The Ancient Heartland

The Ancient Heartland is a Safarnama journey through Bhopal, Sanchi, Ujjain, Orchha and Khajuraho. Each city is a real route between its monuments. Walk, run or ride wherever you are; every kilometre you log moves you along the route, and reaching a monument unlocks its story. Finish every city on the trail to earn its medallion.

Bhopal: The City of the Begums

2.1 km · 4 monuments · 11 m climb · from Gohar Mahal to Taj-ul-Masajid

Four Begums' century of rule, ending at the city's grandest mosque.

Read the Bhopal story →

Sanchi: The Buddhist Hilltop

1.3 km · 4 monuments · 67 m climb · from Sanchi Museum to Stupa 2

Ashoka's Great Stupa on a quiet hilltop, barely a kilometre long.

Read the Sanchi story →

Ujjain: The City of Mahakal

10.8 km · 5 monuments · 11 m climb · from Vedh Shala to Sandipani Ashram

An observatory, a jyotirlinga, and the Shipra's ghats.

Read the Ujjain story →

Orchha: The Forgotten Capital

1.7 km · 4 monuments · 3 m climb · from Jahangir Mahal & Raja Mahal to The Royal Chhatris

Twin palaces and a temple where a queen outranked a king.

Read the Orchha story →

Khajuraho: The Temple City

0.8 km · 4 monuments · 6 m climb · from Matangeshwara & Lakshmana Temple to Chitragupta Temple

The shortest route in the app, one UNESCO park of Chandela carving.

Read the Khajuraho story →

Other trails