1. Day: Departure

Our adventure begins! After landing at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, we’ll take you to your hotel for your first night in India.

2. Day: Arrival in Delhi, Transfer to Bharatpur

After breakfast we leave Delhi and travel by taxi or minivan towards Bharatpur. The bustling metropolis gradually fades behind us, and along the way we gain our first impressions of everyday life in North India.

In Bharatpur our Royal Enfield motorcycles are already waiting for us – our companions for the coming days. During the handover there is plenty of time for first test rides, individual adjustments and a detailed introduction to riding a motorcycle in India, where traffic rules are sometimes interpreted more as recommendations.

In the afternoon – depending on arrival time and interest – there is the opportunity for an optional visit to the famous Keoladeo National Park, better known as the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary. This vast wetland is one of India’s best-known bird reserves and offers a surprisingly peaceful and almost unhurried atmosphere.

We spend our first night outside Delhi in Bharatpur – a relaxed introduction to our journey through the heart of India.

3. Day: Ride to Agra / ca. 60 km

Today begins our first real riding stage on the motorcycles. After the first kilometres through Rajasthan we reach Fatehpur Sikri, the former capital of the Mughal emperor Akbar. The vast palace and fortress complex is one of the most impressive historical sites in North India and still conveys a sense of the grandeur of the Mughal Empire.

After the visit we continue towards Agra. Situated on the banks of the Yamuna River, the city is inseparably linked with the Taj Mahal, yet it has far more to offer than the famous mausoleum alone.

In the late afternoon – depending on time and interest – there is the opportunity to ride to the other side of the river to the so-called “Mini Taj”. The quieter gardens there offer a beautiful view of the Taj Mahal, especially in the warm light of the late afternoon.

4. Day: Sunrise at the Taj Mahal and Ride to Gwalior / ca. 125 km

Early in the morning we visit one of the most famous buildings in the world: the Taj Mahal. Especially in the early hours, when the first rays of sunlight begin to illuminate the white marble, the mausoleum reveals its unique atmosphere.

After breakfast we leave Agra and continue our journey towards Gwalior. Along the way we once again experience the ever-changing rhythm of North Indian traffic – from lively towns and colourful roadside markets to long stretches across the plains.

In Gwalior we visit the mighty fortress rising high above the city on a sandstone plateau. With its palaces, temples and impressive views across the surrounding landscape, it is considered one of the most remarkable forts in India.

5. Day: Gwalior - Orchha / ca. 120 km

Today we cruise on to Orchha, a charming town steeped in history. Once the capital of the Bundela kings in the 16th century, its many palaces and temples speak of a glorious past. Wander through narrow alleys, explore colorful markets and soak in the architecture – it’s the perfect place to connect with the culture of Central India.

6. Day: A Full Day in Orchha

After breakfast, take your time exploring Orchha’s treasures. Highlights include the Raja Mahal and intricately decorated temples. The town's riverside setting and peaceful atmosphere invite you to slow down and immerse yourself in the charm of times gone by.

7. Day: Orchha - Chanderi / ca. 160 km

We ride on quiet country roads into greener, hillier landscapes until we reach Chanderi – a tranquil oasis known for its handwoven saris. Watching the local artisans at work is a unique experience. Our guesthouse overlooks the surrounding hills – the perfect spot to unwind.

8. Day: Chanderi - Sanchi / ca. 160 km

Sanchi greets us with its ancient Buddhist stupas – timeless monuments from the days of Emperor Ashoka, who spread Buddhism across India. A place steeped in spiritual significance.

9. Day: Sanchi - Sagar / ca. 160 km

Today’s route is scenic but the roads can be challenging. That’s why we break the journey with an overnight stop in Sagar – an authentic Central Indian town offering insights into local life. It’s technically possible to reach Khajuraho today, but we prefer to ride at a relaxed pace and soak up the experience.

10. Day: Sagar - Khajuraho / ca. 180 km

We’re back on the highway as we head to Khajuraho. It’s a long ride, so we plan for a late afternoon arrival. The rest of the day is yours to settle in and prepare for tomorrow’s cultural highlight – Khajuraho’s stunning temples.

11. Day: Khajuraho

Today is entirely dedicated to culture and history. After breakfast there is plenty of time to explore the impressive temple complex with its 25 surviving temples. Originally there were 85 richly decorated temples, built between 950 and 1050 AD within little more than a century. Even today historians still wonder why this masterpiece of architecture was created here, seemingly in the middle of nowhere – far away from great capitals or powerful fortresses.

The temples are especially famous for their erotic carvings, whose meaning is still interpreted in different ways. Some researchers believe that the Chandela rulers followed Tantrism – a spiritual tradition that sees the fulfilment of earthly desires as part of the path towards enlightenment. Others interpret the carvings more symbolically, as representations of human life or even as a kind of educational guide for young Brahmins. Whatever the explanation may be, the temples offer a fascinating insight into the ideas and beliefs of their time.

In the evening we experience the temple complex once again from a completely different perspective: during the Sound & Light Show, the history of Khajuraho and the era of the Chandela rulers are brought to life through light, music and storytelling.

12. Day: Khajuraho - Chitrakoot / ca. 180 km

After a relaxed breakfast, we ride toward Chitrakoot, the “Hill of Many Wonders.” Nestled in lush, forested terrain, this place holds great spiritual importance. It’s believed that Lord Rama and his wife Sita spent eleven of their fourteen exile years here. Over the centuries, poets, philosophers, and seekers have found inspiration in Chitrakoot’s serene surroundings – no wonder it's sometimes called “Little Varanasi.”

13. Day: Chitrakoot - Varanasi / ca. 240 km

Today’s stage takes us to Varanasi, the holiest city in Hinduism. Located on the Ganges, it's one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world. Named after the Varuna and Asi rivers, Varanasi is known as the “City of Light.” Over a million pilgrims visit each year to wash away their sins in the sacred river and pray for their departed. It’s considered the best place to attain Moksha – liberation from the cycle of rebirth. A long ride, but arriving in this spiritual capital is a journey’s climax.

14. Day: Varanasi

Even two days are barely enough to grasp the depth of Varanasi’s spirit. Begin with a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges and watch the daily rituals at over 100 ghats. In the evening, attend the magical Ganga Aarti ceremony – a fusion of music, fire, and devotion. Varanasi is also famous for its handwoven silk saris, a staple in traditional Indian weddings. Use the day to explore the city's maze-like alleys, temples, and vibrant markets.

15. Day: Varanasi - Train to Delhi

The morning is at leisure – perhaps for one last walk along the Ganges, a chai in the narrow lanes of the old city or simply a few final impressions of this fascinating place.

In the evening we head to the railway station and board the overnight train to Delhi. Train travel is still an essential part of everyday life for millions of Indians and even today offers a unique impression of the country – although considerably more comfortable and organised than it used to be years ago.

We travel in air-conditioned first-class sleeper coaches and spend the night relaxing as we make our way northwards. While the landscape slowly passes by outside, we experience India from a completely different perspective – calm, close to everyday life and far removed from the chaos of the roads.

Early the next morning we arrive in Delhi.

16. Day: Delhi

After breakfast, spend the day discovering Delhi’s fascinating mix of history and modernity. Visit grand monuments like the Red Fort and Qutb Minar, wander through colorful bazaars, or relax in one of the city’s green parks. Delhi is a city of contrasts – ancient yet ever-changing – the perfect finale to your journey through the heart of India.

17. Day: Trip home

Most return flights leave early in the morning. After all the impressions, experiences, and encounters, we hope this journey through the heart of India has left a lasting mark. Perhaps we’ll meet again – whether in tropical South India or in the high Himalayan landscapes of Ladakh. Until then, we wish you a safe journey home and plenty of beautiful memories to take with you.