Ancient India: A Historical Journey through Central India

16 days from £6,820 for 2023 per person

• Delhi
• Khajuraho
• Orchha
• Gwalior
• Bhopal
• Maheshwar
• Mumbai

Central India is home to the country’s most ancient cultural sites. This hugely underrated region is regularly visited by the Ampersand team, and loved by us all due to the richness of the area’s historical sites, stunning natural landscapes, impressive wildlife and low-key atmospheric hotels. With forts, temples and heritage hotels galore, central India is the place to go for those looking to recapture the magic of Rajasthan as it was several decades ago; often you will have sites to yourselves and life runs at a slower and incredibly charming pace.

This itinerary has been designed to showcase the rich wonders of this region and will appeal to those who love India for its diverse history, majestic architecture, vast vistas and natural wonders, and wish to tour a little off the beaten track, but in comfort and style. Highlights include the Buddhist stupa of Sanchi, India’s oldest extant built structure known for its exquisitely carved railings depicting the life of the Buddha, and the Bhimbetka Caves, which are home to cave paintings estimated to be over 30,000 years old. The erotic temples of Khajuraho are unforgettable, as are the dreamy domes of the Orchha, and the now abandoned Bundelkhand capital is best enjoyed at sunset or while kayaking down the Betwa River.

This itinerary isn’t all about culture and history however; while at Panna National Park enjoy scenic boat rides on the River Ken at sunrise, trek through the forest to an ancient fort for a picnic lunch, enjoy game drives through the tiger sanctuary and relax with sundowners by an open fire. Ahilya Fort is the perfect place to take stock and relax at the end of the trip. Located on the banks of the Narmada River, a stay here gives you an insight into untouched rural life; watch while villagers carve lingas out of clay on the ghats, explore the archaeological site of Mandu and spend your days lazily floating down the river and enjoying the view.

This holiday is purely a suggested itinerary. It can be booked as is, or alternatively used as a starting point for creating your own perfect tailor-made tour of central India

We'd recommend booking this trip between either January to April or October to December. This will allow you to experience all that India has to offer. If you'd like to see some similar itineraries, take a look at our Active, Honeymoon or Safari collections.

When preparing to travel, lay out all your clothes and all your money. Then take half the clothes and twice the money.
Susan Heller