Western India: From Mumbai to Bhopal

Duration: 12 days

Highlights: Mumbai, Aurangabad, Burhanpur, Maheshwar, Mandu, Ujjain, Bhopal

Unlock art, culture and history in Western India.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive Mumbai

Upon arrival, you will be met by our representative and escorted to your hotel by private vehicle, where you will be assisted with check-in.

Meals: D

Overnight: Mumbai

Day 2 - Mumbai

Mumbai is part of India's beautiful west coast that runs down from Gujarat, through Mumbai to Goa, Karnataka and Kerala. The city has a natural harbour, which was developed by the British and is one of the busiest ports of India.

This morning, begin your tour at the Gateway of India in Mumbai Harbour in 1911 to commemorate King George V’s visit to India. Then, enjoy a ferry ride on the Arabian Sea to the Elephanta caves, the glorious abode of Lord Shiva. Built in the sixth century, the caves have various rock-cut temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and his many avatars.

Later this afternoon, visit the Prince of Wales Museum, built in 1923 to commemorate King George V’s visit to India. From here drive past the Marine drive. This is a beautiful 3-kilometre-long drive along the natural bay of the Arabian Sea. Continue our drive along some noteworthy Government Buildings like the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (Victoria Terminus), which is the city's most extravagant Gothic building and the high court. Before returning to your hotel, walk through the bustling Crawford market selling wholesale fruit, vegetables and poultry and an absolute treat for the senses.

Meals: B

Overnight: Mumbai

Day 3 - Mumbai

After breakfast, begin your tour in the famous Babu Amichand Panalal Adishwarji Jain Temple. Built in 1904, this is one of the most beautiful temples in Mumbai. The dome ceiling of this temple is beautifully painted with zodiac signs.

From here, you visit Dhobi Ghat where you will see row upon row of concrete wash pens, each fitted with its own flogging stone. The clothes are soaked in sudsy water, thrashed on the flogging stones, then tossed into huge vats of boiling starch and hung out to dry. You will see hundreds of laundrymen washing clothes here; truly a photographer’s delight!

Next, head to the Mani Bhawan and along the way, drive past the Hanging Gardens. This is a simple old-style, two storied building where Mahatma Gandhi stayed whenever he visited Mumbai. It has now been converted into a museum and research centre.

After lunch, later in the afternoon, begin your market tour of the city and indulge in a spot of shopping. Visit Crawford market, where the locals do most of their shopping. This old-style market, housed in a historic Colonial building, specialises in the wholesale of fruit and vegetables. It also has an entire section devoted to pets of all shapes, sizes, and breeds.

Next, head to Colaba Market. This is a place where you can shop for almost anything—from bangles, clothes, trinkets, to getting your name engrained on a grain of rice. Among the restaurants, cafés and roadside eateries that make the street popular are the Delhi Darbar restaurant, Piccadilly restaurant, Café Churchill, Mings Palace and Café Leopold.

End your tour with the famous Zaveri Bazaar. The market is famous for its silver jewellery and other silverware such as napkin rings, cutlery and photo frames. Zaveri Bazaar is the main retail centre for gold and diamonds. Each shop offers excellent, international quality jewellery ranging from simple glass bangles and classical necklaces to ornate folk art and elaborate costume jewellery. Scores of jewellers line the narrow streets in Mumbai’s oldest bullion market.

Meals: B

Overnight: Mumbai

Day 4 – Mumbai – Aurangabad

After breakfast, proceed to the airport on your private vehicle to catch your early morning flight to Aurangabad.

On arrival, you will be driven to your hotel and aided with the check-in.

Enjoy a few hours at your leisure.

Begin your tour of Aurangabad city with a visit to pristine Bibi Ka Maqbara. Popularly known as the Taj of the Deccan, the Maqbara is the mausoleum of Aurangzeb's wife, Rabia-ud-Durrani. It closely resembles the Taj in Agra with its spacious garden featuring ponds, fountains, and broad pathways. The complex also houses a small archaeological museum; on display are some of Aurangzeb’s prized possessions including his collection of copies of the Quran.

Your next stop is the Jama Masjid, which was built by Malik Ambar, the founder and architect of Aurangabad around 1610 A.D. Spread over four acres, it is one of the seven mosques that were constructed during Malik Ambar’s time. The mosque features 50 polygonal pillars arranged in five rows and are connected by a system of arches, dividing the building into 27 sections of equal size. These sections are covered by beautifully designed domes. At the centre of the complex is a water tank which used to provide travelers with water sourced from the Malik Ambar canal.

From here, enjoy a drive to Daulatabad Fort. The 14th century served as the capital of the Tughlaq dynasty under its ruler Muhammed bin Tughlaq and was abandoned when the capital was later moved to Delhi.

The fort, designed by the Yadav dynasty to be impregnable, was constructed on the top of a steep, isolated, naturally scraped cliff that would be difficult to climb. Under subsequent dynasties, it was further fortified and the double walls of Kalakota and Mahakota were added. The Chandminar or minaret was also added. During Malik Ambar’s rule, a magnificent palace known as the Baradari, and the China Mahal were also constructed. He also commissioned royal amenities such as hammams or royal baths, and gardens. By the time it was completed, it was completely enemy proof by way of confusing passages, an artificial moat encircling the boundary walls, and a strong, iron main gate.

Meals: B

Overnight: Aurangabad

Day 5 – Aurangabad – Ajanta & Ellora Caves

Early morning after breakfast, set out on a 2-hours’ drive to the enchanting, world-famous Ajanta caves. Carved into solid rock, these caves are a living testament to India’s rich spiritual and artistic tradition. They have been deemed as Heritage sites by the UNESCO since 1983.

The Buddhist Ajanta caves were built between the 2nd century BC and 7th century AD. With detailed carvings, paintings and statues of the Buddha, the caves beautifully preserve the best masterpieces of Buddhist art in India. They are a series of 29 caves carved out of a horseshoe-shaped cliff along the Waghora River. For about nine centuries they served as prayer halls and monasteries for Buddhist monks, and then were abandoned. They were re-discovered much later in 1819 when a British hunting party chanced upon them. The caves beautifully depict the journey of the Buddha, by way of intricate carvings in both Theravada and Mahayana styles.

After making our way through the caves, stop for a sumptuous lunch arranged at one of the leading restaurants in the area.

From here, drive to the Ellora caves, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which are at a distance of about hundred kilometres. Like Ajanta caves, these too have been carved out of solid rock and have sections devoted to Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain religions. A total of 34 caves, they were built between 600 and 1000 AD. Generations of monks belonging to all 3 sects carved monasteries, chapels and temples in the rock and added beautifully carved sculptures. The highlight of Ellora is the awe-inspiring Kailasa Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, in cave 16. Carved into a single rock, the temple is the world’s largest monolithic sculpture.

On your return to the hotel, the rest of the evening is at your leisure.

Meals: B, L

Overnight: Aurangabad

Day 6 – Aurangabad – Burhanpur

After breakfast, proceed to Maheshwar.

Upon reaching Burhanpur, check-in at your hotel.

Later, visit Gurudwara Badi Sangat Sikh Temple, Jama Masjid, and the ruins of Shahi Qila (Mughal Palace).

Meals: B

Overnight: Burhanpur

Day 7 Burhanpur – Omkareshwar – Maheshwar

After breakfast, proceed to Maheshwar.

En route, stop at Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga, located in the island of Mandhata or Shivapuri in the Narmada river. It is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Upon reaching Maheshwar, check-in at your hotel. This evening, enjoy a leisurely walk along the dynamic ghats of River Narmada.

Meals: B

Overnight: Maheshwar

Day 8 – Maheshwar – Mandu

This morning, visit the architecturally beautiful temples.

Later, enjoy a 2-hours’ ride to Mandu. The ancient town is an excellent example of Afghan architecture in India. Here, visit monuments and ruins, like Hindola Mahal, Jahaz Mahal, Hoshan Shah’s Tomb.

Meals: B

Overnight: Maheshwar

Day 9 – Maheshwar – Ujjain – Bhopal

This morning, enjoy a drive to Bhopal.

En route, stop at the holy city of Ujjain. Here, visit the great temple of Mahakaleshwar, an important religious centre of the Hindus. Next, visit Vedh Shala, a noteworthy observatory built by Maharaja Jai Singh. Later, walk along the ghats where the pilgrims perform their rituals.

Then, proceed to Bhopal. Upon arrival, check-in to your hotel.

Meals: B

Overnight: Bhopal

Day 10 – Bhopal

After breakfast, enjoy a city tour of Bhopal.

Visit the city’s famous mosques including Taj-ul-Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India. The Moti Mahal, built in 1860, also vies for attention with architectural similarity to the famous Jama Masjid in Delhi. Built under the order of the progressive Sikander Jehan Begum, the Masjid stands out with its dark red minarets and golden spikes.

Then, move to Lakshmi Narayan Temple. Also known as Birla Mandir, it is a beautiful showcase of Hindu architecture. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu and his consort Laxmi, it reflects a bygone era with sculptures dating back to the Paramana period, and the terracotta architecture reflecting the Kausambi era.

Visit the State Museum. Packed with artefacts including fossils, sculptures, and textiles, the museum showcases the very best of the state’s rich heritage. Known for its culture, the city is also home to the Manav Sangrahalaya or Tribal Museum, which showcases the habitat and evolution of man.

On your return, drive past the upper lake, which is one of the oldest man-made lakes in India. Join others who come here in search of an open horizon and calming waters.

Rest of the day is at your leisure.

Meals: B

Overnight: Bhopal

Day 11 - Bhopal – Sanchi – Udayagiri Caves – Bhopal

This morning, visit one of India’s oldest Buddhist sanctuary, Sanchi. About 40 kilometres away from Bhopal, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is well known for its stupas, monasteries, temples and pillars, most of which were built between the 1st century BC and the 12th century AD. The site flourished under the patronage of Emperor Ashoka, who commissioned the renowned Ashoka pillar. Erected in the 3rd century B.C., the pillar consists of a shaft and a crown of four lions that stand back to back.

From here, move to the splendid UDayagiri Caves, located near the town of Vidisha. The caves, which are cut into rock, date back as early as the 4th century A.D. An inscription in one of these caves reveals that they were created under the rule of the mighty Chandragupta II Empire.

Meals: B

Overnight: Bhopal

Day 12 - Bhopal - Delhi

Today, you will be escorted to the airport for your flight to Delhi.

Meals: B