Pride Of The South (Aboard the Golden Chariot)
Luxury Trains - The Golden Chariot
Luxury Trains - The Golden Chariot
Tour Route: Bangalore - Kabini - Srirangapatnam - Mysore - Shravanabelagola - Belur - Halebid - Hampi - Badami - Pattadakal – Goa - Bangalore
Day 01 - MONDAY
Bangalore - Join the group at Taj West End followed by high tea in Banquet Hall. After Tea, attend a presentation on The Golden Chariot tour, Dos and Donts, safety and security, etc. Later visit to Chitrakala Parishad / Art Gallery.
| 1500 Hrs | Meeting point at the Taj West End at 15.00 hrs |
| 1600 Hrs | Nature Walk in the heritage Gardens of the Taj. |
| 1700 Hrs | Hi Tea. |
| 1730 Hrs | Presentation and Orientation on The Golden Chariot tour followed by cultural performance. |
| 1845 Hrs | Visit the ISKCON Temple (The International Society for Krishna Consciousness). |
| 2015 Hrs | Evening check in at the Bangalore Railway Station on your train "The Golden Chariot – Splendor of The South”, your comfortable home for the next week. |
| Depart to Mysore. |
Bangalore - The capital of Karnataka is known as the Garden City because of its salubrious climate and greenery. Perched 3,250 feet above sea level, temperatures seldom exceed 30 degree celsius (88 degree fahrenheit). 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.
| Day 1 - Bangalore * Alternate Itinerary* | |
| 1100 Hrs onwards | Check in at Our Native Village. |
| 1200 Hrs -1400 Hrs | Lunch |
| 1430 Hrs to 1500 Hrs | Briefing on The Golden Chariot |
| 1500 Hrs to 1530 Hrs | What is it that makes us a 100% eco resort - Resort tour |
| 1530 Hrs to 1600 Hrs | The Revivalist movement - Art and culture tour |
| 1600 Hrs to 1630 Hrs | Living an organic life – Herbal & Medicinal plant tour, Organic farm tour |
| 1630 Hrs to 1730 Hrs | Pottery session & Explore the simplicity of village games – playing Indian village games & Bullock cart rides |
| 1800 Hrs to 1830 Hrs | Rest and depart to Yeshwantpur Railway Station |
* Optional itinerary for those who do not opt for Taj West End check-in *
Day 02 - TUESDAY
| 0800 Hrs | Breakfast on board |
| 1000 Hrs | Visit the famous Amba Vilas Mysore Palace |
| 1115 Hrs | Depart for Kabini |
| 1300 Hrs | 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 |
Kabini – Arrive Kabini at 1300 Hrs. Kabini, the hunting retreat of the Mysore Maharajas is a perfect destination for wildlife lovers & is famous for its Rajiv Gandhi National Park. After lunch at the jungle Lodge, 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. Also a bird watcher's paradise, the park is home to over 300 species of birds, many of which are endemic to these jungles.
Day 03 - WEDNESDAY
| 0630 Hrs | Boat ride for bird safari on Kabini river |
| 0800 Hrs | Breakfast at the jungle lodges resort |
| 0930 Hrs | Depart for Mysore in Coach |
| 1130 Hrs | Back onboard The Golden Chariot - Pride of The South |
| 1300 Hrs | Lunch on board The Golden Chariot - Pride of The South |
| 1530 Hrs | Srirangapatnam sightseeing – Dariya Daulat, Tipu mausoleum and drive through the fort |
| 1900 Hrs | Reach the Lalitha Mahal Palace for cultural show followed by dinner |
| 2200 Hrs | Back onboard The Golden Chariot - Pride of The South |
Mysore – 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. This former state capital still retains its tradition in music and dance, art and literature and its time-honoured crafts. At 141 Kms from Bangalore, the city enchants you with its quaint charm, verdant gardens, tree-lined boulevards and its sacred temples.
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.
Srirangapatnam - 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.
(*Optional itinerary for those who do not opt for Srirangapatnam – A round of Golf after lunch at Lalitha Mahal Palace & Visit to Brindavan Gardens)
Day 04 - THURSDAY
Today, arrive in Hassan at 0815 Hrs. Proceed for a sightseeing tour of Sravanabelagola, Belur and Halebid.
| 0500 Hrs | Depart for Hassan |
| 0730 Hrs | Breakfast on Board |
| 0900 Hrs | Depart for sightseeing to Shravanabelagola |
| 1300 Hrs | Lunch on board The Golden Chariot - Pride of The South |
| 1445 Hrs | Depart for Belur and Halebid for sightseeing |
| 1915 Hrs | Back onboard The Golden Chariot - Pride of The South Depart to Hospet |
| Dinner onboard The Golden Chariot - Pride of The South |
Shravanabelagola - 52km from Hassan, is an important Jain pilgrim centre. It is home to Asia's largest monolithic statue of Lord Gomateswara, which towers 58 ft., looming atop the picturesque Vindhyagiri Hill. Every 12 years, Jain pilgrims gather here to participate in a splendid head-anointing ceremony. (Please note that you would have to climb close to 700 steps to experience this 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)
Belur - 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.
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.
(*Optional itinerary for those who do not opt for Hassan Sightseeing– A round of Golf at Chikmangalur Golf Course followed by Lunch at Taj Garden Rereat Chikmangalur Gardens)
Day 05 - FRIDAY
Arrive Hospet at 0600 Hrs. Proceed for sightseeing Tour of Hampi.
| 0600 Hrs | Arrival at Hospet |
| 0830 Hrs | After breakfast depart for Hampi sightseeing: Virupaksha Temple. Queens's Bath, Elephant Stables, Local crafts bazaar |
| 1300 Hrs | Return to The Golden Chariot for Lunch |
| 1530 Hrs | Depart for sightseeing: Royal enclosure, Hazara Rama Temple. Illuminated Vittala Temple |
| 1800 Hrs | Back onboard The Golden Chariot - Pride of The South |
| Dinner onboard The Golden Chariot - Pride of The South |
Hampi - A WORLD HERITAGE SITE
Hampi, the seat of the famed Vijayanagara empire was the capital of the largest empire in post-moghul India, covering several states. 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.
Dinner onboard The Golden Chariot.
Day 06 - SATURDAY
| 0400 Hrs | Depart from Hospet to Badami |
| 0730 Hrs | Breakfast on board |
| 0830 Hrs | Arrival at Badami |
| 0840 Hrs | Depart for sightseeing: Badami Caves and Pattadakal |
| 1300 Hrs | Return to The Golden Chariot - Pride of The South for Lunch |
| 1445 Hrs | Depart for Goa Relax and enjoy the facilities onboard The Golden Chariot - Pride of The South: Spa, Gym Dinner onboard The Golden Chariot - Pride of The South Reach Goa post midnight |
Badami: A WORLD HERITAGE SITE
Badami 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.
Pattadakal - with its beautifully chiseled temples, this 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
Day 07 - SUNDAY
| 0800 Hrs | Breakfast on board The Golden Chariot - Pride of The South |
| 1000 Hrs | Depart for sightseeing |
| 1100 Hrs | Visit the famous churches of old Goa |
| 1215 Hrs | Visit an old Portuguese house: Sola Souto Maior for tea/coffee and cookies; shopping at the emporium |
| 1400 Hrs | Reach Majorda Beach Resort for lunch |
| An Ayurvedic massage, a visit to the casino, a dip in the pool / beach, etc. (Ayurvedic massage and casino charges extra as applicable) | |
| 1730 Hrs | Depart from the resort |
| 1830 Hrs | Return to The Golden Chariot - Pride of The South. Depart for Bangalore |
| 2000 Hrs | Dinner onboard The Golden Chariot - Pride of The South |
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. The magnificent scenic beauty and the architectural splendors of its temples, churches and old houses have made Goa a favorite with travelers around the world. Besides the natural beauty, the fabulous beaches and sunshine, travelers to Goa love the laid-back, peaceful, warm and friendly nature of Goan people. After all, more than anywhere else on planet earth, this is a place where people really know how to relax!
(*Optional itinerary for those who do not opt for Goa Sightseeing– A round of Golf at Intercontinental The Lalit Goa Resort followed by Lunch).
Day 08 - MONDAY
| 0800 Hrs | Breakfast onboard The Golden Chariot - Pride of The South |
| 1100 Hrs | Reach Yeswanthpur railway station, farewell by the entire crew |
Bangalore – Reach Yeswanthpur railway station (Bangalore), where you bid farewell to the Golden Chariot.
