Ancient Cave Paintings

Ancient Cave Paintings (Tour Code: IN/019) – Inside the caves, without any light, colours are so very perfect and geometry that’s precise. Can one imagine the paintings made in pre-historic era with almost no means, that are so very fresh and lively, bursting with colours and life still. This tour is no less than re-discovering a treasure trove that was lost in the hustle and bustle of civilizations, that came and went but this awesome art survived to give us a visual treat. We take you on a 9/10 days tour to Bhimbetka, Bagh, Ajanta & Ellora.

Itinerary

Day 01  Arrival day in Delhi (you may choose to arrive in Mumbai)

On arrival in Delhi, our representative will meet, assist and transfer you to hotel. Check in at the hotel and day up to lunch at leisure. Post lunch visit National Museum. The Museum has a rich heritage of Indian paintings that date back to more than 1700 years. Later back to hotel by evening. Welcome dinner along with an expert talk delivered by a prominent painter at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel in Delhi.

Day 02  Delhi / Bhopal

Breakfast at the hotel and post breakfast a city tour of Delhi. Later in the evening check out from the hotel and transfer to airport in time to connect your evening flight to Bhopal (1.5 hrs). Arrive Bhopal and transfer to hotel. Check in and overnight at the hotel in Bhopal.

Day 03  Bhopal – Bhimbetka – Bhopal

Breakfast at the hotel. Post breakfast visit Bhimbetka (50 kms / 1 hr) which is a World Heritage Site. The caves of Bhimbetaka have paintings that date back to various periods during which these caves could have been inhabited. The main colors used in these paintings are red and white. The quality of the paintings are so high that the paintings appear fresh as if they have been done just a few days back. At lot of places, paintings have been done one top of another, giving a feeling that the artists have used the same space to paint and re-paint. Later we will arrange live painting session outside the caves. Back to hotel by evening. Overnight at the hotel in Bhopal.

Day 04  Bhopal / Indore / Dhar

Early breakfast at hotel, check out from the hotel and transfer to Railway Station in time to connect your early morning train to Indore (225 kms / 4.5 hrs). Arrive Indore and you will be transferred to your hotel in Dhar (70 kms / 2 hrs). Check in at the hotel and rest of day at leisure. Overnight at the hotel in Dhar.

Day 05  Dhar – Bagh Caves – Dhar / Indore

This morning post breakfast we will drive to Bagh Caves (90 kms / 2.5 hrs). These caves are on the banks of the Bagh River which have been excavated on the rock face of a lofty hill. The wall paintings of these caves date back to the period between 5th and 7th century. These paintings represent the exquisite traditions of Indian art form. Later back to Dhar (room available for wash and change), check-out from the hotel in Dhar and further we will drive to Indore (70 km / 2 hrs). Arrive Indore by dinner and overnight at the hotel in Indore.

Day 06  Indore / Aurangabad

Breakfast at the hotel and later transfer to Indore airport in time to connect your flight to Aurangabad via Mumbai. Arrive Aurangabad and transfer to hotel. Check in at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel in Aurangabad.

Day 07  Aurangabad – Ellora Caves – Aurangabad

Early morning arrive Aurangabad Railway Station and transfer to hotel. Check in at the hotel. Late morning visit Ellora Caves (30 kms / .5 hrs). These caves have well preserved beautiful wall paintings of the bygone era. Around 5 caves possess such paintings, but the best preserved lies in Kailasa Temple. According to the archaeological revelations, the paintings were made in two phases. The paintings that belong to the first phase usually portray Lord Vishnu and Goddess Laxmi. In the later phase, the masterpiece is that of a procession of Lord Shaiva. The paintings also illustrate beautiful faeries in a graceful flying pose. Back to hotel by evening. Overnight at the hotel in Aurangabad.

Day 08  Aurangabad – Ajanta Caves – Aurangabad

Breakfast at the hotel. Post breakfast visit Ajanta Caves (110 kms / 2 hrs). The walls of the caves are covered with mural paintings suggesting a fair state of preservation from decay. The scenes depicted are mostly didactic, devotional, and ornamental. The themes are from the Jataka stories (the stories of the Buddha’s former existences as Boddhisattva), life of the Gautam Buddha, and those of his veneration. Here also you will have special arrangements of doing live painting in front of these marvelous cave paintings. Back to hotel by evening. Overnight at the hotel in Aurangabad.

Day 09  Aurangabad / Delhi / Home (you may choose to leave from Mumbai)

Breakfast at the hotel. This day, time permitting you have option to take a local city tour of Aurangabad. Today you will check out from the hotel and transfer to airport in time to connect your evening flight to Delhi (about 2 hrs flight) and then further back home.

Tour Highlight

You not only visit the 90,000 years old cave paintings at Bhimbetka, but also after this visit at an outdoor location you get an opportunity to paint. The paintings at Bhimbetka indeed leave you awestruck to appreciate the art-work that has survived the harsh winds of times since they are made.