Treasures of Central India

This escorted tour by Explore Worldwide begins amid the buzz of Mumbai, where the Gateway of India stands as a quiet reminder of a colonial past. The itinerary moves swiftly from the city's slums and bazaars to the artistry of the rock-cut Ajanta and Ellora caves, where ancient Buddhist and Hindu sculptures defy their simple setting. After a night aboard an Indian sleeper train, Hyderabad introduces a different rhythm with its imposing Charminar arch and fortress with clever acoustic tricks.

A bumpy drive brings you to the forts and tombs of Bidar and Gulbarga, followed by the vast dome of Gol Gumbaz in Bijapur, whose whispering galleries offer more than just a chance to test echoes. The tour’s latter stages focus on temple-rich towns of Badami, Pattadakal and Aihole, then the extraordinary boulder-strewn ruins of Hampi, once one of India’s largest cities, whose carvings remain remarkably intact. The journey ends with more relaxed days on Goa’s white beaches and Baroque churches, where the legacy of Portuguese rule lingers in local customs.

The trip covers a wide range of environments and times, from bustling streets to peaceful ruins. It includes long travel days and early starts, as well as that famously mixed comfort of Indian trains. At the end, the hotel in Goa offers an opportunity to rest or extend the stay as you wish.