The Heart of Incredible India
Bhopal - Ujjain -Indore - Mandu-Omkareshwar (9 Nights / 10 Days)
Overview
Madhya Pradesh is defined truly as the ‘Heart of Incredible India’. Different colors of India can be experienced here. This tour will give you an overview of important sights at Bhopal, Sanchi, Ujjain, Indore, Mandu, Maheshwar and Omkareshwar. Visit not only historic temples and UNESCO Heritage Sites but also experience grandiose palaces, lifestyles, architecture, royal gardens, forts, museums, lakes, eateries, sound-and-light shows, caves and seeing nature at its best while visiting waterfalls and scenic locations.
Take a trip to Madhya Pradesh and experience the ‘Heart’ of India.
Tour Highlights
Bhopal
- Visit Moti Masjid, built by Sikander Jehan Begum, represents the rich history of the Bhopal Begums, Shaukat Mahal and Sadar Manzil, two royal buildings that combine Indi-Saracenic and Rococo architectural styles, Gohar Mahal, constructed by the first woman ruler of Bhopal, orientation of Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in Asia, Upper Lake known as ‘Bhojtal’ or ‘Bada Talab’, the oldest man-made lake, Lower Lake also known as ‘Chhota Talaab’, Kamala Park the royal garden, Boat Club with an option to indulge in water sports activities, Birla Mandir, a grandiose temple built by the Birla Group and inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi, Tribal Museum, the Museum of Living Aspects of Tribal Life
- Excursion to Sanchi, a UNESCO Heritage Site and Udaygiri Caves, the oldest surviving Hindu temples and iconography in India
- Excursion to Bhimbetka Rock Shelters, a UNESCO World Heritage site, Bhojpur Temple that has one of the largest Shivalingas in India and Digambar Jain Atishay Kshetra, a Jain temple from the 11th century
Ujjain
- Visit Shri Mahakaleshwar Temple to see one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, Harsiddhi Temple and Kal Bhairav Temple, the guardian deity of Ujjain, Bharatrihari Caves that belongs to the famous king and late sage Bhartrihari and experience the ethereal ‘Shipra Aarti’ at Ram Ghat
Indore
- Visit Lal Bagh Palace that manifests the lifestyle of the Maratha rulers, Rajwada Palace, a fine example of royal grandeur and architectural skills and experience the famous Sound-and-Light Show, Kanch Mandir, that exhibits exquisite artwork on glass panels
- Visit PatalPani Waterfall, the scenic waterfall and hiking trails
- Visit Sarafa Bazar at Indore to explore amazing eateries and savor famous snack foods at 56 Dukkan
- Visit Choral Dam for mesmerizing views and the option to indulge in water activities
Mandu
- Visit Mandu Fort built by Baz Bahadur and famous for its large courtyards, halls and high terraces and Jahaz Mahal that stands between two lakes with its splendid architecture
Maheshwar
- Visit Ahilyeshwar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, view the magnificent Maheshwar Fort also known as Ahilya Fort that is 250 years old and the newly constructed Ekmukhi Datta Mandir
- Explore REHWA SOCIETY, the center of Maheshwari handloom
Omkareshwar
- Narmada River Parikrama, a spiritual and adventurous boat journey around the island shaped in the form of ‘Om’, Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga Temple that is one of 12 Jyotirlinga shrines of Lord Shiva in India, experience the ‘Grand Narmada Aarti’and Mandhata island to see the Kajal Rani cave and Omkar Mandhata Temple located at the confluence of the Narmada and Kaveri rivers
Tour Map
Itinerary
DAY 1
Arrive in Bhopal. Guided City Tour of Bhopal
Moti Masjid, Shaukat Mahal, Sadar Manzil, Gohar Mahal,Upper Lake, Kamala Park, Boat Club, orientation of Jama Masjid
Check-in to hotel, welcome drink, freshen up and proceed for Guided City Tour of Bhopal
Begin with Moti Masjid, popularly also known as ‘Pearl Mosque’, it represents the rich history of the Bhopal Begums in India. The mosque was built by Sikander Jehan Begum who abolished slavery and setup the trend of the progressive woman in the city. Also visit the nearby Shaukat MahalandSadar Manzil, two royal buildings at the entrance of the Chowk area. Shaukat Mahal was designed by a Frenchman and combines Indi-Saracenic and Rococo architectural styles. Sadar Manzil or Hall of Public Audience was used by the erstwhile Nawabs of Bhopal for their interactions with the public.
Next, proceed to visit Gohar Mahal, one of the most beautiful structures of Bhopal constructed in 1820 by the first woman ruler of Bhopal. Then drive to Upper Lake, one of the most fascinating tourist places in Bhopal. Also known as ‘Bhojtal’ or ‘Bada Talab’, it is the oldest man-made lake and is the primary source of irrigation and potable water to the residents of the city. The scenic Kamala Park lies in the same vicinity and the royal garden is an attractive tourist attraction and hub for adventure enthusiasts. The Boat Club on the eastern side of the lake offers you to indulge in optional activities like parasailing, kayaking, canoeing and rafting, enjoy the ambience of the club, a photogenic sunset, aquarium or cruise the lake in a paddle, row or speed boat.
While returning to the hotel, we will view the largest mosque in India and one of the largest in Asia,the Jama Masjidalso known as Taj-ul-Masjid.
Overnight in Bhopal.
DAY 2
Birla Mandir, Sanchi Stupa, Udaygiri Caves, Tribal Museum
After breakfast proceed to visit the awe-inspiring Birla Mandir, also known as the Lakshmi Narayan Temple spread over 7.5 acres and adorned with well-maintained lawns and gardens, fountains and sculptures with panoramic views of the city. The grandiose temple was built by the Birla Group and was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi. We will also witness 12th century collections at the Birla Museum.
Next, drive to Sanchi, a UNESCO Heritage Site approx. 49km from Bhopal, to see one of the oldest Buddhist monuments in India. Next, visit Udaygiri Caves, approx. 10 km from Sanchi also known as Vishnu Padagiri, ‘the feet of Vishnu’. These caves are 20 rock-cut caves from the 5th century with some of the oldest surviving Hindu temples and iconography in India.
On returning back to Bhopal we will experience the vibrant colors of Madhya Pradesh at the Museum of Living Aspects of Tribal Life –Tribal Museum.
Overnight in Bhopal.
DAY 3
Bhojpur Temple, Digambar Jain AtishayKshetra, Bhimbetka Rock Shelters, Lower Lake
After early breakfast drive for an excursion to Bhojpur visiting Bhimbetka Rock Shelters, a UNESCO World Heritage site. An archeological treasure, Bhimbetka has around 243 rock shelters with cave paintings that date back 30,000 years. The paintings have a striking resemblance to the ones discovered in Kakadu National Park, Australia and the cave paintings of Bushmen in the Kalahari Desert and the Upper Paleolithic cave paintings in France.
You will see the Auditorium Rock Shelter that is a cup-like depression at the end of the shelter believed to be around 100,000 years old, the Zoo Rock that is the most densely painted rock shelter and has paintings from the Mesolithic period to the Medieval Age and the Boar Rock that is the last among the few rock shelters open for tourists that has a painting of a boar with horns, much larger than the humans around it.
Enroute visit Bhojpur Templethat houses one of the largest Shivalingas in India and Digambar Jain AtishayKshetra, a Jain templefrom the 11th century.
On our return to Bhopal time permitting, we will drive to Lower Lake also known as ‘Chhota Talaab’ and enjoy the ethereal beauty, tranquil and peaceful setting of the Lake.
Overnight in Bhopal.
DAY 4
Ujjain – Shipra Aarti at Ram Ghat
Early breakfast and check-out from hotel, drive to Ujjain, the Temple City.
Check-in to hotel, welcome drink, freshen up, relax and later in the evening proceed to Ram Ghat, famous for the famous ‘Kumbh Mela’, held every 12 years, to see the famous ‘Shipra Aarti’ that is a heavenly sight.
Overnight in Ujjain.
DAY 5
Shri Mahakaleshwar Temple, Harsiddhi Temple, KalBhairav Temple and Bharatrihari Caves. Arrival Indore, Sarafa Bazar
Early breakfast and check-out from hotel, proceed for sightseeing in Ujjain and onward journey to Indore.
Begin with Shri Mahakaleshwar Templeto see one of the 12 Jyotirlingas or most sacred shrines of Lord Shiva in India. Then visit Harsiddhi Temple andKalBhairav Temple considered to be the guardian deity of the city of Ujjain.
Next we will make a brief stop at Bharatrihari Caves before driving to Indore. The caves are an ancient site that belongs to the famous king and late sage Bhartrihari.
Arrive in Indore, check-in at the hotel, welcome drink and relax. Late evening visit Sarafa Bazar to explore some amazing eateries.
Overnight at Indore.
DAY 6
Sightseeing in Indore - PatalPani Waterfall, Kanch Mandir, Bada Ganpati, Lal Bagh Palace, Rajwada Palace, 56 Dukkan
After breakfast, proceedto the outskirts of the city to explore the scenic waterfall and hiking trails at PatalPani Waterfall. Later return to visit Kanch Mandir, a Jain temple made entirely out of glass and exhibits exquisite artwork on glass panels. See the statue of Lord Ganesha (25 feet tall) called Bada Ganpati believed to be the largest in the world as you drive to the beautiful Lal Bagh Palace that manifests the lifestyle of the Maratha rulers.
The main gates of the Palace are a replica of the gates of Buckingham palace in London. The gates are unique in Asia and were shipped from England and carry the Holkar state emblem. The rose garden around the palace, contemporary Indian and Italian paintings, the magnificent décor in the style of the Versailles Palace, Italian marble columns, grand chandeliers, Persian carpets, the exquisite Ballroom with a wooden floor mounted on springs for extra bounce give the tourists a wonderful experience.
Next, we see Rajwada Palace, a seven-storeyed palace built by the Holkars of the Maratha Empire about 2 centuries ago near the ‘Chhatris’ and a fine example of royal grandeur and architectural skills. We will experience the famous Sound-and-Light Show here.
Before returning to the hotel, we will stop at 56 Dukkan for you to explore famous snack food at the 56 traditional food shops.(Indore’s ubiquitous breakfast ‘Pohaa’ (flattened rice savory) is served from 6 am to 10 pm at various shops here.)
Overnight at Indore.
DAY 7
Choral Dam, Arrival Mandu, Mandu Fort, Roopmati Pavilion, RewaKund, Baz BahadurPalace, Jahaz Mahal
After breakfast, checkout from the hotel and depart for Mandu that is best known for a fort built by Baaz Bahadur for his queen Rani Roopmati. Besides, Mandu is surrounded by stone walls dotted with ‘darwazas’ (gateways) and its Afghan architectural heritage.
Enroute,visit Choral Dam for mesmerizing views and enjoy nature at its best. Here you can indulge in optional water activities for the young and old alike.
Then proceed to Mandu and visit Mandu Fort built by Baz Bahadur that is famous for its large courtyards, halls and high terraces. It houses the Roopmati Pavilion, RewaKund and Baz Bahadur Palace. Next, wevisit Jahaz Mahal that stands between two lakes with its splendid architecture.
Check-in to hotel.
Overnight in Mandu.
DAY 8
Omkareshwar, Maheshwar, Maheshwar Fort, AhilyaFort, REHWA SOCIETY, Ekmukhi Datta Mandir
After breakfast,check-out from hotel and leave for Omkareshwar that is approx. 5500 years old. Enroute, we will drive past Maheshwar and visit the Ahilyeshwar Temple, the biggest and grandest temple dedicated to Lord Shiva next to Ahilyabai ghat on the Narmada river. We will pass by the famous Maheshwar Fort also known as Ahilya Fort that is 250 years old on the edge of a cliff, high above the Narmada river before visiting the center of Maheshwari handloom REHWA SOCIETY to see craftswomen and men create fine fabrics from which Maheshwar derives its name.
Next, visit the newly constructed Ekmukhi Datta Mandir and get spellbound by its beauty and grandness. Then drive to Omkareshwar, check-in at hotel.
Overnight in Omkareshwar.
DAY 9
Mandhata – Kajal Rani cave, Omkar Mandhata Temple, Narmada River Parikrama, Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, Mamleshwar Mahadev Temple, Grand Narmada Aarti, spectacular sunset
After breakfast set out for Sightseeing in Omkareshwar.
Begin with a visit to Mandhata riverine island in the Narmada river. Here we will see the Kajal Rani cave, an ideal place for photography fanatics and nature lovers. Also visit the Omkar Mandhata Temple located at the confluence of the Narmada and Kaveri rivers.
Later in the afternoon we take a Narmada River Parikrama that is a spiritual and adventurous boat journey around the island shaped in the form of the Hindu symbol ‘Om’. Thereafter we will visit the Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga Temple that is one of 12 Jyotirlinga shrines of Lord Shiva in India. We will also visit the Mamleshwar Shiva Temple nearby to complete our Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga Darshan. You can also see the world’s biggest dam projects from here. We will experience the ‘Grand Narmada Aarti’ in the evening and also the spectacular sunset.
Later return to the hotel.
Overnight in Omkareshwar.
DAY 10
Departure from Omkareshwar
After breakfast, check-out from hotel.
Proceed to onward journey and return home with pleasant memories and blessings.
Information
Inclusions
- 3-night accommodation in well-sanitized rooms at hotels mentioned in the itinerary or equivalent with breakfast in Bhopal.
- 1-night accommodation in well-sanitized rooms at hotels mentioned in the itinerary or equivalent with breakfast in Ujjain.
- 2-night accommodation in well-sanitized rooms at hotels mentioned in the itinerary or equivalent with breakfast in Indore.
- 1-night accommodation in well-sanitized rooms at hotels mentioned in the itinerary or equivalent with breakfast in Mandu.
- 2-night accommodation in well-sanitized rooms at hotels mentioned in the itinerary or equivalent with breakfast in Omkareshwar.
- Sanitized AC Sedan or vehicle of your choice with experienced Driver.
- Sightseeing and excursion
Bhopal
- Guided City Tour of Bhopal including visit to Moti Masjid, Shaukat Mahal, Sadar Manzil, Gohar Mahal, orientation of Jama Masjid. Visit Upper Lake, Kamala Park and Boat Club.
- Visit Birla Mandir and Tribal Museum.
- Excursion to Sanchi Stupa and Udaygiri Caves
- Excursion to Bhimbetka Rock Shelters and visit to Bhojpur Temple, Digambar Jain Atishay Kshetra.
Ujjain
- Shipra Aarti at Ram Ghat
- Visit to Shri Mahakaleshwar Temple, Harsiddhi Temple, Kal Bhairav Temple and Bharatrihari Caves.
Indore
- Visit to Sarafa Bazar
- Sightseeing in Indore including visit to PatalPani Waterfall, Kanch Mandir, Bada Ganpati, Lal Bagh Palace, Rajwada Palace, 56 Dukkan
- Visit to Choral Dam
Mandu
- Visit to Mandu Fort, and Jahaz Mahal
Maheshwar
- Visit to Maheshwar/Ahilya Fort and Ekmukhi Datta Mandir
- Visit to REHWA SOCIETY
Omkareshwar
- Visit to Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga Temple and Mamleshwar Mahadev Temple
- Narmada River Parikrama
- Grand Narmada Aarti and spectacular sunset
- Visit to Mandhata island including visit to Kajal Rani cave and Omkar Mandhata Temple
Exclusions
- Optional activities
- At Boat Club, Bhopal
- Parasailing
- Kayaking
- Canoeing
- Rafting
- Lake cruise in a paddle, row or speed boat.
- Aquarium
- Activities at Choral Dam
- Boating
- Jet Ski
- Any other services or meals which are not mentioned in the above “Inclusions” section.
- All personal expenses nature such as tips, laundry, telephone calls, room service, additional bottled water and additional service orders.
- Airfares and train ticket charges.
- Medical Insurance.
- Any extra expense such as route change, date change, accommodation facilities, private transportation costs that maybe incurred due to the unforeseen, unavoidable forced majeure circumstances during the tour.
- Any extra cost due to illness, accident, hospitalization, or any personal emergency.
- Anything specifically not mentioned in the ‘tour price includes’ section.
- 5% GST will be applicable on all charges.
- At Boat Club, Bhopal
Guidelines
Travel Tips
Documents – International tourists must carry Passports with valid visas, NRIs must carry passports and valid OCI/PIO cards, Indian nationals must carry ID proofs (Aadhar Card, Voter ID, Driver’s License)
Travel Accessories – Camera, power banks, travel adapters, flashlight, portable speakers, binoculars, locks for luggage, luggage tags, language guide, travel pillow, sleeping masks, ear plugs, travel diaries, sun glasses/ sun shades/ caps, sunscreen/body lotion, Vicks
Clothing – Comfortable clothes for yoga, meditation, socks, umbrella, raincoat, walking/trekking shoes/floaters/flip-flops, light cotton wear, light jacket (windcheater/fleece), warm woollens/thermal wear (for cold months)/shawl, gloves
Health & Medicine–First Aid, hand sanitizers, hand wipes, personal medicine with doctor’s prescription (mandatory), doctor’s reports on any ailment/condition, reusable water bottle/energy drinks
Guidelines –
Nearest Airport Raja Bhoj International Airport (BHO)
Nearest Railway Station Bhopal Junction (BPL)
Please adhere to government guidelines and health advisory on COVID-19
Date & Price
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Payment & Cancellation
Payment Policy
- Booking Amount (non-refundable) – 10% of the total tour cost
- 30 days – 15 days prior to departure – 50% of the total tour cost
- 14 days prior to departure – 100% of the total tour cost
*During peak seasons (X-Mas, New Year and special events) full payment is required to be made at the time of booking itself
Any TWO promotional offers cannot be clubbed together
Kindly note that the Child Policy is applicable for the children between 2 – 11 years of age only. Children above 11 years of age will be considered as full adults. Infant Policy is applicable for infants less than 2 years of age.
Mode of Payment:
All clients can make payment using any of the following methods:
- Credit Card Payment (American Express / Visa / Master Card / Discover / Diners Club)
- Debit Card Payment (by Master / Visa / Maestro)
- Direct payment/transfer into Company’s Bank account
- UPI transfer by GooglePay, PayTM, PayPal, AmazonPay, PhonePe
Note:
- Bank charges, if any, for remittance (by remitting bank or by intermediary bank) will be borne by the traveler
Cancellation Policy
Initial booking amount is non-refundable.
- 30 days prior to departure – Initial booking amount
- 29 days – 15 days prior to departure – 50% of the total tour cost
- 14 days prior to departure – 100% of the total tour cost
Note: –
- After commencement of tour- cancellation charges as per Cancellation Policy
- This consolidated Cancellation Policy of the tour package has been drafted taking into account the various service providers and hoteliers. It may be noted that the consolidated Cancellation Policy is for the tour package which is independent of the individual cancellation policies of the hotels, transportation, sightseeing and attractions.