Worldwide 2024-25

CENTRAL PLAINS • INDIA
Discover the Central Plains
Together Lucknow, Varanasi and Khajuraho
offer the diversity of experiences for which
India is known. Distinct in character, they
have been the backdrop to many significant
events, including the Indian mutiny in
Lucknow and Buddha’s first sermon near
Varanasi. The region is home to magnificent
historical sites including the Bibi-ka-
Maqbara tomb, splendid forts and palaces
at Mandu and Ahilya, holy cities such as
Ujjain as well as fabulous cave paintings.
To experience the country’s rich wildlife,
visit the state of Madhya Pradesh.
Experiences in
Central India
Varanasi
Aarti ceremony, Varanasi
Hindu centre of pilgrimage • Sacred Ganges
River • Evening Ganga aarti ceremony
Set on the banks of the sacred Ganges,
Varanasi is one of the oldest cities in the world
and the holiest of all for devout Hindus. It is
believed that bathing in the river will purge
all sins and, for many Hindus, Varanasi is
regarded as the place that provides salvation
and enlightenment. An early morning boat
ride or walk along the riverside ghats offers a
glimpse of the city’s spiritual significance, with
pilgrims performing their ablutions and other
rituals, funeral pyres blazing on the steps,
incense wafting through the air and music
chiming all around.
Indian roller, Bandhavgarh National Park
Lucknow
Asafi Imambara, Lucknow
Remnants of the Raj • Unique Indo-Persian
culture • Distinct cuisine with a fusion of styles
Rudyard Kipling said in his novel Kim that
“there is no city – except Bombay, the queen
of all – more beautiful in her garish style than
Lucknow”. The city rose to prominence during
the 1857 Indian mutiny, when it saw fierce
fighting between British and Indian forces.
The Raj era bequeathed Lucknow many fine
colonial monuments, including the former
Residency and La Martiniére College.
However, it was under the Muslim Nawabs
of Oudh (Awadh) in the 18th century that
Lucknow reached its apogee as a political and
cultural centre.
Bandhavgarh National Park
High density of tigers • 250 bird species
Bandhavgarh has one of the highest densities of
tigers in the country. Once the hunting preserve
of the maharajahs of Rewa, the reserve’s open
terrain features large grassland meadows,
which offer good chances of tiger sightings.
The park is home to a variety of other
mammals, including leopards, Indian bison,
hyenas and wild dogs. It is estimated that
250 bird species can be found here, including
migratory steppe eagles that arrive in winter.
Indian Rebellion tour, Lucknow
Lucknow played a significant part in
the Indian Rebellion that took place in
northern India in 1857. On a specialist
tour designed to develop an understanding
of the siege, explore the key sites and
follow the paths trodden by Sir Henry
Havelock, Sir James Outram and
Colin Campbell.
Musical culture of Varanasi
Visit Kabir Chaura, a neighbourhood
where the foundations of the Benaras
Gharana musical movement were laid.
Workshops showcase the multiple styles
of Banarasi music, different ragas, Indian
classical instruments and the musical
history of Varanasi including the birth of
Benaras Gharana.
Sleep under the stars in Pench
Emulate the farmers who slept under the
stars to protect their crops by spending
the night in a machaan (a four-poster bed
set on a platform). Lit by lanterns, you
can marvel at the overhead stars and
passing animals and birds in a truly unique
wilderness experience.
Gwalior Fort
The eighth-century Gwalior Fort was
described by the Mughal emperor Babur
as “the pearl in the necklace of the forts
of Hind”. Today, the splendour of
Gwalior lives on in the fort as well as in
the Jai Vilas Palace, featuring exquisitely
carved temples and resounding with the
ragas of Tansen – the renowned musician
whose tomb makes for a worthwhile visit.
For more information or to book, contact us on 020 3930 5073 or speak to your travel agent
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