About TourThe
Architectural Heritage of Central India is a 14-day tour that begins
in Delhi and concludes at Mumbai (Bombay) travelling through the
cities of Agra, Gwalior, Bhopal and Aurangabad.
An
experienced architect who is also very conversant with the history
and culture of the region and is assisted by well-informed English
speaking local guides leads the tour. The Central Indian Tour
explores some of the gems of Indian Architecture from the 2nd
century BC to the 16th century, carefully chosen examples showcasing
the finest achievements of the times.
The oldest
period covered is the Buddhist era; cave excavations from 2nd
century BC to the 7th century AD at Ajanta and Ellora and the great
Stupa and monasteries at Sanchi. Iconic examples from two Hindu
periods, the 10th century temples of the Chandellas at Khajuraho,
and the 16th century palace architecture of the Rajputs. The longest
part is devoted to the grand designs of tombs, palaces and forts of
the Islamic period from the 14th to the 17th century, including four
world heritage sites located within the historic cities of Delhi and
Agra.
The tour also
includes visits to a few colonial and contemporary architectural
sites, visits to a bird sanctuary and an optional to visit to a wild
life sanctuary.
Detailed
Itinerary
Day 01 :
Arrive in Delhi.
You will be met at the airport and provided immediate check-in
at the hotel. Introductions and briefing followed by lunch. Museums
visits to introduce you to India's history and crafts.
Pre-dinner
lecture on the history of Delhi and its monuments.
Day 02 :
Delhi
Visits to pre-Mughal monuments including the Qutab Minar*,
concluding late afternoon at Humayun's Tomb*, one of the finest
Mughal monuments of Delhi.
The evening is for shopping or exploring the city on ones own.
Day 03 :
Delhi/Agra
A half day visit to Old Delhi, the walled city of the Mughal
Emperor Shahjahan, the Red Fort and Juma Masjid. Leave for Agra by
coach/car post-lunch.
Day 04 :
Agra
Complete day at Agra, visit the Taj Mahal* at sunrise, late
breakfast and post-breakfast lecture on the monuments of Agra.
Visits to the Agra Fort* smaller monuments within the city. The
evening is for shopping. Dinner at the Taj Khema restaurant.
Day 05 :
Agra
Day tour to Fathepur Sikri* the abandoned great palace of
Emperor Akbar, and the Bharatpur bird sanctuary, about 30 miles from
Agra.
Day 06 :
Agra/Gwalior
A short train ride to Gwalior, the site of the ancient and
majestic hill Fort containing some of the few unscathed Hindu
buildings that survived the Muslim era as Man Singh's Palace.
Day 07 :
Gwalior/Khajuraho
Six hour drive to the temple town of Khajuraho. Visiting the
Rajput palace of Govind Mahal at Datia, en-route.
Day 08 :
Khajuraho
Morning lecture on Hindu Temple Architecture.
A day to
leisurely explore the Khajuraho* temples, view the exquisite
sculptures, take rickshaw rides or walk through the villages.
Day 09 :
Khajuraho/Orcha
Early morning drive to Panna National Park to view wildlife
(optional). Leave for Orcha after breakfast. Visits to the grand
Rajput palaces and temples of the late 16th and early 17th century.
Day 10 :
Orcha/ Bhopal
Morning train from Jhansi to Bhopal. Late afternoon visit to the
Museum of Man, Jama Masjid, and view a few examples contemporary
architecture.
Day 11 :
Bhopal/Jalgaon
Morning lecture on Buddhist Architecture.
Day tour by coach/car to Sanchi Stupa* and Buddhist caves at Vidisha.
Overnight train journey from Bhopal to Jalgaon.
Day 12 :
Jalgaon/Ajanta/Aurangabad
Arrive at Jalgoan early morning and drive to Ajanta. Visit
famous 6th century Buddhist excavations and frescoes of Ajanta
Caves*.
Leave for Aurangabad by late afternoon.
Day 13 :
Aurangabad/Mumbai
Visit Ellora
Caves* 6th-7th century Buddhist caves in the morning on the way back
visit Bibi-ka-Maqbara. Leave for Mumbai by air late afternoon.
Day 14 :
Mumbai/departure
End of tour -
transfer to International airport. Late check out.
