The Golden Chariot – Pride of The South: The Train
Welcome aboard a attractive journey through the many worlds of Karnataka. Embark on a luxurious journey of discovery through the Cradle of Stone Architecture. THE GOLDEN CHARIOT train named after the well-known Stone Chariot in Hampi, a world heritage site, in Southern India will travel through timeless Historical Heritage Sites, Resplendent Palaces, Golden Beaches and Wildlife. It’s 7 Nights / 8 Days colorful journey starts 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 design 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.

Highlights:
• Bangalore: A World of Opportunity
• Kabini: A World of Wildlife
• Mysore: A World of Royalty
• Belur: A World of Worship
• Hampi: A World Heritage Site
• Badami: A World Heritage Site
• Goa: A World of Golden Beaches

Cabin Coaches:
From The Palace to your Chamber
Your chambers are steeped in history. Chambers in which, you will retire under a sky of craftsmanship that narrate timeless tales. Sink into a bed of royalty, reminiscent of the Mysore Maharajas, admire the elaborate carvings on the ceiling, the furniture and wall panels encouraged by Mysore and Hoysala architecture.

Each Coach of the “The Golden Chariot” has been named after the dynasties that ruled Karnataka - Kadamba, Hoysala, Rastrakota, Ganga, Chalukya, Bhahamani, Sangama, Adhilshahi, Yudukula Vijayanagar, and Shathavashna
• Fully air-conditioned cabins.
• 26 twin beds, 17 double bed cabins and 1 cabin for the physically challenged.
• Every cabin is equipped with Wi-Fi, LCD television, DVD with 6
satellite channels, wardrobe, vanity/writing desk and private bathroom with luxurious
amenities and accessories.

Nala and Ruchi - Two Restaurants
A Culinary tour of fine taste.
Nala named after a king and legendary chef from the times of the Mahabharata. Ruchi, a name that means fine taste in Sanskrit. The two restaurants serve a spread of vegetarian and non-vegetarian culinary delights.
• Interiors encouraged by the timeless aesthetics of Halebid and Hampi.
• 4-seater and 2-seater dining cabins with comfortable chairs and sofas.

Madira - The Lounge Bar
Spirit for your soul.
Timeless like the spirits we serve, Madira, the mythical drink of the gods in the lounge bar aboard.The Golden Chariot. Pour yourself fine spirits as you unravel your soul, as you watch performances of local artisans. Celebrate the journey into timelessness as tilting music uplifts you.
• Relaxing and stylish seating at bar.
• luxurious and royal interiors modeled after the Mysore Palace.

Conference Coach
Where modern day royalty does business.
The Golden Chariot Conference Coach can seat up to 30 business leaders and gives you lessons in history and leaves with a vision for the future.
• Seating capacity of 25-30 guests.
• 42 inch LCD television.
• High-speed internet surfing area.

Gym Coach
Experience Eternity
Attain Nirvana.
At the Ayurveda centre, Spa and gym on The Golden Chariot, discover age old customs and cures to modern day stress.
• Two massage rooms for an out of this world rejuvenation experience.
• For those who prefer a local flavor - Ayurveda massages are provided.
• Fully equipped gymnasium.
 

The Golden Chariot – Pride of The South: Tour Itinerary
(7 Nights / 8 Days)
(Bangalore-Kabini/Bandipur-Mysore-Hassan-Hospet-Badami-Goa-Bangalore)
(to view the route of this tour on a Map please click here)

Day 1 - Bangalore (Monday)
3.00 pm to 4.00 pm: Check-in at Taj West End
4.00 pm to 5.00 pm: High Tea at Banquet Hall
5.00 pm to 5.30 pm: Presentation on The Golden Chariot tour, Dos and Don'ts, safety and security, etc.
5.30 pm to 6.30 pm: Visit to Chitrakala Parishad / Art Gallery
6.30 pm to 7.30 pm: Cultural Show
8.00 pm: Arrive at Yeshwantpur Railway Station, Platform No. 6 to a traditional Indian welcome. Dinner onboard The Golden Chariot
9.00 pm: Depart to Mysore

Alternate Itinerary*
11 am onwards: Check in at Our Native Village
12 Noon to 2 pm: Lunch
3.00 pm to 3.30 pm: What is it that makes us a 100% eco resort - Resort tour
3.30 PM to 4.00 pm: The Revivalist movement - Art and culture tour
4.00 pm to 4.30 pm: Living an organic life – Herbal & Medicinal plant tour, Organic farm tour
4.30 pm to 5.30 pm: Pottery session & Explore the simplicity of village games – playing Indian village games & Bullock cart rides
6.00 pm to 6.30 pm: Rest and depart to Yeshwantpur Railway Station

*Optional itinerary for those who do not opt for Leela Palace check-in and Bangalore sight seeing.

Bangalore: A World of Opportunity
The capital of Karnataka is famous as the Garden City because of its healthy climate and greenery. Perched 3,250 feet above sea level, temperatures seldom exceed 30oC (88oF). Built by Kempegowda, a powerful chieftain, the city is exclusive with its rich cultural heritage that coexists with its present day industrial and technological achievements.

Today Bangalore is popularly known as India's Silicon Valley.

Bandipur:
Tread the path of the former Maharaja of Mysore with a visit to Bandipur, about 80km south of Mysore on the Mysore-Ooty Road. The reserve is a playground for wildlife, with elephants taking the lead role. Be prepared for a remarkable experience - you might see a tiger prowling amidst the mix of deciduous, evergreen forest and scrubland vegetation. Set against the picturesque backdrop of the enthralling Niligiri mountains with its mist-covered peaks, Bandipur was once the Mysore Maharaja's private hunting ground. It was brought under Project Tiger in 1973. This is one of the best game sanctuaries in India to watch and photograph wildlife in close proximity. A temple perched atop Himad Gopalaswamy Hill, the highest peak in the Bandipur range, is worth a visit.

Day 2 - Mysore / Kabini / Bandipur (Tuesday)
10:00 am: Depart for Kabini / Bandipur after breakfast
01:00 pm: Reach Jungle Lodge
Lunch at the Jungle Lodge
Post Lunch: Jungle / Boat Safari
Return in the evening for wildlife film
Dinner and stay overnight at Jungle Lodge

Alternate Itinerary*
- Raganatittu Bird Sanctuary,
- Mysore Zoo,
- Lunch on board,
- Brindavan Gardens

*Optional itinerary for those who do not opt for Kabini / Bandipur tour

A minimum of 5 passengers required for Alternate Itinerary

Kabini: A World of Wildlife
Rajiv Gandhi National Park, Nagarhole (Kabini), the hunting retreat of the Mysore Maharajas, is absolutely the ideal 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 famous sightings are gaur, wild boar , Sambar, elephant, chital, and the more exclusive predators like leopard and tiger. A bird watcher's paradise, the park is home to over 300 species of birds, many of which are endemic to these jungles.

Day 3 - Mysore (Wednesday)
08:30 am: Breakfast and Depart for Mysore
11:30 am: Back onboard The Golden Chariot
01:00 pm: Lunch on board The Golden Chariot
03:00 pm: Mysore sightseeing: Mysore Palace, Srirangapatnam
07:00 pm: Reach the Lalitha Mahal Palace for cultural show followed by dinner
10:00 pm: Back onboard The Golden Chariot

Mysore: A World of Royalty
Mysore has always been linked with the royal families and their patronage, be it the Wodeyars or the Sultans. Mysore is a city well-known for its magnificent palaces and majestic buildings. A visit to the city conjures up visions of the glory, still obvious of the memorable Wodeyar Kings. This former state capital still retains its custom in dance and music, literature and art and its time-honoured crafts.

A 141 kms from Bangalore, the city enchants you with its attractive charm, verdant gardens, tree-lined boulevards and its holy temples.

Mysore, once the state capital, today is a exciting city teeming with tourists and visitors. It is known the world over for its striking sandalwood and rich silks. Many culinary delights await those inclined to sample the regional cuisine.

Mysore Palace: Constructed in Indo-Saracenic style with turrets, arches ,domes, and colonnades, the Palace is a treasure house of beautiful carvings and works of art from all over the world. The wonderful jewel -studded golden throne of the Wodeyars is displayed here during the Dasada festival.

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.
 

Day 4 - Hassan (Thursday)
06:00 am: Depart from Mysore to Hassan
08:15 am: Arrive at Hassan
09:00 am: Depart for sightseeing to Shravanabelagola (Please note that you would have to climb close to 700 steps to
experience the architectural marvel. Only those who can undertake this are advised to do so. Guests unwilling to experience can stay back onboard The Golden Chariot. Palanquins are available for those who cannot take the climb by themselves. This is available to the passengers at no extra cost)
01:00 pm: Lunch on board The Golden Chariot
03:00 pm: Depart for Belur and Halebid for sightseeing
07:15 pm: Back onboard The Golden Chariot
07:45 pm: Depart to Hospet Dinner onboard The Golden Chariot

Belur & Halebid : A World of Worship
Belur in Hassan district 220 kms from Bangalore and 38 kms from Hassan) is well-known for its wonderful Hoysala Temple Complex. The Chennakesava Temple here is the chief attraction, constructed by Hoysala Vishnuvardhana, to commemorate his victory over the Cholas. The facade of the temple is filled with complicated sculptures with no portion left blank. It is the only Hoysala Temple still in active worship.

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 luxuriously engraved with an endless range of Hindu deities, sages, stylized animals, birds and friezes depicting the life of the Hoysala Kings.

Shravanabelagola, 52 km from Hassan, is a significant 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 assemble here to take part in a marvelous head-anointing ceremony.

Day 5 - Hospet (Friday)
06:00 am: Arrival at Hospet
08:30 am: After breakfast depart for Hampi sightseeing: Virupaksha Temple. Queens's Bath, Elephant Stables, Local crafts bazaar
01:00 pm: Return to The Golden Chariot for Lunch
03:00 pm: Depart for sightseeing: Royal enclosure, Hazara Rama Temple. Illuminated Vittala Temple.
08:00 pm: Back onboard The Golden Chariot Dinner onboard The Golden Chariot

Hampi: A World Heritage Site
If dreams were made out of stone, it would be Hampi. Hampi has been classified as a World Heritage Center and is one of the main tourist destinations in India.

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 extended over at least three states -Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh. The destruction of Vijayanagar by marauding Moghul invaders was unexpected, appalling 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 magnificence brilliance and tremendous 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 vital structures and ruins are located in two areas, which are generally referred to as the Sacred Centre and the Royal 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.
 

Day 6 - Badami (Saturday)
05:00 am: Depart from Hospet to Badami
08:30 am: Arrival at Badami
09:00 am: Depart after breakfast for sightseeing: Badami Caves and Pattadakal
01:30 pm: Return to The Golden Chariot for Lunch
02:00 pm: Depart for Goa
Relax and enjoy the facilities onboard The Golden Chariot: Spa, Gym Dinner onboard The Golden Chariot Reach Goa post midnight

Badami: A World Heritage Site
Badami is picturesquely located at the mouth of a ravine between two rocky hills. The beautiful sculptures and the rust red sandstone cliffs of Badami tell many a tale of yore. The first sculptural ornamentation to amaze the eye is the 18 armed Nataraja striking 81 dance poses.

Pattadakal, with its brilliantly chiseled temples is a World Heritage Site situated on the banks of the Malaprabha River. It bears testimony to the richness of the Chalukyan architecture. Pattadakal reached its peak of glory under the Chalukyan Kings and was once used as a ceremonial center where kings were crowned.

Day 7 - Goa (Sunday)
09:30 am: Breakfast on board The Golden Chariot
10:00 am: Depart for sightseeing
11:00 am: Visit the famous churches of old Goa
12:15 pm: Visit an old Portuguese house: Sola Souto Maior for tea/coffee and cookies; shopping at the emporium
02:00 pm: Reach Majorda Beach Resort for lunch
03:00 pm: An Ayurvedic massage, a visit to the casino, a dip in the pool / beach, etc. (Ayurvedic massage and casino charges extra as applicable)
06:00 pm: Depart from the resort
07:15 pm: Return to The Golden Chariot.
Dinner onboard The Golden Chariot
09:00 pm: Depart for Bangalore

Goa: A World of Golden Beaches
Also known as "Pearl of the Orient" and a "Tourist Paradise", the state of Goa is situated on the western coast of India in the coastal belt known as Konkan.

The wonderful scenic beauty and the architectural splendors of its churches temples 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 spirit which goes deep into rich culture ,unique history and some of the prettiest natural scenery that India has to offer.

Besides the natural beauty, the wonderful sunshine and beaches, travellers to Goa love the laid-back, peaceful, warm and friendly nature of the Goan people. After all, more than anywhere else on planet earth, this is a place where people really know how to relax.

Day 8 - Bangalore (Monday)
08:00 to 09:30 am: Breakfast onboard The Golden Chariot
11:00 am: Reach Yeswanthpur railway station, farewell by the entire crew.