This exploratory tour takes you
through two very interesting Indian states, giving intimate glimpses of life
in these provinces. This region abounds in scenic beauty with dense jungles
teeming with wildlife; sparkling waterfalls and rivers; and rustic tribes
occupied with their bucolic lifestyles. Ancient monuments and temples -
Hindu, Buddhist and Islamic - as well as pre-historic caves swathed in the
dust of bygone centuries, add variety and dimension to nature's bounty.
Visits to these hoary memorials - these ancient and medieval temples, forts
and other ruins - will make the vibrant past of this region come alive for
you. Finally, in stark contrast is Mumbai - the financial hub of India -
where your visits will include museums; the Island caves of Elephanta; and
the grand Gateway of India.
CHHATTISGARH - Full of Surprises
Capital: Raipur
Area: 135,237 sq km
Population: 20,795,956
(2001census)
Language: Hindi and local dialects
Religion: Hinduism, Islam and tribal beliefs
A magical,
unspoilt country, Chhattisgarh is truly a land of incredible scenic beauty.
Striking vistas, pulsating local culture, low population densities,
exceptionally good roads, hills, plateaux, jungles, wildlife, waterfalls,
ancient sites and temples, warm and welcoming people, palaces, and diverse
village and tribal communities, make up this multihued east Indian state.
The name Chhattisgarh actually means '36 forts' which is the number of forts
supposedly in the state, but this is a matter up for discussion as 36 forts
have not actually been identified. This indeed is a hidden land, full of
surprises.
MADHYA PRADESH - Heart of India
Capital: Bhopal
Area:
308,000 sq. km
Population: 60,253,000 (census 2001)
Language:
Hindi, Urdu and local dialects
Religion: Hinduism, Islam,
Christianity, Buddhism and tribal beliefs
Madhya Pradesh is
called the 'heart of India', not simply because it's centrally located in
the country, but also because it has been home to the cultural heritage of
Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Islam. Innumerable monuments, exquisitely
carved temples; forts and palaces; are interleaved all over the state:
glorious reminders of emperors and kings; warriors and builders; poets and
musicians; saints and philosophers. This state is a veritable haven for
wildlife: in its lush forests, the majestic Tiger and the crafty Leopard
stalk their prey, while Spotted Deer, Blue Bull and the Gaur, with several
other denizens, roam free in the grasslands and woodlands of some of the
most famous National Parks of the country.
Duration: 17
days
Best time: mid October to March
Focus:
indigenous culture, monuments, tribal life, local art & crafts, wildlife
Routing: Delhi - Raipur - Jagdalpur - Kanker - Kawardha -
Kanha National Park - Jabalpur - Bhopal - Ujjain - Mandu - Indore - Mumbai
Day
01, Delhi: Arrive New Delhi International Airport around midnight;
assistance on arrival with garland welcome and transfer to pre-booked hotel.
Delhi: Perhaps there is no other capital city in the
world so steeped in history and legend as the Indian capital, Delhi. It was
the magnet that drew the Mongols, Turks, Persians, Afghans, Mughals, and
finally the British. All of whom contributed to its glorious, but turbulent
history
Morning free, afternoon sightseeing of Delhi, visit
Qutub Minar, Humayun's Tomb, Red Fort and India Gate.
Qutub Minar is
the tower built to celebrate the victory of Islam by the first Muslim ruler
of Delhi; it has five distinct storeys, each marked by a projecting balcony.
Emperor
Humayun's Tomb was built as a memorial, by his widow Haji
Begum in 1565-66, nine years after his death: she spent one-and-a-half
million rupees on the mausoleum. Another marvel of Indian architecture is
the
Red Fort. Built of red sandstone, the fort is laid out as an
irregular octagon along the river Yamuna surrounded by a wall of around 2.4
kilometres; the fort was completed in 1648.
India Gate the 42 metres
high free-standing arch was designed by Lutyens and built in 1931; it is
dedicated to those 90,000 soldiers of the Indian Army, who died in World War
I.
Evening, return back to hotel for overnight.
Day 02, Delhi - Raipur (Fly) - Jagdalpur (drive):
After early breakfast, transfer to domestic airport to board flight to
Raipur.
Raipur is the capital and the biggest city of Chhattisgarh; it is also the
main business and industrial centre of the state.
Arrive Raipur
airport; pick-up and straight drive to Jagdalpur (about 325km/7hrs). En
route visit
Kanker Palace for a light lunch. The family of the late
Maharaja, Udai Pratap Deo, have opened a part of their private residence to
visitors, maintaining an informal elegance amid many mementoes of their
royal past. Kanker is well known for its ancient temple of Rajaswkal,
Jagannath Temple, Laxminarayan Temple etc.
Day
03, Jagdalpur - Kanger Valley National Park - Jagdalpur: After
breakfast explore the rich forests of Kanger Valley National park; the
enchanting
Tirathgarh waterfall; and the extraordinary
stalactite
and stalagmite caves. Afternoon visit a 'haat' (weekly
market) and enjoy a slice of local life. Evening explore the town and visit
Museum and Hill Myna bird centre. Jagdalpur is a small town but fun to
explore on foot. The
Bastar Palace is at one end of the main street
and can be circumambulated from the outside. The main entrance is painted
white, with rusty red, and as you enter the main gate, you pass a temple.
The 70 years old palace, painted white with pale blue, is a few yards on and
a part of it is now a medical college.
Day 04, Jagdalpur - Barsur - Chitrakote - Jagdalpur (about 170km):
Drive to Chitrakote via Barsur and visit Chitrakote Falls; later
return to hotel for overnight.
Chitrakote are Niagara-like
horseshoe waterfalls, created by Bastar's Indravati River, situated an
hour's drive hour from Jagdalpur. The 96ft high falls are the widest in
India and are truly spectacular during and after the monsoon. It is worth
bearing in mind that there is good water until November; it slowly
diminishes until January, and from February onwards there is virtually no
water. However, it's still a great sight.
Day
05, Jagdalpur - Raipur (drive about 300km/7hrs): Today, drive to
Raipur, the largest city of the state. En route visit Kondagaon local crafts
centre "Saathi". O/n hotel.
Saathi Centre (wood
craft) is situated at Kondagaon, a small village an hour south of
Kanker, and just off the road to Jagdalpur. Developed by two motivated and
compassionate individuals, the aim of this village community is to revive
the traditional handicrafts of Bastar, and to generate income for the local
artists, both male and female. It is also working in the field of integrated
rural development through environment management systems; natural resource
management; empowerment and awareness for women; and general education. The
result of their efforts, though varied, is hugely successful and boasts of a
terracotta production centre.
Day 06, Raipur - Sirpur - Rajim - Raipur (full day
excursion; about 7hrs): Our outing to Sirpur includes a tour of
Buddha Vihar, Swastik Vihar, Laxman temple and the local museum while at
Rajim we visit the 6th century Buddha statue and Kuleshwar Mahadev temple;
Someshwar Mahadev temple; and the temple of Kaal Bhairav. Later return back
to Raipur for overnight.
Sirpur: This interesting site
lies east of Raipur; the main shrine 'Laxman Temple' is one of the finest
brick temples in the country, in a pretty garden setting and peaceful
environs. Believed to have been built in the 7th century, it's in good
condition and has attractive carvings. Down the road, on the banks of river
Mahanadi, the Gandheshwar Temple has a collection of relics that will appeal
to archaeologists. Also, nearby are the ruins of Buddha Vihar.
Rajim: Situated on the banks of Mahanadi, this was once an
important urban centre of the Mahakoshal region. It has a fine group of
temples and the chief holy place, Rajivalochana temple, is dedicated to Lord
Vishnu.
Day 07, Raipur - Kawardha (about
3hrs): Post breakfast drive to Kawardha; visit Bhoramdeo temple
complex, and experience the tranquillity of Baiga and Gond tribal villages.
The Baiga, found mainly in the Maikal Hills, north of the Chattisgarh
plains, are still 'Lords of the Animals', and although Hindi-speaking, live
a shy traditional life, largely away from modern influence. They are
considered to possess magical powers, and the ability to communicate closely
with Nature, their mother, and with wild beasts. There are Gond sub-groups
in neighbouring Maharashtra, Andhra, Madhya Pradesh and South Orissa too; an
eclectic assortment of often remote hill tribes, some possibly related to
the Bastar tribes, while some like the Orissa Bondo, are quite different and
of obscure origin.
We quarter at
Kawardha Palace today
which is the ancestral home and private residence of Maharaja Vishwaraj
Singh; it is located in the north-west of Chhattisgarh below the slopes of
the Maikal Hills; it. O/n Kawardha Palace.
Day 08, Kawardha - Kanha National Park:
After
breakfast drive to Kanha N.P. (about 5hrs); arrive and transfer to jungle
resort. Afternoon game viewing in the park. O/n Jungle Resort.
Kanha National Park & Tiger Reserve lies deep inside pristine
forests of the Maikal hills of the great central Indian mountain ranges. The
remarkable ecosystem includes four principle types of vegetation: moist
deciduous forest; dry deciduous forest; valley meadow; and plateau meadow.
About 15 major mammalian species and 15 rare ones; over 300 bird species and
an equally astounding array of reptiles, are found in Kanha. Though there
are other parks - Corbett, Periyar, Ranthambore, Similipal, Manas - with
perhaps more spectacular scenery, there is no better place in India, and
probably in entire Asia, to see Sher Khan striding majestically in his
kingdom, than Kanha National Park. The park has a core area of 940 sq km.
encircled by a buffer zone of 1005 sq km.
Day
09, Kanha National Park: Morning and afternoon Jungle safari. O/n
Jungle Resort.
Day 10, Kanha - Jabalpur:
After morning safari drive to Jabalpur (about 170km/4hrs); afternoon
excursion to
Madan Mahal Fort and
Jabalpur Marble Rocks.
Built by Gond ruler Madan Shah in 1116AD on a hill just west of the city,
the fort has superb views. O/n hotel.
Day 11,
Jabalpur - Bhopal (drive about 294km/8hrs): Evening free for rest.
O/n hotel.
Bhopal: The capital of Madhya Pradesh is
known for its scenic beauty; historicity; and modern urban planning. It is
situated on the site of Bhojapal, an 11th century city, founded by legendary
Raja Bhoja.
Bhopal is a multi-hued metropolis; the old city with
teeming marketplaces, and fine old mosques and palaces, still bears the
aristocratic imprint of its former rulers, among them the succession of
powerful begums, who ruled Bhopal from 1819 to 1926.
Day 12, Bhopal - Sanchi - Udaygiri - Bhopal (day
excursion): Morning sightseeing in Bhopal: visit Taj-ul-Masjid
(1878); Jama Masjid (1837) and Moti Masjid (1860). Taj-ul-Masjid, one of the
largest mosques in India, was left unfinished for over a century and Jama
Masjid has its minarets topped by gold spikes. Afternoon excursion to
Sanchi, northeast of Bhopal about 47km away, and visit the Gateways - the
basic model consists of two pillars joined by three architraves (cross
beams), sculpted as if they actually passed through the upright posts. The
East Gate shows young prince Siddhartha leaving his father's palace, and
setting off on his journey in search of enlightenment; and the dream his
mother had before his birth. The West Gate portrays the seven incarnations
of Buddha. The North Gate is crowned by a Wheel of Law and the South Gate
reveals the birth of Siddhartha (Buddha) in a series of dramatically rich
carvings. The Gupta Temple, built in the 5th century is one of the early
structural temples of India and now an Archaeological museum. Also visit
Cave 1, Cave 5 and Cave 19 at Udaygiri. Later return back to Bhopal for
overnight. O/n hotel.
Day 13, Bhopal - Ujjain (drive):
After breakfast
drive (about 188km/5hrs) to Ujjain, one of the best known ancient Indian
city and one of the seven sacred cities of Hindus. Today's visit includes
18th century
Mahakaleshwar Temple dedicated to lord Shiva;
Bina-Niv-Ki-Masjid,
a Jain temple converted to a Mosque by the first independent Sultan of
Malwa; and
Kalidas Palace, built in 15th century it stands on an
island on Shipra River, about 8 km north of Ujjain. O/n hotel.
Day 14, Ujjain - Mandu (drive): After breakfast
drive (about 154km/5hrs) to Mandu. Architecturally, Mandu represents the
best of provincial Islamic style, restrained and lacking in elaborate
external ornamentation. Visit Delhi Gate (1405-7), the main entrance to the
city; Hathi Pol (Elephant Gate) the main entrance to the royal enclosure;
Hoshang Shah's Tomb; Sagar Talao (Lake), and Rewa Kund (reservoir).
O/n hotel.
Day 15, Mandu - Indore (drive) -
Mumbai (fly): Drive to Indore about 98km/3hrs. A rapidly growing,
and rather nondescript city, Indore stands on the banks of river Sarasvati
and Khan; arrive and visit Rajwada (Old Palace), with its seven storeyed
gateway; Lal Bagh (The Nehru Centre), southwest of town; Chhattri Bagh, on
the banks of the river Khan; and Kanch mandir. In late afternoon
straightaway transfer to airport to board flight for Mumbai (CD-7134; ETD
1835 hrs). Arrive Mumbai at 1940 hrs; pick-up and transfer to hotel, O/n
hotel.
Day 16, Mumbai: Mumbai
(previously Bombay) is well-known as a glamorous, cosmopolitan city and the
commercial capital of India. It is also called Bollywood (Hollywood of
India); a melting pot of several ethnic groups, from all over India,
dominated largely by Marathis and Gujratis, and enriched with ultramodern
lifestyles. Once called the 'City of Gold' its heart still throbs with the
aspirations of millions who seek their fortune here. After breakfast,
sightseeing excursion to Elephanta Caves (about 10km from Mumbai, on a small
island) by motor launch. The caves were excavated in volcanic lava, high up
on the slope of the hill. Over 1000 years ago, in these grottos, Hindu
craftsmen translated their viewpoint on spiritual truths into massive
carvings of extraordinary grace.
Afternoon visit to Gateway of India (1927); designed by George Wittet to commemorate
the visit of George V and Queen Mary, in 1911; and Prince of Wales museum, also
designed by George Wittet to commemorate the visit of the Prince of Wales to
India in 1905.
Late evening transfer to
international airport to board flight to home country.
Day 17, Mumbai: Proceed by air for home country.
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