Wind turbines on a ridge above patchwork green farmland
    India

    Carved India

    Best for

    History Buffs, Architecture Lovers

    Duration

    6 Nights / 7 Days

    Season

    October–March

    Difficulty

    Easy

    Vibe

    Heritage, Culture

    Beautiful landscape of a river gorge surrounded by lush greenery and a stone wall in GJ, India
    View of Orchha Fort in MP, India showcasing Mughal architecture through a decorative window
    A tiered sandstone fort palace with domed turrets glowing at dusk
    Intricately carved stone temple facade with rows of sculpted figures
    Large stone statue rising from a rocky island memorial in the sea

    Carved India

    6 Nights / 7 Days, 3 cities, From ₹38,600

    per person, twin sharing

    A Tibro Journey

    The three cities trace nine centuries of stone. Gwalior's fort, Orchha's cenotaphs on the Betwa, and Khajuraho, where every panel of the eleventh century is still readable if you know where to look.

    Gems of Madhya Pradesh (6 Nights). Off Season — a heritage journey through Gwalior, Orchha, Khajuraho. 6 nights / 7 days with private transport, hand-selected hotels, and a dedicated Tibro travel designer at every step.

    Signature Moments

    Three Mornings You'll Remember

    Ornately carved sandstone archway with tiled dome visible beyond

    No. 01

    Gwalior Fort

    One of India's most impregnable and historically rich forts.

    Orchha Ram Raja Temple, India

    No. 02

    Orchha Ram Raja Temple

    The only temple where Ram is worshipped as a king.

    Sandstone temple facade densely carved with figures and ornamental brackets

    No. 03

    Khajuraho Temples

    UNESCO World Heritage temples, masterpieces of medieval Indian art.

    Day by Day

    6 Nights / 7 Days, in order

    01
    Long fortified wall winding along a cliff edge in hazy morning light

    Day 1

    Arrive Gwalior & Half Day Sightseeing

    Pick up from Gwalior Airport/Railway Station and transfer to the Hotel. Check in to the Hotel. Later Proceed to visit Gwalior fort and Jai Vilas palace museum with Guide. Overnight stay at the Gwalior hotel. Gwalior Fort has existed at least since the 10th century, and the inscriptions and monuments found within what is now the fort campus indicate that it may have existed as early as the beginning of the 6th century. The present-day fort consists of a defensive structure and two main palaces, "Man Mandir" and Gujari Mahal, built by Tomar Rajput ruler Man Singh Tomar (reigned 1486–1516 CE), the latter one for his wife, Queen Mrignayani. The second oldest record of "zero" in the world was found in a small temple here in fort. Jai Vilas Palace was built in 1874 by Jayajirao Scindia, the Maharaja of Gwalior in the British Raj while the major part of the palace is now the "Jiwajirao Scindia Museum" which opened to the public in 1964, a part of it is still the residence Scindia family. The Palace is 124,771 square feet and it is known for its large Durbar Hall. The interior of the Durbar Hall is decorated with gilt and gold furnishings and adorned with a huge carpet and gigantic chandeliers.

    02
    Sightseeing Hidden Gems Around — Madhya Pradesh, India

    Day 2

    Sightseeing of Hidden Gems Around Gwalior

    After breakfast proceed for Morena. Visit Mitawali, Padavali and Bateshwar which are the beautiful set of heritage structures dating back to the 8th-10th century, during the Gurjara- Pratihara dynasties. Later back to Gwalior. Night stay in Gwalior. Chausath Yogini Temple. The temple is also known as Ekattarso Mahadeva Temple. It is believed that the temple was built by the Kachchhapaghata king Devapala in the 11th century. It is said that this temple was the inspiration behind the Parliament House. Padawali Fort: The Jat Ranas of Dhaulpur built the Padawali fort in the 18th century. The fort also has a temple that once served as a divine place to worship Lord Shiva. Through inscription and detailing of the architecture of the Padavali fort temple, it has something to convey about the ancient era. Bateshwar: It is a group of about 200 Hindu temples made of sandstone. The temples were built by the Gurjara kings in the Morena district of Madhya Pradesh between the 8th to 10th centuries. All the temples are mostly small and are spread over 25 acres of land. Temples are dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu, and Shakti – representing the three major traditions within Hinduism.

    03
    Gwalior Datia Jhansi Orchha — Madhya Pradesh, India

    Day 3

    Gwalior – Datia – Jhansi - Orchha

    Morning transfer to Orchha. En-route visit Datia Palace and Jhansi Fort. On reaching Orchha, check-in at hotel. Evening at leisure, or you can plan to take a walk around this small-town set around a river. Overight stay at Orchha. Datia Palace, also known as Bir Singh Palace or Bir Singh Dev Palace. The specialty of the palace is that it has 7 floors, and no member of the royal family lived in the palace. This Palace was made by spending 35 Lakh Rupees (78 thousand US dollars), and it took nine years to build it. It is situated on an isolated rock on the western side of the city Datia. It represents Mughal architecture along with Rajput architecture. Jhansi Fort The construction of the Jhansi fort is ascribed to the Bundela Rajput chief and the ruler of the kingdom of Orchha Veer Singh ji Deo Bundela in 1613. It is one of the strongholds of the Bundelas. The granite walls of the fort are between 16 and 20 feet thick and on the south side, the city walls meet. The south face of the fort is almost perpendicular. Nearby is the Rani Mahal, built in the later half of the 19th century where there is now an archaeological museum.

    04
    Aerial view of a sandstone fort palace with arched courtyards at sunset

    Day 4

    Orchha Full Day Sightseeing

    After Breakfast, proceed to visit Orchha Fort with a Guide - Jahangir Mahal, Raja Mahal, Sheesh mahal and Ram Raja Mandir. Evening Visit Light and Sound Show Orchha Fort. Night stay in Orchha. The Orchha Fort, which houses many ancient monuments consisting of the fort, palaces, temple, and other edifices. The fort was built following the founding of the Orchha State in 1501 AD by Rudra Pratap Singh (r. 1501–1531), a Bundela Rajput. The palaces and temples within the fort complex were built over a period by successive Maharajas of the Orchha State. Jahangir Mahal is a palace that was exclusively built by Bir Singh Deo in 1605 to humor the Mughal emperor Jahangir who was a guest of the Maharaja for one night only. The palace is built in four levels with architectural features of both Muslim and Rajput architecture. Its layout is a symmetrical square, built in the inner courtyard of the fort, and has eight large domes. It provides views of the temples and the Betwa River outside the fort complex. Raja Mahal: The Raja Mahal (King's Palace), where the kings and the queens had resided till it was abandoned in 1783,[6] was built in the early part of 16th century. Its exterior is simple and unembellished, but the interior chambers of the palace are elaborately royal in their architectural design, decorated with murals of social and religious themes of gods, mythical animals, and people. Sheesh Mahal: Sheesh Mahal is flanked on either side by the Raja Mahal and the Jahangir Mahal. This has royal accommodation, which was built for King Udait Singh. It has now been converted into a hotel. Ram Raja Temple: A part of Raja Mahal was converted into a temple and named Rama Raja Temple in honour of the god Rama. According to a local legend, the temple was built following Rani Ganeshkuwari, the queen getting a "dream visitation" by Lord Rama directing her to build a temple for Him. Following this, a new temple known as the Chaturbuj Temple was approved to be built, and the queen went to Ayodhya to obtain an image of Lord Rama that was to be enshrined in her new temple. In India this is the only temple where God Rama is worshiped as a king and that too in a palace. A Guard of Honour is held every day, police personnel have been designated as Guards at the temple, much in the manner of a king. Armed salutation is provided to God Ram every day.

    05
    Black and white view of Orchha's temple towers with an I love Orchha sign

    Day 5

    Orchha to Khajuraho

    Morning Proceed to Khajuraho. Check in to the Hotel. Later Proceed to visit Western and Eastern groups of Temple (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Later visit Raneh fall and Ken Gariyal century. Evening visit Light and Sound show. Overnight stay at Khajuraho Hotel. The Western and Eastern Groups of Temple: The temples at Khajuraho were built during the Chandella dynasty, which reached its apogee between 950 and 1050. Only about 20 temples remain; they fall into three distinct groups and belong to two different religions – Hinduism and Jainism. They strike a perfect balance between architecture and sculpture. The Temple of Kandariya is decorated with a profusion of sculptures that are among the greatest masterpieces of Indian art. The temple site is within Vindhya Mountain range in central India. The temple complex reflects the ancient Hindu tradition of building temple. Raneh Fall & Ken Gharial Sanctuary: The Ken Gharial Sanctuary is located at the confluence of the Ken and Khudar rivers further down from Reneh Falls. The Ken River here runs through a narrow gorge of igneous rocks rich in Granite and Dolomite. Sanctuary was established for the conservation of gharial and mugger crocodile populations in 1981.

    06
    Single sandstone temple spire with carved figures around its doorway

    Day 6

    Khajuraho – Panna Safari – Khajuraho

    After breakfast, proceed for Panna Safari. 02:00 PM Afternoon Jeep Safari at Panna National Park by Exclusive Gypsy. Later back to Khajuraho. Night stay in Khajuraho. Panna National Park was declared as one of the Tiger reserves of India in 1994/95 and placed under the protection of Project Tiger. The forests of Panna National Park along with Ken Gharial Sanctuary and adjoining territorial divisions form a significant part of the catchment area of the 406 km Ken River, which runs northeast for about 72 km through the park. Panna National Park and the surrounding forest area of North and South Panna Forest division is the only large chunk of wildlife habitat remaining in northern Madhya Pradesh. The reserve provides significant habitat for the Bengal tiger. Other resident animals in the reserve include the caracal or siyah gosh and the jungle cat. Over 280 species of birds have been recorded, including the Indian paradise flycatcher. Afternoon Safari Drives Will Not Be Conducted On Wednesdays

    07
    Khajuraho — Madhya Pradesh, India

    Day 7

    Khajuraho – Departure

    After breakfast you will proceed to Khajuraho Airport / Railway station for your onward Journey.

    Where You'll Stay

    Hand-Picked Hotels

    A stunning banyan tree in a tranquil park setting in Gwalior, India

    Gwalior

    Tansen Residency

    Capture of the iconic Raja Mahal showcasing Rajput architecture in Orchha, India at sunset

    Orchha

    Betwa Retreat

    A stone temple with a tall curved spire set against a pale sky

    Khajuraho

    Payal

    Honestly

    Things most travel sites won't tell you.

    On-the-ground details your designer wishes every guest knew before they landed.

    Things to Look Out For

    field notes
    1

    India is not one country, climate-wise

    Rajasthan in February reads dry-cold; Kerala in February reads humid-warm; Sikkim in February might be under snow. Pack for the specific itinerary, not 'India in general'. Tibro's per-state tours are tuned to one climate at a time. Don't try to chain three of them back-to-back.

    2

    Tipping is structured, not arbitrary

    Driver tips at ₹500-1000 per day, guide tips at ₹500-1000 per half-day, hotel housekeeping ₹100 per day, restaurant 10% on top of any service charge already listed. Hand the driver/guide an envelope on the last day rather than tipping daily. It is more dignified for them.

    3

    Tap water and ice are a real consideration

    Every Tibro-tier hotel provides sealed bottled water in the room daily. Use it for brushing your teeth too. At restaurants, ask for "sealed bottled water" specifically. Some places will pour from a filtered jug, which is fine in some kitchens and not in others. Ice is the hidden trap; ask for "no ice" with cold drinks unless the hotel makes its own.

    The Details

    What's Included

    Included

    • Accommodation in well-appointed rooms on as per hotel selected
    • All transfers and sightseeing as per the itinerary by an exclusive AC Car
    • Daily Breakfast in the comfort of the Hotel
    • Pick up from Gwalior and Drop to Khajuraho
    • Driver Allowance, Toll, State Taxes, Parking

    Not Included

    • Any airfare
    • Any Kind of Personal Expenses or Optional Tours / Extra Meals Ordered
    • Festive surcharges & mandatory gala dinner on Christmas, new year eve

    Plan Your Timing

    When to Go

    Central India is an October-to-March destination. The Khajuraho temples, the Gwalior and Orchha forts and the Mandu plateau are all unshaded, which makes the summer months punishing rather than merely uncomfortable. The monsoon runs July to September.

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    ₹₹₹Peak pricing₹₹ShoulderLow season

    The tiger reserves close through the monsoon and reopen in October. Sightings are best in the hot months just before they shut, which is the trade every wildlife itinerary here has to make. Off-season departures trade some of the weather for materially lower hotel rates than the peak window.

    Your Memoir

    Here's how you'll remember it.

    Aerial view of a hilltop fort surrounded by lush greenery, capturing serene landscapes

    Day 1. Gwalior Fort wall at six

    Day1
    ✦ Memoir

    The fort wall at Gwalior is two kilometres long and the south face catches the last sun. We sat on the parapet near the Man Singh palace and the guide pointed out the small turquoise tiles. Original to the fifteenth century. And how the local birds nest in them now.

    Gwalior01
    Black and white view of layered temple towers against an overcast sky

    Day 3. Orchha cenotaphs at dawn

    Day3
    ✦ Memoir

    The chhatris at Orchha are best at six. Fifteen sandstone cenotaphs in a row along the Betwa, mist coming off the water, kingfishers on the bank. There was a sadhu doing his morning ritual on the steps and we kept our distance, the way you do.

    Orchha02
    Scenic view of misty hills and forest in northern India. Perfect for nature lovers

    Day 4. Ram Raja temple, the evening aarti

    Day4
    ✦ Memoir

    The Ram Raja temple in Orchha is the only one in India where Ram is worshipped as a king. The evening aarti gets crowded. Local families, sadhus, three small boys ringing the bell at the back. The brass lamps swing and the priest hands you prasad you can taste an hour later.

    Orchha03
    A serene rural landscape in Deeg, Uttar Pradesh, India with fields and power lines

    Day 5. Khajuraho western group, panel by panel

    Day5
    ✦ Memoir

    The western group at Khajuraho needs three hours and a patient guide. Ours read the panels like a book. Celestial musicians, hunting scenes, the famous ones. Explaining the iconography panel by panel. The carvings haven't been touched since 1050. The light came through the latticework like it always has.

    Khajuraho04

    Vol. 9, A Tibro memoir, printed on archival paper, shipped after you return.

    Wind turbines on a ridge above patchwork green farmland

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