| Tour
Duration: 7 Nights / 8 Days
Places Covered: Bangalore - Kabini/Bandipur - Mysore
- Hassan - Hospet - Badami - Goa - Bangalore |
The
Luxury Trains is the newest luxury train in Karnataka,
Southern India, “THE GOLDEN CHARIOT” which
is being operated by The Karnataka State Tourism Development
Corporation collaboration with Indian Railways The Golden
Chariot Train Tour starts on every Monday of the week
from Bangalore and ends in Bangalore on every Monday
morning respectively.The land once ridden by formidable
armies is now traversed by the world's most unique railway
- The Golden Chariot beckons you to discover worlds
that are enriched with history and culture. Recline
and relax as the magnificent scenery unfolds outside
your window with luxury on the inside, thus far reserved
for royalty. We present the Golden Chariot - a fine
balance between a glorious yesterday and an omnipresent
tomorrow in a magical land... that is Karnataka. |
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| Day
1 - Bangalore (Monday) |
12:30
pm: Check-in at the Leela Palace followed by lunch at
Jamawar or Citrus.
03:00 pm: Depart for Bangalore Sightseeing Tippu's Palace,
Bull Temple & Lalbagh.
08:00 pm: Arrival at Yeshwantpur Railway Station, Platform
No. 6 Traditional Indian welcome at
Railway Station and escorting to respective cabins.
09:00 pm: Depart to Mysore.
11:30 pm: Arrive at Mysore. |
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| Bangalore:
A World of Opportunity
The capital of Karnataka is known as the Garden City
because of its salubrious climate and greenery.
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 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. |
| 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. |
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Kabini:
A World of Wildlife
Rajiv 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.
|
| 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 Brindavan Gardens for cultural show
followed by dinner at Hotel KRS.
10:00 pm: Back onboard The Golden Chariot. |
 |
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.
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. |
| 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 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. |
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| 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. |
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| 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 major 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 stretched
over at least three states -Karnataka, Maharashtra,
and Andhra Pradesh. The destruction of Vijayanagar by
marauding Moghul invaders was sudden, shocking and absolute. |
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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. |
| 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. |
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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 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. |
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| Day
7 - Goa (Sunday) |
08:00
to 09:30 am: Breakfast onboard 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 and shopping at the emporium.
02:00 pm: Reach Sahakari Spice Plantation, Ponda for Lunch
and tour of spice farm.
03:00 pm: Depart for Utorda Beach.
04:30 pm: Reach Utorda beach to watch the sunset.
(Guests can make use of the facilities: towels, shower,
toilet)
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 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 firm favorite with travelers around the world.
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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. After all, more
than anywhere else on planet earth, this is a place
where people really know how to relax. |
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| 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. |
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