HEART OF INDIA

2ND- 15th march 2027

Lotus Adventure’s Heart of India journey takes us through some of the most beautiful 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 and then the Ahilya Fort - a gorgeous heritage hotel on the banks of the sacred Namada river in the ancient town of 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 town’s of Chanderi and Maheshwar, 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 khajaraho 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

£TBC (flights not included)

Airport transfers in Indore & Delhi.

All transport between tour destinations.

12 nights accommodation.

All breakfasts, 6 lunches and 5 evening meals.

Guided tours in all destinations

sunrise Boating in Varanasi and Maheshwar

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 fascinating 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 & CHANDERI

We leave early on day four, heading east to the city of Bhopal (journey time 6 hrs) - our stopping point for the ancient Buddhist stupas of Sanchi. Bhopal is one of India’s greenest cities and is also called the "City of Lakes." The city 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 one night at the Lakeview Taj which sits above Bhopals main Lake.

The following morning we travel 1.5 hours further east 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. After lunch, we continue on to the medieval weaving town of Chanderi - famous for its exquisite, lightweight handwoven silk weaving. We stop one night here and have the evening and the following morning to wander through the vibrant streets and witness the weaving process at work. Chanderi is an ancient town famous for its beautiful architecture, including the magnificent Chanderi Fort, Jain temples and grand gateways like the Badal Mahal.

DAYS SIX, SEVEN & EIGHT - ORCHHA

.Today, after a morning exploring Chanderi, we travel further east (2.5 hrs) to the sacred riverside town of Orchha, arriving late afternoon. Orchha is famous for its16th century temple devoted to the god Ram, its majestic golden Palace and the beauty of it’s river. 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 pretty 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 & PANNA

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. Options will be discussed before arrival.

DAYS ELEVEN & TWELVE - 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), 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 gorgeous Brijrama Palace which sits right on the banks of the holy Ganges in the heart of Varanasi. The décor is sympathetic to its heritage with intricate details and beautiful artwork throughout. The inner courtyard often plays host to traditional music and dance performances. Traditional flute lessons are also available, guests can enjoy yoga at sunrise, afternoon tea or learn about (and even have a go at) mehendi artwork. The roof terrace is undoubtedly a highlight of the hotel, with panoramic views of the city, ghats and river below. We have two night here to discover Varanasi.

DAY THIRTEEN - ONWARD TRAVELS

On day thirteen You now have the option of extending your stay in Varanasi for an extra night, or perhaps you’ll decide to fly back to Delhi - India’s colourful, eclectic capital city and stay in New Delhi’s leafy, colonial heart at The Claridges Hotel or Lutyens Bungalow, both a short rickshaw ride from Delhi’s finest museums, galleries, bazaars and parks. The other option at your disposal is to fly directly back to the UK from Varanasi via Delhi. All onward arrangements can be discussed with Carrie on booking.