“Once a year, go someplace you’ve never been before.”
- DALAI LAMA
From magnificent forts and wildlife sanctuaries to a rich cultural presence of ancient temples, from rock-cut art and fascinating tribal culture to an array of beautiful natural landscapes - this region has it all.
Popularly known as the Heart of India, Madhya Pradesh is located in the center of India. To the West and the South, it borders the states of Gujarat and Maharashtra, which share historical and cultural similarities and are therefore talked about in the same breath. A journey through India’s core takes in the full spectrum of the
country’s history with pre-historic paintings in Bhimbetka, the Indus valley sites of Lothal and Dholavira in Gujarat, the earliest Buddhist caves at Ajanta and Ellora, the splendors of medieval Hinduism at Khajuraho and Gwalior, splendid wildlife in the national parks of Madhya Pradesh and finally the modern metropolis of Mumbai.
HIGHLIGHTS
KHAJURAHO
Explore the confluence of spirituality and sensuality at the unique ancient temples of Khajuraho, best known for their erotic sculptures. A World Heritage Site, these temples are architectural and sculptural masterpieces.
MUMBAI
The film, fashion and finance capital of India, Mumbai – the city of dreams - is one of Asia’s busiest as well as most cosmopolitan and modern metropolises. Explore the grandeur of its British architectural legacy as well as the local flavor of the city, which is home to some of the world’s richest people as well as some of Asia’s largest slums. A short boat ride away, Elephanta island is famous for its incredible rock-cut temples.
KUTCH
Visit quaint tribal villages to experience the rich and diverse handicrafts of Kutch that are inextricably linked to cultures and communities. Synonymous with exquisite, colorful embroideries, other textile crafts like weaving, tie-and-dye techniques, mirror-work and hand-block printing are done in various villages. The largest salt desert in the world - the Rann of Kutch - with its unique eco-system makes for a thrilling visit.
NATIONAL PARKS
Explore the fantastic national parks of Madhya Pradesh - Bandhavgarh, Kanha, Pench and Panna – all extraordinary wildlife havens that offer incredible jungle safaris, where you can encounter the Royal Bengal Tiger as well as an abundance of various other animal and bird species. These are the enchanting settings of Rudyard Kipling’s “Jungle Book”. Fabulous glamping opportunities will take the experience up several notches. Gujarat is the only state in India where you can find the Asiatic Lion in its natural habitat in the Gir Forest.
MAHESHWAR
A hidden gem, Maheshwar is a picturesque pilgrim town on the banks of the sacred Narmada river with an extraordinarily charming fort-hotel, temples with resounding chants and bells and a soothing, spiritual vibe. A peaceful place you will not want to leave! Apart from the many immersive cultural activities we have for you here, an excursion to the intriguing ruins of Mandu, with its layers of history, is very interesting.
AHMEDABAD
Once known as the city of mills or the Manchester of the East, the commercial capital of Gujarat is home to Mahatma Gandhi’s ashram and one of the finest textile museums of the world. Admire the intricate lattice-work of the Sidi Saiyyed mosque and the incredible carvings of the Adalaj stepwell.
AJANTA & ELLORA
Both World Heritage Sites, these two marvelous destinations, near Aurangabad in Maharashtra state, often do not get their due. Out of all the rock-cut caves in India, the ones at Ajanta and Ellora are the most spectacular. Some of the finest Buddhist art can be seen in the spellbinding paintings and architectural finesse of Ajanta. And Ellora is a poem in stone, with the rock-cut Kailash temple representing the epitome of craftsmanship – with merely hammer and chisel! Our experts will help you interpret the nuances of this open-air museum of art history.
