HEART OF INDIA

2ND- 15th march 2027

Lotus Adventure’s Heart of India journey takes us through some of the most mystical and less travelled parts of central India. This fascinating, culturally enriching journey takes us through Madhya Pradesh into Uttar Pradesh. Your adventure starts at the state capital - Indore our jumping point for the Ahilya Fort - a gorgeous heritage hotel on the banks of the sacred Namada river in Maheshwar, and ends on the banks of the Ganges in Varanasi - India’s oldest and most holy city.

Between these two holy cities, The trail  is packed with unforgettable experiences which encapsulate the rich history, spirituality and living culture of this region; Including time meditating amongst the serene Buddhist stupa’s of Sanchi (some of the oldest structures in India), exploring the silk weaving process in Maheshwar and varanasi, wandering the charming temple strewn town of Orchha on the banks of the river Betwa, blushing at the fascinating 14th century erotic temples carvings of khajuraho and tiger spotting in the lush forests of Panna. 

This journey will appeal to food lovers, those interested in crafts (especially fabrics, weaving and carving), India’s ancient history, rivers and the pulsing religious heart of this sacred land.

cost and what's included

£2790 (flights not included)

Airport transfers in Indore & Delhi.

All transport between tour destinations.

13 nights accommodation.

All breakfasts, 6 lunches and 5 dinners.

Guided tours in all destinations

Boating in Varanasi and Maheshwar.

(The price above is based on 2 people sharing - SS on enquiry)

day by day  ITINERARY

DAY ONE - INDORE

Your journey starts in Indore - one of India’s cleanest cities, famous for it’s ancient temples and unique culinary culture. You will be met from you international flight into Indore and transferred to your hotel - the Sheraton Grand Palace. After some time to rest and enjoy the hotel, we will head out early evening to visit the stunning Kanch Mandir - one of India;s most beautiful Jain temples, and then the vibrant Safara bazaar. This jewellery market transforms into a bustling food market at night where we will sample some of the local delicacies.

DAYS TWO & THREE - MAHESHWAR

This morning, after breakfast we head two hours south to the romantic and historically fascinating city of Maheshwar. This peaceful town on the banks of the holy river Namada, is famous for its fort, temples and colourful weaving bazaars. We have two nights at the gorgeous Ahilya Fort, a heritage hotel on the banks of the river, which will make the perfect place to rest and explore Maheshwar. During your time in Maheshwar, you will visit the Rehwa weaving corporative for which this town is famous. We will also walk along the intricately carved ghats, enjoy sunset boating and you will also have plenty of time to relax at the fort - this hotel is famous for it’s organic homegrown food. It has a beautiful pool and Spa and pretty gardens which overlook the river.

DAYS FOUR & FIVE - BHOPAL, SANCHI

We leave early on day four, heading east to the City of Lakes: Bhopal (journey time 6 hrs) - our stopping point for the ancient Buddhist stupas of Sanchi. Bhopal, of India’s greenest cities, is replete with rich Islamic and Begum-era architecture, vibrant markets and has a distinct cuisine which we will sample in the evening..We stop two nights at the Jehan Numa Palace - a heritage hotel built in 1890 in the Shamla Hills above Bhopal. This former royal residence offers lush gardens, fine dining and a lovey pool.

The following morning we enjpy a day trip to Sanchi to explore this remote and fascinating collection of Buddhist stupas. The monuments are some of the oldest in india - many are around 2300 years old, and display incredibly intricate and beautiful carvings. We return to Bhopal to enjoy the evening markets and Bhopals unique local cuisine.

DAYS SIX, SEVEN & EIGHT - ORCHHA

.Today, we take the train from Bhopal to Jhansi (3.5 hrs) and our next destination - the sacred riverside town of Orchha, arriving late afternoon. Orchha is famous for its16th century temple devoted to the god Ram (the only Ram temple in India), its majestic golden Palace and the beauty of it’s riverside landscape. We have three nights here to rest and explore this charming town at leisure. Whilst here an afternoons guided tour of the town is included. Watching sunset at the riverside Chattris, absorbing the energy of the evening aarti ceremony and wandering up to the village of Ganj past the Laxshmi temple are all recommended activities. Or perhaps you’ll go boating on the river Betwa or hire bikes and cycle into the nearby nature reserve. Your hotel - the Amar Mahal is the perfect combination of heritage style and modern luxury. Set in pretty gardens with views of the nearby Chattris, there is a pool and spa. Yoga is available on request.

DAY NINE & TEN - KHAJURAHO

This morning we travel the short distance east to the temple town of Khajuraho where we will spend two nights in the luxurious Lalit Temple View. This five star hotel will make the perfect base to explore the fascinating temple complex of khajuraho at our leisure. The uniqueness of these temples is not only the intricacy of the carvings, but the focus on erotic and tantric practices as their subject; an outward expression of a culture that saw a unity between sex and the divine.

The following day you have options to choose from - you may choose to further explore the temples of Khajuraho, head to the nearby Raneh water falls, or enjoy a day at nearby Panna national park which is home to leopards, tigers and a wide variety of birdlife (there is an additional cost for park entry). Options will be discussed before arrival.

DAYS ELEVEN to THIRTEEN - VARANASI

Today we have a leisurely breakfast and head to the nearby train station just after lunch to catch the 3.20 high-speed, air-conditioned Vande Bharat express to Varanasi (reaching at 11.00pm.). The eight hour journey allows us to have a wonderful experience of modern Indian railways. Sit back with a chai and watch the landscape transition from the rocky, forested mountain ranges to the lush, fertile Gangetic plains as you approach Varanasi.

The ancient city of Varanasi - india’s spiritual capital - dates back over 3,500 years and it is one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities. it is said a dip in the holy water of the Ganges clears all negative karma that has accumulated over your many lives. Renowned for its constant temple rituals along the vibrant ghats (river side steps), including those of the infamous “burning ghats), silk weaving, and the throngs of pilgrims drawn to its ancient temples. A visit here is a once in a life time, unforgettable experience.

Our hotel in Varanasi is the charming Gulieria Kothi, which sits right on the banks of the holy Ganges in the heart of Varanasi. This comfortable heritage hotel is in a prime location, allowing you to observe the Ganges from one of the many terraces which afford panoramic views of the city, ghats and river below. During our time in Varanasi we will explore the labyrinthine old city on a walk which encapsulates the culinary delicacies on Varanasi, its architecture and sacred practices, we will also visit the main shiva temple and nearby burning ghats and watch evening aarti ceremony from the river. There are also opportunities to visit nearby Sarnath - where the Buddha gave his first teachings and enjoy a sunrise boat trip on the Ganges

DAY FOURTEEN - ONWARD TRAVELS

On day thirteen You now have the option of flying back to the UK via Delhi, or perhaps you’ll decide to stay a night of two in Delhi - India’s colourful, eclectic capital city. All onward arrangements can be discussed with Carrie on booking.