Madhya Pradesh

Pick up from Indore Airport / Railway Station and transfer to Ujjain — the ancient city on the Shipra River, one of the seven sacred Dhams of Hinduism. Check in to the hotel. Then begin a circuit of Ujjain's sacred sites: the revered Harsidhi Temple, Bada Ganesh, Kaal Bhairav Temple, the peaceful Ram Ghat on the Shipra, Mangalnath Temple, and the Sandeepani Ashram — where Lord Krishna received his education. In the evening, the centrepiece of the journey: a visit to the Mahakaleshwar Temple — one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and the most powerful Shiva shrine in India — and a walk along the magnificent Mahakal Lok Corridor, adorned with 108 sculpted pillars and the stories of Shiva's 11 avatars.

After breakfast, proceed to Omkareshwar — one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. This is a place of extraordinary spiritual power: a natural island shaped like the sacred Sanskrit symbol "Om" in the Narmada River, home to the ancient Omkareshwar Temple and the twin Jyotirlinga of Mamleshwar Shivalinga. Seek blessings at both temples and take in the river views. Later, proceed to Maheshwar on the banks of the Narmada. In the evening, attend the serene Narmada River Aarti at the Royal Ghat — a beautiful ritual of lamps and flowers on the sacred river. Night stay at Maheshwar.

After breakfast, check out from Maheshwar hotel and spend the morning exploring its remarkable heritage. Visit the Ahilya Fort — built by the legendary Maratha ruler Ahilyabai Holkar, overlooking the Narmada River — along with Ahilya Mata's Cenotaph, the Baneshwar Mahadev Temple, Rajarajeshwari Temple, Ek Mukhi Datta Temple, and more. Enjoy boating and a ritual dip (snan) at the Narmada Ghat. Maheshwar is renowned for its Maheshwari handloom sarees — hand-woven silk with cotton thread, with distinctive borders and checks — a perfect souvenir. After lunch, proceed to Mandu. Night stay at Mandu.

Morning checkout followed by a full sightseeing tour of the magnificent ruins of Mandu — a fortified medieval city of Afghan sultans perched 2,000 ft above the Narmada valley. Visit the ship-shaped Jahaz Mahal (Palace of Ships), the leaning Hindola Mahal (Swing Palace), the romantic Rani Roopmati's Pavilion from where she would gaze at the Narmada, Hoshang Shah's Tomb — the first marble tomb in India and a precursor to the Taj Mahal — the grand Jama Masjid, and Eco Point and Neelkanth Temple. Later, transfer to Indore for night stay.

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and explore Indore — one of India's cleanest and most vibrant cities. Visit the Italian-style Lal Bagh Palace (built in 1905), the Holkar royal residence; the spectacular Annapurna Temple and Bada Ganesh; the glittering Kaanch Mandir (Glass Temple), a Jain temple decorated entirely in coloured glass and mirrors; and the historic Rajwada palace. After lunch, visit the sacred Khajrana Temple (Lord Ganesha) and Bijasan Mata Temple. Drive to Indore Airport / Railway Station for your onward journey.