India: Dynastic Capitals & Sacred Cities of The Ganges

Day 1 Tour Starts in Delhi

Rooms will be available in Delhi from this afternoon. Those arriving on the group flights will arrive in the early hours of tomorrow morning.

Day 2 Delhi: Old & New Delhi sightseeing

This morning, immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of Old Delhi. We’ll wander through its narrow lanes lined with centuries-old havelis before hopping aboard a traditional rickshaw for a ride through Chandni Chowk, the city's oldest and busiest market. Along the way, take in the colourful street food stalls before visiting the magnificent Jama Masjid, one of India's largest mosques. We will continue to the iconic Red Fort, built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan and regarded as one of the finest examples of Mughal architecture. We will visit the National Crafts Museum, home to an impressive collection of traditional Indian textiles, handicrafts and folk art. In the afternoon, we’ll drive through the broad boulevards of New Delhi, passing Rajpath and India Gate before visiting Humayun's Tomb, one of the best-preserved Mughal monuments which was commissioned by Humayun's son Akbar and designed by the Persian architect Mirak Mirza Ghiya. This evening, we will enjoy our first dinner together.

Day 3 Delhi – Gwalior: Explore One of India's Finest Forts

This morning we take a morning train to the strategic city of Gwalior, whose famous fort lies some 122 kms to the south of Agra. Gwalior’s history is a microcosm of centuries of political rule in northern India. Since the 8th century, its fort has passed through the hands of some of the region’s most influential dynasties including the Tomaras, the Mughals, the Marathas, the Scindias and the British.  Today it is considered the cultural capital of Madhya Pradesh and the old city is a visual treat, with its magnificent sandstone fort standing sentinel over a city that is filled with temples, palaces and a network of winding streets that are filled with old havelis and exquisitely carved doorways. Tonight, we will stay in our 120-year-old heritage hotel. 

Train Journey time: Approx. 3 hrs. Please see the 'Supplementary Information' section for more information on what to expect from the train journey 

Day 4 In Gwalior: Ancient Temple Complexes and Bustling Local Bazaars

After breakfast, we will visit three of central India's most remarkable heritage sites: Mitawali, Padawali and Bateshwar. Mitawali is home to the circular Chausath Yogini Temple, dedicated to 64 yoginis and set atop a hill with panoramic views. Padawali is a fortified temple complex, often called a “mini Khajuraho” for its intricate carvings, while Bateshwar is a beautifully restored complex of nearly 200 sandstone temples dedicated mainly to Shiva and Vishnu. In the late afternoon, we will walk through Gwalior’s historic markets, exploring traditional bazaars, handicrafts, textiles, jewellery and local delicacies while experiencing the city’s old-world charm and everyday culture.

Day 5 Gwalior – Orchha: Mughal Architecture & Cooking with a Local Family

We’ll take a final look around this splendid city this morning before continuing on to the city of Orchha, a medieval gem that lies on a bend on the Betwa River. In between the scenic beauty that the place derives from the green hills, clear waters and the wonderful environment, we will also find a great combination of wonderful architecture which takes its inspiration from the Mughals and the Rajputs. Founded by the Rajput prince, Rudra Pratap, Orchha went on to become the power-base of the Bundela dynasty of the 16th and 17th centuries. Today it is home a superb complex of palaces including the Jehangir Mahal, a stunning piece of Islamic design that is justly considered to be one of the finest examples of Mughal architecture in the country. A tour of the city introduces us to this and a number of other significant landmarks that date back to a golden age of Indian architecture, including the delicate murals of the Raj Mahal and the elegance of the beautiful two-storey Raj Paryeen Mahal. During our time here we'll also have the chance to join a local family for a cooking demonstration followed by a meal. Orchha remains for many one of the India’s lesser known rural highlights. 

Driving time: Approx. 3 hours 

Day 6 Orchha – Khajuraho – Panna: Into a World of Temple Erotica

After breakfast, we will drive to Panna, stopping en route to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Khajuraho. It is home to the largest collection of medieval Hindu and Jain temples (Western) in India, and its remarkable series of erotic carvings has earned it the accolade of one of the ‘Seven Wonders’ of India. Spanning a period of some 200 years, these majestic sandstone monuments once lay at the heart of the Chandela dynasty and while only 25 of the original 80 temples still remain in any significant form, they do nonetheless represent some of the finest examples of temple architecture anywhere. After our visit, we continue to Panna and check into our hotel. 

Driving time: Approx. 4 hrs 

Day 7 Panna National Park: Morning and Afternoon Game Drives

Today we explore the diverse landscapes of Panna National Park on morning and afternoon game drives. Set amid teak forests, open grasslands and the scenic Ken River, Panna is one of central India's most rewarding wildlife reserves. We rise early this morning for our first jungle safari, as the park awakens, we search for Bengal tigers, elusive leopards and a wealth of other wildlife, including sloth bears, deer, crocodiles and an impressive variety of birdlife. After the safari, we return to our hotel for lunch and time to relax. Later this afternoon, we head back into the park for a second game drive. The cooler hours before sunset provide another excellent opportunity to spot wildlife and experience the changing sights and sounds of the forest before returning to our hotel for the evening.  

Safari zones are strictly allocated by the government park authorities and cannot be pre-booked. Please see the 'Supplementary Information' section for more information on what to expect at Panna National Park

Day 8 Panna - Khajuraho – Prayagraj: UNESCO World Heritage Site

This morning, we return to Khajuraho to explore the beautifully preserved Eastern Group of Temples. Less visited than the Western Group, these elegant Hindu and Jain temples are renowned for their intricate carvings, graceful architecture and peaceful setting, offering a fascinating insight into the region's rich artistic and spiritual heritage. Following our visit, we enjoy lunch before transferring to Khajuraho Railway Station to board our train to Prayagraj. Sit back and watch the ever-changing landscapes of rural India unfold as we journey east. Upon arrival in Prayagraj, we will transfer to our hotel and enjoy dinner. 

Train Journey time: Approx. 5 hrs. Please see the 'Supplementary Information' section for more information on what to expect from the train journey 

Day 9 Prayagraj – Varanasi: Following the Route of the Ganges

After breakfast, we will visit Prayagraj, one of India's most sacred and historic cities, situated at the confluence of the holy rivers Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati. Upon arrival, we visit Anand Bhavan, the ancestral residence of the Nehru family. Now converted into a museum, it houses an extensive collection of photographs, personal belongings, documents, and memorabilia associated with India's freedom movement, offering valuable insights into the nation's struggle for independence. Then we will visit the famous Laying Hanuman Temple, one of the most revered shrines in Prayagraj. The temple is known for its unique reclining idol of Lord Hanuman, housed in a subterranean sanctum and attracting devotees from across the country. Later, we enjoy a boat ride at the sacred Triveni Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers. This revered site holds immense religious significance and offers a serene and spiritual experience. During the boat ride, we witness magnificent views of the historic Allahabad Fort, built by Emperor Akbar in 1583. Strategically located on the banks of the Yamuna near its confluence with the Ganga, the fort stands as a remarkable example of Mughal architecture and remains one of Prayagraj's most prominent landmarks. After lunch we will continue our journey following the route of the Ganges to Varanasi.

Driving time: Approx. 3 hours 

Day 10 In Varanasi: Ghats, Ganges and a Sunset Aarti Ceremony

Early this morning we’ll head down to the ghats and take to the  river by private boat to witness one of the most evocative sites in India as the faithful come down to the holy river for their early morning cleansing. From here we’ll explore this most remarkable and photogenic of cities, taking in the riverfront ghats and temples that spill down into the holy waters of the Ganges. There are over 80 of these ghats hugging the banks of the river and every day they are covered in a swarming mass of humanity, as pilgrims, tourists and dhobi wallahs flock to the river to work, pray and bask in the shadow of the towering pavilions and palaces that line the river’s edge. One of the most macabre and fascinating sights is the ghat at Mahashmshana, the ‘Great Cremation  Ground’, where the bodies of the recently  interred are cremated and their ashes scattered across the waters of the Ganges, thereby achieving instant salvation. After a break we’ll then head back down to the Ganges for a late afternoon stroll along the ghats and a boat ride to see the famous sunset Aarti – the celebration to Lord Shiva. 

Please note that although photography is accepted from afar, it is strictly forbidden when close up at the ceremonies

Day 11 Varanasi – Lucknow: Awadhi Flavours and Heritage Food Trails

After breakfast, we transfer to the railway station to board our train to Lucknow. Later this afternoon, we embark on a delightful food walk through the historic lanes of Chowk and old Lucknow, the heartland of Awadhi cuisine. As we explore the vibrant streets and traditional eateries, we sample some of the city’s iconic dishes, including melt-in-the-mouth Galawati Kebabs, Lucknowi Biryani, Nihari with Kulcha and delicious local sweets. The walk offers a wonderful blend of flavours, heritage and culture, providing an insight into the rich culinary traditions passed down through generations, before we return to our hotel. 

Train Journey time: Approx. 4.5 hrs. Please see the 'Supplementary Information' section for more information on what to expect from the train journey

Day 12 In Lucknow: Palaces, Imambaras and Nawabi Heritage

This morning we explore historic Lucknow, the celebrated Land of the Nawabs, known for its rich cultural heritage, elegant architecture and refined traditions. We begin at the iconic Rumi Darwaza, a magnificent example of Awadhi architecture, followed by the Husainabad Clock Tower and Chota Imambara, renowned for its ornate interiors and beautiful chandeliers. We continue to the majestic Bara Imambara, famous for its impressive architecture and fascinating Bhul Bhulaiya labyrinth, before visiting the historic Lucknow Residency.The preserved ruins, still bearing marks of cannon fire and battle damage, provide a poignant reminder of one of the most significant episodes of the Indian Rebellion of 1857. This afternoon we will pass the imposing Jama Masjid, before visiting Chattar Manzil, the distinctive “Umbrella Palace”.

Day 13 Lucknow - Delhi: The Magnificent Qutub Minar

This morning, we transfer to the railway station to board our train to Delhi. Upon arrival, we are met and transferred to our hotel before setting out to visit the magnificent Qutub Minar, the world's tallest brick minaret and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Surrounded by centuries-old monuments and intricate Islamic architecture, the complex offers a fitting final glimpse into India's rich and layered history. This evening, we gather for a special farewell dinner at a local restaurant, sharing memories of our journey together before our final night in Delhi. 

Train Journey time: Approx. 6.5 hrs. Please see the 'Supplementary Information' section for more information on what to expect from the train journey 

Day 14 Tour Ends in Delhi

The tour ends after breakfast and those on the group flight will be transferred to the airport.