A unique program researched and refined over two years by Lincoln and our local partners, Hidden Heart threads together an improbable collection of sights and experiences from central India. Starting in Varanasi, where we come to know the inner workings of this ancient Indian city, and concluding in Mumbai, where modern India spirals up and – some say – out of control, the itinerary covers several historical and architectural high-points in between.

Sprinkled throughout the tour is varied accommodation, both grand and refreshingly simple – heritage hotels, guest houses, wildlife lodges – and optional activities that allow you to determine how active or restful your trip is. With these ingredients you have the makings of a remarkable, insightful and truly memorable three week journey through the heart of India.

Day 1 Varanasi

Being one of the most sacred places for Hindus to visit, and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, Varanasi has a distinctly ancient and religious feel. Narrow lane ways – many leading down to the ghats or steps that descend into the water of the Ganges – are crammed with shops, homes, games of cricket, cows, temples and much more. This is a uniquely Indian city.

Day 2 Varanasi

This morning we take an early morning guided walk through the narrow lanes of the old city, enjoying the experience of the city coming to life and scenes of devotion as the sun rises on the river. In the late afternoon our local guide will take us on a row boat to view the evening Aarthi ceremony from the river, where priests and many devotees gather to perform a beautiful candle-lit puja.

Day 3 Khajuraho

Morning flight to Khajuraho. The famously erotic temples of Khajuraho are beautiful physical manifestations – in rock and stucco – of the images conjured up by the Kama Sutra. A local guide will take us to see the significant monuments of Khajuraho, including the Eastern Jain and Hindu temples, which are scattered throughout the area.  At the Western Group of temples, the main shrine soars 31 metres high, and is in an almost perfect state of preservation.

Day 4 Orchha

Orchha has several interesting historical sites, including a meandering palace and a series of 14 cenotaphs which line the River Betwa. You have a choice of accommodation here - a hotel or a village homestay. While facilities in the homestay are basic, this is a unique opportunity to experience  rural life in India. Sit in as a meal is prepared, see the domestic and farm work going on and witness the comings and goings of the village.

Day 5 Orchha

Spend this morning sightseeing in the small town of Orchha. Afterwards, there are several activities to choose from: a short walk to the nearby village of Ganj, for a picnic lunch and possibly a swim in the river (upstream from Orchha, so the water is clean!) or we can visit an organic farm for lunch.

Day 6 Satpura

Transfer to Jhansi station for the train to Itarsi, a journey of approximately 6 hours. On arrival in Itarsi, transfer to our lodge near the entrance to Satpura National Park. For accommodation, there are two options to choose from, depending on your interests. Reni Pani www.renipanijunglelodge.com is a luxurious option, with beautiful rooms and a swimming pool; while the focus at Forsyth’s Lodge www.forsythlodge.com is more on wildlife activities and bird watching.

Day 7 Satpura

Lying almost exactly in the geographical centre of India, Satpura National Park offers a range of wildlife experiences. It is one of the few parks in India which permits walking within the park, in addition to canoe, boat and jeep safaris. These safari options are available for you to choose from today. For those in the group who aren’t so keen on wildlife activities, both lodges offer plenty of alternative ways to enjoy your time here.

Day 8 Bhopal

This morning drive 4 hours to Bhopal, via the Bhimbetka rock shelters – considered to be the oldest site of human habitation in India. In impressive detail, paintings in over 500 caves depict the life of the pre-historic cave-dwellers. Continue to Bhopal and afternoon free at our lovely heritage hotel, with pool, spa and massage facilities available for enjoyment and relaxation; alternatively, you have the option to join the group leader in a short sightseeing tour of Bhopal.

Day 9 Bhopal

Day trip to the World Heritage site of Sanchi which is famed for its stunning Buddhist stupa, built by Emperor Ashoka in the 3^rd century BC. It has survived the intervening millennia in remarkably good condition, and remains one of the most important places of Buddhist pilgrimage in India. The skill and artistry of the stupa’s creators cannot be overstated – it is a truly remarkable creation. After the visit, return to Bhopal and afternoon free.

Day 10 Mandu

Today we undertake a longish drive of approximately 6 hours to Mandu, the remains of an ancient city. Founded in the 10^th century by a Hindu Raja, Mandu’s zenith came during the 13^th century, while under Mughal rule. The well restored and maintained remains are spread out over a large area, with the effect of having a different aspect of the city’s history revealed at each successive site.  Afternoon tour of Mandu with local guide and overnight stay in Mandu.

Day 11 Maheshwar

After breakfast drive 1 ½  hours to Maheshwar, a fabled and sacred town thanks to its mention in the Ramayana and Mahabharata epics. More recently restored to its ancient position of importance by the Holkar queen Rani Ahilyabai of Indore (1725-95), Maheshwar's temples and mighty fort-complex stand in quiet beauty, mirrored in the mighty Narmada River below. Accommodation for the next three nights is in the fort itself, now run as a simple but charming heritage hotel.

Day 12 Maheshwar

In the morning you can join a member of the hotel staff for a visit to a hand weave workshop, small crèche and to a craft class for local children. In the afternoon enjoy the spectacular fort, with sweeping views over the Narmada River, lovely gardens (including the hotel’s own organic vegetable garden) and swimming pool. A sunset boat ride is a must at some point during your stay.

Day 13 Maheshwar

Today there are several possible activities, in addition to simply staying put and relaxing at the hotel: a half-day excursion to the village of Bakawa, famous for its many thousands of Siva lingams (representations of the Hindu deity Siva); a full-day excursion to Omkareshwar, one of India’s holiest towns thanks its Shiva temple; or an afternoon boat trip to Sahastradhara for bird watching. [Image: Autherous].

Day 14 Jalgaon

After breakfast depart Maheshwar for the 6 hour drive to Jalgaon, with a stop for lunch at a little-known historical fort en route. Jalgaon is a non-descript town but is a good staging post for tomorrow morning’s visit to Ajanta.  [Image: markhillary].

Day 15 Aurangabad

This morning drive 1 ½  hours to Ajanta, site of a series of magnificent Buddhist frescoes and rock-cut caves. A local guide will provide background information on the caves as we wander (and wonder) our way through the site. Afterwards continue on for the 2 ½ hour drive to Aurangabad. [Image: Swifant].

Day 16 Aurangabad

An hour’s drive this morning brings us to the Ellora caves, which are considered the high-point of rock-cut architecture in India. Created sometime between the 4^th and 9^th centuries, the site encompasses 34 Buddhist, Hindu and Jain caves hewn from a 2 km escarpment, the finest being the magnificent Kailasanatha Temple complex. A local guide will accompany us for the day. Return to Aurangabad in the afternoon. [Image: tvangoethem].

Day 17 Mumbai

Morning flight to Mumbai, modern India’s superlative – biggest, boldest, wealthiest, best and baddest – a “maximum city”, as they say. Your experiences here today and tomorrow will give you an insight into how much India is changing and yet at the same time how much it remains the same. In the afternoon, an expert guide joins us for a walk through some of the traditional market areas of south Mumbai. [Image: Nomad Tales].

Day 18 Mumbai

Today there are several activities to choose from: a conventional sightseeing tour of Mumbai, covering its historical and cultural sites; a walk in the Dharavi slum, run by a resident, to see the many industries and communities which thrive there; afternoon high tea at the fabulous Taj Mahal Hotel; or you can have the day free for your own activities such as shopping or exploring on your own.

Day 19 Mumbai

Morning free for some last minute shopping and packing. Transfer to the airport for your flight home or onward travel in India.