Mumbai To Delhi Overland Tour 15 days

Day 1 Arrive Mumbai

On arrival at Mumbai airport, meet with our office executive assistant and transfer to the hotel (hotel check-in time 1200hr afternoon, early check-in subject to room’s availability).

Rest time is free for personal activities, relax, you can take a walk to have a glance at the city, visit local markets and restaurants.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2 Mumbai

Breakfast at the hotel, city tour of Mumbai. Drive to Marine Drive: one of the most beautifully laid boulevards in the city. Afterwards, visit to Elephanta Caves (Monday closed), from the Gateway of India, cruise by motorboats to Elephanta Caves. A flight of 100 steps takes you to the top of the hill where it is set. Afterwards, in the afternoon, cruise back to the Gateway of India and then city tour. Visit Parliament House (view from outside), Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST), formerly Victoria Terminus a UNESCO World Heritage Site (view from outside), Dhobhi Ghat see the city's famous open-air laundry in action, Prince of Wales Museum (Monday closed) a heritage museum comprises of several ancient artifacts & Mani Bhawan here Gandhi laid the foundation for many independence movements. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 3 Mumbai - Nashik (170km/ 4h)

Breakfast at the hotel, drive to Nashik, check in at the hotel.

Later, visit Trimbakeshwar Temple located on the outskirts of Nashik, the ancient Trimbakeshwar Temple was constructed by the third Peshwa Balaji Bajirao (1740-1760) at the site of an even older temple. It sits at the foot of the Brahmagiri Hill and is flanked by the hills of Nilagiri and Kalagiri. Made entirely of black stone, it is a beautiful pilgrimage centre for Hindus, dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is located near the town of Trimbak, from where the River Godavari originates. Kusavarta, a pond within the temple premises, represents the origin point of the holy river. The temple is among the most important in the region as it houses one of the 12 jyotirlingas. The focal point of the Shivalinga here is the fact that it is a three-faced linga embodying Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. The linga is adorned by a crown made of diamonds, emeralds and other precious stones. The crown is displayed every Monday for an hour in the evening. Within the temple, you will also come across images of other gods and goddesses such as Goddess Gangadevi, Lord Jaleswara, Lord Rameswara, Lord Gautameswara, Lord Kedarnath, Lord Rama, Lord Krishna, Lord Parasurama and Lord Lakshmi Narayana.

While you’re here, you can also explore the impressive Brahmagiri Fort and Gangadwar, located in close vicinity to the temple.

Return to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 4 Nashik - Shirdi - Aurangabad (170km/ 4h)

Breakfast at the hotel, visit the ancient holy city, known for its links to the “Ramayana” epic poem. On the Godavari River is Panchavati, a temple complex. Nearby, Lord Rama was thought to have bathed at Ram Kund water tank. Shri Kalaram Sansthan Mandir is an ancient shrine to Rama, while Rama and Sita are said to have worshipped at Sita Gufaa caves.

Sundarnarayan Temple marks the site of a legend of Lord Vishnu. Tapovan is a pilgrimage site next to the Nasardi River, close to where Lord Rama purportedly lived. Colourful statues of Hindu gods fill ISKCON, a modern temple for the worship of Lord Krishna. The temple complex Muktidham, in white sculpted marble, has painted scenes depicting the lives of Krishna and several chapters of the "Bhagavad Gita," an ancient Hindu scripture. On a small hill to the southwest are the 24 Pandavleni Caves, dating back millennia. They are marked by Buddha carvings, rare inscriptions and cisterns. Vineyards dot the land west of the city.

Later, drive to Aurangabad via visiting Shirdi. Shirdi is known as the home of the revered spiritual leader Sai Baba and as a major pilgrimage site. Devotees gather daily at the Sai Baba Temple complex to honour his legacy. Here, the Samadhi Mandir shrine has an ornate marble statue of Sai Baba, alongside his tomb. Close by are Dwarkamai, a mosque where Sai Baba once lived, and tree-lined Lendi Garden.

Continue driving to Aurangabad, check in at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 5 Aurangabad - Ellora - Aurangabad (36km/ 1h approx one way)

Breakfast at the hotel, excursion to visit Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga & Ellora Caves. Visit Grishneshwar Temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlinga shrines mentioned in the Shiva Purana. The temple is an important pilgrimage site in the Shaivism tradition of Hinduism, which considers it the last or twelfth Jyotirlinga. Made of red and black stones boasting intricate carvings and patterns, the temple was constructed by Queen Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore, in the Maratha style of architecture.

Ellora Caves are a UNESCO World Heritage Site (Tuesday closed). It houses 34 monasteries and temples with some exclusive uninterrupted sequence of monuments that date back from 600 to 1000 AD. The temples of Ellora are dedicated to Brahmanism, Jainism and Buddhism. It also has some excellent stonework depicting the legends related to Lord Shiva.

On the way back, visit Daulatabad Fort, one of the most powerful forts of the medieval Deccan. The defence system that made Daulatabad virtually impregnable comprises fortifications with double and even triple rows of massive walls.

Later city tour of Aurangabad, visit Bibi ka Maqbara. Built by Azam Shah in 1678, the Bibi ka Maqbara is a son's loving tribute to his mother. Due to its similar design, standing spectacularly on the lawns of the landscaped garden with ponds, fountains and water channels, the white marbled monument is popularly known as the mini Taj of the Deccan. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 6 Aurangabad - Ajanta - Burhanpur (220km/ 5h approx)

Breakfast at the hotel, drive to Burhanpur. En route, visit Ajanta Caves (Monday closed). The Buddhist Caves of Ajanta were discovered by the British officers in 1819 while tiger hunting. The Ajanta Caves were first mentioned in the writings of the Chinese pilgrim Hiuen Tsang, who visited India between A.D 629 and 645. The Caves at Ajanta are older than those at Ellora, which date from about 200 B.C to 650 A.D. Thirty beautiful Buddhist Caves with mesmerising sculptures and paintings depicting Buddha's life as well the lives of the Buddha in his previous births. Five of these Caves are Chaityas (places of worship) while the other twenty-five are Viharas (monasteries). The Ajanta Caves are divided into two categories based on two schools of Buddhist thought - Hinayana Caves and Mahayana Caves.

Continue driving to Burhanpur, check in at the hotel. Overnight stay.

Day 7 Burhanpur - Asirgarh Fort - Omkareshwar - Maheshwar (175km/ 4h approx)

Breakfast at the hotel. Founded in 1400 AD on the bank of the Tapti River, the historical city of Burhanpur was once the capital of the Mughal Kingdom. An important outpost of the Mughals, Burhanpur was known as the gateway to southern India for its strategic location. Ruled by Shah Jahan for a very long period, it is one of the most beautiful symbols of Mughal architecture and Mughal grandeur. The magnificent mosques, tombs and palaces give you a sense of what Mughal life at its peak was like. Burhanpur’s glorious and rich past will leave you fascinated and engrossed, just like a child. Visit The Badshahi Qila, Dargah-e-Hakimi, and Jama Masjid.

Later, drive to Maheshwar via visiting Asirgarh Fort & Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga Temple.

Asirgarh Fort was constructed by Asa Ahir in the Satpura Range on the apex of Satpura Mountain. Its height is about 259.1 meters from the base and from sea level 701 meter high. It is formed in 3 parts, and every part has its specific name. "Asirgarh" is the first part, the second part is "Kamargarh", and the last part is called "Malaygarh". Fort expands more than 60 acres - there is a lord Shiva temple, a gurudwara & a mosque inside the grand fort. If we go by records, it can also be seen that the fort was never conquered by force.

Further drive to Omkareshwar, home to one of the 12 Jyotirlinga temples in the world. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple is nestled in the Omkar mountain, an island in the middle of the River Narmada. The temple has a large sabha mandap (prayer hall) standing on 60 huge brown stone pillars. The five storeys of the temple have different deities each and three prayer services are conducted in the temple every day. While the morning prayer is done by the temple trust, the other two prayer meetings are held by the priests of the Holkar and Scindia states. The temple draws pilgrims in large numbers who also visit the nearby Mamleshwar temple. Taking a dip in the Narmada River before going inside the temple is considered auspicious. The ancient shivling in the temple is barricaded by a glass box to avoid destruction.

Continue driving to Maheshwar check in at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 8 Maheshwar - Mandu - Indore (125km/ 3h approx)

Breakfast at the hotel, visit the Fort of Maheshwar the best example of ancient Indian material construction, war tactics & defence policy. It provides security to a 2 sq km area and was built during the 4th to 5th century. The present structure belongs to the 17th to 18th centuries. Though it is in a ruined state now but its history is glorious due to its strategic importance. There are five main entrances & several rooms for watching soldiers. From the top of the fort warriors were kept ready with guns, cannons & arrows to defeat the enemy. It also has a five-foot-wide footpath to supervise the area around it. The monuments inside the fort are Rajbada (palace), Ahilyabai's place of worship having a golden jhula & Rajrajeshwar temple.

Afternoon drive to Indore via visiting Mandu an ancient fort city surrounded by stone walls dotted with darwazas (gateways). The city of Mandu is adorned with spell-binding Afghan architecture surrounded by baobab trees, native to Africa. The grand palaces are still alive with royal romance while the gateways (darwazas) speak of a history of imperial conquests. Landmark buildings include Hoshang Shah’s Tomb, a domed marble mausoleum, the vast Jami Masjid mosque, with courtyards framed by colonnades and the imposing, centuries-old Jahaz. Floating over its reflection, the Jahaz Mahal looks like a ship that’s about to sail. However, for centuries this ship made of stone and mortar never did. Instead, it stood floating over the twin lakes, bearing a silent witness to Mandu's long, rich and varied history.

Continue driving to Indore, check in at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 9 Indore - Mahakaleshwar - Bhopal (255km/ 5h approx)

Breakfast at the hotel, drive to visit Mahakaleshwar Temple - one of the 12 jyotirlingas and among the most prominent temples in Ujjain, dedicated to Lord Shiva. The lingam (a symbolic representation of Lord Shiva) at Mahakaleshwar resides in a subterranean chamber and is believed to be swayambhu or self-manifested. The present temple is a five-storey structure and was constructed midway during the 18th century. Built in Bhumija, Chalukya and Maratha styles of architecture, the temple is an architectural marvel. Of note are its marble walkways that were restored in the latter half of the 19th century by the Scindias. Three floors of the building are occupied by lingams of Mahakalesvara, Omkaresvara and Nagachandresvara, respectively. The Nagachandresvara lingam is accessible for devotees only on the occasion of Naga Panchami. There is also a kunda (tank) in the premises called Koti Tirtha that has been built in the sarvatobhadra style. On the path from the stairs of the kunda to the temple, you will come across several images of the original structure of the temple, reflecting its grandeur during the period of the Paramaras (9th and 14th centuries). Located near Rudra Sagar, the temple holds a special Bhasma Arti for which devotees gather here as early as 4 am. There is an enthusiastic vibe in the air and the lit diyas make for a stunning sight.

After sightseeing, drive to Bhopal, check in at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 10 Bhopal - Bhimbetka Rock Shelters - Bhojpur (45km/ 1h approx one way)

Breakfast at the hotel, excursion to visit Bhimbetka (UNESCO World Heritage Site) & Bhojpur.

The Bhimbetka rock shelters are an archaeological site dating back to the Palaeolithic age. They exhibit the earliest traces of human life on the Indian subcontinent, and show a gimps into the beginning of the South Asian during the Stone Age. Some of the shelters were inhabited by the homo erectus more than 100,000 years ago. Some of the Stone Age rock paintings found among the Bhimbetka rock shelters are roughly 30,000 years old.

Next, proceed to Bhojpur and see its famous temple that is dedicated to Shiva. The temple houses one of the largest lingas in India and it's crafted out of a single rock.

On return, a city tour of Bhopal. You will visit two historic mosques - Jama Masjid and Moti Masjid, as well as the Taj ul Masajid and the arts centre in Bharat Bhawan. This unique all-day adventure highlights one of the nation's most stunning cities and is not to be missed.

Evening boat ride in Upper Lake. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 11 Bhopal excursion to Sanchi & Udayagiri (50km/ 1h approx)

Breakfast at the hotel. Full day excursion to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site Buddhist Stupas at Sanchi & Udayagiri Caves.

Sanchi is a serene hill crowned by a group of stupas, monasteries, temples and pillars dating from the 3rd century BC to the 12th century AD. Sanchi is an ancient place of pilgrimage for Buddhists and its uniqueness lies in the fact that Buddha is not represented through figures, but through symbols.

Udayagiri Caves are an early Hindu ritual site. They were extensively carved and reworked under the command of Chandragupta II, Emperor of the Gupta Empire, in the late 4th and 5th centuries AD. Udayagiri has a series of rock shelters and petroglyphs, ruined buildings, inscriptions, water systems, fortifications and habitation mounds, all of which have been only partially excavated.

After sightseeing, drive back to Bhopal. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 12 Bhopal - Agra (Satabdi Train 15:15-21:11)

Breakfast at the hotel, visit the Bhoj Wetland which consists of two lakes located in the city of Bhopal. The two lakes are the Bhojtal and the Lower Lake manmade reservoir. A total of more than 20,000 birds are observed annually. Bhoj Wetland was recognised as a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention of 1971 in 2002. The Upper Lake acts as the lifeline of the city supplying 40% of its potable water. White storks, black-necked storks, bar-headed geese, spoonbills, etc., that have been rare sightings in the past, have started appearing. A recent phenomenon is the gathering of 100-120 sarus cranes in the lake. The largest bird of India, the sarus crane (Grus antigone) is known for its size, majestic flight and lifetime pairing.

Later, transfer to Bhopal railway station to board the train for Agra. On arrival at Agra railway station, assistance and transfer to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 13 Agra - Delhi (210km/ 4h approx)

Sunrise visit the Taj Mahal an ivory-white marble mausoleum on the bank of the Yamuna river, commissioned in 1632 by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan to house the tomb of his favourite wife Mumtaz Mahal, it also houses the tomb of Shah Jahan himself.

Return to your hotel for breakfast, then visit Agra Fort, the main residence of the emperors of the Mughal Dynasty until 1638, when the capital was shifted from Agra to Delhi. Itmad-ud-Daula Tomb is a Mughal mausoleum commissioned by Nur Jahan, the wife of Jahangir, for her father Mirza Ghiyas Beg.

Afternoon drive to Delhi, check in at the hotel. Rest time is free and easy to relax. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 14 Delhi

Breakfast at the hotel, city tour of Delhi. Visit landmarks of Old Delhi which include the Red Fort, the residence of the Mughal emperor for nearly 200 years until 1857. Jama Masjid is one of the largest mosques in the world, built by Shah Jahan. Cycle Rickshaw ride in Chandni Chowk & Khari Baoli Spice Market, a busy shopping area with markets full of spices, dried fruit, silver jewellery and vivid saris, while the narrow side streets are crowded with tiny shops selling essential oils, stationery and traditional Indian sweets. Raj Gath is the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi where he was cremated after his assassination.

In New Delhi, visit Humayun Tomb, the first garden-tomb in the Indian subcontinent and an early example of Mughal architecture, commissioned by Humayun's first wife, Empress Bega Begum, in 1569-70. Qutab Minar, a 73-metre tall minaret that forms part of the Qutb complex a fine example of Afghan architecture. The Lotus Temple, a Baháʼí House of Worship notable for its flowerlike shape open to all, regardless of religion. Drive through VVIP areas passing the President House, Parliament & India Gate, etc.

Rest time is free and easy to relax and personal activities. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 15 Delhi - Departure

Breakfast at the hotel. As per the flight schedule transfer to the airport to board the flight for the onward destination.