Indore – Ujjain – Maheshwar – Mandu
OF CULTURE, HERITAGE & TEXTILES
IN THE HEARTLAND OF INDIA
4 NIGHTS/ 5 DAYS
15TH - 19TH MARCH, 2023
Indore – Ujjain – Maheshwar – Mandu OF CULTURE, HERITAGE & TEXTILES
IN THE HEARTLAND OF INDIA
4 NIGHTS/ 5 DAYS
15TH - 19TH MARCH, 2023
Overview
Indore – The city of Nawabs is the largest city of Madhya Pradesh
A trading hub between the Deccan and Delhi in the 16th century, the city of Indore was discovered by Rao Nandlal Chaudhary. Later, Rani Ahilya Bai Holkar, with her keen interest in education and planning, built this city in the state of Madhya Pradesh.
The city is ranked as “the cleanest city in India” for the sixth consecutive year and has reserved its place in the first 20 cities to be developed as smart cities in India. The big city image mixed culture vibe of Indore makes it a fabulous place to visit that also offers fantastic food.
Magnificent Maheswar
The glorious city of Maheshwar sits on the banks of the holy river Narmada and finds mentioned in the epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata. At the dawn of Indian civilization, it was known as Mahishmati, the capital of King Kartivarjun. This holy town was revived to its ancient position of importance by the Holkar queen Rani Ahilyabai of Indore. The town also holds the distinction of being the capital of Rajmata Ahilya Devi Holkar’s empire during the 18th century
Magical Mandu
Mandu is a celebration in stone, of life and joy, plus the love of poet-prince Baz Bahadur for his beautiful consort, Rani Roopmati. Perched along the Vindhya ranges at an altitude of 2,000 feet, Mandu has eclectic creations combining the charming assertion of the Afghan mode with the great cultural heritage of the Turkish people. Each of Mandu’s structures is an architectural gem, like the massive Jami Masjid and Hoshang Shah’s Tomb, which is believed to be the inspiration for the master builders of the Taj Mahal.
Maheswari Saree
A centre of handloom weaving since the 5th century, Maheshwar has been producing exquisite Maheshwari Sarees and Fabrics. Introduced almost 250 years ago by Rani Ahilyabai, these sarees are renowned throughout India for their unique weave. Found mostly in cotton, the typical Maheshwari sarees are available with a plain body or stripes and sometimes even with checks in several variations.
A few decades ago, the art of weaving a Maheshwari Saree was almost at its deathbed. However, it was revived by the current Scion of the Holkar family with a paltry grant from the Indian Central Welfare Boards in 1979. They started a weaving project involving the local women and called it the Rehwa Society.
Ancient City of Ujjain
Ujjain is one of those divine lands in Madhya Pradesh where you do not only feel solitude but also sink in the divinity that calms your soul. The holy city hosts one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, Simhastha (Kumbh Mela), which takes place once every 12 years on the banks of the Shipra River.
Also known as the temple town of Madhya Pradesh, this city is home to more than 100 temples and numerous pilgrimage sites of different eras. The list is endless when it comes to places to visit and things to do in Ujjain.
The biggest attraction of Ujjain is the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, where BhasmaAarti is a daily ritual that must not be missed.
Daily Schedule
- DAY 1 – ARRIVE INDORE & TRANSFER TO UJJAIN
- After arrival, stop for a quick breakfast and proceed for a Guided City Tour of Indore (in Innovas). On your 3 hrs city tour of Indore, witness some of the best historical and cultural attractions.
- Rajwada Palace- Rajwada is a historical palace, built by the Holkars of the Maratha Empire about two centuries ago. This seven-storied structure is located near the Chhatris and serves as a fine example of royal grandeur and architectural skills.
- Lal Bagh Palace- Lavish 19th-century palace of the Holkar dynasty, is a mix of Baroque, Rococo & Neoclassical styles.
- Kaanch Mandir – Visit Kaanch Mandir made entirely out of glass which exhibits exquisite artwork on glass panels depicting the various aspects of Jainism.
- Khajrana Ganesh Temple – This temple was built in 1735 by Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar of the Holkar dynasty, who retrieved the idol of God Ganesha from a well where it had been hidden, to keep it safe from the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. Drive to Ujjain Hotel (1 ½ hrs) for check-in and rest.
- Post Dinner, step out for Bhasamaarti at Mahakaleshwar Temple. For this we will need to queue up starting at 12:30am to witness an early morning Bhasamaarti (special arrangements have already been made).
- DAY 2 – UJJAIN LOCAL SIGHTSEEING
- After early morning Bhasamaarti return to the hotel at about 6-7 am. Breakfast and rest for a couple of hours before proceeding to visit other temples. (Dress code for Mahakaal Aarti and Darshan – Sari compulsory with petticoat and no sleeveless blouse).
- Later proceed to visit Mangal Nath Temple, Bhairon Nath Temple, Sandipani Ashram and Ramghat – the holy ghats of Shipra River.
- In the evening, we will visit Mahakaleshwar Temple again for Puja and Darshan and the newly opened Mahakal Lok Corridor.
- Back to the Hotel for Dinner and overnight stay at Ujjain.
- DAY 3 – INDORE – OMKARESHWAR – MAHESHWAR – MANDU
- After breakfast, we will checkout to proceed to Omkareshwar.
- After performing puja at Omkareshwar Temple (one of the 12 revered Jyotirlinga shrines of Shiva).
- Lunch on the way – we will enjoy some local delicacies.
- Drive to Maheshwar (City of Ahilyabai Holkar).
- Visit Shri Maheshwar Fort- Queen’s palace in Maheshwar is a splendid piece of architecture situated right on banks of Maa Narmada River, Ahilyabai Temple, Shri Rajrajeshri Temple and Maheshwari Textile Weaving workshop.
- Drive to Mandu, dinner and overnight at Hotel in Mandu.
- DAY 4 – MANDU SIGHTSEEING
- Start your day early to witness the spectacular sunrise. After breakfast, we will go sightseeing around Mandu (City of Joy). Each of Mandu’s structures is an architectural gem:
- Roopmati’s Pavilion The pavilion was originally built as an army observation post. From its hilltop perch, this graceful structure with its two pavilions was a retreat for the queen, from where she could see Baz Bahadur’s palace and the Narmada flowing through the Nimar plains far below.
- Jahaz Mahal This 120-meter long ‘Jahaz Mahal’ built between two artificial lakes, Munj Talao and Kapur Talao, is an imaginative two-storeyed elegant stone palace with open pavilions, overhanging balconies, water and open terraces.
- Hindola Mahal An audience hall, it derives the name of ‘swinging palace’ from its sloping sidewalls. Superb and innovative techniques are also evident in its ornamental facade, delicate trellis work in sandstone, and beautifully moulded columns.
- Ashrafi Mahal Built by Hoshang Shah’s successor, Mahmud Shah Khilji, this ‘palace of gold coins’, facing the Jami Masjid, was conceived as an academic institution (madrassa). In the same complex, he built a seven-storeyed tower to celebrate his victory over Rana Khumba of Mewar, of which only one storey has survived. Also, in ruins is the tomb which was intended to be the largest structure of Mandu but collapsed due to hasty and faulty construction.
- Baz Bahadur Palace Built by Baz Bahadur in the early 16th century, the palace’s unique features are its spacious courtyards surrounded by halls and high terraces with a breath-taking view of the surrounding countryside.
- Also visit Darwazas (Gateways), Hoshang Shah’s Tomb, Jami Masjid and Neel-Kanth Mahal. We end the day with the Sound and Light Show in the evening at Jahaz Mahal. Dinner and overnight in Mandu.
- DAY 5 – DEPARTURE
- Today after breakfast checkout from the Hotel and transfer to Indore.
- This morning we will indulge either in some Sightseeing or Retail Therapy.
- Transfer to Indore Airport for a late evening flight
- (NOTE: Dress code for Mahakaal Aarti and Darshan – Sari is compulsory with petticoat and blouses with sleeves.
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