DAY 01 – UJJAIN ARRIVAL & SIGHTSEEING
Arrive in Ujjain – also known as Ujjayini. Check into your hotel and head to the Kaal Bhairav Temple, where liquor is offered as prasad. It is tradition to visit here first to seek permission to enter the city. Later visit the Sandipani Ashram, where Lord Krishna was educated, and the Mangalnath Temple, considered the birthplace of Mangal Graha (Mars). Experience the Kshipra Aarti at Ram Ghat in the evening. Afterward, explore the Mahakal Lok Corridor; the lighting and murals are best experienced after sunset. Overnight stay at Ujjain.
DAY 02 – UJJAIN EXPLORATION
You may start you day very early (3:00 AM). Attend the iconic Bhasma Aarti (pre-booking essential) at Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in Bharat, unique in being Dakshinmukhi (facing south). Later in the morning Visit the Harsiddhi Shaktipeeth (one of the 51 Shakti Peethas) and the Bade Ganeshji Ka Mandir. Explore the Bhartrihari Caves, where the step-brother of King Vikramaditya meditated, and the Jantar Mantar (Vedh Shala), India’s oldest observatory. Overnight stay at Ujjain.
DAY 03 – UJJAIN – MANDU
Post breakfast, checkout from hotel and proceed to Mandu also known as Mandavgad – a celebration in stone, of life and joy. A tribute to the love shared between the poet-prince Baz Bahadur and his beautiful consort, Rani Roopmati. On arrival check-in to the hotel and after get fresh n up move to visit Mandu. Explore the Jahaz Mahal (Ship Palace), built between two lakes to resemble a floating vessel. Visit the Hindola Mahal (Swing Palace), known for its sloping walls. Visit the Hoshang Shah Tomb (India’s first marble tomb) and the massive Jama Masjid. End your day watching the sunset from the Rani Roopmati Pavilion, offering panoramic views of the Narmada Valley. Overnight stay at Mandu.
DAY 04 – MANDU – MAHESHWAR – OMKARESHWAR
Check-out of your hotel and drive to Maheshwar. On arrival start exploring the beautiful temples located in the massive Maheshwar Fort (Ahilya Fort) and the stunning Ahilyeshwar Temple within the complex. Omkareshwar. Visit the Rewa Society or local handlooms to see (or buy) authentic Maheshwari sarees. Later head to Omkareshwar City to visit the Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga. Since the temple is on an island (Mandhata Dweep), you can cross the Narmada River via the Jhula Pul (suspension bridge) or take a local boat for a scenic experience. Perform the Mandhata Parikrama (circumambulation) of the island to see various smaller shrines and scenic views. In the evening, visit the Mamleshwar Temple on the opposite bank, as the pilgrimage is considered incomplete without it. Overnight stay at Omkareshwar.
DAY 05 – OMKARESHWAR – INDORE
Take morning drive to Indore – The Cleanest City of India. On arrival check in to the hotel. Later go out to explore the city. Visit the Lal Bagh Palace (check for Monday closures) to see the European-style interiors and the Rajwada Palace, a fusion of Maratha and French architecture. Bada Ganesh & Kaanch Mandir too. In the evening, you may explore the Sarafa Bazaar and it’s Chappan Dukan after 9:00 PM on your own. This jewellery market turns into a street food paradise—don’t miss the Jaleba, Garadu, and Bhutte ka Kees. Overninght stay at Indore.
DAY 06 – INDORE – MADHAI
Start early to maximise the day. Head to a long journey towards Madhai – a major core zone entrance of the Satpura Tiger Reserve in the Narmadapuram district, located on the banks of the Denwa River. Enjoy a Boat Safari on the Denwa Backwaters. This is a unique way to spot crocodiles and migratory birds. Overnight stay at Madhai.
DAY 07 – MADHAI – BHOPAL
Early morning, Head for a Jungle Safari in the Satpura Tiger Reserve. It’s one of the few parks where you can also opt for a guided walking safari. Experience the serene wilderness where you can spot wildlife like leopards, sloth bears, and deer amidst dense forests and tranquil landscapes. Later, drive towards Bhopal. Stop at the Bhimbetka Rock Shelters, a UNESCO site featuring cave paintings dating back 30,000 years. When you reach Bhopal by the evening, relax by the Upper Lake (Bhojtal) or visit the Birla Mandir for city views. Overnight stay at Bhopal.
DAY 08 – BHOPAL – SANCHI AND UDAYGIRI EXCURSION
Take a day trip to the Sanchi Stupa, one of India’s oldest stone structures and a major Buddhist site. Look for the great Ashoka Piller – famous for it’s massive, single-block construction, topped with animal capitals, notably the Lion Capital of Sarnath, which serves as India’s National Emblem & Sanchi Archaeological Museum. Then head to Vidisha to witness Udaygiri Caves – a complex of 20 rock-cut caves from the Gupta period (4th–5th century CE). Do not miss the Cave 5 features the iconic colossal sculpture of Lord Vishnu in his Varaha (Boar) Avatar rescuing Goddess Earth. If time permits, you may look for Heliodorus Piller. This stone column erected around 113 BCE is a unique historical link between Indian and Greek cultures. Head back to Bhopal, arriving by early evening. If you stay late in Sanchi, you can catch the Sound & Light Show (usually around 7:00 PM) before heading back. Overnight stay at Bhopal.
DAY 09 – BHOPAL DEPARTURE
A long yet worth remembering tour comes to an end today. Post breakfast checkout from hotel and proceed for Raja Bhoj International Airport or Bhopal Junction Railway Station for your return journey.
