2N Gwalior | 2N Orchha | 3N Khajuraho | 3N Bandhavgarh | 2N Jabalpur | 2N Pachmarhi | 2N Bhopal | 1N Raipur | 3N Jagdalpur
Breakfast 
Train 
Sightseeing 
Wi-Fi The Ultimate Central India & Bastar Exploration Tour is not just a journey through geography; it is a passage through the deepest layers of India’s history, wilderness, and living culture. Designed for travelers who seek experiences beyond the typical Golden Triangle, this 21-day expedition reveals a side of India that remains raw, spiritual, and profoundly beautiful.
Beginning in the regal city of Gwalior, the tour immerses you in the world of Rajput and Maratha royalty. Massive hilltop forts, ornate palaces, and ancient temples set the tone for a journey shaped by power, faith, and artistry. From here, the route flows into the quiet medieval charm of Orchha, where time seems to pause among riverfront cenotaphs, palace courtyards, and sacred temples dedicated to Lord Ram as a reigning king.
The story of Central India deepens in Khajuraho, home to the world-famous UNESCO-listed temples that celebrate life, devotion, and human emotion through exquisitely carved stone. These masterpieces reflect a civilization where spirituality and sensuality existed in perfect harmony. The surrounding countryside leads you to Panna National Park, where forested gorges, river valleys, and wildlife create one of India’s most picturesque natural landscapes.
From here, the journey enters the legendary tiger territory of Bandhavgarh, where dense sal forests and grassy meadows hide one of the world’s highest concentrations of Royal Bengal Tigers. Multiple safaris provide thrilling opportunities to witness these majestic predators, alongside leopards, deer, sloth bears, and countless bird species, in a protected ecosystem that feels truly wild.
Nature then takes on a dramatic new form at Bhedaghat, where the marble cliffs of the Narmada River rise like a sculpted canyon, glowing in shifting hues of white, gold, and pink. These surreal formations lead you onward into the green highlands of Pachmarhi, Central India’s only hill station, where waterfalls, caves, and forested viewpoints offer serene moments of reflection amid the Satpura ranges.
The cultural heart of Madhya Pradesh reveals itself in Bhopal, Sanchi, and Bhimbetka, a trio that connects modern India with its ancient roots. Sanchi’s Buddhist stupas speak of peace and enlightenment, while Bhimbetka’s prehistoric rock shelters showcase some of humanity’s earliest artistic expressions, dating back over 30,000 years.
The final chapter unfolds in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar region, one of India’s most mysterious and culturally rich landscapes. In Jagdalpur, travelers encounter roaring waterfalls like Chitrakote, echoing caves, dense forests, and vibrant weekly tribal markets where ancient traditions continue to thrive. Here, the art of Dhokra metal casting, forest-based cuisine, and indigenous rituals offer a rare, respectful glimpse into India’s tribal soul.
Blending royal history, sacred architecture, untamed wildlife, and living indigenous cultures, this expedition stands apart as one of India’s most profound and unforgettable journey, crafted for explorers who want to truly understand the heart of the subcontinent.
Arrive in Gwalior and meet your Cholan Tours Representative. Transfer to your hotel and relax after a long journey. You can spend the evening with a visit to the grand Gwalior Fort rising above the city, then stroll through the old bazaars of the former royal capital.
Overnight: Gwalior
Start your morning early and explore the magnificent Jai Vilas Palace Museum. Visit the intricately carved Sahastrabahu Temples before enjoying panoramic views from Gwalior Fort and a cultural evening celebrating Bundelkhand’s rich artistic traditions.
Overnight: Gwalior
Drive to the riverside medieval town of Orchha. Explore Jehangir Mahal, Raj Mahal, and the palace complex overlooking the Betwa River. In the evening, watch the golden-lit cenotaphs reflected in the water at sunset.
Overnight: Orchha
Visit the unique Ram Raja Temple, where Lord Ram is worshipped as a king. Walk through Orchha’s quiet lanes, riverside ghats, and temples before attending the soulful evening Aarti, a deeply spiritual and unforgettable local experience.
Overnight: Orchha
Start your morning early and drive through the scenic countryside to Khajuraho. Start your Khajuraho exploration with the famous Western Group of Khajuraho Temples, a renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its erotic and celestial sculptures that reflect ancient India’s artistic and spiritual sophistication.
Overnight: Khajuraho
This morning, visit Khajuraho's Eastern and Southern Temples Group to see the architecture and symbolism of the Chandela dynasty without a guide. In the afternoon, spend your time relaxing before watching the evening's breathtaking light show depicting the temples' fascinating tales through light and sound.
Take a day excursion to Panna National Park. Enjoy a jeep safari in search of tigers, leopards, and deer or a tranquil boat ride along the Ken River, surrounded by dramatic cliffs and rich birdlife.
Overnight: Khajuraho
Drive to Bandhavgarh National Park, one of India’s best tiger reserves. Check into your jungle resort and enjoy the rest of the evening with a walk in nature or a wildlife talk with our experts. This sets the tone for your future wildlife adventure and thrilling safaris in a forest known for high tiger sightings.
Overnight: Bandhavgarh
Start your morning early, and afternoon jeep safaris through Tala, Magadhi, or Khitauli zones, tracking Royal Bengal Tigers, leopards, sloth bears, and deer while learning about conservation and the forest’s unique ecosystem.
Overnight: Bandhavgarh
Enjoy additional game drives, maximizing your chances of spotting tigers and rare wildlife. Between safaris, relax at the lodge, listen to bird calls, and experience the deep wilderness of central India’s most famous tiger reserve.
Overnight: Bandhavgarh
Drive to Jabalpur and continue to Bhedaghat. Visit the Dhuandhar Falls before taking a boat ride through the Marble Rocks, where towering white cliffs glow in changing light along the Narmada River.
Overnight: Jabalpur
Enjoy a leisurely morning at Bhedaghat, and spend the morning photographing the marble cliffs and river scenery. You can also take an optional sunset or moonlight boat ride, which offers a magical view as the cliffs change color, creating one of India’s most surreal natural landscapes.
Overnight: Jabalpur
Drive into the Satpura Hills to Pachmarhi, the “Queen of Satpuras.” Explore lush forests, waterfalls, and viewpoints before enjoying cool mountain air and peaceful surroundings at India’s only hill station in Madhya Pradesh.
Overnight: Pachmarhi
Visit Jata Shankar Cave, Pandav Caves, and Bee Falls. End the day at Dhupgarh, the highest point in Madhya Pradesh, watching the sun set over endless forests in one of central India’s most beautiful landscapes.
Overnight: Pachmarhi
Drive to Bhopal, the City of Lakes. In the afternoon, explore Upper Lake or visit the State Museum before enjoying a relaxed evening at the old city markets, tasting local cuisine, and soaking in Bhopal’s cultural atmosphere.
Overnight: Bhopal
Visit Sanchi Stupa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and key Buddhist pilgrimage center. Continue to Bhimbetka Rock Shelters to see prehistoric cave paintings dating back over 30,000 years, revealing humanity’s earliest artistic expressions.
Overnight: Bhopal
Transfer to the airport or railway station for your journey to Raipur, the capital of Chhattisgarh. Arrive and relax, preparing for your upcoming exploration of Bastar, one of India’s most culturally rich tribal regions.
Overnight: Raipur
Drive south into Bastar, a remote tribal heartland. Arrive in Jagdalpur and explore local villages, forests, and markets, experiencing a completely different India defined by ancient traditions, art forms, and natural beauty.
Overnight: Jagdalpur
Visit the mighty Chitrakote Falls on the Indravati River, often called the “Niagara of India.” Walk around viewpoints and enjoy the dramatic power of the cascading water, especially stunning during the monsoon and post-monsoon seasons.
Overnight: Jagdalpur
Explore Kutumsar limestone caves with stalactite formations before visiting weekly tribal haats to see Dhokra metal crafts, textiles, and traditional foods. Interact with local communities to understand Bastar’s unique cultural and artistic heritage.
Overnight: Jagdalpur
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