Days 06 Nights / 07 Days

Routing Bangalore - Kabini - Mysore - Hassan - Hospet - Gadag - Goa

Description

Day 01 - Bangalore (Monday)

Bangalore, the capital of Karnataka is known as the Garden City of India, because of its near perfect climate and rich and bright 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.

Tour Schedule:

12:30	-	Arrival at The Leela Palace Hotel
13:00	-	Check in at The Leela Palace Hotel for The Golden Chariot
13:30	-	Lunch at The Leela Palace Hotel
15:00	-	Departure from The Leela Palace Hotel
15:00-16:30	-	Visit Tipu's Palace
16:30-17:30	-	Visit The Bull Temple
17:30-18:40	-	Get a glimpse of nature at Lal Bagh
18:45-20:00	-	Drive to Yeshwanthpur Station
20:00-20:30	-	Welcome on board The Golden Chariot
21:00	-	Departure to Mysore / Dinner on Board

Day 02 - Kabini (Tuesday)

Kabini, a world of wildlife is famous for its Rajiv Gandhi National Park, Nagarhole (Kabini), the hunting retreat of the Mysore Maharajas, 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. Also a bird watcher's paradise, the park is home to over 300 species of birds, many of which are endemic to these jungles.

Tour Schedule:

09:30-11:30	-	Drive to the Kabini Jungle Resorts
11:30- 12:00	-	High Tea Reception
12:00-13:30	-	Take a peaceful walk with nature and relax over a Boat Safari
13:30- 15:00	-	Relax at the Kabini Resort with lunch
15:00-16:00	-	Watch a Wildlife Movie
18:30-19:30	-	Experience the exciting Jeep Safari
19:30	-	Dinner and overnight stay at Kabini Resort

Following morning: Breakfast at Kabini Resort and departure for Mysore

Alternative Tour Schedule (Mysore):

09:30-11:30	-	Visit to Ranghanathittu Bird Sanctuary
11:30-13:30	-	Visit to Zoological Gardens
13:30-15:00	-	Lunch on board
17:00-20:00	-	Visit to Brindavan Gardens

Day 03 - Mysore (Wednesday)

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.

Tour Schedule:

Tour 1 Srirangapatna

11:00	-	Departure to Srirangapatna
11:30- 12:30	-	Feast your eyes on the Daria Daulat Fort
15:15-15:45	-	Lunch at Hotel Regaalis, Mysore

Tour 2 Mysore Palace

1500-1600

-

Visit the Palace and ride on Elephants

Tour 3 Chamundi Hills

13:00-15:00	-	Experience the Rangayana Cultural Show
16:00-17:30	-	Visit to the Nandi Bull

Drive back to The Golden Chariot / Dinner on Board

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.

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.

Day 04 - Hassan (Thursday)

Tour Schedule:

Tour 1 Belur & Halebid

09:00-10:30	-	Drive and Tour of Halebid
10:30-12:30	-	Drive and Tour of Belur
13:00-15:00	-	Lunch on board

Tour 2 Shravanabelagola

15:00-16:30	-	Drive and Tour of Shravanabelagola
16:30-17:30	-	Climb the Magnificent Indragiri Hill & visit the Lord Bahubali Statue
17:30-18:00	-	Tea Service
18:00-19:00	-	Drive back to The Golden Chariot
19:40	-	Departure to Hospet / Dinner on board

Belur & Halebidu: A World of Worship
Belur, in Hassan district 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.

Halebidu, in Hassan district, 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 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 ceremony.

Day 05 - Hospet (Friday)

Tour Schedule:

Tour 1: Hampi Sacred Centre

08:30-11:30	-	Drive to Sacred Centre & back
13:00-15:00	-	Lunch / relax on train

Tour 2: Royal Centre & Vittala Temple Complex
15:00-19:00: Tour & Crafts Bazaar

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.

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 tell 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.

Also visit the Anegundi village, that provides the guests with a glimpse into the traditional country life in Karnataka.

Day 06 - Gadag (Saturday)

Tour Schedule:

06:00-08:00	-	Train journey to Gadag
08:30-10:30	-	Drive to Hotel Badami Court, Badami

Tour 1: Aihole & Pattadakal

10:30-13:00	-	Drive & Tour of Aihole & Pattadaka
13:00-15:30	-	Lunch / Relax / Crafts at Hotel Badami Court

Tour 2: Badami Caves

16:00-18:00	-	Badami Caves Tour
18:00-20:00	-	Drive to Gadag
20:00-05:30	-	Train journey to Vasco

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. 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.

Badami: A World Heritage Site: Badami is picturesquely situated at the mouth of a gorge between two rocky hills. The exquisite sculptures and the rust red sandstone cliffs of Badami narrate stories of the bygone era. The first sculptural embellishment to dazzle the eye is the 18 armed Nataraja striking 81 dance poses.

Day 07 - Goa (Sunday)

Tour Schedule:

09:30-10:30	-	Drive to Candolim Beach
10:30-11:30	-	Enjoy the beach
11:30-15:00	-	Drive to Taj Holiday Village for lunch
15:00-16:00	-	Drive to Old Goa
16:00-16:30	-	Visit Solar De Colasco, an Old Portuguese House
16:30-19:00	-	Experience the beautiful Churches on a tour of Old Goa
21:00	-	Return Train journey to Bangalore OR De-board the train and continue your stay in 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. 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, travelers 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!

ABOUT THE TRAIN Cabin Coaches The coach chambers are steeped in history, under a sky of craftsmanship that narrates timeless tales. Based on the royalty, reminiscent of the Mysore Maharajas, the intricate carvings on the ceiling, the wall panels and furniture is inspired 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, Adhilshahi, Sangama, Shathavashna, Yudukula and Vijayanagar. Fully air-conditioned cabins. 26 twin beds, 17 double bed cabins and 1 cabin for the physically challenged. Vanity / Writing desk. Every cabin is equipped with Wi-Fi, LCD television, DVD with 6 satellite channels, wardrobe and private bathroom with luxurious amenities and accessories. Two Restaurants - Nala and Ruchi 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 inspired by the timeless aesthetics of Hampi and Halebid. 4-seater and 2-seater dining cabins with comfortable sofas and chairs. Madira - The Lounge Bar Madira, the mythical drink of the gods, is the most appropriate description of 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 lilting music uplifts you. Relaxing and elegant seating at bar. Plush and royal interiors modeled after the Mysore Palace. Conference Coach 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 Houses an Ayurveda centre, Spa and gym on The Golden Chariot, discover age old traditions and cures to modern day stress. Two massage rooms for an out of this world rejuvenation experience. For those who prefer a local flavour - Ayurveda massages are provided. Fully equipped gymnasium.