Your Tour Itinerary…

March 19 / 20

Fly from USA or Australia to Delhi.

March 21

Arrive in Delhi. Spend the overnight in Delhi

March 22

After breakfast transfer to airport for domestic flight to Varanasi . arrive Varanasi transfer to hotel . evening proceed for ganga aarti . back to hotel

MARCH 23

Early morning Boat Ride on the Ganges: Start your day with a serene boat ride on the Ganges River during sunrise. Witness the city coming to life along the Ghats (steps leading down to the river) and observe the rituals and activities of the locals. It’s a spiritually uplifting experience.

Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple: After the boat ride, head to the famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the most revered Hindu temples in India. Note that non-Hindus might have limited access to the inner sanctum, but you can still admire the temple’s architecture and atmosphere.

Lunch at a Local Restaurant savouring the flavours of Varanasi’s cuisine.

Afternoon we visit silk weavers places. We learn how the Banarsi Sarees are made. We learn whole procedure. We also learn about gold embroidery work. Overnight at Varanasi .

March 24

Full day at Varanasi visit Sarnath Buddhist temple.

Sarnath is an important pilgrimage site located near Varanasi in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India. It holds immense significance in Buddhism as it’s the place where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. This event is known as “Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta” or “Turning the Wheel of Dharma.”

Key attractions and features of Sarnath include:

Dhamek Stupa, Chaukhandi Stupa, Mulagandhakuti Vihara, Sarnath Museum, and The museum houses a rich collection of artefacts, sculptures, and relics related to the Buddhist era. It offers insight into the history of Sarnath and its significance in Buddhism.

Thai Temple, Mulgandhkuti Vihara:

Sarnath is a serene and spiritual place where visitors can connect with the roots of Buddhism and reflect on the teachings of Lord Buddha. It’s a destination of historical importance that attracts pilgrims, tourists, and scholars from all around the world.

Back to Varanasi evening rickshaw ride in the old city of Benares.

March 25

After breakfast transfer to airport for domestic flight to Khajuraho. Arrive Khajuraho check in hotel. Half day temples tour of Khajuraho. Spend the afternoon exploring the Western Group of Temples, known for their intricate sculptures and architecture.

Evening free to relax and enjoy local cuisine. Hotel Chandela in Khajuraho.

March 26

Khajuraho -Panna National Park Safari

Early morning check out from hotel and departure with packed breakfast for Panna National Park.

Embark on a 3 hours jeep safari to explore the wildlife and natural beauty of the park. Keep an eye out for tigers, leopards, sloth bears, and a variety of bird species.

Drive further to Orchha 3 hours/190 km. Arrive Orchha check in the hotel Amar mahal in the evening.

March 27

After breakfast and checkout. Visit Orchha fort. Orchha Fort is a historic fortress located in the town of Orchha in Madhya Pradesh, India. It’s one of the most prominent attractions in Orchha and holds significant historical and architectural importance. The Orchha Fort complex consists of several buildings, temples, and palaces, all of which are a testament to the grandeur of the Bundela dynasty that ruled the region. We visit orchha fort and admire the beauty and history of this hilltop fort .Exhibiting the wonderful Bundela-era legends, Orchha remains steadfast as the major historical site that has maintained the culture and legends of the rulers of the Bundela dynasty. Chieftain Rudra Pratap Singh founded Orchha on a piece of land along the Betwa River. This amazing town will fascinate you during your adventure, as it is a perfect destination to tour with friends and family. On arrival visit (time permitting) Raja Mahal, Laxmi Narayan Temple, Chhatris.

Later drive to chanderi 100kms/ 2.30 hrs.

Travel to Chanderi, a town known for its hand woven textiles. Arrive and check in hotel

Hotel MPT Killa Kothi.

March 28

Orchha –Chanderi Breakfast will be served at the hotel. Chanderi is a small 11th century town located in northern part of Madhya Pradesh. It is known for its quaint forts, hills and elegant hand-woven Chanderi sarees. This six yard of piece is adorned around the globe for the artistry behind their creation. There is a variety of weaves you will find here, from Chanderi cotton-silk to pure Chanderi silk, and every weave is exemplary in its self. The town will not only leave you spellbound with its weaving industry but also with its regal radiance! There is a rich history remains in its heritage sites of Chanderi Fort, Badal Mahal, and Koshak Mahal which you can admire on a visit to this quint city. Overnight in Chanderi

March 29

Chanderi – Sanchi- Bhopal

After breakfast drive to the town of Sanchi (50 Kms/1.5 hrs.). The town of Sanchi is synonymous with Buddhist Stupas - hemispherical structures typically containing relics of the Buddha or his followers. The Stupas of Sanchi were constructed on the orders of Emperor Ashoka to preserve and spread the Buddhist philosophy. Sanchi has been protecting these beautiful and sacred architectural wonders, just the way these wonders have been safeguarding ancient history and art of the Mauryan period. The numerous stupas, temples, monasteries and an Ashokan pillar have been the focus of interest and awe for global audiences as well. In fact, UNESCO has given the status of ‘World Heritage Site’ to the Mahastupa. After your visits drive to Bhopal. On arrival, check in at the hotel. Overnight in Bhopal Taj lakefront/ Jahanuma palace

March 30

Bhopal- Breakfast will be served at the hotel. In morning participate in a session to understand Zari Work (Zardozi embroidery). Zardozi embroidery has been in existence in India from the time of the Rig Veda. Timeless embroidery hand crafted authentically by the artisans, the word Zardozi is a combination of two Urdu words ‘zar’ means gold and ‘doz’ means hand-work/sewing or embroidery; Zardozi is embroidery done with a gold thread. This beautiful metal thread embroidery once used to enrich the attires of the Kings and the royalty in India. Another session will be arranged to make you understand the art of Gond paintings. Gond paintings are a form of paintings made on folk and tribal art by the Gond community. These paintings are prepared on the theme that majorly highlights nature as the main subject. Other than taking inspiration from nature to draw these paintings, myths and legends can also be another subject on which these paintings are drawn.

Afternoon visit Bheem Bhetka an UNESCO site for rock painting to see. Later return to hotel

March 31

Bhopal-Ujjain

After Breakfast Check out from the hotel and drive to Ujjain (190 Kms/3.5 hrs. approx.) to understand the art of Batik print. Batik Printing is one among the various kinds of prints, and is much known in the Ujjain city. Bed sheets, dress materials and more contain this kind of prints. Melted wax is used for the kind of batik printing and dyed. Batik is a combination of art, as there is a free moment of the hand while working on the patterns which are artistically done and craft, the way the whole process of waxing and designing takes place. This form of designing cloth has been skilfully carried over for centuries.

We participate in batik workshop and visit a craft canter making papier-mâché.

If time permits, you would be visiting Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga – an ancient temple in Ujjain. Overnight in Indore .

APRIL 1

Maheshwar

After breakfast drive to Maheshwar (100 Kms/2 hrs. approx.). On arrival, check in at the hotel. The glorious city of Maheshwar sits on the banks of the holy river Narmada and finds mentioned in the epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata. At the dawn of Indian civilization, it was known as Mahishmati, the capital of King Kartivarjun. This holy town was revived to its ancient position of importance by the Holkar queen Rani Ahilyabai of Indore. The town also holds the distinction of being the capital of Rajmata Ahilya Devi Holkar’s empire during the 18th century. A centre of handloom weaving since the 5th century, Maheshwar has been producing exquisite Maheshwari sarees and fabric. Introduced almost 250 years ago by Rani Ahilyabai, these sarees are renowned throughout India for their unique weave. Found mostly in cotton, the typical Maheshwari sarees are available with a plain body or stripes and sometimes even with checks in several variations. Spend the afternoon visiting Ahilyabai Fort & Palace, Akhileshwar Temple & Narmada Ghats. Overnight in Maheshwar

Visit Maheshwar, renowned for its hand-woven Maheshwari sarees.Explore Rehwa Society, a cooperative supporting traditional weavers.

APRIL 2

Maheshwar-Bagh-Indore Breakfast will be served at the hotel. Check out from the hotel and drive to Bagh (100 Kms/2.5 hrs approx.) to understand the process and prominence of Bagh print. Bagh is a small tribal town in Dhar District of Madhya Pradesh (India) “Bagh” caves of 3rd and 5th century and the ancient temple dedicated of Bagheshwari Devi which is located in the close vicinity to pacify the large tiger population area. Bagh Prints derive its name from the village Bagh and the village name Bagh derives from the high population of tiger in Bagh. Bagh is famous for two things. One the Bagh caves which housed till a few years ago ancient Buddhist paintings. And two, the exquisite craft of block prints and vegetable dyes. Products of artisans’ crafts were made for and used by the local communities. They were a part of the traditional village economy as much as traditional aesthetics. A few salient details concerning the colours and patterns of Bagh textiles and the communities in which they found special favour. The design repertoires of Bagh Block Prints cove geometrical and floral compositions in predominant red and black colour. Bagh Prints received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2008. After your visits drive to Indore (145 Kms/3.5 hrs. approx.). On arrival, check in at hotel. A trading hub between the Deccan and Delhi in the 16th century, Rani Ahilya Bai Holkar, with her keen interest in education and planning, built this city in the state of Madhya Pradesh. The city is ranked as “the cleanest city in India” for the sixth consecutive year and has reserved its place among the first 20 cities to be developed as smart cities in India. The big city image yet mixed culture vibe of Indore makes it a fabulous place to visit that offers fantastic food to taste. We visit Sarafa market for local food flavours. Overnight in Indore.

APRIL 3

Morning after breakfast flight form Indore to Delhi. Later, catch your international flight back home.