Luxury train

The Golden Chariot

Welcome aboard a fascinating journey through the many worlds of Karnataka. Embark on a luxurious voyage of discovery through the Cradle of Stone Architecture. THE GOLDEN CHARIOT train named after the famous Stone Chariot in Hampi, a world heritage site, in Southern India will travel through timeless Historical Heritage Sites, Resplendent Palaces, Wildlife and Golden Beaches. It’s 7 Nights / 8 Days colorful journey begins every Monday from Bangalore and traverses through Mysore, visiting Srirangapatna, Mysore Palace; the Nagarhole National Park (Kabini) and continuing to the historical sites of Shravanabelagola, Belur-the 11th century cradle of Hoysala architecture and a world heritage site, Halebidu, Hampi and thereafter entering into the triangular heritage site of Badami, Pattadakal, Aihole, and finally the Golden Beaches of Goa before ending in Bangalore.

Destination to cover: Bangalore, Kabini, Mysore, Hassan, Hampi, Gadag (Aihole), Pattadakal, Badami

Day1 - Monday - Bangalore
Bangalore: A World of Opportunity The capital of Karnataka is known as the Garden City because of its salubrious climate and greenery. More Details
Perched 3,250 feet above sea level, temperatures seldom exceed 30oC (88oF). Founded by Kempegowda, a powerful chieftain, the city is unique with its rich cultural heritage that coexists with its modern day technological and industrial achievements.
Today Bangalore is popularly known as India's Silicon Valley.

Itinerary Time
Arrival at The Leela Palace - Bangalore 12:30 hrs.Check in at The Leela 13:00 hrs.Lunch at The Leela Palace 13:30 hrs.Departure from The Leela 14:30 hrs.
Feast your eyes on Vidhana Soudha 14:30 - 15:55 hrs.Cleanse your spirit at St. Mark's Cathedral15:15 - 16:15 hrsEnjoy your shopping and pubbing at MG Road16:15 - 17:45 hrs.Drive to Yeshwantpur Station 18:00 - 19:00 hrs.
Welcome to The Golden Chariot 19:30 - 20:30 hrs. Check in and Dinner on board 21:00 - 00:00 hrs Get some good rest till Mysore

Day2 - Tuesday - Kabini
Kabini: A World of WildlifeRajiv Gandhi National Park, Nagarhole (Kabini), the hunting retreat of the Mysore Maharajas, is definitely the perfect destination for wildlife lovers in South India. The excitement starts with a safari into the heart of the park, where you are sure to spot wild animals in their natural habitat. Some of the popular sightings are elephant, gaur, sambar, chital, wild boar and the more exclusive predators like tiger and leopard. A bird watcher's paradise, the park is home to over 300 species of birds, many of which are endemic to these jungles.
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Itinerary Time: Experience your drive to the Jungle Resorts 09:30 -11:30.
High Tea Service 11:30 - 12:00 hrs.Take a peaceful walk with nature and relax over a Boat Safari 12:00 - 13:30 hrs. Relax at the Kabini Resort with lunch 13:30 - 15:00 hrs.Watch a Wildlife Move 15:00 - 16:00 hrs.Experience the exciting Jeep Safari 18:30 - 20:30 hrs. Dinner at Kabini Resort Over night stay & Breakfast at Kabini Resort 19:30 hrs.Departure to Mysore 08:30 hrs.

Day3 - Wednesday - Mysore
Mysore: A World of Royalty Mysore has been always associated with the royal families and their patronage, be it the Wodeyars or the Sultans. Mysore is a city known for its resplendent palaces and majestic buildings. A visit to the city conjures up visions of the glory, still evident of the illustrious Wodeyar Kings. This former state capital still retains its tradition in music and dance, art and literature and its time-honoured crafts. A 141 kms from Bangalore, the city enchants you with its quaint charm, verdant gardens, tree-lined boulevards and its sacred temples.
More Details Mysore, once the state capital, today is a vibrant city teeming with tourists and visitors. It is known the world over for its exotic sandalwood and rich silks. Many culinary delights await those inclined to sample the regional cuisine. Srirangapatna: The island fortress of the legendary warrior king Tipu Sultan is just 14 km from Mysore city. Inside the fortress is Tipu's mosque with its twin minarets, the Wellesley Bridge and the dungeons where British officers were once imprisoned.

Itinerary Time : Srirangapatna - Feast your eyes on the Daria Daulat Fort 09:30 - 12:30 hrs. Lunch at Hotel Regaalis, Mysore13:00 - 14:30 hrs.Chamundi Hills - Enjoy you drive and pray to Lord Nandi14:30 - 16:00 hrs.Mysore Palace - Visit the Palace and ride on Elephants16:00 - 17:30 hrs.Experience the Rangayana Cultural Show 18:00 - 19:15 18:00 - 19:15 hrs Dinner on board 19:30 - 21:30 hrs.
Drive back to The Golden Chariot 21:30 hrs.

Day4 - Thursday - Hassan
Belur & Halebid : A World of Worship
Belur in Hassan district 220 kms from Bangalore and 38 kms from Hassan) is famous for its magnificent Hoysala Temple Complex. The Chennakesava Temple here is the major attraction, built by Hoysala Vishnuvardhana, to commemorate his victory over the Cholas. The facade of the temple is filled with intricate sculptures with no portion left blank. It is the only Hoysala Temple still in active worship. More Details Halebid in Hassan district is 27 kms away from Hassan and was the capital of the Hoysalas. It has one of the finest Hoysala temples. The Hoysaleswara Temple, perched on a star-shaped base amidst lawns, is a sculptural extravaganza. Its walls are richly carved with an endless variety of Hindu deities, sages, stylized animals, birds and friezes depicting the life of the Hoysala Kings. Shravanabelagola, 52km from Hassan, is an important Jain pilgrim centre. It is home to Asia's largest monolithic statue Lord Gomateswara here towers 58 ft., looming atop the picturesque Vindhyagiri Hill. Every 12 years, Jain pilgrims gather here to participate in a splendid head-anointing ceremony. Itinerary Time

Relax on your journey to Hassan 06:00 - 08:40 hrs. Belur and Halebid
Drive into Belur 14:30 - 16:30 hrs. Drive into halebid 16:30 - 17:00 hrs.
Experience Halebid on a tour 17:00 - 18:30 hrs. Back to The Golden Chariot to Hospect / Tungabhadra Dam 19:40 - 05:30 hrs.Experience your drive to Shravanabelagola 09:00 - 11:30 hrs.Drive back to The Golden Chariot 11:30 - 12:15 hrs.Lunch at The Golden Chariot 12:30 - 14:30 hrs.

Day5 - Friday - Hamp
Hampi: A World Heritage SiteIf dreams were made out of stone, it would be Hampi. Hampi has been classified as a World Heritage Center and is one of the major tourist destinations in India. More Details Hampi, the seat of the famed Vijayanagara empire was the capital of the largest empire in post-moghul India, covering several states. The Vijayanagara empire stretched over at least three states -Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh. The destruction of Vijayanagar by marauding Moghul invaders was sudden, shocking and absolute.Although in ruins today, this capital city once boasted riches known far beyond the shores of India. The ruins of Hampi of the 14th Century lies scattered in about 26 sq. km area, amidst giant boulders and vegetation. Protected by the tempestuous river Tungabhadra in the north and rocky granite ridges on the other three sides, the ruins silently narrate the story of grandeur splendor and fabulous wealth. The splendid remains of palaces and gateways of the broken city tells a tale of man's infinite talent and power of creativity together with his capacity for senseless destruction. A visit to Hampi is a sojourn into the past. Most of the important structures and ruins are located in two areas, which are generally referred to as the Royal Centre and the Sacred Centre.A visit to Anegundi village by traversing the gushing Tunga Badra river on a coracle is an experience that provides the guests with a glimpse into the traditional country life in Karnataka.
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Itinerary Time Drive and experience the Hampi Sacred Centre 08:30 - 11:30 hrs. Relax with lunch on The Golden Chariot 13:00 - 15:00 hrs. Royal Centre and Vittala Temple Complex Shop and know-how on the Tour of the Craft Bazaar 15:00 - 19:00 hrs.

Day6 - Saturday - Gadag (Aihole), Pattadakal, Badami
Badami: A World Heritage SiteBadami is picturesquely situated at the mouth of a ravine between two rocky hills. The exquisite sculptures and the rust red sandstone cliffs of Badami tell many a tale of yore. The first sculptural embellishment to dazzle the eye is the 18 armed Nataraja striking 81 dance poses. More Details Pattadakal, with its beautifully chiseled temples is a World Heritage Site located on the banks of the Malaprabha River. It bears testimony to the richness of the Chalukyan architecture. Pattadakal reached its pinnacle of glory under the Chalukyan Kings and was once used as a ceremonial center where kings were crowned. Aihole is acclaimed as the "Cradle of Hindu Temple Architecture". Aihole has over a hundred temples scattered around the village. The most impressive one is the Durga Temple with its semi- circular apse, elevated plinth and the gallery encircling the sanctum.The oldest temple here is the Lad Khan temple dating back to the 5th Century. The Hutchimalli Temple out in the village - has a sculpture of Vishnu sitting atop a large cobra. The Revalphadi Cave - dedicated to Shiva - is remarkable for its delicate details. There are hundreds of temples strewn in the villages nearby.

Itinerary Time Journey to Gadag on The Golden Chariot 06:00 - 08:00 hrs.
Drive to Hotel Badami Court, Badami 08:30 - 10:30 hrs. Aihole and Pattadakal
Observe and experience on a Tour 10:30 - 13:00 hrs. Relax with lunch and crafts at Hotel Badami Court 13:00 - 15:30 hrs.Feast your eyes on the magnificent Caves of Badami 16:00 - 18:00 hrs. Drive back to Gadag 18:00 - 20:00 hrs.
Back to The Golden Chariot 20:00 - 05:30 hrs.

Day7 - Sunday - Goa
Goa: A World of Golden Beaches Also known as "Pearl of the Orient" and a "Tourist Paradise", the state of Goa is located on the western coast of India in the coastal belt known as Konkan. More Details The magnificent scenic beauty and the architectural splendors of its temples, churches and old houses have made Goa a firm favorite with travelers around the world. But then, Goa is much more than just beaches and sea. It has a soul which goes deep into unique history, rich culture and some of the prettiest natural scenery that India has to offer.Besides the natural beauty, the fabulous beaches and sunshine, travellers to Goa love the laid-back, peaceful, warm and friendly nature of the Goan people.

Itinerary Time : Arrival at Vasco Railway Station 04:30 hrs hrs,Breakfast on board 07:30 hrs Drive to Candolim beach by coach at The Taj Holiday Village 09:00 hrs.
Arrival at the beach, sun bathe and relax on the beach 10:45-12:30 hrs.Lunch at Caravela – Taj Holiday Village 12:30 hrs Sight seeing of Old Goa churches and Museum 15:45 hrs. Drive to Solas De Colacos 17:30 hrs Visit an old Portuguese house and have tea / coffee break 18:00 hrs Drive back by coach through Miramar beach and Panjim City 19:00 hrs Reach the station to board The Golden Chariot and depart for Bangalore 20:00 hrs .Bar opens 20:00 hrs . Dinner 20:00-22:00 hrs .

Day8 - Monday - Bangalore
Upon arrival at Bangalore railway station, later transfer to Bangalore airport to connect your flight
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