Day 1 Depart the UKToday depart the UK on the British Airways flight to Delhi. (N)
Day 2 Arrive DelhiWith your guide, this morning visit Old Delhi which was the capital of
Muslim India until the 19th century. With its mosques, forts, markets and historic
monuments, Old Delhi is a bustling and colourful introduction to northern India. In the
afternoon continue to New Delhi which was built in the 1930s by the British and remains
the centre of Indian political power. (N)
Accommodation in Delhi: Maidens Hotel
Upgrade option: The Oberoi
Day 3 Delhi to Bhopal – by airThis morning fly to Bhopal. Capital of Madhya Pradesh,
Bhopal’s old city is an atmospheric mix of mosques and markets, narrow alleyways and
grand Islamic architecture. Prior to independence Bhopal was ruled by a succession of
forward-thinking Muslim women and the city quickly modernized with the establishment
of an early postal system and comprehensive rail network. (B)
Accommodation in Bhopal: Jehan Numa Palace Hotel
Upgrade option: Jehan Numa Retreat
Day 4 Bhopal – visit SanchiToday visit Sanchi. This is the oldest surviving Buddhist
sanctuary in India and was once the principal centre for Buddhism in the country.
Sanchi is defined by its Great Stupa, arguably India's finest Buddhist structure and one
of the subcontinent's oldest remaining religious monuments. The stupa sits at the heart
of an evocative complex of temples and monasteries all of which are in different states
of repair. Later return to Bhopal and visit the Taj-ul-Masjid mosque, Jama Masjid and
Shaukat Mahal. (B)
Accommodation in Bhopal: Jehan Numa Palace Hotel
Upgrade option: Jehan Numa Retreat
Day 5 Bhopal to Pachmarhi – 200kmsLeave Bhopal and drive to the pretty hill station of
Pachmarhi which was once the summer capital of the Central Provinces during the
British Raj. A sleepy town of graceful bungalows and stone churches, Pachmarhi retains
a distinctive colonial atmosphere. Located in the heart of the Satpura Hills, the area
around the town has a rich biodiversity and a staggering array of birdlife not commonly
seen elsewhere in central India. (B/L/D)
Accommodation in Pachmarhi: Rock-End Manor

Day 6 PachmarhiStarting at Duchess Falls, take a guided morning walk to Mount Rosa.
Passing waterfalls and rock-paintings, this is an ideal opportunity to encounter the flora
and fauna in the areas around Pachmarhi. It is not uncommon to see tiger and leopard
tracks as well as a wide range of birdlife including the black eagle and honey buzzard.
In the afternoon visit the man-made Pandav Caves, protected monuments, which
potentially date to the time of the Emperor Ashoka and end the day at Dhupgarh to
enjoy sunset. (B/L/D)
Accommodation in Pachmarhi: Rock-End Manor
Day 7 PachmarhiToday undertake a gentle 8kms walk in the sal forests outside of
Pachmarhi. Beginning at Jatashanker Cave, there will be further chances to view some
of the local wildlife including barking deer, gaur, tree shrew, sambar, the Malabar giant
squirrel and numerous vulture roosts. (B/L/D)
Accommodation in Pachmarhi: Rock-End Manor
Day 8 Pachmarhi to Satpura – 60kmsWalk to the butterfly garden at Panarpani on a trail
where fresh tracks of tiger, leopard and sloth bear can often be seen. On a good day,
over fifty species of butterfly can be identified in the garden and a visit here is a must for
any butterfly enthusiast. Later continue by road to Satpura National Park for a three
night stay. A relatively new reserve, Satpura is spread across mountains of the same
name. Uniquely, Satpura is also the only tiger reserve that permits walking safaris which
are led by trained local guides. (B/L/D)
Accommodation in Satpura: Forsyth’s Lodge
Alternative option: Reni Pani Jungle Lodge
Days 9 & 10 Satpura National ParkWith a back drop of plateaus and hills which form the
highest part of the Deccan, the huge Tawa reservoir protects the entire northern flank of
Satpura National Park and affords the perfect habitat for a plethora of bird species
which the area is home to. The thick forests of this unspoiled reserve also provide some
of the finest tiger habitat in the subcontinent and, although these wonderful animals are
present in good numbers, Satpura is also home to a host of other rare species including
sloth bear and leopard. (B/L/D)
Accommodation in Satpura: Forsyth’s Lodge
Alternative option: Reni Pani Jungle Lodge
Day 11 Satpura to Maheshwar – 380kmsToday drive to the small town of Maheshwar
and stay three nights at the delightful Ahilya Fort. One of central India's best kept
secrets, a stay at Ahilya Fort is something to be remembered. Largely constructed in the
late 17th century, this converted fortress has changed little and continues to hold a
commanding position high above the banks of the sacred Narmada River. Rooms are
comfortable and charmingly furnished and there are many nooks and crannies to
explore. (B/L/D)
Accommodation in Maheshwar: Ahilya Fort
Day 12 MaheshwarExplore the fort and walk down to riverside and beautiful ghats to
witness the timeless daily rituals of the local villagers. The town is revered by followers
of Lord Shiva and there are numerous shrines and temples that line the river’s bank.
Maheshwar is also known for its Maheshwar saris which are a thriving local industry.
(B/L/D)
Accommodation in Maheshwar: Ahilya Fort

Day 13 Maheshwar – visit ManduToday visit Mandu. Perched in a dominant position
astride part of the Vindhya ranges, Mandu is an architectural masterpiece of
understated Islamic style and there are many fine buildings spread over the site. With a
history dating back to the early 6th century AD, Mandu's heyday was during the
medieval period under the Pathan sultans whose rule ushered in a period of peace and
prosperity. Rightly famed for its Islamic architecture, explore Mandu's many palaces,
mosques and mausoleums. (B/L/D)
Accommodation in Maheshwar: Ahilya Fort
Day 14 Maheshwar to Indore – 90kms / Indore to Mumbai – by airToday leave
Maheshwar and transfer to Indore Airport for the flight to Mumbai where you will stay
overnight at a hotel close to the international airport. One of the world's great cities,
Mumbai has grown from humble beginnings to become India's most important
commercial centre. Constantly evolving, Mumbai is a combination of old and new, the
chaotic and the peaceful, which draws visitors back time and time again. (B)
Accommodation in Mumbai: Leela Kempinski Hotel
Upgrade option: Taj Santa Cruz
Day 15 Mumbai to the UKToday transfer back to Mumbai Airport to catch the British
Airways flight non-stop to the UK. (B)