad-ud- Daulah) and Begum Asmat in 1628 almost 7 years after her father’s death. It was the first Mughal mausoleum built using white marble and with inlay art. It has some very feminine decorations like the chikan embroidery like carvings in the arches and lots of Persian motifs signifying the origin of the two persons buried there. Later wonder at the largest collection of Zerdozi Embroidery Art in India. This embossed embroidery art is attributed to the Mughal Empress Nurjahan. It uses silver, gold and colored silk thread embroidery on silk and velvet background and is one of the unique arts originating in Mughal period.

Day 5: Agra :

(Taj Mahal is closed to tourists on Fridays and it is very crowded with domestic tourists on weekends)

Today relish the unforgettable sight of the world-famous Taj Mahal in the glow of morning sunlight.

Ample time will be there in the vast complex for photographing and viewing the intricate Pietra Dure (inlay of semi-precious stones in marble art work, used in the exterior and interior of the monument.

Prince Khurram (later Emperor Shahjahan) and his father Prince Salim met their favorite future queens in a mock market called Meena Bazaar to celebrate the Persian new year festival of Nowroz in Agra Fort. Prince Salim wanted to marry Mehr un Nissa Begum, the daughter of Mirza Ghiaz Beg but Emperor Akbar did not want Shiya influence in the royal family so he asked Mirza Ghiaz Beg to marry his daughter to an Afghan commander and had him posted in Bihar. Prince Khurram was third eldest and not initially in direct line of succession. He was betrothed to Arjumand Bano Begum on April 5, 1607 but Prince Salim delayed his marriage. After death of Emperor Akbar, Prince Salim ascended the throne with the title of Emperor Jahangir and it was only in May 1610 that Mehr un Nissa, the widow of the Afghan commander finally agreed to marry him. He honored her with the title of Nurjahan (light of the world) after his marriage. One year later on May 10, 1612, Prince Khurram was finally allowed to marry his beloved Arjumand Bano Begum, who was the niece of Mehr un Nissa (her brother’s daughter and granddaughter of Mirza Ghiaz Beg). She received the title of Begum Mumtaj Mahal after her marriage with the Mughal prince. Begum Mumtaj Mahal was 19 years when they married. She was his constant companion and most trusted advisor. During their 19 years of marriage she gave birth to 14 children of which only 3 daughters and 4 sons survived. The youngest son, Aurangzeb fought a war of succession against his elder brothers. One after the other he won against all of them, had all the brothers killed and then put his father, Emperor Shahjahan, under arrest in his own palaces in Agra Fort. Queen Mumtaj Mahal died on June 17, 1631 while delivering her 14th child, a daughter, Gauhar Ara Begum, who survived and lived in Shahjahanabad to a ripe age of 75 years.

The site of the Taj Mahal mausoleum was a palace of the Maharaja of Amber, Mirza Raja Jai Singh. The Emperor asked him to give the palace back to him and gave him other properties in lieu. The queen was temporarily buried in Burhanpur where she died in an army encampment. The body was transferred to Agra and again temporarily buried in the northwest section of the garden of Taj Mahal where a red sandstone enclosure still marks the site of her temporary burial. The Taj Mahal mausoleum was completed in 1648 according to an inscription on its main gate. The tomb was built exclusively for Queen Mumtaj Mahal, so her grave stone is in the center of the grave chamber. Emperor Shahjahan died on January 16, 1666 in Mussamam Burj Palace in Agra Fort. He was buried by the queen’s side and his grave stone is the only architectural feature in this mausoleum that is not symmetrical. Taj Mahal, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

After breakfast enjoy a demonstration of the art of Pietra Dure (inlay of semi-precious stones on marble surface) at Agra's oldest emporium where the not for sale section has some artifacts with inlay work much finer than the most intricate art work in the Taj Mahal itself and perhaps the world's best.

In the afternoon sightseeing of Agra Fort. Emperor Akbar moved his capital to Agra from Delhi in 1558 but the construction of the Agra Fort started in 1565. It was built on the ruins of an earlier fort named Badalgarh. The first Mughal Emperor Babur had occupied this fort after his victory in the battle of Panipat in 1526 CE. His son, second Mughal Emperor Humayun was crowned in the old fort of Badalgarh in 1530. With about 4000 laborers and craftsmen toiling for 8 years the fort's construction was completed in 1573. The entire fort was built with narrow flat brick masonry work and laminated with red sandstone from the stone quarry at Sikri village west of Agra. According the Emperor Akbar's official biography written by his trusted friend, Abul Fazl, there were about 5000 buildings in the fort. Some of these buildings were demolished to make way for white marble palaces of Emperor Shahjahan, facing the Yamuna River, on the eastern side of the fort. Most of the buildings in western side were converted in to soldier’s barracks by the British East India Company. The western part of the fort is still occupied by Indian military. Emperor Akbar's style was greatly influenced by the architecture of the states of Gujarat and Bengal. It is also very unique because it reflects Emperor Akbar's tolerant religious philosophy. The best of example of his architecture is visible in the palace popularly called Jahangiri Mahal. In 1666 the great Maratha warrior, Shivaji met with Emperor Aurangzeb but the Mughal Emperor broke his promise and arrested him. He managed to escape in a spectacular manner by hiding in fruit baskets for distribution to poor. The Jat and Maratha ruler occupied Agra Fort in later years. Finally in 1803 the British East India Company captured it and demolished most of its monuments, only about 30 monuments have survived in the south-eastern side of the fort. In 1983 the Agra Fort was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Monument.

Day 6: Agra – Jhansi – Orchha – Khajuraho :

After breakfast in hotel transfer to board the AC compartment in Shatabdi Express departing at 8.02 am and arrive at Jhansi train station at 10.45 am. Transfer to Orchha for sightseeing of the Bundela Fort and Hindu temples. Raja Vir Singh Deo II ordered the construction of Laxmi Temple in 1622 that has impressive architecture and unique paintings. It was neglected for many years and was restored by Raja Prithvi Singh in 1793. Apart from the religious themed paintings on walls and ceilings, it also has some paintings depicting the fight between Indian freedom fighters and the British during 1857 (first war of Indian independence). Later drive to Khajuraho for overnight in hotel.

Day 7: Khajuraho – Varanasi :

After breakfast full day sightseeing of the Hindu (western) Group of Temples that were built by the Chandela rulers between 900 and 1030 CE, using mainly fine grained sand-stone with the exception of the Chausath-Yogini, Lalguan-Mahadeva and Brahma Temples that were made of granite. The first mention of the Khajuraho Temples was in 1022 CE in the chronicles of Abu Rihan al Biruni and later in the memoirs of the Arab traveler, Ibn Batuta in 1335 CE.

Start the visit with the Varaha (the boar incarnation of Vishnu) Temple. Across from this small temple is magnificent Lakshman Temple that is the best preserved temple complex as almost all its peripheral structures are still intact. This is a Vaishnav Temple that has some of the finest sculptures and architectural decorations. Just behind this temple is the most famous Kandaria Mahadev Temple dedicated to Shiva. Next to this is another massive temple, the Vishwanath Temple. These temples are perhaps the best preserved ones that exhibit the largest range of sculptures and temple architectural decorations. Later sightseeing of the Archaeological Museum. Near Matangeshwar Temple in the Hindu group of temples is an interesting Archaeological Museum. This museum was established in 1967 and comprises five galleries that have sculptures symbolic of the Jaina, Brahmanical and Buddhist faiths. A good number of well carved sculptures are exhibited in the present museum, in a modern display concept. It consists of five galleries, a Varandah and the gateways. The galleries are named as Main Hall and Veradah display, Jaina Gallery, Vaisnava Gallery, Miscellaneous Gallery, Saiva Gallery. The museum possesses more than three thousand sculptures and architectural member of which about 110 are on display. The antiquities are ranging from 9th to 12th Cent. CE which throw significant light on social-cultural aspect of the region. The displayed period piece are primarily associated with the Chandela dynasty, a powerful medieval dynasty which ruled over the region around Khajuraho, known as Kharjura- vahaka the religious capital. The archaeological Museum houses 3424 registered antiquities including sculptures of different sects, among which the Saiva, Vaisnava, Sakta cult and Jaina images are significant one. The secular objects like celestial nymphs; scenes depicting social life and the erotic and amorous couples form a part of this fascinating museum. Proceed with sightseeing of the eastern group of temples. These temples are all dedicated to various Tirthankars of Jain religion. Enclosed in a modern walled compound are the Jain temples dedicated to the first Tirthankar Bhagwan Adinath and the Tirthankar Paraswanath that are in fairly good state of preservation. These are surrounded by other smaller temples remains including one dedicated to Tirthankar Shantinath. Later visit the Sahu Shantiprasad Jain Kala Sangrahalaya Museum in the premises of Jain Temple in the eastern group. It contains statues from various archaeological sites of the 24 Tirthankars and other Jain saints apart from Yakshis (celestial beings). The Jain Museum is open from 8 AM to 5 PM on all days except Sundays.

In the afternoon transfer to airport to board the Air India flight # AI0405 departing at 3.15 PM from Khajuraho and arrive in Varanasi at 4.10 PM. After checking-in the hotel drive to Ganga banks to enjoy the Ganga Aartee celebration on the Dasaswamedha Ghat where a large number of priests from various temples sing the Aartee accompanied by Hindu prayer rituals. Overnight in hotel in Varanasi.

Day 8: Varanasi :

Before sunrise drive to Ganga River for a boat ride to view the Hindu pilgrims performing their sunrise rituals on the banks and in the river itself. The bank of the river is lined with ancient buildings, some of which were palaces of various Hindu maharajas. At Dasasvamedha Ghat on the roof of Man Mandir Palace is the astronomical observatory of Sawai Jai Singh II.

After breakfast visit the Durga Temple that was built by a Maharani from Bengal in the 18th century in the north Indian Nagara Hindu Temple architectural style and is painted in red and ochre colors. Be careful of monkeys in this and the nearby Sankat Mochan Temple dedicated to Hanuman, the monkey headed god.

Drive further to Bharat Kala Bhawan Museum of miniature and other paintings as well as other artifacts. It is located in the campus of the Benaras Hindu University. On the upper floor of the museum is a section dedicated to the famous Swiss scholar of Hindu philosophy and art & sculpture: Alice Boner, who lived in Varanasi for an extended period in the city, studied, wrote books, sculpted and painted in the pre-independence and post-independence period.

In the afternoon drive north of the city to the archeological site of Sarnath where Lord Buddha preached his first sermon more than 2500 years ago to his initial five disciples thus starting the Dharma Chakra (the wheel of religion). After renouncing material life Siddhartha Gautam Sakya came to Varanasi and Sarnath, studied Sanskrit Vedic scriptures and meditated with extreme austere yogic practices until he realized that there must be some other path to enlightenment. He went to Bodhgaya, where he eventually became Buddha. He returned to Sarnath and initiated five of his earlier co-meditators to start the “Dharma-Chakra” or the wheel of religion. Emperor Ashoka had the Dhamek Stupa built with an urn of Buddha’s ashes in it to commemorate the spot where Buddha gave his first sermon. Visit the Mulgandha Kuti Vihar Temple and the Sarnath Archeological Museum where artifacts from Mauryan and later Gupta period from the site are exhibited. The four-headed lion capital that was adopted as India’s national emblem by its first Prime Minister, Pundit Jawaharlal Nehru, is one of the most important sculptures in this museum. Overnight in hotel in Varanasi.

Day 9: Varanasi – Bhopal :

Morning is free to relax in hotel. Later transfer to airport to board the Indigo flight 6E 497 to Delhi and connect to 6E 2433 to arrive at Bhopal at 12.35 pm. On arrival transfer to hotel in Bhopal. Bhopal is the capital of Madhya Pradesh, the state with the largest area in India. The region around this city has been inhabited since the late Stone Age. Sardar Dost Muhammad Khan, an Afghan soldier rose in ranks of Mughal army. Emperor Aurangzeb appointed him as Governor of the small territory of Bhairsa. In 1723 he declared himself independent. The rule of so-called Begums of Bhopal started in 1819 when the eighteen-year old Qudsia Begum, who is also known as Gohar Begum, had to take over the duties of the monarch of Bhopal after the sudden assassination of her husband. She was the first female ruler of Bhopal and only the second after Razia Sultana (thirteenth century) in the entire Islamic world. She did not have any formal education and was consequently illiterate. In 1844 her daughter, Nawab Sikander Begum ascended the throne formally. She had been trained in the martial arts and the warfare education of the contemporary period. Sultan Kaikhusrau Jahan Begum, her daughter followed her in 1901. She worked for the emancipation of women that must have been quite radical in her times. She also established a modern municipal system. She had her palace, the Sardar Manzil, constructed. This building now houses the Bhopal Municipal Corporation.

In 1984 Bhopal drew the attention of the world when the terrible tragedy of cyanide gas leakage from the chemical factory of the US owned Union Carbide near the railway station, killed hundreds of people. Thousands of others suffered from various ailments including blindness caused by the poisonous gas.

Most of the architectural monuments of Bhopal belong to the reign of Begums. In 1837 Kudsia Begum had a beautiful mosque constructed that has minarets crowned with golden spikes. It served as the main Jama Masjid of the city. Sikander Jahan, her daughter had the Moti Masjid constructed in 1860 that is modeled on Jama Masjid of Delhi built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. Nawab Shah Jahan Begum had Taj-ul-Masajid, one of largest mosques in Asia constructed in the last years of nineteenth century. The Masajid (plural of Masjid) in its name signifies that it was the crown of all mosques. It has a very impressive western wall inside with eleven recessed arches. The pulpit of Imam in the mosque is made out of black basalt stone. The minarets of the mosque are octagonal and eighteen stories high. They are topped with onion shaped domes. The main palaces of the Nawab Era in Bhopal are the Gohar Mahal and Shaukat Mahal. Both are in the old part of the city in the Chowk area. Gohar Mahal on the banks of the upper lake of Bhopal was constructed in a blend of Hindu and Mughal architectural styles in 1890 under the patronage of Qudsia Begum. The Shaukat Mahal is right at the entrance to the Chowk area, the heart of Bhopal city. It was designed by a Frenchman in the service of Bhopal Nawabs who was believed to be a descendent of Bourbon monarchs of France. He designed it in a charming fusion of Post-Renaissance and Gothic styles. Its architecture makes it a very conspicuous historical building that is in stark contrast to the predominantly Islamic architecture of all other nearby buildings.

Bharat Bhawan is the one of the most important national cultural institutions in India. The building was designed by the famous architect, Charles Correa. The center has a museum of arts, an art gallery, a workshop of visual fine arts, a theatre for performing arts with a separate rehearsal room and a library of Indian poetry as well as classical and folk music. The center is open from 2 to 8 PM every day except Mondays. The Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya (National Museum of Mankind) is a unique museum, spread over 200 acres of undulating land on the Shamla Hills on the Upper Lake front. It is situated on a prehistoric site and may be the only museum in the world strewn with numerous prehistoric painted rock shelters. It is a post colonial museum of communities rather than objects. The museum display has been curated directly by the folk and tribal communities, camping at site, to create a miniature presentation of Indian folk lifestyle through display of eco-specific habitations & subsistence practices in the tribal, coastal, desert, and Himalayan habitats. The library, audio-visual archive, computerized documentation and the collection of ethnographic specimens in the museum, though modest in size are among the best in the world. Government Archaeological Museum has an impressive collection of sculptures from various parts of Madhya Pradesh. Some of the important artifacts in the collection are paintings of various schools, copies of paintings from the Bagh caves near Mandu and the statues of Alakshmi and the Buddha. The museum is closed on Mondays. Laxmi Narayan Temple and Museum is a unique place of Hindu worship that also has a museum attached to it. It is located in Arera Hills area and has a collection of sculptures from Raisen, Sehore, Mandsaur and Shahdol districts of Madhya Pradesh. It is open from 9am to 5pm everyday except Mondays.

Another palace of the Nawab era is also a luxury five-star heritage hotel called the Jehan Numa Palace. General Obaidullah Khan, the second eldest son of Nawab Sultan Jahan, who was the commander-in-chief of the army of the Nawab of Bhopal had this palace constructed in 1890. Its architecture is a medley of British colonial, Italian renaissance and the Classical Greek Styles. The sixty-room palace is nestled on the slopes of Shamla Hills surrounded by five acres of lush green grass, exotic and local trees and plants with conspicuous splashes of colorful bougainvillea.

SIGHTSEEING in BHOPAL: Enjoy the ride and revel in the beautiful sightseeing of the Upper Lake, Lower Lake, Birla Temple, Van Vihar, Bharat Bhavan, Indira Gandhi National Museum of Man, Manu Bhaun ki tekari, Cave temples, the Taj-ul-Masjid, Jama Masjid, Gauhar Mahal, Shaukat Mahal, Fish aquarium and Kerwa dam.

Day 10: Bhopal – Sanchi :

After breakfast drive about 50 kilometers or 31 miles to Sanchi, a small town in the Raisen district that is world famous for its ancient Buddhist archeological site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1989. On a flat topped sandstone hill, rising about 300 feet (90 meters) above surrounding country is the location of Sanchi Buddhist Pilgrim center, India's best preserved group of Buddhist monuments. In the 3rd century BCE, the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka spread the Buddhist religion all over the Indian sub-continent. He had the Ashoka Stambha, a monolithic pillar topped by an elaborate capital, constructed at this site giving it an exalted pilgrimage status. At the same time he had a great brick stupa erected here. The monuments at the site were incresed in size and more intricately sculpted over a long period starting from the 3rd century BCE to 12th century CE. A gem of Buddhist art and architecture, the Great Stupa is 120 feet (37 meters) wide and 54 feet (17 meters) high. The Ashoka Pillar structure is influenced by the Greco Buddhist style. The pillar is 42 feet tall and consisted of a round and slightly tapering monolithic shaft, with bell-shaped capital surmounted by an abacus and a crowning ornament of four regal lions facing in four directions, with their backs to each other. It has an Ashokan inscription and an inscription in the ornamental Sankha Lipi (script) from the Gupta period. There are other smaller stupas that are also intricately sculpted. In the Sunga dynasty period from 184 to 72 BCE the simple brick stupa was covered with an ashlar stone veneer, and augmented with circumambulatory paths and staircases with ornate balustrades, harmika, yashti, chhatra, and four torana. These toranas were ornamented during the Satavahanas dynasty in the 1st century CE. The last major expansion of the stupa and its decoration took place in the Gupta dynasty period in 5th century CE. Later rulers of various dynasties continued the architectural work on this site until the 12th century CE. The site was a major religious pilrimage site for Buddhsts until 13th century. Even now Buddhists from all over the world come to this pilgrimage site.

About 13 kilometers or 8 miles from Sanchi monuments are the Udayagiri Caves. Situated about 5 km west of Vidisha and 13 km from Sanchi, these Gupta period caves, are a testament to the skill of the artisans carving religious sculptures so intricate and grand that they still inspire aesthetic awe. There are 20 caves in all and one should try to visit as many as possible. The caves were carved out of sandstone hills in the 4th and 5th centuries. Brahmi inscriptions have been found in the caves that have been influential in ascertaining their timeline. The relief sculptures, like the iconographic one of Lord Vishnus varaha or boar incarnation in Cave 5, has been accepted as one of the most accomplished examples of Gupta art. The varaha avatar tells the story of how Lord Vishnu saved Goddess Earth from demon Hiranyaksha, who had abducted and taken her into the deep ocean. The panel measures an impressive 7x4 sq m. The scene has also been hailed as an allegorical statement by the Gupta kings about their might in protecting their land (earth) from all evils. These cave temples have been considered among the best and the earliest examples of religious architecture in India. The shrine holding the shivling is especially interesting as its walls are decorated with intricate mythological carvings. One cave is related to Jainism. After sightseeing of Sanchi and Udayagiri Caves return to hotel in Bhopal.

Day 11: Bhopal – Ujjain (191 kilometers or 119 miles in about 4.5 hours) :

After breakfast drive from hotel in Bhopal to Ujjain. On arrival transfer to Hotel Imperial, 0.5 miles from Sawai Jai Singh II’s Jantar Mantar astronomical observatory (3-star) or Hotel Abike Elite, 1.6 miles from Jantar Mantar observatory (4-star). Sightseeing includes the astronomical observatory, the large masonry instruments in the observatory are well maintained and are still functional. This is one of the five astronomical observatories that Sawai Jai Singh II built in early 17th century CE. Other interesting sites are the two famous temple of Kalbhairav and Mahakaleshwar. Overnight in hotel.

Day 12: Ujjain – Indore (55 kilometers in about 1 hour) :

After breakfast drive about an hour to Indore. A trading hub between the Deccan and Delhi in the 16th century, the city of Indore was discovered by Rao Nandlal Chaudhary. But it was developed by the Holkar Rani Ahilya Bai. The city of Indore owes much of its success to the Holkar regime, to be specific, the Queen of Holkar, Rani Ahilya Bai. Born in 1725, Ahilya Bai accidentally walked on to the stage of history. When she was eight, Malhar Rao Holkar, army commander to Peshwa Bajirao, spotted her at a temple service in Chondi. So impressed was he by her character that he decided to get his son, Khande Rao, married to her. Ahilya Bai took control of Malwa after her husband's death in the battle of Kumbher in 1754. She excelled at administrative and military strategies under the guidance of her father-in-law. She then laid the foundation of the indomitable Holkar army in 1792 and became one of the most feared archers of her time. The city is ranked as "the cleanest city in India" for the sixth consecutive year and has reserved its place among the first 20 cities to be developed as smart cities in India.

Sightseeing: The pride of Holkar rulers, the 7-storied Rajwada palace, is located near Khajuri Bazar and holds the position of one of the most important monuments in Indore. Early in 20th century a local merchant, follower of Jain religion, Seth Hukum Chand built the beautiful Kanch Mandir, a Jain temple completely with glass and mirrors. Bada Ganpati temple built in 1875 CE holds an 8-foot tall statue of lord Ganesh. Between 1886 and 1921 CE during the reigns of Tukoji Rao II, Shivaji Rao and Tukoji Rao III. Overnight in hotel in Indore.

Day 13: Indore – Mandu – Maheshwar :

After breakfast in hotel drive about 83 kilometers or 52 miles in about 2 hours to Mandu.

Mandu is the popular name of a former princely state. Its original name is Mandavgad had its origin from a statue that a local merchant, Chandra Simha, installed in 612 Vikram Samvat Hindu calendar equivilant to 555 CE, in a Jain temple dedicated to Bhagwan Paraswanath in Mandap Durg (the present name of the town Mandu is a corrupted version of Mandap and Durg in Hindi language means a fort. Mandu is located at an altitude of 633 meters or 2079 feet above sealevel. It overlooks the plateau of Malwa to the north and the Narmada river valley to the south.

Mandu came into historical prominence in 10th & 11th centuries under Parmaar rulers. Balban attacked the region as the commander of Sultan Nasir ud Din Mahmud, the last Shamsi Sultan. In 1305 CE Sultan Allauddin Khalji conquerred Mandu and established the Khalji dynasty of Malwa (1435 to 1531 CE). It was later conquerred by Sultan Bahadur Shah of Gujarat, who in turn was defeated by the second Mughal Emperor Nasiruddin Muhammad Humayun. After changing hands between a succession of rulers finally the 3rd Mughal Emperor Akbar took control of entire Malwa region including Mandu. Its famous erstwhile ruler Baz Bahadur surrendered to Emperor Akbar and remained in his court. His beloved Rani Rupmati had earlier committed suicide when she heard that Emperor Akbar's commander Adham Khan had conquerred Mandu. Its past military glory can be gauged by the nearly 37 kilometers or 23 miles long battlemented wall that has 12 heavily fortified gateways. The wall encloses a large number of palaces, mosques, Jain temples of 14th century and other buildings. The oldest mosque dates from 1405; the finest is the Jama Masjid or great mosque, a notable example of Pashtun architecture. The marble-domed tomb of this ruler is magnificent.

Among the architectural attractions of Mandu, the most prominent is the Rani Rupmati's Pavillion. She was the beloved of the ruler, Baz Bahadur. Even today in the villages of Malwa the balads of the love story of the Rani Rupmati and Baz Bahadur is sung. The Pavillion was originally built as an army post. Later Rani Rupmati lived in it and is supposed to have gazed at the Baz Bahadur's Palace located at a lower level as well as at the plains surrounding the Narmada river that the Rani revered. Built by Baz Bahadur, this 16th-century the Baz Bahadur Palace is famous for its grand courtyards surrounded by massive halls and high terraces.

Rewa Kund is a reservoir constructed by Baz Bahadur for supplying water to Rani Roopmati's Pavilion. The reservoir is situated below the pavilion and is considered an architectural marvel.

Darya Khan Tomb: In the center of a massive courtyard is the tomb of Darya Khan and one other tomb, a mosque, a pool of water and an Sarai (Inn), all surrounded by a high wall. Hathi Paga Mahal (palace) is located to the southeast of Darya Khan Tomb complex and is crowned by a large domb.

Shri Mandavagadh Teerth is a Shwetambar Jain (white robe wearing Jain monks) dedicated to Bhagwan Suparshvanath. It is an older shrine but was extensively renovated in 14th century CE. The 3 feet high idol of the Jain Tirthankar is made of white stone and iseated in Padmasana (lotus / cross legged posture. In the same complex is another smaller Jain temple dedicated to Tirthankar Swaminath Bhagwan. According Jain writings there were originally more than 700 temples in this area.

Jami Masjid Inspired by the great mosque of Damascus, this enormous structure is striking in both its simplicity and architectural style-with large courtyards and grand entrances. At the front of Jaami Mosque, there are ruins of Asharfi Palace. There is a fascinating Ram Temple nearby, which was built by Maharani Sakarwar Bai Pawar in 1769 CE.

Hoshang Shah's Tomb India's first marble structure, it is one of the most refined examples of Afghan architecture. Its unique features include the beautifully proportioned dome, intricate marble lattice work and porticoed courts and towers. It served as a template for the construction of Taj Mahal.

Jahaz Mahal/Ship Palace Situated between two artificial lakes, this two-storied architectural marvel is so named as it appears as a ship floating in water. Built by Sultan Ghiyas-ud-din-Khalji, it served as a harem for the sultan. This is The Water Palace shown in Fisher's Drawing Room Scrap Book, 1832, from a painting by Copley Fielding together with a poetical illustration by Letitia Elizabeth Landon. Apart from the enthralling architecture, Jahaz Mahal is also a significant venue for the vibrant colours of the Mandu festival. With a series of adventure activities, music shows, lights, and balloon festivals that happen every year in the winter season. Along with a colourful celebration, the sound and light show at the Jahaz Mahal is another interesting event that holds the eyes of every tourist.

Hindola Mahal - meaning Swing palace is so named due to its sloping side walls. The Hindola Mahal might have been constructed during the reign of Hushang Shah about 1425 C.E. but may date to the end of the 15th century during the reign of Ghiyas al-Din. It is one of a set buildings making up the royal palace complex at Mandu, which consists of the Jahaz Mahal, the Hindola Mahal, the Taveli Mahal, and the Nahar Jharokha. The Hindola Mahal may have been used as an audience chamber.

Songarh/ Sonergarh Fort: The fort was once an impregnable citadel and part of the historic hillfort of Mandu, now in ruins, which stands in a spectacular, naturally-defended position on a plateau of the Vindhya hills surrounded by a ravine. The citadel is separated from the main hill by a narrow neck of land.

After sightseeing of Mandu drive 38 kilometers to Maheshwar Fort. After the death of the 6th Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, a Maratha commander, Malhar Rao Holkar conquered the entire region of Indore, Maheshwar and Mandu and founded the Holkar dynasty. Rajmata Ahilya Bai Holkar, the widow of his son, came on the Holkar throne after him. She built many architectural marvels in Indore, Maheshwar Fort (where she established her capital), many Hindu temples in various cities or Hindu religious pilgrimage centres and was very active in uplifting the women in her kingdom.

The Maheshwar Fort was converted into a unique guest house / heritage resort that offer an all inclusive meal plan. The menu is set every day and there is no formal dining area. Each the guests are surprised by a new venue in a courtyard or garden or terrace in the Fort that overlooks the Narmada River and Maheshwar Temple on its Ghat (shore). A simple stairway leads one down to the river bank. A few steps down on the stair one comes across an inconspicuous door that leads into a large textile mill that was set up by the Queen. Here women work on equal status as the men on the looms in this textile mill that is famous for Maheshwar Saris and fabrics. Relax and explore the vast complex of Maheshwar Fort, the textile mill, the Narmada River ghats and Maheshwar Temple. Overnight is this amazing fort / palace resort.

Day 14: Maheshwar Fort / Palace: :

The entire day is free at leisure to relax and relish the unique services offered by this royal fort / palace resort. Overnight in Fort / Palace

Day 15: Maheshwar Fort / Palace: :

After another surprise breakfast and lunch at Maheshwar Fort Palace, drive about 84 kilometers or 52 miles to Indore airport to board the Indigo flight 6E-5409 departing at 4.55 PM and arrive in New Delhi at 6.35 PM. Transfer for farewell dinner and then to IGI International Airport to board the flight back to USA.

PRICE (please call or email) with following hotels (other hotels can be discussed also) includes :