Signature Vegan Trip to Central India

Journeys

Signature Vegan Trip to Central India

Private Trip

Length

14 Days

Destination

Central India

Discover Through

Vegan Food, History, Culture, Architecture and Adventure

This carefully crafted journey through Central India invites travellers to experience the region through a gentle, plant-based perspective, honouring the rich ties between heritage, nature, and mindful living. From the rock-cut marvels of Ajanta and Ellora to the lush wilderness of Kanha, the spiritual calm of Sanchi, and the timeless charm of Orchha, each stop reveals a unique chapter of Central India’s cultural and ecological story. Ingrained in the values of ahimsa and simplicity, travellers will connect with local traditions, savour wholesome vegan cuisine inspired by ancient practices, and witness how history and landscape shape a compassionate way of life. More than a tour, this is an engrossing journey into the soul of Central India, where every experience is a celebration of harmony.

Trip Highlights

Wander Through the Rock-Cut Wonders of Ellora and Ajanta: Walk among UNESCO-listed cave temples that blend Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain philosophies. From the majestic Kailasa Temple to ancient murals depicting the Jataka tales, these sacred spaces showcase centuries of spiritual and artistic expression carved into stone.
Track Tigers and Tribal Traditions in Kanha: Explore the lush landscapes that inspired The Jungle Book on a safari in Kanha National Park. Meet members of the Baiga tribe and discover their forest-foraged, plant-based foodways, all while enjoying locally crafted vegan meals under starlit skies.
Savour Central India’s Street Food and Royal Legacies: From Indore’s vibrant Sarafa Bazaar to Bhopal’s serene lakeside, taste regional vegan versions of iconic dishes while uncovering stories from the Holkar and Bundela dynasties in palaces, forts, and riverside temples.

Please note that elements of the itinerary may change.

THE VEGAN ROUTES PROMISE: We believe that travel should nourish both the soul and the planet. Every journey we curate is rooted in the principles of compassion, sustainability, and authenticity — designed by India’s foremost vegan travel experts with over two decades of experience. When you travel with us, you’re not just exploring a destination — you’re supporting a movement. From fully plant-based culinary experiences and cruelty-free stays, to community-led immersions and low-impact travel, we ensure that your footprint is gentle and your impact meaningful. Let your travels reflect your values.

Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1: Arrive in Mumbai – City Immersion Begins

Arrive in Mumbai, India’s cultural and financial capital. Check into your hotel and spend the afternoon visiting the Gateway of India, Kala Ghoda art precinct, and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya. In the evening, savour a vegan Maharashtrian thali at a heritage restaurant.

Overnight: Mumbai

Day 2: Mumbai – Markets, Communities & Coastal Vibes

Begin your day with a walking tour through South Mumbai’s bazaars – from the aromatic Spice Market to Crawford Market and Chor Bazaar. Learn about Mumbai’s multi-cultural food heritage and try vegan treats like misal pav and coconut milk sweets. Optionally, visit the Dhobi Ghat and Bandra fort. End with a plant-based dinner by the sea at a sustainable café.

Overnight: Mumbai

Day 3: Mumbai - Aurangabad (Flight) – Explore Ellora

Arrive in Aurangabad and begin your journey with the awe-inspiring Ellora Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain monuments co-exist in remarkable harmony. Marvel at the Kailasa Temple, carved from a single monolithic rock, and stroll through centuries of spiritual expression etched in stone. Enjoy a plant-forward Maharashtrian dinner inspired by traditional temple offerings.

Overnight: Aurangabad

Day 4: Ajanta Caves Excursion (100 km | 2.5 hrs one way)

Spend the day at the Ajanta Caves, known for their breathtaking murals and narrative sculptures that date back to the 2nd century BCE. These Buddhist caves narrate the Jataka tales and depict scenes of devotion, compassion, and royal life. A simple, sattvic vegan lunch is arranged near the gorge, offering a quiet moment of reflection.

Overnight: Aurangabad

Day 5: Aurangabad to Indore (Flight)

Take a short domestic flight to Indore, a lively city known for its culinary culture and royal Holkar legacy. On arrival, enjoy a food walk in the bustling Sarafa Bazaar, sampling vegan versions of Indore’s favourite street foods like poha, khopra patties, and sabudana khichdi.

Overnight: Indore

Day 6: Indore to Kanha National Park (350 km | 6.5 hrs)

Drive to Kanha, one of India’s best-managed tiger reserves and the inspiration behind Kipling’s Jungle Book. En route, enjoy a vegan picnic-style lunch made with grains, lentils, and roasted vegetables. Reach your jungle lodge by evening, where you’ll be welcomed with a nature-inspired vegan dinner under the stars.

Overnight: Kanha

Day 7: Kanha National Park

Begin your day with an optional morning safari through sal forests and grasslands in search of tigers, barasingha, and leopards. Later, learn about the Baiga tribe’s foraging traditions and their plant-based dietary practices. Dinner features forest-inspired local dishes such as mahua flower stew and millet rotis.

Overnight: Kanha

Day 8: Kanha to Bhopal (320 km | 6.5 hrs)

Leave Kanha in the morning for Bhopal, the City of Lakes. On arrival, unwind by the Upper Lake and stroll through the old city bazaars, sampling vegan street food and visiting local handicraft shops. Evening at leisure with a wholesome plant-based meal inspired by local Madhya Pradesh flavours.

Overnight: Bhopal

Day 9: Bhopal to Sanchi (47 km | 1.5 hrs)

Drive to Sanchi, home to the renowned Buddhist stupas and monastic ruins dating back to Emperor Ashoka’s era. Spend the day exploring the Sanchi Stupa complex, Ashokan pillars, and nearby museums. Enjoy a light vegan lunch with simple yet nutritious ingredients reminiscent of ancient monastic meals.

Overnight: Sanchi

Day 10: Sanchi to Orchha (370 km | 7 hrs)

Drive to Orchha, a romantic riverside town frozen in time. Once the seat of the Bundela kings, Orchha is known for its stunning cenotaphs, riverside palaces, and temples. On arrival, enjoy a heritage walk through the old town and settle in for a home-cooked vegan Bundelkhandi meal.

Overnight: Orchha

Day 11: Orchha

Spend the day exploring the Orchha Fort complex, Ram Raja Temple, and Chaturbhuj Temple. In the afternoon, participate in a cooking session with local women, learning how regional dishes like bhutte ka kees and urad dal kachoris can be made without dairy or ghee. End with a riverfront dinner and folk music.

Overnight: Orchha

Day 12: Orchha Departure

After breakfast, transfer to Jhansi railway station (15 km | 30 mins) to take train to Agra the city of the Taj. Dinner at a garden café offering a curated vegan Mughal-inspired menu. Overnight: Agra

Day 13: Agra to Delhi via Fatehpur Sikri (240 km | 5 hrs)

Morning, visit the Agra Fort and later, marvel at the Taj Mahal during sunrise – a timeless symbol of love. Later, drive to Delhi. Arrive in Delhi and relax at your hotel or stroll through Connaught Place.

Overnight: Delhi

Day 14: Delhi – Monuments & Farewell

Explore Humayun’s Tomb, Qutub Minar, and Lodhi Art District. Visit a café that champions sustainable and vegan lifestyles. End the journey with a relaxed group dinner reflecting on the journey through heritage, nature, and nourishment.

Interested in Customising this Journey?

We will be happy to tailor this itinerary to match your travel dates, interests, and pace. Whether you’re planning a personal escape, a family adventure, or a special group trip, our specialists can customise every detail to make it uniquely yours.

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