Central India - Hill Forts & Palaces

Suggested Itinerary

Overview

This incredible adventure takes you from the bustling streets of India’s great capital on a journey that follows in the footsteps of Mughal emperors, colonial overlords and Kipling. You’ll explore the wonderful medieval fort and monuments of Gwalior, delve into India’s oldest extant stone structure the Sanchi Stupa, explore the 10,000 year-old cave paintings of Bhimbetka, explore the historic streets of Bhopal which is also home to the largest mosque in India, camp in the jungles ...

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TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

Suggested Itinerary

This is a suggested itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes, or build a trip from scratch.

EXPAND ALL ITINERARY DAYS
COLLAPSE ALL ITINERARY DAYS

Day 1 ARRIVE DELHI

Day 1 ARRIVE DELHI

Arrive into Delhi airport this morning, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Later this afternoon, your guide will accompany you on a sightseeing tour to offer you a fascinating historical and cultural overview of the city. Begin in the new town, home of the British Raj, where you will visit the Rajpath from India Gate to see Rashtrapati Bhawan, the residence of the President of India. You will then visit the Humayun's Tomb, which is architecturally considered the forerunner of the Taj Mahal, and stroll through the tranquil Lodi Gardens. 

The Claridges

Day 2 DELHI - GWALIOR

Day 2 DELHI - GWALIOR

Depart the hotel early this morning to catch the train to Gwalior. You will arrive in Gwalior before midday, where you will be welcomed by your local guide. Following some time to rest at your hotel, you will spend the afternoon exploring the imposing hilltop Fort of Gwalior. Enclosed within the fort is the Mansingh Palace, once home to the Hindu ruler and his eight wives, with circular towers and intricate design work. Outside the fort you will also visit the Mother-in-Law and Daughter-in-Law Temples - they are intricately designed and are dedicated to Vishnu and Shiva respectively.  

Usha Kiran Palace Hotel
Breakfast

Day 3 GWALIOR

Day 3 GWALIOR

The day starts with a morning city tour of Gwalior. In the central square there is an array of different architectural styles and influences to see before heading through the narrow, teeming lanes and through the various markets, where you can spot locals having henna tattoos applied or jostling for lassis. Finally, before returning to your hotel, head to Jai Villas and Scindia Museum, an opulent palace built in 1874. The palace is festooned with furniture from France and Italy, and the two Belgian chandeliers weighing several tonnes will definitely catch your eye. The afternoon is at leisure.  

Usha Kiran Palace Hotel
Breakfast

Day 4 GWALIOR - BHOPAL

Day 4 GWALIOR - BHOPAL

You will be met at your hotel and taken to the local train station for the train to Bhopal. Arrive in Bhopal early afternoon where you will be assisted to the hotel. Freshen up, after which you will have a short tour of Bhopal's historical sites. Echoing the mogul magnificence of Lahore, Peshawar and old Delhi the streets of the old town are a colourful labyrinth of narrow alleys and noisy bazaars, spectacular mosques and exquisite palaces, such as the towering Taj-ul-Majid with its reflection shimmering in the adjacent lake.

Jehan Numa Palace
Breakfast

Day 5 BHOPAL

Day 5 BHOPAL

This morning you will be driven north to Sanchi to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Buddhist stupas. You will then visit Udayagiri ("Risen Mountain"), one of India's most important archaeological sites, its nearly 20 rock cut caves are protected monuments managed by the Archaeological Survey of India. Udayagiri is famous for a series of rock-cut caves and temples dating back to the Gupta Period (350-550 CE), a formative era for Hindu religious ideas.

Jehan Numa Palace
Breakfast

Day 6 BHOPAL - SATPURA NATIONAL PARK

Day 6 BHOPAL - SATPURA NATIONAL PARK

You will be picked up by your driver from your hotel in Bhopal and transferred to Satpura National Park, stopping at the Bhimbetka rock shelters en route. These caves are a UNESCO World Heritage site and may have been inhabited as early as 30,000 years ago. There are over 700 different caves and the rock art contained within them is thought to be some of the oldest in the world. Afterwards continue to your lodge in Satpura National Park.

Reni Pani Jungle Lodge
Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7 SATPURA NATIONAL PARK

Day 7 SATPURA NATIONAL PARK

A rugged mix of sandstone peaks, narrow gorges and dense forest, Satpura National Park is incredibly rich in bio-diversity. Home to over 1300 species of plants and healthy populations of tigers, leopards, wild dogs and sloth bears, the park is also a haven for the rare Indian giant squirrel. This morning and afternoon you'll take a jeep safari through the park.

Reni Pani Jungle Lodge
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 SATPURA NATIONAL PARK

Day 8 SATPURA NATIONAL PARK

Rise early this morning to depart the lodge and drive to Pachmarhi, a lovely hill station nestled in the highest peaks of Satpura. Begin your trek towards Dehelia camp, your first campsite on the 3-day trek. As you descend, see the forest transform from Sal to Teak. As you enjoy lunch beside a stream and take a dip, you will be in with the chance of seeing an array of colourful birdlife including Red-Whiskered Bulbul, Indian Nuthatch, Oriental White-eye, Common Tailorbird and Indian Yellow Tit. The next walk takes you to the picturesque and exclusive Dehelia camp, located on the banks of the Denwa River.

Satpura Under Canvas
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9 SATPURA NATIONAL PARK

Day 9 SATPURA NATIONAL PARK

Wake up to the sounds of the Denwa River flowing nearby. Then depart for a walk partly along the banks of the Denwa and in pristine woodland habitat. The walk today will provide you with an insight into the magical scenery of Satpura, as you pass high sand banks, narrow waterways, and a beautiful confluence with the Bainganga river. En route there is a steep cliff that is used by the endangered Indian Vultures as a nesting site. After a lunch stop, the walk sees you leaving the Denwa river bed behind to amble through dry deciduous woodland towards Manakachar, where Reni Pani's exclusive mobile camp will be set up.

Satpura Under Canvas
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10 SATPURA - BHOPAL

Day 10 SATPURA - BHOPAL

This morning, following a leisurely breakfast, you will be driven from camp back to the starting point at Reni Pani Jungle Lodge. Later, you will leave Satpura for Bhopal, where you will check into your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Jehan Numa Palace
Breakfast

Day 11 BHOPAL – MUMBAI - GOA

Day 11 BHOPAL – MUMBAI - GOA

Rise early today for your airport transfer. Fly to Mumbai and then connect to your flight to Goa, arriving in Goa early afternoon. You will be met by your local guide and taken to your beautiful property for a 3-night stay.

Alila Diwa Goa
Breakfast

Day 12 GOA

Day 12 GOA

Day at leisure. Apart from relaxing on the famous beaches of Goa, there are a range of excursions you can book through your hotel. Travel to the fishing village of Nerul via boat to uncover fishing culture here, whilst also having a go at casting a line yourself. Tour the churches of Old Goa including the Basilica of Bom Jesus, a UNESCO World Heritage site and fine example of baroque architecture in India. There are also colonial architectural examples such as Reis Magos Fort, Reis Magos Church and the historic Portuguese area of Fontainhas.

Alila Diwa Goa
Breakfast

Day 13 GOA

Day 13 GOA

Another day at leisure.

Alila Diwa Goa
Breakfast

Day 14 GOA

Day 14 GOA

Another day at leisure.

Alila Diwa Goa
Breakfast

Day 15 GOA - MUMBAI

Day 15 GOA - MUMBAI

You will be collected and transferred to Goa Dabolim Airport for your flight to Mumbai where you can connect with your onward flight.

Breakfast

SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Accommodation listed here is intended as a guide only, to give you a taste of what we can do. Our experts can tailor any aspect of this itinerary and accommodation to suit your budget and tastes.

GUIDELINE PRICE & WHAT'S INCLUDED

15 days from £4,730

MEALS

As specified in the itinerary, sampling some of the country's finest cuisine.

TRANSPORT

Private air-conditioned vehicles with experienced, dedicated drivers.

ENTRANCE FEES

Tours and admission fees, including tickets specified in the itinerary.

EXPERT TEAM

Licensed English-speaking guides and a support team available 24/7.

ACCOMMODATION

As specified in the itinerary, using some of our favourite local properties.

WILD MILES

This tour will earn you 8350 Wild Miles

ACCOMMODATION

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Wild Miles Club

When you book a trip with Wild Frontiers you are awarded points, which are based on the return distance from London to the arrival city of your trip. Points are awarded for all our holidays, including both our escorted group tours and tailor-made trips. When you accrue points, you will qualify for the following discounts on all future bookings:

Blue More than 10,000 points 2.5% discount
Bronze More than 30,000 points 5% discount
Silver More than 45,000 points 7.5% discount
Gold More than 60,000 points 10% discount

This itinerary is aimed to give you an idea of what we can offer. The price shown above is per person, based on two people travelling outside of peak periods. As this itinerary is only a suggestion and can be tailor-made to suit your interests and budget, your final price may differ.

Positive Impact of this Trip

Tree
Ten trees are planted per passenger on this trip
Community
Supports Wild Frontiers Foundation community projects
Wind Turbine
A contribution to renewable energy projects

WHEN TO GO

START PLANNING YOUR TRIP

Our team of experts have a wealth of knowledge and experience to help you plan your adventure of a lifetime.

WHY WILD FRONTIERS?

Meet the expert, Shalmali

Shalmali is our Indian Subcontinent expert, who has travelled extensively in the region.

Speak to Shalmali by calling
+44 (0)20 3944 6258

India rewards the traveller with its rich variety of unforgettable experiences, diversity of culture, stunning wealth of architecture, varied landscapes, delicious cuisines, fine textiles and crafts, colourful festivals, and wild places teeming with wildlife.

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