The northern and central Indian states of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Maharasthra offer a diversity of historical, cultural and natural sights and experiences – encompassing ancient monuments, palaces, forts and temples, colourful villages, busy, chaotic cities and remote and serene wildlife sanctuaries. This itinerary takes you through the full range of experiences that these amazing states have to offer.

This trip offers an interesting mix, covering not only some of North India’s well-known highlights, such as Agra and Jaipur, but also some really special spots off the beaten track that not many people get to, such as Kota, Satpura and Maheshwar.  It features stays in a range of accommodation – from heritage hotels to jungle lodges.

Day 1 Delhi

On arrival in Delhi you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Delhi, India's capital of around 14 million people – half of whom appear to have come to the airport for your arrival – is a colourful, busy, chaotic city packed with museums, art galleries, historic sites, shops and bazaars. Image: Satbir

Day 2 Delhi

Old Delhi is a mix of ancient monuments and modern commerce. Visit Jama Masjid, India’s greatest mosque; take a cycle-rickshaw ride through crowded bazaars to Chandni Chowk; and visit Raj Ghat, the Mahatma Gandhi memorial. In New Delhi, view stately government buildings and the Presidential Palace; visit the modern Ba’hai temple and the towering minaret of Qutab Minar. Image: Peter Rivera.

Day 3 Agra

After breakfast, drive 4 hours to Agra. Four hundred years ago, two great Mughal monarchs transformed the village of Agra into a city befitting the glory of the mighty Mughal Empire, one of them building a monument of unrivalled beauty – the Taj Mahal. Late afternoon visit Agra Fort – an architectural wonder itself.

Day 4 Jaipur

Visit the magnificent Taj Mahal in the early morning, before departing for Jaipur.  Stop en route at Fatehpur Sikri, a red sandstone city, built by Emperor Akbar as his capital and palace in the late 16th century. Jaipur is a friendly, busy town, with its palaces and bazaars full of jewellery, textiles and folk-based arts and handicrafts.

Day 5 Jaipur

Morning guided sightseeing of Jaipur, with a visit to Amber Fort, the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), City Palace, and Maharaja Jai Singh's astronomy park. In the afternoon, visit the famous Raj Mandir cinema to catch a Bollywood film, or go shopping in the local bazaars, where bargaining is as much a part of the fun as the purchase.

Day 6 Pushkar

Morning drive to Pushkar. The main temple – one amongst 500 here – is one of the few Brahma temples in the world, making it a special place of pilgrimage for Hindus. Pushkar is also the venue of the famous Pushkar Fair, with people coming from all over South Asia to buy and sell camels and livestock in general.

Day 7 Udaipur

Morning drive 5 hours to Udaipur, Rajasthan’s ‘white city’. On arrival check into hotel and remainder of the afternoon free.  Udaipur is a lovely and historic city, situated on a lake and hemmed in by the lush Aravalli hills. The city's palaces, gardens, ghats, temples and painted houses match the beauty of the setting.

Day 8 Udaipur

In the morning visit the City Palace - a majestic architectural marvel towering over Lake Pichola, and the 350 year old Jagdish temple. Afternoon free to wander Udaipur or enjoy your heritage hotel. Late afternoon enjoy a sunset boat-cruise on placid Lake Pichola.

Day 9 Chittorgarh

After breakfast drive 3 hours to Chittorgarh, arguably home to Rajasthan’s most impressive fort.  Rising 575 ft  - and mostly in ruins - it nevertheless contains a number of evocative monuments and memorials.  Spend some time here on the way to your heritage accommodation, which is 30 minutes from town. Afternoon free. Image: jmorgan

Day 10 Chittorgarh

Full day to relax in your heritage hotel accommodation and enjoy some of the activities on offer, ranging from yoga and meditation classes, cooking classes, massage and Ayurvedic treatments to  local village walks, jeep safaris, horse riding or wildlife and bird watching walks. Image: MACSURAK

Day 11 Kota

This morning drive 3 hours to Kota and another wonderful heritage hotel – Bhainsrorgarh Fort.  Built by Rawat Lal Singh in 1741, the superbly sited fort sits atop a 200 ft rocky ridge overlooking the river Chambal.  Afternoon free, or enjoy some of the varied activities offered by the hotel. Image: Carol Mitchell

Day 12 Satpura

Enjoy Bhainsrorgarh Fort and the activities on offer, such as a visit to the 9^th century Baroli Temples, nature walks and boating on a nearby lake with a chance to see the Gharial crocodile. Also visit Kota’s City Palace with its marvellous mirror work, ebony and ivory inlay work and frescos. Late evening board an overnight train for Itarsi. Image: Jorge Lascar

Day 13 Satpura

On arrival in Itarsi, you will be met and transferred to your accommodation.  Forsyth’s Lodge is set amongst 44 acres of jungle on the fringe of the Satpura National Park, which contains an abundance of wildlife. Settle in and enjoying some of the activities offered by the lodge, before taking your first safari into the park in the late afternoon.

Day 14 Satpura

Satpura affords a number of means of viewing wildlife and birdlife.  It is the only national park in India that allows visitors the unique and thrilling experience of walking inside the park (all others require you to stay in a vehicle).  You can also take jeep or motor boat safaris or head out into the jungle on elephant-back. Image: Sajith TS

Day 15 Maheshwar

After an early morning safari, drive to a ‘palace stay’. Ahilya Fort, situated above the banks of the Narmada River, was the capital of one of India's celebrated women rulers - Ahilya Bai Holkar. Her fortress, now a simple and elegant heritage hotel, was built in 1766 and is a typical example of the Maratha architecture of the period. Image: cool_spark.

Day 16 Maheshwar

Day to enjoy activities such as visiting a hand weave workshop, crèche and craft class for local children. Also visit nearby Mandu, known for its rich architectural heritage dating back to the medieval period. Building activities compromising of Hindu and Islamic architecture were carried out there under the patronage of different dynasties in a span of over 1000 years. Image: varunshiv

Day 17 Aurangabad

Transfer to Khandwa and board a train heading south, a 5 hour journey. Disembark at Manmad and transfer to your hotel in Aurangabad.  From here – over the next two days – you can visit the ancient cave temples at Ellora and Ajanta.

Day 18 Aurangabad

Spend today exploring the World Heritage listed Ellora Caves.  Created sometime between the 4^th and 9^th centuries, this site is one of the most wonderful examples of rock-cut architecture in India.  It encompasses 34 Buddhist, Hindu and Jain caves hewn from a 2 km escarpment, the finest being the magnificent Kailasanatha Temple complex. Image: nozomiiqel.

Day 19 Mumbai

This morning explore the Ajanta caves, then take an evening flight to Mumbai. The city’s  weathered Victorian mansions — some still privately owned — and grand public buildings, many beautifully lit at night, stand as lingering reminders of the days of the British Raj. However, the signs of modern Mumbai’s phenomenal growth can be seen at every turn. Image: nozomiiqel.

Day 20 Mumbai

Spend the morning sightseeing, including a visit to the Gateway of India and to Mumbai’s favourite playground Chowpatty Beach.  You can visit the house where Gandhi spent much of his time when in Mumbai, which is now a museum, or go to some of the city’s amazing markets, such as Crawford Market or Chor (thieves) Bazaar. Image: technicolorcavalry

Day 21 Mumbai

A morning for further sightseeing - or shopping – which is not to be missed in Mumbai, a city known as a shopper's paradise, where you can find everything India has to offer.  Later, transfer to the airport for flight home or to onward Indian destination for further travel. Image: Christian Haugen.