Classic India

15 days
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India is a country with many cultural and architectural treasures – the Taj Mahal, the Hindu temples of Khajuraho, Varanasi, South Asia’s richest collection of prehistoric paintings, the Buddhist temples of Sanchi, and the beautiful Islamic provincial architecture of Mandu. This trip does it all, traveling from Delhi, through Jaipur and Agra, down to Varanasi...
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Overview

Trip type
Private Guided
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Very Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Highlights

    • Visits to Jama Masjid, Qutub Minar, Humayan's Tomb and Gandhi's home
    • Explore the Taj Mahal
    • Wander Varanasi and take a boat ride on the Ganges
    • Visit Sanchi, Bhopal and Mandu
    • Visit Panna Wildlife Park

What's this trip about?

    India is a country with many cultural and architectural treasures – the Taj Mahal, the Hindu temples of Khajuraho, Varanasi, South Asia’s richest collection of prehistoric paintings, the Buddhist temples of Sanchi, and the beautiful Islamic provincial architecture of Mandu. This trip does it all, traveling from Delhi, through Jaipur and Agra, down to Varanasi and over to Bhopal, before finishing in Mumbai. Not only will you visit some of the most spectacular treasures of India, but you will have time to meet people, get a sense of the many great religions that are part of India’s heritage, and even sneak in a visit to one of the wildlife parks – all in about 15 days!

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Details

Itinerary focusOff the Beaten Path
Group sizePrivate - your group only
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityDelhi
End CityDelhi

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Nature & Wildlife
  • 50 Plus
  • Local Immersion & Homestays
  • Education / Learning
  • National Parks
  • Festivals & Special Events
  • Eco, Sustainable & Green Travel

Destinations

Activities

  • Culture
  • Festivals & Special Events
  • Historic Sightseeing
  • Nature
  • Trains & Rail
  • Wildlife Viewing

Trip includes

    • Accommodations as listed, including all service charges and taxes
    • Mineral water and soft drinks during drives and group meals
    • Transfers and sightseeing in air-conditioned coaches
    • All excursions with expert English-speaking guides. Throughout tour guide with 4-10 people and station guides for 1-3 people.
    • Entrance fees to museums, temples, etc.
    • All meals as indicated with B-breakfast, L-lunch, D-dinner
    • Additional luxury services

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Itinerary

Travel Map
DAY 01: ARRIVE DELHI Meals : None Accommodation : The Oberoi Maidens Or Imperial Arriving in Delhi around midnight, you will clear customs and immigration. Leaving the airport, you will be met by our operator holding a sign with your name on it. He will transfer you to your hotel for the night DAY 02: TOUR DELHI Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation : The Oberoi Maidens Or Imperial You can recover from the trip and wander a bit in Delhi, the third largest city in India located on the west bank of the Yamuna River. There is perhaps no place in India that can compare with Delhi in the number of its monuments, dating from the time of the imperial Gupta dynasty 1600 years ago, through the Pathan style Indo-Muslim architecture from 1193[1526; and into the Mughal architecture, represented most dramatically by the Red Fort (Lal Qal’ah.) Later architecture illustrates first the British period and then the search for a synthesis between the Indian and the western styles. Along the Yamuna River are memorials, set in striking flowering gardens, to India’s 20th century leaders [ Mahatma Gandhi, Lal Bahadur Shastri, and Jawaharlal Nehru. While Old Delhi, built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan in the 17th century, still retains its medieval character to a great extent, and almost indubitably reminds one of the crowded old towns of the Middle East; New Delhi is like any other modern city with tall buildings and massive shopping complex. This morning you start with a visit Jama Mosque followed by a walking/cycle rickshaw tour of traditional businesses of Old Delhi – exploring centuries old arts and crafts with businessmen belonging to the 6th or 7th generation of the men who first started them.   Leaving the mosque, you take a rickshaw ride down Chandni Chowk, the old market street of Delhi. As you drive, you should think of the street as a supermarket with different departments [ hair ornaments, pots and pans, blankets and the like. You can visit the Jain Temple, walking around barefoot with the pilgrims and a marvelous old[fashioned shop where you can test Indian perfume (attar) from cut[glass bottles. You will saunter through the main bridal street of Old Delhi, Kinari Bazaar, with its dazzling display of embroidered silk wedding sarees, beautiful bangles and colorful turbans for the bridegroom. The Khari Baoli is all about spices [ here, rice and dal, dry fruits, nuts and saffron dealers have traded for more than 150 years. The smell of the spices will remain with you even after you have left the market. In this experience, if you are lucky you will also be introduced to the art of pigeon flying by a kabootar'baz (pigeon fancier). After lunch at a city restaurant (included), you will be taken to explore New Delhi – including Gandhi Smriti (his home), Humayun’s Tomb, Qutab Minar and drive past Lutyens’ Delhi.   The residence of industrialist BD Birla has been converted into a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, and was his home during his visits to Delhi. Gandhi[ji was assassinated here on his way to offer customary evening prayers and today you can see a large collection of photographs and a few personal belongings on display.   Humayunjs Tomb is a magnificent Mughal building built in 1565[66 and set in a square enclosed garden. This finely proportioned structure in red sandstone and marble served later as a model for the Taj Mahal.   Dominating the ruins of the earliest existing settlement of Delhi is the cityjs famous landmark [ the Qutab Minar. This imposing victory tower (73m) has five stories, each marked by intricately carved projections or balconies. Elaborately carved pillars embellish the courtyard of a nearby mosque. At the center of the courtyard is the amazing Iron Pillar (4th[5th century A.D.), which has not rusted through the centuries. The interesting buildings of Lutyens’ Delhi are the India Gate, the Rashtrapati Bhawan (Presidentjs House) and Parliament House. Tonight you will have a welcome dinner in a well[known Indian cuisine restaurant.   DAY 03: DRIVE TO AGRA AND TOUR CITY Meals : Breakfast, Dinner Accommodation : Taj Gateway Or Amar Vilas This morning you will drive about 3 1⁄2 hours to the bustling city of Agra, situated on the banks of the Yamuna River. More than 400 years ago, Agra was the capital of India. Today it is known not for its political glory but for its monuments. You can begin your day with a visit to the Agra Fort, begun by Emperor Aqbar in 1565 as a military structure, and finished by his grandson, Shah Jehan, as a luxurious palace. Many of the historical events leading to the construction of the Taj occurred here. On the opposite side of the Yamuna River is the Itimad`ud`daulah, or tomb of Mirza Giyas Beg, chief minister to Aqbar’s son, Jehangir. Beg’s daughter, Nur Jehan or “Light of the World,” was the niece of Muntaz Mahal, the lady of the Taj, and built the tomb for her father. The first Moghul monument constructed entirely of marble and using pietra' dura or marble inlay work, the tomb foreshadows the Taj. Later in the day, you can spend time wandering the markets and perhaps visiting the gem cutters of the city.   In the afternoon, you can enjoy a very special Mughal Heritage Walk with a local community leader. The walk brings to life both the Mughal experience and the living traditions of local life. You follow a half[mile walk through three significant Mughal era monuments – Gyara Sidi, Humayun Mosque and Metabh Bagh. Your path takes you through agricultural fields, and the historic settlement of Kachhpura, where you can spend time in the village. You also can visit a local shoemaking factory and see other handicrafts.   Late in the afternoon, you will enjoy wonderful sunset views of the Taj Mahal from Metabh Bagh. When Shah Jehan built the Taj Mahal, he chose a floodplain on the opposite side of the Yamuna River as the perfect spot for viewing the Taj Mahal, naming it “Moonlight Garden” or Metabh Bagh. This afternoon, you can witness sunset from this rarely visited garden. DAY 04: SUNRISE AT TAJ, DRIVE JAIPUR VIA FATEHPUR SIKRI OR BHARATPUR Meals : Breakfast Accommodation : Dera Mandawa Or Raj Vilas Rising early, you can catch sunrise at the Taj Mahal and then return to the hotel for breakfast. The mausoleum was built on the southern side of the Yamuna River by the Mughal emperor, Shah Jehan. Distraught by the death in childbirth of his inseparable companion and wife of twenty years, Mumtaz Mahal, or “Chosen One of the Palace,” Shah Jehan began the building in 1632; and, with the help of 20,000 workmen, finished the mausoleum section by 1643.   When you are ready, you can head out for Jaipur via either the perfectly preserved “ghost town” of Fatehpur Sikri, capital of Aqbar’s Moghul Empire between 1570 and 1596 or Keoladeo Ghana National Park.   Great Mughal Emperor Akbar built Fatehpur Sikri in the 16th century to serve as the capital of his vast empire. Although Akbar had many wives, he did not have an heir, which led him to many holy men and finally to the renowned Sufi Saint Sheikh Salim Chisti, who lived in an isolated cave near Sikri. The saint blessed Akbar and soon a son was born to him. The grateful emperor named his son Salim after the saint, erected the grand Jami Mosque near the saintjs dwelling and vowed to build a great city on that place. Thus emerged the great city of Fatehpur Sikri, a citadel of grand courts, palaces, mosques and gardens that rivaled the splendors of Delhi and Agra. However, destiny had other things in store for the city. Shortage of water and un[rest in the northwest made Akbar abandon the city only 13 years later. Today, even after the passage of 400 years, the magnificence of this royal city has not faded and remains immaculately preserved.   Popularly known as Bharatpur, the 29 square kilometer Keoladeo Ghana National Park is one of the worlds most famous and interesting wetland areas. A haven for winter migrants and an important rookery for summer breeders, the range of bird activity is stunning. Among the approximately 385 species found here are waterfowl, waders, birds of prey, owls, woodpeckers, flycatchers, minivets, shrikes and babblers, to name just a very few. The bird watching can be done in boats, on cycle rickshaws, or by foot in the sanctuary. Your tour escort as well as a naturalist will accompany you. Arriving in Jaipur late in the day, you head to the hotel. DAY 05: TOUR JAIPUR    Meals : Breakfast Accommodation : Dera Mandawa Or Raj Vilas When prince, soldier, and astronomer Sawai Jai Singh II built the pink, harmonious city of Jaipur in 1727, he did it in accordance with a treatise on town planning and architecture, the Shilpa Shastra, which is timely even today. With its walls and seven gates, pink and orange buildings, camel[drawn carts, and colorful Rajasthanis, this state capital sits on a flat, dry seabed surrounded by barren hills and ruined fortresses. This morning, you begin with a visit to the milk market where large quantities of milk is procured from individual sellers and then resold to whole buyers. Enjoy the interesting ways by which the buyers judge the purity of milk and negotiate the prices. You might even want some hot milk with a jelabi.   Next you head to the ancient capital of Jaipur State, Amber Fort. The fort is perched high on a hillside overlooking a lake, whose waters reflect the terraces and ramparts of the fort Amber was begun in 1592 by the commander of Aqbar’s army, Raja Man Singh. Those who wish can take an elephant ride up to the entrance of the fort, surrounded by hawkers and photographers.   In the afternoon, you can visit the City Palace, housing an excellent collection of textiles, carpets, weaponry, and manuscripts. You will also visit the Jantar Mantar, the largest and best observatory built by Jai Singh in 1728. Even today, one can read time in the giant monoliths designed by the astronomers of almost 300 years ago. Later in the day, you can wander a bit in the colorful bazaars and craft centers of Jaipur. You can also see how they do the inlay work, miniature paintings from the Jaipur School or even the famous blue pottery.   In the evening, you can listen to the evening bhajan at the Govinda Temple.   DAY 06: FLY DELHI. CONNECT TO VARANASI Meals : Breakfast Accommodation : Suryaudaya Haveli Or Nadesar Palace This morning, you will transfer to the airport and catch 9W 3301 (0955/1045) to Delhi, and then connect with IT 602 (1300/1415) to Varanasi. On arrival, you will be met and transferred to the hotel.   Varanasi, “eternal city,” has been a center of learning for over 2,000 years, and is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in all of India. The name means the “city of two rivers” – the Varauana and the Asi. A city of lingams dedicated to the Lord God Shiva, Varanasi is known as an “auspicious” place to die and a super-highway to heaven. Lining the river are numerous burning and bathing ghats. In fact, orthodox worshipers have five ghats to bathe from, in order and on the same day – Asi, Dasaswamedh, Barnasangam, Panchganga, and Manikarnika. In addition to the ghats, numerous temples to numerous gods dot the city streets – the Golden Temple, the Durgha Temple, the Nepalese Temple and others.   Many Hindus in the latter part of their lives wish to spend their retirement here. This is the city of Varanasi. According to Hindu belief, Benaras or Varanasi as it is known, is the cosmic center of the Universe. Mark Twain once wrote “Beneras is older than history, older than other tradition, older even than legends and looks twice as old as all of them put together.” Situated between the rivers Varuna and Ashi as they join the Ganges, Varanasi takes its name from its location. It is also called Kashi, the city of lights.   During the day, you can begin to explore the area around your hotel and visit a sari factory. This evening, you can head down to the ghats or steps along the Ganges to watch the evening aarti ceremony. DAY 07: BOAT RIDE ON THE GANGES; VISIT SARNATH. FALL ` DIWALI FESTIVAL Meals : Breakfast Accommodation : Suryaudaya Haveli Or Nadesar Palace This will be a very early morning. Before dawn, you can take a morning boat ride on the Ganges to see the early morning prayers along the ghats. % % Viewing the ghats early in the morning from a boat on the river can be an unforgettable experience. The riverfront, as seen from a boat, early in the morning at sunrise, is a spiritually uplifting sight. Hinduism, deep and mystical, is everywhere [ in a decorated doorway, in a glimpse of a glittering temple, in the sound of a sacred bell and the chants of the priests.. When you disembark, you can do some sightseeing [ visiting some of the temples on the shore, wandering the narrow streets of Vishwanatha Khanda, the Old City at the heart of Varanasi. The area will be buzzing with the activity of pilgrims, and stalls selling offerings to the faithful. In every nook and cranny are numerous shrines and lingams. Shops sell rich brocade silks, brassware and also all the articles essential for worship at numerous little shrines. You can either have breakfast here or return to the hotel. In the afternoon, you will pay a visit to the holy city of Sarnath, an expert on Buddhism. Here in Sarnath, Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. Few major Buddhist cities escaped the building frenzy of Ashoka, and Sarnath is no exception. Right near the Dhamekh Stupa are the remains of Ashoka’s pillar, with his name engraved in the stone. The stupa is believed to mark the spot where Buddha preached his sermon at Deer Park. There is, in fact, a real Deer Park, but the few enclosed deer only evoke compassion from the observer. Sarnath also has a small but very interesting museum, with some prized sculptures dating back to the Gupta period. Around the site are a series of temples built by Buddhist groups from around the world. You will have the special opportunity to chant with the monks at one of the Buddhist Temples. When you are ready, you will return to Varanasi.   DAY 08: FLY KHAJURAHO AND TOUR TEMPLES. DRIVE PANNA Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation : Sarai At Toria – Cottage The morning is free to wander on your own. If you had a sari made, you can go and pick it up. Around 10AM, you will transfer back to the airport and catch 9W 333 (1220/1300) to Khajuraho. On arrival, you will be taken to see the magnificent temples of Khajuraho.   Khajuraho, a simple village in the middle of nowhere, was once a great capital of the pre[Moghul Chandelas. Khajurahojs isolation saved it from the destruction of the Moghuls and the fanatic Emperor Aurangzeb, leaving a great treasure for posterity. The city boasts series of spectacularly preserved temples that date from 950[1050AD. At one time, there were at least 85 temples, and the 22 well[preserved survivors were built mostly of sandstone. Perhaps the most salient aspect of these temples is the beautiful stonework with marvelously erotic carvings and graceful gods and goddesses. When most people think of Khajuraho, they think of these erotic sculptures, yet the temples are far more. The magnificent carvings represent on the lower levels all aspects of Indian courtly life – soldiers, musicians, families, royalty, lovers and animals. As one leaves the realm of the earth, one can admire the realm of the gods and goddesses. Many of the sculptures of the goddesses are extraordinary views of the voluptuous view of the Indian female body. Finally, one arrives at the realm of cosmic existence. Equally fascinating and worth a visit is the village itself, with painted houses, farms, and narrow streets. Despite its notoriety, the village has retained its simplicity, cleanliness, and warmth.   When you are ready, you will be driven 20 minutes to your lodge at Panna   DAY 09: SARAI AT TORIA Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation : Sarai At Toria – Cottage This morning, you will be taken into Panna National Park for a morning game drive.   The Sarai at Toria is a uniquely designed accommodation situated on a beautiful riverside site [ a destination in itself, as the surrounding area is full of wonderful history and natural beauty. Located amidst agricultural land in un[spoilt countryside, the Sarai at Toria spreads over nine acres of undulating land. With the river on one side and a small forest patch at the back, it provides many lovely corners for hideaway reading and relaxation.   After your game drive, you can choose among a variety of activities and excursions available: Take jeep safari inside Panna National Park. Many wildlife experts look on Madhya Pradesh, with its forested land, as the hope for the future of the Indian tiger. Panna National Park, on the Ken River, is just one hour from Khajuraho and is one of the parks where active research on the tiger is being carried out. The park, a vast kaleidoscope of biodiversity, covers dense forest, open meadows, plateaus and gorges with waterfalls. It supports a wide variety of deer including the chinkara, sambar and nilgiri (blue bull) as well as the big cats. During your visit, you can take a game drive around the park.   Fishing on the pristine Ken river, walks through the crop fields of the surrounding countryside and birding on site or at nearby forest and wetland areas. Visit a number of seasonal waterfalls in the neighboring area Visit Maheba/Dhubela, where there are majestic chhatris (cenotaphs) of the Bundela Maharaja and his queens. The Dhubela Museum, situated in an old fort, contains sculptures and artifacts revealing more of the ohistorical enigmao of the Bundela kings.   You may also visit Ajaygarh Fort; this rarely visited wonderful hilltop fort that has equally rich and even older temples and carvings than Khajuraho. These ruins are situated in dry forest, in a setting similar to how Khajuraho may have been when it was rediscovered. DAY 10: DRIVE ORCHHA AND VISIT TOWN Meals : Breakfast Accommodation : Amar Mahal Orchha When you are ready, you have about a 4[hour drive through the countryside to Orchha. Founded in 1531 by the Bundela Chieftain, Raja Rudra Pratap, who chose this stretch of land along the Betwa River as an ideal site for his capital, he and the succeeding rulers of Orchha built many beautiful palaces and temples in the 16th and 17th century. Today’s Orchha is frozen in time, a small village, housing a complex of well[preserved palaces and temples that speak eloquently of Orchha’s time of glory. When you get there, you can spend some time exploring the village and its sites.   DAY 11: TRAIN TO BHOPAL. VISIT BHIMBETAKA Meals : Breakfast Accommodation : JEHAN NUMA PALACE HOTEL You have a short drive to Jhansi, where you will catch the Shatabdi Express (1050/1405) to Bhopal. The state capital of Madhya Pradesh, Bhopal is built around two artificial lakes, circled by the gently rolling hills. Legends suggest that Bhopal stands on an 11th century site created by Raja Bhoja, who is also credited with building the two dams resulting in the lakes. Dost Mohammed Khan, one of Aurangzeb’s Afghan governors, developed modern Bhopal. Loyal to the British throughout the 18th century, Bhopal has the distinction of being ruled by two Muslim women, Shah Jahan Begum and Qudsia Begum, between 1857 and 1926.     Early in the evening, you head to the rock shelters of Bhimbetaka.   The Bhimbetka rock shelters are an archaeological World Heritage site near Bhopal. The shelters exhibit the earliest traces of human life in India ranging from Paleolithic to Neolithic Age in India. Findings mainly include rock art and stone tools. The cave paintings were executed mainly in red and white with the occasional use of green and yellow, with themes taken from the every day events of eons ago, the scenes usually depict hunting, dancing, music, animals fighting, honey collection, decoration of bodies, disguises, masking and household scenes. Animals such as bison, tigers, lions, wild boars, elephants, antelopes, dogs, lizards, crocodiles, etc. have been abundantly depicted in some caves. Popular religious and ritual symbols also occur frequently.   The colors used by the cave dwellers were prepared combining manganese, hematite, soft red stone and wooden coal.   Sometimes the fat of animals and extracts of leaves were also used in the mixture. The colors have remained intact for many centuries due to the chemical reaction resulting from the oxide present on the surface of the rocks.   DAY 12: VISIT SANCHI Meals : Breakfast Accommodation : Jehan Numa Palace Hotel Your path today takes you out to the ancient site of Sanchi. Even though the Buddha himself never came to Sanchi, this group of stupas and monasteries perched on a peaceful hill are among the most important Buddhist sites in India. There is a quiet stillness about the place in keeping with Buddhist beliefs. The first stupa was built during Asoka’s reign in the 3rd century BC. Over a century later it doubled in size and, after 75 more years, the gateways were constructed. Finally, 450 years later, four figures of the Buddha were placed facing each gateway, completing the construction. The Great Stupa as this was called had staggered entrances, because it was common belief that evil spirits travel only in a straight line. Around the Great Stupa are a number of smaller ones. From the 14th century, Sanchi lay forgotten and deserted to finally be rediscovered by General Taylor in 1818, the year before the Ajanta caves were found. Treasure hunters destroyed much of the stupa, but there are still outstanding sculptures to be seen.   The earliest decorative carvings were done on wood and ivory, but the craftsmen of Sanchi easily transferred their skill to the sandstone here. The carvings illustrate scenes from the life of the Buddha, events in the history of Buddhism and the “Jatakas”, stories about Buddha’s previous life. The four gateways are of particular interest showing the seven incarnations of Buddha, the Wheel of Law and the birth of the Buddha in a series of dramatic carvings.   Farther on from the Stupa are rock cut sanctuaries of Vidisha carved into the sandstone hillsides. These caves, carved during the reign of Chandragupta (382[401 AD), illustrate the distinctive style of Gupta art and its richness of expression – something rarely seen.   Later in the afternoon, you will be taken on a guided tour of Bhopal. Bhopal is a very old city, founded in 10th century by the legendary Raja Bhoj who is credited with having constructed the lakes around which the city is built. There is a lot to see in the city so depending on the time available and interest one may explore Bhopal in its various aspects.   One of the most unique national institutes in India, Bharat Bhawan is a center for the performing and visual arts, attracting artists and performers from all over. The center houses a museum of the arts, an art gallery, a workshop for fine arts, a repertory theatre, indoor and outdoor auditoria, a rehearsal room and libraries of Indian poetry, classical and folk music. The art museum displays contemporary art, paintings and sculptures by eminent artists and tribal and regional art, which include bronzes, terracotta and toys made by the local tribes.   The beautiful Taj`ul`Masjid is one of the largest mosques in India. It has two massive white[domed minarets and three white domes over the main building. 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 in a prehistoric site and may be the only museum in the world strewn with numerous prehistoric painted rock shelters.   The museum display has been curated directly by the folk and tribal communities, camping at site, to create a miniature presentation of Indian folk ways through display of eco[specific habitations & subsistence practices in the tribal, coastal, desert, and Himalayan habitats.   DAY 13: DRIVE MAHESHWAR Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation : Ahilya Fort This morning you will be collected from your hotel and driven 6 hours to Maheshwar. On arrival you will check in to your hotel.   Once the capital of Indiajs celebrated woman ruler Ahilya Bai Holkar, the 18th century Ahilya Fort has one of the most dramatic and unique setting of a hotel. Enclosed within massive walls, it is perched on the edge of a cliff and has staggering views over the sacred Narmada River and the Ghats immediately below. Within the fort there are gardens, pretty courtyards and verandahs, hidden terraces and turrets where you can wander around and get away from it all.   DAY 14: TOUR MANDU Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation : Ahilya Fort – Superior Room In terms of Islamic provincial architecture, Mandu, about 90 minutes away, has some of the best examples in India. Mandu flourished under Muslim rule in the early 14th century under the Khaljis of Delhi. At that time, Mandu was renamed Shadiabad or City of Joy. Later, in 1405, Hoshang Shah made it his capital, and, under the most famous of the Khalji rulers, Mahmud Khali, there was a resurgence of art and literature, fostering Hindu, Jain as well as Hindu development. Mandu continued to prosper until the 1500s, when it gradually passed out of Muslim control, becoming finally the stronghold of the Maratha clan.   The earliest Islamic building here is the Mosque of Dilwar Kahn (1405), which shows distinct Hindu influence. The later Jahan Mahal, or Ship Palace, reflects the penchant of the Muslims for romantic beauty. Built primarily to house the women of Ghiyas[ud[Din’s increasing harem, the Jahan Mahal’s shapes and kiosks leave the impression of a stately ship that was “crewed” entirely by women, from far off places such as Turkey and Abyssinia. The mosque consists of three great halls with a beautiful bath at one end. Interestingly, Hoshang Shah’s tomb is India’s first marble monument, a refined example of Afghan architecture. The tomb has the characteristic dome, delicate marble latticework, and porticoes courts and towers that were typical of the Afghans. Shah Jahan is supposed to have sent his architects to study this tomb for inspiration before designing the Taj Mahal. Hoshang Shah started the Jama Masjid, which was inspired by the great mosque in Damascus, and it took three generations to complete this grand building. The most imposing part of this mosque is the Prayer Hall with numerous rows of arches and pillars that support the ceilings of three great domes and the 58 smaller ones. The central niche or mihrab is beautifully designed and ornamented along its sides with scroll of interwoven Arabic letters containing quotations from the Koran. There are three other places of interest just outside Mandu – The monuments clustered around the Sagar Talao, a picturesque lake. Of particular note is the Hathi Mahal, or elephant palace, that takes its name from the stumpy pillars supporting the dome. Secondly, there is the Malik Mughith Mosque, that retains some of its blue tile decorations, and the Dai`Ka`Mahal, that was the house belonging to a wet nurse of one of the Mandu princes.   The Rewa Kund group has the Palace of Baz Bahadur, the musician prince, and the legendary Roopmati’s Pavilion. According to legend, Roopmati’s singing captivated Baz Bahadur, and she only agreed to marry him, if he gave her a palace within sight of her river. He built the palace on the edge of the sacred tank, Rewa Kund, so she could continue practicing her Hindu rituals. The views at sunrise and sunset are particularly beautiful.   For those who prefer not to visit Mandu, you can spend the last full day either exploring the ancient town of Maheshwar, or enjoying a boat ride on the Narmada River and visiting the numerous temples and ghats.   DAY 15: DRIVE INDORE. FLY EITHER DELHI OR MUMBAI AND HOME Meals : Breakfast, Dinner Accommodation : None Today you will be collected from your hotel and driven (1 1⁄2 hours) to Indore airport reaching in time to board your flight to Delhi or Mumbai. On arrival, you will be received and taken to a nearby restaurant for dinner) before being transferred to the International airport in time to board your flight to your onwards destination.   Note'that'if'you'are'leaving'from'Delhi,'the'flights'from'Indore'leave'in'the'morning,'we'would'be'happy'to'arrange'a'day' room'for'you'and'a'transfer'to'the'international'terminal'and'your'evening'flight'home.'

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Last Updated: 7/6/2024

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May 2017

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Stunning and unforgettable experience !

Four of us travelled together, and everyone had different favourite moments. For me, Varanasi was a stunning and unforgettable experience -- from witnessing the cele...

L

Linda O

Jan 2017

Written on

Wow

Toni's country knowledge and travel experience were very important. We loved all of the customized tours we received. There were separate guides for the dabba wallah...

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Other Myths and Mountains Reviews

L

Linda L.

Jun 2021

We were definitely off the beaten path

It is a difficult job to make everybody happy all of the time, but you ladies do a superb job. We were definitely off the beaten path, and when following that path t...

B

Brian D.

Jun 2021

China provides a very diverse experience

China provides a very diverse experience, but when all is said and done, it is the people that provides the basis for everything you see and do. The people are both ...

R

Richard G.

Jun 2021

just beautiful!

The houseboat trip on the Kerala backwaters was a highlight of our tr...

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Logistics

What's excluded

    • International airfare
    • Comprehensive insurance coverage, including medical, evacuation, baggage loss/delay, cancellation ins., etc.
    • Internal airfare – Noted separately
    • Visa fees
    • Meals where not indicated with a B,L,D
    • Tips/gratuity (porters, drivers, local guides, etc.)
    • International airport taxes
    • Other items of a personal nature including laundry, alcoholic beverages, etc.
    • Additional expenses resulting from the delay or extension of the trip due to causes beyond our reasonable control

Accommodation

Cancellation policy

International Airfare/Air Tickets: Refund subject to airline cancellation rules and procedures.

Land Portion & Internal Air*: Refund will be given according to the schedule outlined Below

NOTE : Minimum cancellation charge is $750 even for trips with land cost less than $1500. Number of days prior to departure that written notice of cancellation is received in our office and Applicable Cancellation Fee 61 Days or more prior to departure date 61 Days or more prior to departure date is $750 per person plus any varying non - refundable pre - payments we have made in advance on your behalf (i.e. Penalties incurred for cancelling air, deposits paid to hold reservations, etc.) ** 45 - 60 Days prior to departure date is 50% of the land cost plus any varying non - refundable pre - payments we have made in advance on your behalf (i.e. Penalties incurred for cancelling air, deposits paid to hold reservations, etc.) ** 44 Days or Less " No Refund"** At or after departure " No Refund" **

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
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Trip ID
mythsa-ClaIndMyt

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