Journey Through the Heart of India 19D/18N

Tour en Inde – Journey Through the Heart of India

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Overview

Discover the rich cultural and natural diversity of Maharashtra and Central India on this 19-day journey. Experience charming villages, ancient temples, sacred caves, lush mountain landscapes, and vibrant traditions. This immersive itinerary blends nature, spirituality, art, and history—introducing you to the authentic heart of India, from the Arabian Sea to the timeless plains of Madhya Pradesh.

Tour Itinerary

Day 1 – Paris / Bombay

Arrival in Mumbai late at night. Meet and transfer to your hotel for rest. Overnight stay in Mumbai.

Day 2 – Bombay

Morning excursion by boat (weather permitting) to Elephanta Island to visit the magnificent 7th–8th century rock-cut caves dedicated to Lord Shiva. In the afternoon, city tour of Mumbai: visit colonial landmarks such as Regal Cinema, St. Thomas Cathedral, Victoria Station, and Crawford Market. If time allows, explore the Prince of Wales Museum with its fine art and sculpture collections. Overnight stay in Mumbai.

Day 3 – Bombay / Lonavla / Pune

Depart for Pune with a stop at Lonavla to visit the Bhaja, Bedsa, and Karla Caves, remarkable examples of ancient Buddhist architecture. Also visit nearby Hindu temples before continuing to Pune. Overnight stay in Pune.

Day 4 – Pune / Raigarh / Mahabaleshwar

Full-day excursion through the scenic landscapes of the Western Ghats. Visit Raigarh Fort, once the stronghold of Maratha king Shivaji, accessible by cable car. Continue through mountain roads to Mahabaleshwar, a picturesque hill station at 1,370 meters. Enjoy the sunset at Bombay Point. Overnight stay in Mahabaleshwar.

Day 5 – Mahabaleshwar / Pune

Visit the Krishna Temple and enjoy panoramic views from Arthur’s Seat, Wilson’s Point, and Elphinstone Point. Explore Chinaman, Dhobi, and Lingmala Falls, and visit Pratapgarh Fort. Later, stop at Wai, a small sacred town with beautiful ghats and temples dedicated to Lord Ganesh. Return to Pune in the evening. Overnight stay in Pune.

Day 6 – Pune / Nashik

Explore Pune’s main monuments including Shaniwar Wada, Vishram Bagh Wada Palace, the Aga Khan Palace (Gandhi Memorial), and the Pataleshwar Cave Temple. Drive to Nashik, a sacred city on the Godavari River. Overnight stay in Nashik.

Day 7 – Nashik / Aurangabad

Visit Nashik’s Pandu Lena Caves with exquisite carvings and explore its temples and ghats along the river. Later, drive to Aurangabad. Overnight stay in Aurangabad.

Day 8 – Aurangabad / Ellora Caves / Aurangabad

Excursion to the UNESCO-listed Ellora Caves, a magnificent complex of rock-cut temples representing Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist faiths. Visit the Daulatabad Fort and the monolithic Kailashnatha Temple, followed by the Bibi-ka-Maqbara, a mini replica of the Taj Mahal. Overnight stay in Aurangabad.

Day 9 – Aurangabad / Ajanta Caves / Burhanpur

Drive to the Ajanta Caves, carved into the cliffs overlooking the Waghora River. Admire stunning frescoes and sculptures dating from the 2nd century BCE to the 6th century CE. Continue to Burhanpur, a historic Mughal city. Overnight stay in Burhanpur.

Day 10 – Burhanpur / Omkareshwar / Maheshwar

Visit the Gurudwara Badi Sangat, Jama Masjid, and Mughal palace in Burhanpur. Drive to Omkareshwar at the confluence of the Narmada and Kaveri Rivers for a scenic boat ride and temple visit. Continue to Maheshwar, a sacred town known for its temples and weaving tradition. Overnight stay in Maheshwar.

Day 11 – Maheshwar / Mandu

Explore Maheshwar’s riverside temples and ghats, and visit workshops where beautiful Maheshwari saris are woven. Continue to Mandu, the romantic “city of joy,” famous for its Afghan architecture and haunting ruins. Overnight stay in Mandu.

Day 12 – Mandu / Amla

Visit Mandu’s major monuments — Jama Masjid, Hoshang Shah’s Tomb, Baz Bahadur’s Palace, and Rupmati’s Pavilion. Continue to Amla village, classified as a heritage village for its preserved architecture and traditions. Overnight stay in Amla.

Day 13 – Amla / Ujjain / Bhopal

Stroll through Amla’s bazaar before driving to Ujjain, a revered Hindu city on the Shipra River. Visit the Mahakaleshwar Temple, one of India’s twelve jyotirlingas, and the Jai Singh Observatory. Continue to Bhopal. Overnight stay in Bhopal.

Day 14 – Bhopal

Excursion to Bhojpur Temple, home to one of India’s largest Shiva lingams. Visit Bhimbetka, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with prehistoric rock paintings from the Paleolithic and Mesolithic eras. Return to Bhopal. Overnight stay in Bhopal.

Day 15 – Bhopal / Sanchi / Bhopal

Visit the Buddhist site of Sanchi, a UNESCO World Heritage monument with beautiful stupas and sculptures depicting Buddha’s life. Explore the archaeological museum and visit the Udayagiri rock caves dedicated to Hindu and Jain deities. Free time in Bhopal’s bazaars. Overnight stay in Bhopal.

Day 16 – Bhopal / Khajuraho

Drive to Khajuraho, stopping in Sagar to explore local sites. In the evening, attend a traditional dance performance or sound and light show. Overnight stay in Khajuraho.

Day 17 – Khajuraho / Orchha

Visit Khajuraho’s famous UNESCO-listed temples, renowned for their intricate carvings and depictions of divine and earthly life. Afterward, drive to Orchha. Overnight stay in Orchha.

Day 18 – Orchha / Delhi

Explore Orchha, the former Rajput capital, known for Jehangir Mahal, Laxmi Narayan Temple, and the cenotaphs along the Betwa River. Continue to Jhansi and board the train to Delhi. Overnight journey or stay in Delhi.

Day 19 – Delhi / France

Morning tour of Delhi: visit Old Delhi’s Jama Masjid and take a rickshaw through the lively bazaars. In New Delhi, see India Gate, Connaught Place, and the Qutub Minar. Rooms available for rest before your airport transfer and return flight to France.

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