SACRED HEART

2ND- 15th march 2027

Lotus Adventure’s Sacred Heartland 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 to Uttar Pradesh in the north east.Your adventure starts at 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 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.

13 nights accommodation.

All breakfasts, 6 lunches and 5 evening meals.

Guided tours in all destinations

sunrise Boating in Varanasi

Panna Tiger safari

day by day  ITINERARY

DAYS ONE ,TWO & THREE - MAHESHWAR

You will be met from you international flight into Indore by Carrie and transferred to the romantic and historically fascinating city of Maheshwar (2 hrs). This peaceful town on the banks of the holy river Namada, is famous for its fort, temples and colourful weaving bazaars. We have 3 night in 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 is 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 enjoy this hotel’s organic homegrown food, 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 - 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 os 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 stupa’s the monuments are some of the oldest in india - built in the fourth century 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 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 Badal Mahal.

DAY SIX & SEVEN - ORCHHA

.Today we travel further east (2.5 hrs) to the sacred river-side town of Orchha, famous for its16th century temples and majestic golden Palace. We take an afternoons guided tour of the town before watching sunset at the riverside Chattris. Day eight is yours to enjoy as you wish - maybe take a walk up to the pretty village of Ganj past the Laxshmi temple, to go river swimming, or perhaps you will hire bikes and cycle into the nearby nature reserve. Yoga and massage is available at the hotel.

Accommodation: Amar Mahal. 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..

DAY EIGHT - KHAJURAHO

DAYS NINE & TEN - PANNA

DAYS ELEVEN, TWELVE & THIRTEEN - VARANASI

DAYS FOURTEEN & FIFTEEN

Today we leave early for our final journey back to Delhi - India’s colourful, eclectic capital city. We stay in New Delhi’s leafy, colonial heart at The Claridges Hotel - a short rickshaw ride from Delhi’s finest museums, galleries, bazaars and parks. On our final night we enjoy drinks and food in Connaught Place - celebrating the end of our journey with a taste of modern bohemian India.

Day fourteen we get you safely to the airport for return flights back to the UK.