Echoes of Empires: A Journey Through Bhopal, Sanchi & Bhimbetka
Complete Journey Overview
Echoes of Empires: A Journey Through Bhopal, Sanchi & Bhimbetka
Echoes of Empires: A Journey Through Bhopal, Sanchi & Bhimbetka
Embark on an unforgettable adventure filled with amazing experiences
Day 1: Arrival in the City of Lakes
Arrival in Bhopal
Arrive at Raja Bhoj Airport (BHO) or Bhopal Junction Railway Station (BPL). Bhopal is well-connected to major Indian cities.
Check-in to Hotel
Check into your pre-booked hotel. We recommend staying in the Shamla Hills area for beautiful views and proximity to attractions.
Lunch at Shaan-e-Bhopal
Enjoy your first meal at the world's first rail coach restaurant, offering a unique dining experience with a multi-cuisine menu.
Explore Van Vihar National Park
Visit this unique national park located on the banks of the Upper Lake. It's managed as a modern zoological park, where animals are kept in their near-natural habitats.
Sunset Boat Ride on Upper Lake
Experience a tranquil sunset with a boat ride on the Bada Talab (Upper Lake), one of India's oldest man-made lakes.
Dinner at Wind and Waves
Dine at this open-air lakeside restaurant. It offers stunning views of the lake and a relaxed ambiance.
Day 2: The Great Stupa & Ancient Caves
Day Trip to Sanchi
Hire a private car for a full-day excursion to the historic sites of Sanchi and Udayagiri. An early start is recommended to avoid the midday sun.
Explore the Sanchi Stupas
Discover the magnificent Sanchi Stupas, a UNESCO World Heritage site. These Buddhist monuments, commissioned by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE, are renowned for their intricate gateways (toranas).
Lunch at Gateway Retreat
Have lunch at the MP Tourism-run Gateway Retreat. It offers clean facilities and decent Indian and continental food.
Visit Udayagiri Caves
A short drive from Sanchi, these 20 rock-cut caves date back to the Gupta period (4th-5th century CE). They contain some of the oldest surviving Hindu temple architecture and iconography.
Return to Bhopal
Drive back to your hotel in Bhopal after a day of historical exploration.
Dinner at Under the Mango Tree
Enjoy a fine dining experience at this beautiful restaurant in Jehan Numa Palace, known for its Nawabi cuisine and grilled specialties.
Day 3: Prehistoric Art & A Colossal Lingam
Day Trip to Bhimbetka & Bhojpur
Hire a private car for another fascinating day trip, this time heading south of Bhopal to explore prehistoric art and a monumental temple.
Explore Bhimbetka Rock Shelters
Walk through the dawn of human history at this UNESCO World Heritage site. The rock shelters feature paintings dating back to the Paleolithic era, depicting scenes of daily life, hunting, and rituals.
Lunch at a Local Dhaba
Experience an authentic meal at a highway dhaba on the way to Bhojpur. These roadside eateries offer simple, delicious, and freshly prepared local food.
Marvel at Bhojpur Temple (Bhojeshwar)
Visit this incredible 11th-century unfinished Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva. It houses one of the tallest Shiva Lingams in the world, carved from a single rock and standing 7.5 feet tall.
Return to Bhopal
Head back to Bhopal, reflecting on the ancient wonders you've witnessed.
Dinner at Manohar Dairy and Restaurant
Experience a local favorite in the bustling New Market area. Manohar is famous for its wide variety of vegetarian dishes, sweets, and snacks.
Day 4: The Royal Heart of Bhopal
Visit Taj-ul-Masajid
Begin your day at one of Asia's largest mosques, the 'Crown of Mosques'. Its grand architecture, with towering minarets and marble domes, is a sight to behold.
Wander Through the Old City Bazaars
Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Old Bhopal. Explore the narrow lanes of the Chowk Bazaar, known for its traditional Bhopali crafts, silver jewelry, and embroidery.
Street Food Lunch in Old Bhopal
Savor the authentic flavors of Bhopal with a street food lunch. Head to Chatori Gali for delicious kebabs, biryani, and other Mughlai delicacies.
Explore Bharat Bhavan
Visit this renowned multi-arts complex designed by architect Charles Correa. It houses an art gallery, a theatre, a museum of tribal and folk art, and libraries of poetry and music.
Madhya Pradesh Tribal Museum
Experience the rich culture and traditions of the tribal communities of Madhya Pradesh. The museum's galleries are creatively designed and offer an immersive look into tribal life, art, and mythology.
Farewell Dinner at La Kuchina
Enjoy a sophisticated farewell dinner at this top-rated Italian restaurant in the Courtyard by Marriott. A great way to conclude your cultural journey with some global flavors.
Day 5: Last Glimpses & Departure
Check-out from Hotel
Complete the check-out formalities at your hotel. You can request a late check-out or leave your luggage at the concierge if your flight is later in the day.
Departure from Bhopal
Transfer to Raja Bhoj Airport (BHO) or Bhopal Junction Railway Station (BPL) for your journey home.
Souvenir Shopping at Mrignayani Emporium
Visit the state-run Mrignayani Emporium for authentic and high-quality local handicrafts, including Chanderi and Maheshwari sarees, bell metal craft (Dhokra), and Gond paintings.
Traditional Bhopali Breakfast
Start your last day with a classic Bhopali breakfast of Poha-Jalebi at a local stall or restaurant.
