Heart Of India

From $6,236 - 17 Days Fully Inclusive from selected Australian cities

This journey encompasses lesser known but historically important sites through the central part of India, such as the ancient caves in Bhimbhetka, Mandu known as the ‘City of Joy’, Aurangubad a now modern city with a mediaeval past and Khajuraho, a World Heritage Site known for its temples and carvings which depict scenes of the daily life in India 1000 years ago, finishing in Delhi the ancient capital of the Mughal Empire.

TOUR ITINERARY

Day 1: Australia to Mumbai

Fly with Singapore Airlines to Mumbai for 2 nights.

Day 2: Mumbai

Enjoy a city tour of Mumbai today. Drive past the Gateway of India, Mumbai’s principle landmark, along Marine Drive also known as the ‘Queen’s Necklace’ and see Juhu Beach. Visit the Mani Bhawan, the Hanging Garden and the Kamla Nehru Garden as well as Chowpatty one of the most happening beaches in Mumbai.

Day 3: Mumbai to Aurangabad

Visit the Elephanta Caves. We will see the cave shrine to Lord Shiva and a large threeheaded sculpture representing Brahma the Creator, Vishnu the Preserver and Shiva the Destroyer and other impressive sculptures. Later this afternoon we fly to Aurangabad.

Day 4: Aurangabad - Ajanta

Today we visit the World Heritage listed caves of Ajanta, which date from 200BC to 650AD and are particularly related to Buddhism, portraying the religious and secular life through 8 centuries.

Day 5: Aurangabad - Ellora

Visit another World Heritage listed site, the Ellora Caves, housing 34 monasteries and temples.

Day 6: Aurangabad to Mandu

Drive to Mandu, also known as the ‘City of Joy’. Once used as a monsoon retreat by the Mughal Emperors, it is now a ghost city.

Day 7: Mandu

Enjoy a full day walking tour of the city, see the Champa Baoli, the Jahaz Mahal (Ship Palace), the Hindola Mahal (Swing Palace), the Baz Bahadur’s Palace, Roopmati’s Pavilion and Hoshang Shah’s Tomb.

Day 8: Mandu to Indore

This morning drive to Indore, also known as the ‘City of the Holkars’. This afternoon visit the Lal Bagh Palace, one of the grandest monuments built during the Holkar Dynasty. Also see the Bada Ganpati and the Kanch Mandir, a Jain temple entirely inlaid with glass.

Day 9: Indore

Visit the temples of Omkareshwar and Maheshwar. Omkareshwar, is a sacred island shaped like the holiest of all Hindu symbols ‘Om’. Later this afternoon visit Maheshwar, a temple town on the banks of the Narmada River.

Day 10: Indore – Ujjain

This morning enjoy a visit to Ujjain, located on the banks of the Shipra River, regarded as sacred since times immemorial.

Day 11: Indore to Bhopal

Today we drive to Bhopal, stopping en route at Sanchi, known for its stupas and monasteries. Arrive in Bhopal this afternoon. Bhopal, also known as the ‘City of Lakes’, is a laid back and charming city and also the gateway to the Neolithic caves of Bhimbetka.

Day 12: Bhopal to Orchha

This morning visit the Bhimbetka Caves. With over 600 rock shelters belonging to the Neolithic age, more than half of these caves contain pre-historic paintings. Later this afternoon catch the train to Jhansi and transfer to Orchha for an overnight stay. Orchha’s historical monuments retain theirpristine charm and narrate stories of war and peace, of love and destruction.

Day 13: Orchha to Khajuraho

We continue our drive southeast to the temple town of Khajuraho one of India’s major attractions. Khajuraho is a small town of exquisite Hindu and Jain temples located in the north-central Madhya Pradesh.

Day 14: Khajuraho to Delhi

This morning tour the Western Group of Khajuraho Temples. The temples depict intimate scenes of human emotions and relationships and many aspects of Indian life over 1,000 years ago. This afternoon we fly to Delhi, the capital of India.

Day 15: Delhi

Today visit the Red Fort and Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India. The next stop is the Raj Ghat, the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi and a walking tour in Chandni Chowk. Later this afternoon visit the Lakshmi Narayan Temple and Connaught Place, a busy shopping area.

Day 16: Depart Delhi

Enjoy a half day tour visiting Qutab Minar, the tallest stone tower in India, Humayun’s Tomb and have a photo stop at India Gate. Drive past the President’s House, Parliament House and the Government Secretariat buildings. The afternoon is at leisure until our late check out and dinner before transferring to the airport to board our flight home.

Day 17: Arrive Australia

Arrive home in Australia.

Price Guide

From $6,236 per person 17 Days Fully Inclusive
Departing Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth
From Price Includes Tour cost $5,760, Airline Fuel Surcharge $368 & Tipping $108 (Subject to change with Tipping payable on arrival in India in USD. See Booking Conditions)
From $1,530 Single Supplement
From $5,468 Land Only Including Tipping

Tour
Code

Depart
Date

Return
Date

Price
AUD

Avail

2010

       

I7023

06 Nov

22 Nov

$7,340

Avail

2011

       

I7031

12 Feb

28 Feb

$7,340

Avail

Important Note: Above prices include Fuel surcharges and tipping of $476 correct as at 22 December 2009 and subject to change). Please note the Tipping amount of USD90 is payable on arrival in India.

Though status is regularly updated, availability above is indicative only, not live and hence does not guarantee that space is available on your selected tour when you or your agent calls Wendy Wu Tours to book.  Booking early is the only way to ensure availability of your selected departure date. 

Travel Info

Country Info

Inclusions

  • International Economy Class airfares from Australia
  • Tipping and Current Airline Fuel levy - Subject to Change (See Pricing Section) 
  • All transportation in India
  • All meals
  • Entrance fees and daily tours
  • Local English Speaking national Escort
  • Australian and Indian departure taxes, including new UDF at Delhi Airport 
  • Visa fees for Australian passport holders
  • A Wendy Wu Tours travel wallet

Exclusions

  • Non ticketed international departure taxes
  • Personal expenditure such as all drinks (including at meals) laundry service and souvenirs
  • Taxes in country of transit if required
  • Accommodation and Meals in transit between Australia and country of touring
  • Camera and Video entry charges at Monuments/Forts etc
  • Compulsory Insurance of any kind
  • Land Only package excludes visa fees and return airport transfers
  • Arrival / departure transfers if not travelling on group flights
  • Early / late check in/out not guaranteed, if requested it is at an additional cost

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