India: Beyond the Taj

Enjoy the last of your Indian rail journeys before disembarking in Jhansi and venturing off the beaten track to Datia. This is an ancient Hindu pilgrimage centre where you can see one of the best examples of Bundela architecture, Govind Palace. After an including sightseeing tour, continue to Orchha for a two-night stay at Amar Mahal (3Q).

One of India’s better-kept secrets, Orchha’s atmospheric fort protects beautiful temples and palaces that lie largely empty. Admire the domed pavilions of 17th-century Jehangir Mahal and view the royal cenotaphs during an included tour of the former Bundela capital. Then look forward to attending a Hindu aarti ceremony this evening.

Cross the rural landscapes of Madhya Pradesh en route to Khajuraho for two nights at the Taj Hotel Chandela (3Q).

The 9th-century temples of Khajuraho will be revealed on an included morning tour. Protected by UNESCO, these temples feature sandstone carvings which depict various scenes thought to represent the marriage of Shiva and Parvati. A small fraction of these broach more taboo topics and have given these temples quite a reputation!

Venture into the teak thickets, gorges and valleys of Panna National Park on an optional early morning visit. Then this afternoon, fly to Varnanasi for two nights at The Gateway Hotel (4Q). This evening, visit Mother Ganges, India's most scared river and a holy pilgrimage site where you can attend another moving aarti ceremony.

Bear witness to Varanasi's morning rituals on an included boat ride past scores of ghats. Afterwards, explore the narrow lanes of Varanasi and see the Golden Temple. This afternoon, visit the site in Sarnath where Buddha preached for the first time. Here you can see the Dhamekh Stupa and a ruined monastery.

You're free to relax at leisure this morning, before departing, after lunch, on your final rail journey – a long but rewarding one to Lucknow. Stay two nights at the Vivanta by Taj – Gomti Nagar (4Q).