- Aktive Kultur Reisen
- Multi Aktiv Reisen
- Kultur Reisen
Overview
A varied journey into an Indian world that few foreign travelers explore. It starts with one of India’s largest metropolitan areas: Mumbai. In addition to a classic sightseeing tour, guests leave the main tourist trail here and walk with a local to Dharavi, the largest slum in the world (see for yourself), experience the Dhabbawallas and visit the washermen in Dhobighat.
After the huge city of Mumbai, the afternoon at the spiritual Govardhan Ecovillage with yoga and Ayurvedic treatments is really good for you. Afterwards, some of the most sacred and historically valuable places in India are on the agenda and yet hardly any Western travelers are drawn here: Sure, you’ve heard of the Hindu and Buddhist caves Ajantas and Ellora. However, the holy city of Nashik on the Godhavari with its vineyards, the historic city of Aurangabad, the pilgrimage city of Ujjain, the Buddhist stupa in Sanchi and the cities of Bhopal and Indore hardly play a role in international tourism despite their rich religious and historical heritage. Do you experience a very unadulterated and authentic India.
The three full days in the beautiful Satpura National Park not only offer a relaxing break from the intensive journey, but also invite you to take part in activities such as hikes, bike tours, jeep safaris and boat trips through the unique natural surroundings. With a bit of luck, you might even spot one of the famous Indian tigers.
Program
Day 1 Arrival in Mumbai
After arriving at Mumbai airport, you will be picked up by your driver and taken to your hotel.
After some rest from the journey, you will go on a sightseeing tour in Mumbai:
Mumbai is the capital of Maharashtra and India’s most dynamic, cosmopolitan and bustling city. The name of the city was officially changed from Bombay to Mumbai in 1995. Mumbai is a city where past, present and future intermingle. It is an island that is connected to the mainland by bridges.
Mumbai is not only the country’s financial center and busiest port, but also home to the world’s largest film industry, popularly known as “Bollywood”. Around 15 million people, from billionaire tycoons to homeless sidewalk dwellers, live in this teeming megalopolis. Mumbai’s most famous landmark, the Gateway of India, was the first place to welcome travelers to the Indian coast during the heyday of the British Raj. Ironically, after India’s independence in 1947, it also became an exit point for British troops. It was built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary in 1911, but in reality the King and Queen were received with a papier-mâché structure – the actual triumphal arch made of honey-colored basalt was not completed until 1924.
Meals: Dinner
Day 2 The other Mumbai
Today we will first go to Victoria Station to watch the famous Dhaba Wallas at work transporting the lunch boxes. Later, you will take a train ride on the famous City Train and visit the Dhobi Ghat, Mumbai’s largest laundry. On an interesting tour on foot through the Dharavi district. Known as the largest slum in the world, this residential and working area is actually something other than a “slum”. See for yourself while a local guides you.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Mumbai – Govardhan Ecovillage-ISKCON (100km/ 2 hours)
After a two-hour drive you reach the Govardhan Eco Village. A spiritual ashram of the Iskcon community. Take a tour of the estate, enjoy Ayurveda massages or take part in the ceremonies.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 Govardhan Ecovillage-ISKCON – Nashik (140km/ 3 hours)
After the yoga class, we head towards Nashik, one of India’s main wine-growing regions and one of the four holy places where the Kumbh Mela takes place every twelve years. It plays an important role in the Hindu epic Ramayana. Visit the Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, the Brahmagiri Fort, Gangadwar and Ramkund, as well as other sights in Nashik. A tour of the wine is of course a must. Overnight stays in the middle of the wine, where else?
Meals: –
Day 5 Nashik – Aurangabad (200km/ 4 hours)
Today you will visit the Ellora Caves on the way to Aurangabad. If time and energy permit, you can visit other sights in Aurangabad.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 Aurangabad – Ajanata (106 km, 3 hours) – Jalgoan (60 km/ 1.5 hours)
Today, enjoy an excursion to the Buddhist caves of Ajanta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located 106 km north-east of Aurangabad, the caves date back to the period between 200 BC and 650 AD. With the slow decline of Buddhism, the Ajanta Caves were abandoned and gradually fell into oblivion until a British hunting party came across them in 1819. Their remoteness has contributed to the fact that some of the remarkable paintings are still well preserved today.
The murals in the 30 caves carved into the rock depict scenes from the life of the Buddha and from the Jataka tales, which tell of the Buddha’s previous incarnations as an enlightened being or bodhisattva. The murals contain depictions of court scenes, princes and musicians and offer fascinating insights into daily life in the 5th century. The colors ochre, lime, black, green and lapis lazuli are predominant throughout the complex.
Later transfer to Jalgaon and check-in at the hotel on arrival. Overnight stay in Jalgaon.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 Nashik – Aurangabad (200km/ 4 hours)
Today you will visit the Ellora Caves on the way to Aurangabad. If time and energy permit, you can visit other sights in Aurangabad.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 Aurangabad – Ajanata (106 km, 3 hours) – Jalgoan (60 km/ 1.5 hours)
Today, enjoy an excursion to the Buddhist caves of Ajanta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located 106 km north-east of Aurangabad, the caves date back to the period between 200 BC and 650 AD. With the slow decline of Buddhism, the Ajanta Caves were abandoned and gradually fell into oblivion until a British hunting party came across them in 1819. Their remoteness has contributed to the fact that some of the remarkable paintings are still well preserved today.
The murals in the 30 caves carved into the rock depict scenes from the life of the Buddha and from the Jataka tales, which tell of the Buddha’s previous incarnations as an enlightened being or bodhisattva. The murals contain depictions of court scenes, princes and musicians and offer fascinating insights into daily life in the 5th century. The colors ochre, lime, black, green and lapis lazuli are predominant throughout the complex.
Later transfer to Jalgaon and check-in at the hotel on arrival. Overnight stay in Jalgaon.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 Jalgaon – Itarsi (by train)- Satpura (journey 70 km/ 2 hours)
After breakfast, transfer to Jalgaon railroad station to board the train to Itarsi (nearest railroad station to Satpura National Park). After arriving at Itarsi station, you will meet your driver and drive to your resort in Satpura National Park. Check in at the resort. Dinner and overnight stay in Satpura.
Satpura is one of the youngest parks in central India. Situated around a river, Satpura is a tiger sanctuary that offers visitors a lifetime experience. The best activities in the reserve are jeep safari, boat safari, trekking and canoe safari.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Day 8 Satpura National Park
In the morning, you will go on a jeep safari in Satpura National Park. With a bit of luck, you may see the sloth bear, leopard, wild dog, giant squirrel, sambhar, gaur and other Central Indian animals. With a little more luck, you may also come across a tiger. There is a wide variety of birds in the different habitats that the park has to offer.
In the evening, you will go on a boat safari on the Denwa River in Satpura Park.
Dinner and overnight stay at the resort.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 9 Satpura National Park
This morning, after an early breakfast, you will go on a half-day hike in the park (buffer area), which will be organized according to the needs and abilities of the guests. Although the walk focuses on the smaller aspects of the forest such as tracks, flora, butterflies, wildflowers and insects, you can also see a wide range of Central Indian birds including Black-naped Flycatchers, Malabar Pied Hornbills, Crested Hawk Eagles, Grey Headed Fish Eagles and many more. Depending on availability, a hike in the main area of the national park is also possible, if possible we will organize this for you, otherwise alternatively through the buffer zone.
Enjoy an afternoon canoe trip in the park.
Dinner and overnight stay at the resort.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 10 Satpura
In the morning you will go on another jeep safari. Afternoon cycle tour through the park (buffer zone). Overnight stay in Satpura.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 11 Satpura to Bhopal and city tour (100 km/ 2.5 hours drive)
After breakfast, drive to Bhopal. Bhopal, the city of lakes, is the capital of the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. Bhopal is a must for anyone visiting the state of Madhya Pradesh. The city is known for its inhabitants, who can take hours to tell stories that will take you back to the glory of years gone by.
On the way, you will visit the Bhimbetika rock paintings, which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In the afternoon, you will go on a half-day city tour of Bhopal. There are several interesting places to explore in and around Bhopal, including Islam Nagar, Moti Masjid, Taj-ul-Masajid, Bharat Bhawan, State Tribal Museum, Bhojpur Temple etc.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 12 Excursion to Sanchi and drive to Ujjain, approx. 5-6 hours in total
During the day, you can visit Bhoj Wetlands and the Buddhist stupa of Sanchi.
Later direct drive to Ujjain, overnight stay in Ujjain.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 13 Visit to Ujjain – drive to Indore (55 km, 1 hour)
After breakfast, visit the Mahakaleshwar Temple and later visit the Harsiddhi Temple, the Sandipani Ashram, the Shree Kaal Bhairav Temple and the Sandipani Ashram.
Later drive to Indore. Enjoy the evening at the Sarafa Bazaar and the famous street food. Overnight stay in Indore.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 14 Onward journey/departure
Depending on time and interest, the journey can continue north to Delhi (Madya Pradesh, Agra, Varanasi or similar) or end with a domestic flight to Mumbai or Delhi. Connecting days in Goa, Kerala, Rajasthan or the Himalayas are also possible
Included services
- all nights as advertised
- Complete transportation as advertised, including 1 x train journey, otherwise with driver in private vehicle
- Meals as advertised (F: Breakfast, M: Lunch, A: Dinner)
- all entrance fees, local English-speaking guides for city tours and monuments
- all activities in Satpura National Park
International flightOnward journey from IndoreVisaUnmentioned food and beverages
Highlights
Ellora 
Satpura 
Aurangabad 
Nashik Ajanta Sanchi Satpura Ujjain 
Modern Mumbai 
Mumbai 
Gateway of India 
Safari Satpura
Prices and dates
Best time to visit: October to April
2100 € per person for a private trip for 2 or more people
Travel info
Maharashtra and Madhya Pradeshregions
Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh are two fascinating states in India, each with a rich cultural and historical diversity.
Maharashtra, located on the western coast of India, is home to the vibrant metropolis of Mumbai, the economic heart of the country. Mumbai is not only the financial center, but also a melting pot of different cultures and a hotspot for entertainment and art. Nashik, a town on the banks of the river Godavari, is known for its spiritual atmosphere and religious festivals.
The caves of Ellora and Ajanta, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites, bear witness to the impressive Indian art and architecture. Aurangabad, a historic town near these caves, is a major cultural hub. The Sanchi Stupa near Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh is another World Heritage Site and an important Buddhist monument.
Madhya Pradesh, known as the “Heart of India”, is rich in cultural heritage. Ujjain, one of the seven holy cities of India, is famous for the Mahakaleshwar temple and the Simhastha Kumbh Mela, a Hindu festival. Indore, a modern city, offers a mixture of historical monuments and a lively atmosphere.
Bhopal, the capital of Madhya Pradesh, is known for its lakes, palaces and cultural scene. The Sanchi Stupa, a Buddhist monument, is located nearby and is an important spiritual center. Satpura National Park, a jewel of nature, stretches across parts of Madhya Pradesh and offers breathtaking wildlife and pristine landscapes.
Both states, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, present visitors with a fascinating blend of history, culture and nature, making them unique travel destinations in India.
Requirements
Physically an easy tour, this trip can also pose mental challenges from time to time: The daily distances are sometimes quite long and on more or less well-developed Indian roads and the relatively poor tourist infrastructure makes for very authentic travel highlights and experiences, but you shouldn’t be surprised if, apart from your own guide, no one else speaks English and everything runs a little more Indian (times, organization, communication). For the local Indians, you are just as exotic as India is for the traveler.
Climate
From October to March, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra experience a pleasant weather period, which is considered the best time to travel to these regions. During these months, mild temperatures and dry weather dominate the landscape.
Temperatures fall to moderate levels during this time, with warm days and cool nights. During the day, temperatures are usually between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius, while at night they can cool down to a pleasant 10 to 15 degrees Celsius. This mild weather creates ideal conditions for exploring the historical sites, national parks and cultural attractions of the regions
Suitable for
This trip is suitable for India connoisseurs and travelers who are looking for authentic India experiences and do not like to travel on the usual travel paths. Travelers with a particularly high interest in religion, spirituality and history, as well as flora and fauna, will get their money’s worth on this trip.
