Where Legends Live and Tigers Roam

Central India: Ancient Temples, Timeless Stories, and Untamed Nature

Welcome to the heart of India — a land of ancient mystery and timeless beauty. The Central Highlands, spanning Madhya Pradesh, are shaped by rugged plateaus, thick forests, and sacred rivers like the Narmada and Tapti. This region, surrounded by the Vindhya and Satpura ranges, is steeped in tribal heritage, wildlife, and architectural wonder. Begin in Maheshwar, a serene riverside town where temples and ghats echo with spiritual rhythm and handwoven Maheshwari saris carry forward a royal textile tradition. Nearby, Omkareshwar enchants with its sacred island shaped like the holy symbol “Om” and its ancient Shiva temple, set against the stunning backdrop of the Narmada.

Venture deeper into the Satpura jungles — one of India’s most pristine wildlife habitats. Explore on jeep safaris, peaceful canoe rides, or guided walking trails, encountering a vibrant ecosystem. Uncover stories etched in stone at Bhimbetka’s prehistoric rock shelters and lose yourself in the misty ruins of Mandu. This journey is not just about places; it’s a deep dive into the soul of India, where history lives on in tradition, wilderness whispers forgotten tales, and every landscape feels sacred.

Highlights

Go on jeep, canoe, and walking safaris in Satpura’s pristine wilderness, home to diverse wildlife
Stay at the historic Ahilya Fort in Maheshwar and explore its temples, ghats, and weaving traditions
Wander through the romantic ruins of Mandu with its palaces, mosques, and legendary love stories
Visit Omkareshwar, a sacred Jyotirlinga temple on an island shaped like the holy “Om”
Discover the prehistoric rock art of Bhimbetka, a UNESCO World Heritage site

Destinations Covered

10 Days

| 4 Destinations

Day: 1New Delhi
Day: 2-5Maheshwar
Day: 6Bhopal
Day: 7-10Satpura

Best Time to Visit

Good time to visit

jan
Great time to visit

feb
Great time to visit

mar
Great time to visit

apr
Not advisable

may
Not advisable

jun
Not advisable

july
Good time to visit

aug
Good time to visit

sep
Good time to visit

oct
Good time to visit

nov
Good time to visit

dec

New Delhi

Day: 1

Arrival at Delhi

Maheshwar

Day: 2-5

Fly to Indore, followed by your arrival in the sacred riverside town of Maheshwar. Tonight, you will stay at Ahilya Fort, a 250-year-old riverside citadel once ruled by Ahilya Bai Holkar. Overlooking the sacred Narmada and its ghats, the fort’s heritage rooms combine old-world charm with modern comforts, set amid courtyards, terraces, and hidden walkways. Dining here is a highlight, personally overseen by the resident prince-chef, with meals served in enchanting settings - from under neem trees to river-facing terraces.

Visit the REHWA Society, a not-for-profit founded by the Holkar family in 1979 to revive Maheshwar’s handloom tradition and empower local women. Over 65 artisans weave on traditional looms here, with proceeds supporting the adjoining Ahilya School, which provides education, meals, and creative learning for over 250 children of weavers.

Drive to Mandu, the 15th-century citadel of the Malwa Sultans, known as the ‘City of Joy.’ Within its ramparts lie palaces, mosques, pavilions, and the ship-shaped Jahaz Mahal - ruins that echo with tales of romance between Baz Bahadur and Roopmati. Later, enjoy a serene sunset boat ride on the Narmada to Baneshwar Temple, believed to be the earth’s cosmic axis. Optional: return by boat at twilight, drifting past hundreds of floating lamps while musicians serenade the sacred river.

Begin the morning with a peaceful boat ride across the Narmada to the quiet villages of Naodatodi and Bothu, where a short walk through fields and homesteads contrasts with bustling Maheshwar. Later, take an excursion to Omkareshwar, home to the sacred Mandhatta Jyotirlinga temple on an island shaped like the holy symbol “Om.” Explore its richly carved shrines and ruins before returning to Ahilya Fort for an afternoon at leisure. In the evening, opt for a magical riverside dining experience - glide by boat past flickering diyas and live devotional music before a candlelit vegetarian dinner at the historic Boliya Chhatri garden.

Recommended Activities

Recommended Accommodations

Ahilya Fort

Luxury Boutique

Bhopal

Day: 6

Enjoy a scenic 2½-hour drive to Indore Railway Station to board your train to Bhopal. On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel, where you can settle in and relax in comfort after the journey.

Recommended Accommodations

Jehan Numa Retreat

Wellness & Spa

Satpura

Day: 7-10

Drive for about an hour to explore the Bhimbetka rock shelters, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with cave paintings that span from the Stone Age to historic times - some of the earliest evidence of human life in India. Continue onward to Satpura and check in at your lodge.

Satpura, named after the hill range that divides northern India’s river plains from the southern peninsula, forms part of a vast forest corridor rich in biodiversity. Home to tigers, leopards, sloth bears, elephants, gaur, and a remarkable array of birds, it offers one of Central India’s most pristine wilderness experiences. This morning, glide on a canoe along the Denwa River, drifting into quiet inlets where animals come to drink and crocodiles bask in the sun. In the afternoon, set out on a jeep safari to explore Satpura’s rugged landscape of sandstone peaks, gorges, ravines, and dense forests in search of its diverse wildlife.

This morning, set out on a jeep safari in Satpura National Park, followed by a rare guided walking safari - the only one of its kind in Central India. With expert naturalists, track tigers, leopards, sloth bears, and other wildlife on foot, gaining unique insights into their behavior. The experience also delights birdwatchers and butterfly enthusiasts with the freedom to pause for close encounters. Spend the afternoon at leisure in your lodge.

Experience the rural charm of nearby villages like Magaria, Urdon, and Nayapura. Stroll or drive through traditional settlements, meeting locals, observing daily farming and crafts, and admiring distinctive architecture. This guided visit offers warm hospitality and an authentic glimpse into Central India’s living heritage.