Golden Chariot Train
Golden Chariot with South India Tour
This tour will take you through the royal experience of "Golden Chariot" train which covers the IT city of India Bangalore, the palace city of Mysore, then to Kabini, Aihole, Pattadakal to explore its natural beauty, the ruins of Hassan, Halebid and Hospet. You will also be visiting golden beaches of Goa. After disembark from the deluxe train you can explore other hotspots of South India such as Chennai, Kanchipuram, Mahabalipuram, Pondicherry, Thanjavur, Trichy, Madurai, Periyar, Kumarakom and Cochin. You will also be getting a chance to see the spectacular natural beauty of Kerala while sailing through the backwaters.
Day 1 - Bangalore (Monday) |
Arrive Bangalore. You will meet our representative at the airport and he will transfer you to the hotel |
12:30 : |
Arrival at Leela Palace - Bangalore |
13:00 : |
Check-in formalities |
13:30 : |
Lunch at Leela Palace |
14:30 : |
Departure for sight seeing to Vidhana Soudha, Lal Bagh, St.Mark's Cathedral with some spare time for shopping at MG Road |
18:00 : |
Leave for Yeshwantpur Railway Station by coach |
19:30 : |
Welcome with garland and Tikka at The Golden Chariot |
19:30 : |
Bar opens |
19:30 - 22:00 : |
Dinner |
Bangalore: A World of Opportunity
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 (Tuesday) |
07:30 : |
Breakfast on Board |
09:15 : |
Assemble at the Station
|
09:30 : |
Departure for sight seeing to Srirangapatna and Daria Daulat Fort by coach |
14:00 : |
Lunch at Regaalis |
15:30 : |
Sight seeing of Chamundi Hills by coach |
16:30 : |
Sight seeing of Mysore Palace by coach |
18:00-19:30 : |
Tea and Trip to Rangayana Kala Mandir for Cultural Show by coach |
20:15 : |
Bar opens |
20:15 -22:00 : |
Dinner |
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.
Mysore Palace: Built in Indo-Saracenic style with domes, turrets, arches and colonnades, the Palace is a treasure house of exquisite carvings and works of art from all over the world. The magnificent jewel -studded golden throne of the Wodeyars is displayed here during the Dasara 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 3 - Kabini (Wednesday) |
07:30 : |
Breakfast on Board |
09:15 : |
Assemble at the Station
|
09:30 : |
Departure for sight seeing to Kabini by coach |
11:30 : |
Tea / Coffee |
12:00 : |
Boat ride |
13:00 : |
Lunch at Kabini |
14:30 : |
Wildlife movie |
15:00 : |
Peaceful walk with nature |
16:30 : |
Jungle safari in jeeps |
18:30 : |
Back to the resort |
19:00 : |
Departure to board the The Golden Chariot for dinner by coach |
21:00 : |
Bar opens |
21:00-22:00 : |
Dinner |
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 4 - Hassan (Thursday) |
06:40 : |
Leave for Hassan |
07:30 : |
Breakfast on board
|
08:45 : |
Arrival at Hassan and drive to Halebid by coach |
09:30 : |
Arrival at Halebid for temple visit |
11:00 : |
Drive to Belur |
11:45 : |
Sightseeing of Belur |
12:45 : |
Drive to The Golden Chariot for lunch on board |
13:30 : |
Lunch on board |
15:00 : |
Departure for Shravanabelagola |
18:45 : |
Drive to The Golden Chariot |
19:30 : |
Bar opens |
19:30-22:00 : |
Dinner |
20:00 : |
Train departs for Hospet (overnight journey) |
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.
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.
Day 5 - Hospet (Friday) |
06:00 : |
Arrival at Hospet |
07:30 : |
Breakfast on board
|
09:00 : |
Departure for Hampi by coach |
09:45 : |
Arrival at Hampi - Sightseeing Mustard Seed Ganesha, Virupaksha temple, Krishna Bazar, Linga, Queens Bath and
the fort. |
12:00 : |
Drive to The Golden Chariot for lunch |
13:15 : |
Lunch on board |
14:45 : |
Drive by coach to Hampi again - Sightseeing of Hazama temple, Lotus fort and elephant stable |
16:15 : |
Tea / coffee break at KSTDC guest house |
16:45 : |
Drive to Vittala temple complex |
17:15 : |
Cultural show at the temple complex |
18:30 : |
Tea / coffee |
19:00 : |
Sound and light show inside the temple complex |
20:00 : |
Drive to The Golden Chariot for dinner |
20:45 : |
Bar opens |
20:45-22:00 : |
Dinner |
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.
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 - Gadag (Aihole), Pattadakal, Badami (Saturday) |
06:00 : |
Train departs for Gadag |
07:30 : |
Breakfast on board
|
08:00 : |
Arrival at Gadag |
08:45 : |
Drive by coach to Hotel Badami Court for tea / coffee |
11:15 : |
Drive to Aihole |
11:30 : |
Arrival at Aihole for sight seeing |
12:30 : |
Drive by coach to Pattadakal |
13:00 : |
Arrival at Pattadakal for sight seeing |
14:00 : |
Drive to Hotel Badami Court for lunch |
15:30 : |
Drive to Badami Caves |
17:15 : |
Drive to Hotel Badami Court for tea / coffee |
17:30 : |
Arrival at Hotel Badami Court |
18:15 : |
Train departs for Goa |
20:45 : |
Bar opens |
20:45-22:00 : |
Dinner |
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.
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.
Day 7 - Goa (Sunday) |
04:30 : |
Arrival at Vasco Railway Station |
07:30 : |
Breakfast on board
|
09:00 : |
Drive to Candolim beach by coach at The Taj Holiday Village |
10:45-12:30 : |
Arrival at the beach, sun bathe and relax on the beach |
12:30 : |
Lunch at Caravela - Taj Holiday Village |
15:45 : |
Sight seeing of Old Goa churches and Museum |
17:30 : |
Drive to Solas De Colacos |
18:00 : |
Visit an old Portuguese house and have tea / coffee break |
19:00 : |
Drive back by coach through Miramar beach and Panjim City |
20:00 : |
Reach the station to board The Golden Chariot and depart for Bangalore |
20:00 : |
Bar opens |
20:00-22:00 : |
Dinner |
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.
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.
Day 8 - Bangalore (Monday) |
07:30 : |
Breakfast on board |
|
Arrive Bangalore Yeshwanthpur at 12:00 hrs. Later Upon arrival transfer to the railway station to board the train for Chennai by Train # 2008 Shatabdi Express dep. 16:25 hrs and arr. 21:35 hrs. Upon arrival transfer to the hotel for overnight stay.
|
Day 09 (Tue) : Chennai - Excursion to Kanchipuram & Mahabalipuram
After breakfast, leave for sightseeing of Chennai - visit the Museum to see the Art and Bronze Gallery, High court, Fort museum, Marina Beach, Kapaleeswar Temple, Cathedral, and Snake Park. Later drive to Kanchipuram (64 kms from Chennai) is the ancient capital of the Pallavas famous as a city of 1000 Temples and still has 124 shrines. Temples of Ekambaswara, Kailasanatha, Sri Kamakshi and Varadarajaswamy are of interest. Kanchipuram is also famous for its silks. Proceed to Mahabalipuram (58 kms / 1 hr drive) and check into hotel.
Day 10 (Wed) : Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry
Mahabalipuram is famous for the seven pagodas. Here on the seashore is an interesting group of ancient rock hewn temples which are the examples of Dravidian style of Architecture. Later drive to Pondicherry i.e. 163 kms / 04 hrs and check into hotel.
Day 11 (Thu) : Pondicherry - Tanjavur
Morning visit the Aurobindo Ashram and temples. Afternoon drive to Tanjavur 177 kms and 04 hrs drive and check into hotel.
Day 12 (Fri) : Tanjavur - Trichy
Morning visit to the Gangaikondacholapuram temple, Nageswaraswami Temple and the Airavateswara Temple is mandatory to complete the trip to Tanjavur. Afternoon drive to Trichy, 40 kms and 01 hrs drive and check into hotel.
Day 13 (Sat) : Trichy - Madurai
Morning visit the Rock Fort, Athmanathaswamy temple, Viralimalai, Ranganathar and Elakurichi. Proceed to Madurai, 142 kms and 03 hrs drive. Upon arrival transfer to the hotel.
Day 14 (Sun) : Madurai
Morning visit the great Meenakshi Temple dedicated to the consort of Lord Shiva. Later, visit the Tirumala Nayak Palace - A gracious building in the Indo saracenic style, famous for the Stucco work on its domes & arches. Also visit the Alagar Hills and Tirupara Kundran Rock temple. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 15 (Mon) : Madurai - Periyar
Morning visit to Periyar National Park (137 kms / 4 hrs). Set up in 1934 it extends to 777 square kms & forms part of the high mountain ranges, the Western Ghats. Wild life can be seen while cruising on Periyar Lake in a motor boat. Amongst the animals which can be seen are elephants, wild boar, sambar, tiger, leopard, wild dog, languor monkeys, etc. Also visit spice plantations. Overnight stay in the hotel.
Day 16 (Tue) : Periyar - Kumarakom
Morning drive to Kumarakom (130 kms / 4 hrs). Upon arrival transfer to the hotel. Later visit Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. This Bird Sanctuary on the southern bank of the Kavanar River, is a small bird sanctuary where numerous species of birds, including darters, bitterns, brahminy kites, marsh harries, teals and several varieties of herons roost. Overnight stay in hotel.
Day 17 (Wed) : Kumarakom - board Houseboat
After breakfast morning board houseboat from Kumarakom Jetty and sail towards Alleppey. Cruise along the backwaters by day and dock at a picturesque location by night. This is undoubtedly one of the most relaxing experiences to watch Kerala life at work as you watch the world go by. Overnight on board.
Day 18 (Thu) : Disembark from Houseboat - Alleppey - Cochin
Morning after breakfast disembark at Alleppey. Later drive to Cochin (70 kms / 1½ hrs). Later sightseeing tour of Cochin. Cochin is the natural harbour created by the famed underwater Malabar mud-banks whose quality ensures that the rougher the seas are outside the calmer the waters are within the Harbour. Vasco-de-Gama placed it on the world map. It has a Jewish synagogue, Portuguese churches, Mosques & Hindu temples, Mattancherry Palace etc. also watch the Chinese Fishing Nets. Evening watch Kathakali dance performance. Overnight stay in the hotel
Day 19 (Fri) : Cochin - Out
After breakfast transfer to the Airport to board the flight for onward destination.
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