Central India
Central India is simply the heart of the country, a soft and mystical land peppered with ancient temples and majestic forts, whose forests and jungle teem with wildlife and punctuated by some of her most vibrant and historical cities.
Although one of the least explored regions of the country, Central India has a huge amount to offer the modern traveller. Jumping off the busier tourist trails of Rajasthan and the Ganges River plain, here you will find many stunning historical monuments, a plethora of national parks and a rural life-style that will take you back to the Kipling-esque India of our childhood.
If its tigers you're looking for, in Kanha, Pench and Bhandavgarh you'll find the best parks in the country. If you're interest lies in medieval castles and forts you'll find non better than at Gwalior, Mandu and Sarnath. And if it's ancient temples that excite you, at Hampi, Ujjain and Khajuraho you'll discover some of the finest complexes in the world. In Goa you have one of the most iconic beach resorts on earth.
And in Mumbai and Hyderabad old and modern India collide in an orgy of colourful chaos.
And surrounding it all lies rural India, the world we at Wild Frontiers love. We believe its time to step off the well-worn tourist trails and head into the heart of India, to witness firsthand the life that the vast majority of Indians live. In these lesser-travelled areas there is a richness of life that, in terms of memorable experiences, is guaranteed to rival the opulence of Golden Triangle.
Central India does generally require a bit more 'work' than tourist-friendly Rajasthan. But the work will be worth it as you get to witness the real India, away from the madding crowds.
And if you'd like to read more about Mumbai's extraordinary Dhavaria Slums, and an ethically sensitive way to tour them, please follow the link.
How to book a trip
What to do in Central India
Enjoy sunset on a Goan beach
Goa
Goa has a reputation for parties, hippy living, and the psychedelic dreams of generations of pleasure seekers. But peace and solitude is what this equally relaxed tropical paradise offers, with delicious seafood food, local wine and a chance to plant bare feet firmly in Goa's warm sands, and whispering surf. After a day's swimming, walking and shopping from one of the many entertaining beach traders, just stop and enjoy the fiery glory of a triumphant Indian sunset rising above the mellowing waters of the Arabian Sea.
Explore the ruins of Hampi
Hampi
Perfect Jungle Book territory, Hampi's spectacular ruins, decorated with the finest carvings, are associated with Kishkinda, the fabled monkey kingdom in the Ramayana. Early settlements here date to the 1st Century AD, but by 1300 Hampi was a stronghold of the Vijayanagara Empire, protected by the Tungabhadra River and easily defended surrounding hills. With rare architectural gems like the 'musical pillared' Vithala Temple, the Virupaksha Temple, the Hampi Bazaar and the Monolith Bull, spread out across 26 square kilometres of evocative Indian plains, Hampi is an unmissable explorer's dream.
Track Tigers in Madhya Pradesh
Bandhavgarh National Park
The days of Tiger hunting are thankfully gone, but you can still experience the rare thrill of a photographic chase, in the true 'Kipling Country' of Madhya Pradesh. On foot, in jeeps or even on the back of a majestic elephant, you're safe to follow in the paw pads of the world's most magnificent animal, the wild tigers that roam India's most magnificent national parks. A quintessential travel experience, these safaris take you through some of the region's most beautiful scenery, offering an opportunity to glimpse any other animals and some 175 species of Indian bird. Deep in the jungles of Madhya Pradesh, with a touch of that old Maharajah spirit, you can turn a new page in this living Jungle Book.
Shop in the City of Pearls
Hyderabad
Though now a gaudy fusion of ancient and hyper-modern, the once richest city in India, so-called City of Pearls, is famous for its bustling bazaars. A shopping trip through the labyrinth of jewellers shops, bangle merchants, sari sellers, spice traders, and dealers specialising in Nirmal and Kalamakari paintings, is such a riot of life and colour, it feels like walking straight into a film set. Still largely beyond the tourists trails, this is one of India's most lively and fascinating urban centres and for any Indiaphile is well worth a visit.
Stay at the world’s most lavish heritage hotel
Hyderabad
Perched on a hill above the old town, the Falaknuma Palace has to be the most extraordinary place you will have ever stayed. Designed by British architect, William Merritt, built in striking Louie XIV style between 1884 and 1893, the 120 room building was the sixth nizam’s favourite pleasure dome, housing is harem and place he came to party. It fell derelict after the war, only to be rejuvenated by the Taj Group of hotels who, with the help of the former princess, have managed in our opinion to turn it into the most spectacular heritage hotel in the world. When you arrive, probably tired after a long journey, you will be taken by horse drawn carriage up the hill to the palace, where you will be escorted like two heads of state from some bygone era into the palace’s luxurious halls. The palace has libraries, Japanese drawing rooms, a snooker room and bar, a vast marble staircase, and a dining room with the longest table in the world – it seats 101 for dinner! One of the problems of coming to Hyderabad was the rather corporate style accommodation... not any longer; this hotel is worth coming to just for itself. (Please see ‘Where to stay’ section for more info)
Explore Hyderabad
Hyderabad
With the help of one the country’s best guides enjoy a day out and about in this impressive historical metropolis. After breakfast your guide meet you at your hotel, first explain the history and geography of the city, filling you in on how the nizams accrued such wealth, before taking you off on an in-depth tour. You will visit the weavers of the region, famed for their unique stitch, followed by a visit to the Golconda Fort. From here you will visit the sixth nizam’s palace, Chowmahalla, where you’ll take local chai, before continuing on to a family home to enjoy a home-cooked lunch of the town’s famous biriyani. In the afternoon you’ll visit the Char Minar, the Makka Majid and explore the old bazaar where you will meet bangle makers and sari embroiderers. You might also like to add some white mogul sites to your tour, with visits to some of the old British mansions. Hyderabad is a fascinating city, offering history at every corner. With the help of our wonderful guide, you’ll have a day to remember.
Enjoy a dawn walk in Satpura National Park
Bhopal
Although definitely not the place to come if ‘bagging’ a tiger is your raison d’etre, Satpura National Park is a glorious place to visit, offering a magical, off-beat wilderness experience, without the madding crowds. And the best way to see it is to take a dawn walk through the jungle. With the sun sliding up from behind the Pachmarhi Hills, cross the Denwa River and strick off into the jungle. The early morning light dances through the foliage. Crystal dew hangs like jewels on the intricate cobwebs that stretched between the trees. Out of the corner of your eye you’ll catch langaur monkeys flit between the shadows. You’ll hear the breaking of twigs, of leaves rustling; the bark of a samba deer, alerting others to your presence. High above, a giant squirrel will scurry along a branch. This is India of the storybooks, of your childhood imagination; this is an India as old as the hills that surround you and the rock art painted on them.
Enjoy a heritage walk to Bhopal
Bhopal
By using an expert local guide it is possible to take an early morning tour of Bhopal’s many historical sites. Echoing the mogul magnificence of Lahore, Peshawar and old Delhi the streets of the old town are a colourful labyrinth of narrow alleys and noisy bazaars, spectacular mosques and exquisite palaces – albeit in a shocking state of repair – and nowhere was this more in evidence than the extraordinary Taj Mahal. With your guide procure the keys from the nazwar seller on the right of the entrance and walk into one of the most amazing buildings you’ll have ever seen. A palace built in the 19th century, it is now so dilapidated that the town council wanted to pull it down. You will also be able to visit various other palaces and mosques, including the towering Taj-ul-Majid, its reflection shimmering in the adjacent lake. En route grab a fresh pomegranate juice from one of the many sellers!
Explore Pachmarhi
Bhopal
Situated more than a thousand meters above the plains, in the heart of the Satpura Range, this pretty Victorian hill station was founded by Captain James Forsyth in 1857. It is home to one of the finest colonial churches in the country, made of sandstone and terracotta tiles with a tall spire and exquisite stain glass windows, and a number of elegant British mansions, some of which have been turned into small local guesthouses. There are plenty of local attractions in the form of five caves – from which the town takes its name – a number of spectacular waterfalls and mountain views and some interesting troglodyte temples. But the best thing to do here is get out of town, into the hills with your guide and go on a day trek into the jungle. By doing so you can visit some more remote cave paintings, the jungle villages of the Adavasi tribal people and of distant hilltop temple.
Explore Palaeolithic Caves
Bhopal
Although the civilisation of the Indian subcontinent often carries you back a very long way, it’s not often it takes you to Palaeolithic times. But the extraordinary maze of rocks that make up Bhembetka, itself a UNESCO World Heritage Site, does just that, as cave after cave offer up a staggering array of rock art varying in age from some 12,000BC to 300AD. One of our favourites was from the Neolithic period (between 5,000 and 2,500BC), as it showed people dancing to a drummer in the exact same style as the Kalash in Northern Pakistan – a favourite WF haunt. Other scenes show hunters, people riding horses and elephants, using bows and arrows. But apart from the cave paints the place itself is immensely captivating, and wandering through the semi enclosed tunnels, or standing on the high rocks looking out over the plains below, it’s not hard to let your imagination carry you back to a very different time.
How to book a trip
Where to stay in Central India
Leela Resort
Goa
With 75 acres of land on the sparkling coast of Southern Goa, the 5* star Leela Kempinski Resort is a haven of rest and...
Ahilya Fort
Maheshwar
A gorgeous property, this boutique, heritage hotel makes for a charming escape. Dining is a movable feast, either...
Gordon House Hotel Mumbai
Mumbai
Originally owned by Arthur Gordon, an early-20th-century trader who made his fortune in Bombay, and now the pride of...
Oberoi Mumbai
Mumbai
The Oberoi, Mumbai is situated in the heart of the city's business, financial and entertainment districts. Located on...
Taj Mahal Palace & Tower
Mumbai
Built in 1903, this large, landmark hotel is an architectural marvel bringing together Moorish, Oriental and Florentine...
Taj Residency
Aurangabad
This palace-styled hotel set amidst five acres of landscaped gardens offers spacious comfort and rich warm, hospitable...
Reni Pani Jungle Lodge
Satpura National Park
This is a wonderful property, situated in a picturesque location among deep forest on the fringes of the park, is owned...
Tiracol Fort
Goa
Once an armed Portuguese fort, Tiracol fort is now a luxurious heritage hotel with panoramic views of the Arabian Sea....
Le Sutra
Mumbai
The first Indian Art Hotel, Le Sutra was created by a group of artists and architects looking to create a unique...
Siolim House
Goa
This elegant seven-bedroom boutique hotel in north Goa's quiet town of Siolim was once a Portuguese palace.Now, the...
Taj Falaknuma Palace
Hyderabad
Retrace the steps of Nizams and European royalty by walking the walk of Kings through this palace in the sky. 2000 feet...
Bandhavgarh Jungle Lodge
Bandhavgarh National Park
With a prime location, 5 minutes from the park gates, this is a good mid level option. The food and ambience are...
Forsyth Lodge, Satpura
Satpura National Park
This wonderfully stylish and atmospheric new lodge at the recently opened Satpura National Park lies just few minutes...
Aashyana Lakhanpal
Goa
Aashyana Lakhanpal is a combination of villa and three casinhas situated right on the beach in Candolim, North Goa and...
Shergarh Tented Camp
Kanha National Park
With just six tents, all of which recently went through a complete transformation and upgrade, Shergarh is a wonderful...
Kanha Jungle Lodge
Kanha National Park
The sister property to Bandhavgarh Jungle lodge, this has a similar low key feel, but the property is undoubtedly made...
The Madhuvan International
Bijapur
Probably the best option in town, this hotel is situated on a quiet back street just off the main drag and has an...
The Ivy Suites
Bhopal
If you like your accommodation a little more personal, the Ivy Suites offer a very good alternative. Situated in a...
Badami Court
Badami
One of only two suitable hotels in Badami (although a third, much better one, is apparently being built for the later...
The Satpura Retreat
Pachmarhi
Another six room establishment, up on a hill close to the centre of town, this former British bungalow sits in a pretty...
Rock End Manor
Pachmarhi
Built in 1918 by a British administrator, for the right clients this attractive colonial cottage is a lovely place to...
Taj Krishna
Hyderabad
A classic Taj property, situated in the modern centre, it comprises of 260 rooms arranged in six categories.As...
Shashinag Residency
Bijapur
Situated about 8ks from town, on the main highway between Pune and Bangalore, this is often considered the best place...
Noor-Us-Sabah Palace
Bhopal
This Welcome Heritage property is another of Bhopal's converted palace, that sits on a hill slightly out of the centre...
Jehan Numa
Bhopal
Built in 1890 by the Nawab's second son, Obaidullah Khan, commander-in-chief of the Bhopal state forces, this former...
Grand Kakatiya
Hyderabad
Another of the city's commercial 5 star hotels, situated in the heart of the modern centre, it comprises 165 rooms,...
The Glen View
Pachmarhi
Glen View Another government owned guesthouse, the Glen View is situated in the centre of Pachmarhi. Comprising an old...
The Pearl Hotel
Bijapur
Situated on the town’s main drag, this is a typical small town sub-continent hotel with zero charm but a...
The Golf View
Pachmarhi
If you like your accommodation to be a little more modern with bathrooms from the 21st century, not the 19th, then this...
Badami Heritage
Badami
Situated a 100 yards, closer to town, this place certainly gets our vote. Sure it's a veg only place and officially...
How to book a trip
Suggested Itineraries
How to book a trip
Central India Travel Guide
Bandhavgarh National Park
If you stick a pin into the centre of a map of India, you’re likely to hit Madhya Pradesh, home to the world-famous Bandhavgarh National Park. Undoubtedly the best place to spot tigers in India, Bendhavgarh is a 4 hour drive from Jabalpur airport, and well worth the journey. Sloth bear, sambar, spotted deer and panther are among the other wildlife roaming the hilly woodlands here: this is real Indian wilderness.
Mumbai
Bombay is the capital of Maharashtra and the economic powerhouse of India (the last population count was over 15 million). The fastest moving, most affluent and most industrialised city in India, it is also home to the busiest international airport and seaport, handling nearly 50% of the total foreign trade. It is the stronghold of Indian free enterprise and a major manufacturing centre for everything from cars and bicycles to pharmaceuticals and petrochemicals. It is also, of course, the centre of the world’s biggest film industry. On your brief stay in Bombay there are many things to see including the Mahatma Ghandi museum, The Gateway to India, the Hanging Gardens, the Jain Temple and Haji Ali’s Tomb.
Goa
The famous Indian state of Goa is a small, laid-back, slow-paced, sand-lined patch of land creased by seven rivers which empty into the Arabian Sea. In its busy areas, wooden shacks selling everything from curries to snorkels, sun cream and fiery cashew-palm liquor line the sands, and at night colourful local bars fill up for happy hour. In contrast, bright green paddy fields cover the peaceful rural areas, and churches and temples dot both landscapes.
Gwalior
Founded in 8th century AD, Gwalior has been ruled by a succession of Rajput, Mughal,, Afghan and Maratha kings. The city is just a few hours from Agra by train or road, and is famous for its old and very large fort that towers over the city. Within the fort walls are Jain sculptures, several interesting Jain and Hindu temples and some ruined palaces.
Khajuraho
Khajuraho is a small, one-street town that really exists to provide service for those coming to visit the stunning sets of temples that exist in the area. In northern Madhya Pradesh it was the town's initial isolation that allowed the temple to remain so intact from wars and violators. These amazing temples -some of the best in all Asia, with their depictions of the Kama Sutra were built by the Chandela Dynasty between AD 950 to 1050 but then were abandoned and fell into ruin until rediscovered by the Brits in 1838. These three groups of temple (southern, eastern and western) are now all World heritage listed and are truly fascinating.
Kanha National Park
One of the inspirations for Rudyard Kipling’s Jungle Book, Kanha National Park is one of India’s famous ‘Project Tiger’ reserves. Covering some 940 square kilometres, it is Central India’s largest preserve and is home to a significant population of Bengal tigers. A rich mix of lush sal and bamboo forests, the park provides a haven for leopards, sloth bear, Indian wild dog and the only species of swamp deer in India. It also boasts over 600 species of flowering plants and a bird population that includes kingfishers, spotted parakeets and rollers.
Maheshwar
Maheshwar is a town of great antiquity, situated on the banks of the sacred Narmada River, in the Khargone district of the Indian State of Madhya Pradesh. The history of Maheshwar goes back some 4000 years, making Maheshwar of the same antiquity as the Indus Valley civilization. In classical Indian History, Maheshwar was known as Mahishmati, and is mentioned in the Vedas and later in Kautilya's Arthashastra. The city came under Akbar's rule in 1601, who built the present fort. In 1741, the Mughal rule came to an end, and in 1766, Maharani Ahilya Bai, the queen of the Holkar dynasty, made Maheshwar her capital. She ruled from Maheshwar for over 30 years, and was famous throughout India. Ahilya Bai is known and revered throughout India for her work in rebuilding many important Hindu temples which were destroyed during the reign of the Mughal emperor, Aurangzeb.Textile handicraft in Maheshwar: Maheshwar is the home of one of India's finest handloom fabric traditions. Rehwa Society is an NGO founded by the Holkars in 1978 to give women employment and revive the town's textiles. 130 weavers today produce over 100,000 metres of fine fabrics a year. The weaving centre is located in one of Maheshwar's historic buildings. Rehwa Society also provides a free school for weavers' children and runs a low-cost health scheme.
Orchha
Orchha is a wonderfully laid back little town that converges at the market near the River Betwa. The tranquil air is perfect for ambling around the town at your leisure, there are a number of restaurants and you can go the temple in the evening in the town square to see the evening prayer. Orchha was the capital of the Bundela rajas from the 16th century and has a plethora of amazing temples to investigate and there are also Ghats along the riverbank where locals bathe where you may also meander. However, it is the 17th century palaces that have put Orchha on the tourist trail -the Jehangir Mahal, Raj Mahal and Paj Praveen Mahal are wonderful examples of Islamic architecture with Hindu influences.
Satpura National Park
Cradled amongst the Satpura Ranges, the Satpura National Park protects a unique section of the Central Indian Highlands. Set up in 1981 it encompasses a rugged area of sandstone peaks, deep valleys and waterfalls that provide a rich haven for over 1300 species of plants, forests of sal and teak and over 250 species of birds. Home to tiger, wild dogs, serpent eagles and pangolins, it also provides a chance to enjoy ancient Shiva temples, Buddhist caves and some quite breathtaking natural scenery at Pachmarhi and Tamiya.
Bhubaneswar
At dusk, the skyline of Bhubaneswar is dominated by silhouettes of its many ancient temples and shrines. The main religious base, and capital of the eastern state of Orissa, Bhubaneswar’s history spans over two millennia. Here you can see monasterial chambers carved into caves, natural sulphur springs, stone elephants and yogini shrines which are open to the sky. A city truly rich in culture and history.
Pench Tiger Reserve
Lying amongst the lower slopes of the Satpura Hills, Pench National Park is one of India’s ‘Project Tiger’ reserves. Covering nearly 760 square kilometres, the park is home to over 200 species of birds and some 39 species of mammals, including wild dogs, sloth bear, gaur and, of course, tigers. A mix of deciduous forest, shrubs and rare herbs and grasses, the area was declared a wildlife sanctuary back in 1983 and today is the 19th tiger reserve in the county.
Kanker
Picturesquely located on the banks of the River Dudh, Kanker once lay at the heart of the Chandravansh dynasty. Set amidst the dense forested landscapes of Central India, the town is a colourful collection of markets and elegantly clad locals and is filled with monuments to its 19th and early 20th century past. The nearby hill of Qila Dongri overshadows the town and a climb to its summit provides visitors with a historic temple and some wonderful views across the town and the surrounding countryside.
Puri
Situated in the eastern part of Orissa, Puri is one of the four holy dhams of Hinduism. Revered as the hallowed seat of lord Jagannath, it lies besides the white beaches of the Bay of Bengal and draws pilgrims from all over India to its famous 12th century temple. Towering 65 metres high, the Temple of Jagannath is one of the country’s most sacred monuments and lies at the centre of the annual Ratha Yatra Festival that is held around July each year. Puri can also boast one of the best swimming beaches in India.
Raipur
One of India’s richest cities and home to the largest iron market in the country, Raipur is the capital of Chhattisgarh State. Located along the fertile plains that lie encircled between the Mahanadi River, the Maikal Hills and the forest of the Baster Plateau, the city once served as the capital of the Haihaya kings. A major commercial centre these days, Raipur can trace its heritage back over a thousand years and its 15th century fort contains a number of temples including the famous Bhawani Ka Mandir, built on the site of the city’s oldest shrine.
Hampi
The medieval capital of the Hindu empire, Hampi is home to fabulous ancient ruins which attract thousands of pilgrims every year. In the northern part of the Karnataka state on the banks of the Tungabhadra river, a walk around Hampi will show you mile after mile of significant ancient ruins, including huge stone statues of Hindu gods, ancient market streets, royal pavilions and towering monuments. It’s easy to see why it is now protected by UNESCO.
Hyderabad
India’s fifth largest metropolis, Hyderabad is a city of monuments, arts and crafts, culture, temples and dance. Most of the city has now been modernised, with rows of glass-fronted shops and offices, but look beyond this new exterior and you’ll find 400 year-old forts, mosques with towering minarets, ancient tombs and opulent palaces.
Ajanta Caves
Nestling in an inner fold of the Sahyardi hills, 100km from Aurangabad in the shape of a mammoth horseshoe, are the 30 rock-hewn caves of Ajanta. The Caves date from the 2nd century BC. Discovered in 1819 by a group of British army officers, these masterpieces of religious art took around 600 years to create. Carved with little more than a hammer and chisel, Ajanta - once the retreat of Buddhist monastic orders - features several 'chaityas' (chapels) and 'viharas' (monasteries).
Ellora Caves
Impressive in their own right are the rock-hewn temples and monasteries of Ellora that lie just 30km away from Aurangabad city. In all, there are 34 cave temples, 12 Mahayana Buddhist caves (550-750 AD), 17 Hindu caves (600-875 AD) and 5 caves of the Jain faith (800-1000 AD). 22 more caves, dedicated to Lord Shiva, were recently discovered. Kailas Temple (cave 16), the central attraction at Ellora, is the most remarkable.
Jhansi
One of the most important cities in Uttar Pradesh, Jhansi is home to a wealth of historic and cultural attractions, including the Rani Mahal and the spectacular 17th century fort of Queen Lakshmi Bei, the scourge of the British Raj. The setting for the infamous Sepoy Indian mutiny of 1857, the hilltop fort was central to the resistance against British rule during the 19th century and today its 10 giant gates protect a rich cache of fine sculptures and temples.
Kawardha
Located just to the south east of Kanha National Park, amongst the scenic grandeur of the Maikal Hills, Kawardha lies within the tribal homelands of the Gond and Baiga and is famed for its natural beauty and cultural heritage. Offering easy access to the famous 11th century Shiva Bhoramdeo Temples (renowned for their exquisite stone carvings), the town is also close to the tranquil setting of Saroda reservoir and the rich animal preserves of the Sahaspur Wildlife Sanctuary.
Mandu
Enjoying a wonderful mix of Hindu, Afghan and Mogul heritage, the hilltop city of Mandu sprawls across 13 kilometres of the beautiful Vindhya Hills in southern Madhya Pradesh. Believed to date back to the 6th century, this hidden cultural gem rose to prominence during the 14th and 15th centuries, when it became the capital of the Muslim Malwa kingdom. At its peak its 37 kilometre walls encircled lakes, marble palaces and golden temples and today its abandoned remains share the plateau with locals tribes and a patchwork of cultivated farmland.
Ujjain
One of the seven sacred cities of the Hindus, Ujjain has lain at the heart of religious devotion in India for more than two millennia. Mentioned in the ancient Hindu texts of the Atharva Veda, the town also had a flourishing Buddhist community here back in the 4th century and was once a major centre for astronomy. Major attractions around the town include the Mahakal Temple (one of the twelve Jyotirlingas), the Temple of Chintaman Ganesh (dedicated to the Lord Ganesha) and the Sri Sri Radha Madan Mohan Temple, which belongs to the Hare Krishna Movement.
Bijapur
In the 16th and 17th Century the capital city of Bijapur occupied a prominent place among the celebrated cities of India while reined by the Adil Shahi kings. Its rise to prominence though started when Sultan Ali Adil Shah ascended to power in 1558. His victory in the battle of Talikota in 1565 and then subsequent campaigns brought enormous wealth to the city. Under his reign he spent lavishly on its decoration and every year a new building or structure was constructed. His successor added the ‘icing on the cake’ with the Ibrahim Rouza and then Mohammad Adil Shah crowned the city with the Gol Gumbaz. Aside these two monuments, Bijapur has hidden amongst its unassuming appearance a number of other historical structures dating back hundreds of years.
Pachmarhi
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Badami
Once a royal capital of the Chalukyas, Badami is now a sleepy village in Bagalkot district of Karnataka. Lying in a valley at the base of a furrowed, ochre sandstone cliff that rings Agastya lake, the village is home to some of the best preserved rock carved caves and temples on the subcontinent. The ancient Chalukyas of Badami are accredited with some of the best customs of Dravidian architecture admitting an observational fuse of older South Indian temple construction and ornamentation and the Nagara mode of North India. This beautiful blend of south and north passed on into the Dravidian temple building pattern. As a result it is the site of the 6th-7th century Brahmanical and Jain cave temples, which are carved out of solid rock with elaborate interior decorations that speak volumes of art and architecture of that period.
Bhopal
Mention the name Bhopal and most will immediately think disaster. It was here, in December 1984, that one of the world’s worst industrial catastrophes took place as the American-owned, Union Carbide factory spewed toxic gas into the air, killing (depending on who you talk to) between 15,000 and 30,000 people. Although the health and legal ramifications have dragged on for years, finally, after almost three decades, the wounds of that terrible night are beginning to heal, leaving Bhopal an interesting and pleasant place to visit and from which to explore. The city itself is a pretty place, built around green hills and dramatic lakes and is home to some of central India’s most beautiful architecture. Echoing Lahore, Peshawar and old Delhi the streets of the old town are a colourful labyrinth of narrow streets and noisy bazaars, spectacular mosques and exquisite palaces – albeit in a shocking state of repair. Using Bhopal as a base it is also possible to visit the UNESCO world heritage sites of Sanchi and Bhembetka and a good location from which to reach Satpura and Pench National Parks.
How to book a trip
Central India Travel Information
Visa Information
UK Passport holders require a visa to visit India.
Your passport must be valid for at least six months after the end of your trip, and it must have at least one blank page for each visa required. Please ensure the passport details we hold for you are correct.
Please note it is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct visa documentation when starting your trip. Country entry regulations can alter daily and it is always best to check with the relevant embassies for any changes.
The Indian visa can be obtained online either through VF Services (UK) LTD at http://in.vfsglobal.co.uk or through a visa service company such as:
Travcour (UK)
Tempo House
15 Falcon Road
Battersea
London SW11 2PJ
Tel: 020 7223 5295
Fax: 020 7738 2617
Email: info@travcour.com
Website: www.travcour.com
The visa application process is outsourced by the Embassy to VF Services, and it is strongly recommended that you complete the visa application online where you will have the option of sending your passport by post, or arranging an appointment. Please read the instructions on the homepage carefully before following the quick links on the right-hand side to the online visa application form.
Please record the reference number you are given. After completing your application you will be given the option to print the application form (if using Travcour) or pay online and print after.
You will also need:
• Your passport
• One printed application form
• Correct fee (or receipt)
• Two 50mm x 50mm sized photographs on white background
If you are travelling on a non-UK passport, please contact your nearest consulate/embassy for up to date visa information.
Insurance:
Insurance that provides cover for emergency repatriation in case of a medical emergency is compulsory for all tours.
You should be aware that many standard insurance policies may not cover you adequately for all aspects of a Wild Frontiers trip and so we strongly recommend that you purchase a suitably designed insurance policy.
One such policy is the "Wild Frontiers" policy underwritten by Ace European Group Limited (ACE " firm reference 202803), which is available to EU residents (which excludes Norway & Switzerland) through our website or via the insurance company direct on 0845 345 3456. Under this policy there are two different levels of cover available.
Standard policy: a comprehensive travel insurance policy that provides cover for all Wild Frontiers activities, including trekking up to 6,000m. This policy does not provide cover for travel to areas where the FCO is advising against all or all but essential travel.
Elite policy: provides the same comprehensive level of cover as the standard policy. In addition the Elite policy also provides cover for travel to areas where the FCO is advising against all or all but essential travel. The policy will not provide cover for any claims arising from or relating to the reasons why the FCO is advising against travel.
If purchasing the Elite policy you also have the option to extend the cover provided by the policy to include cover for claims arising from a terrorist act in an area where the FCO is advising against travel. You can add this cover to your policy when purchasing online or over the telephone.
These policies are only available to those travelling on a Wild Frontiers holiday.
For more information and to purchase your policy online please visit the Insurance section of our website.
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Health and Vaccinations:
There are no mandatory immunisations for travellers to India though you should be up-to-date with Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio and HepatitisA. Malaria is prevalent in parts of India and we recommend you seek advice from your local GP or travel centre as to the correct immunisations and preventative treatments.
We also recommend you look at www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk
