Join the group at Leela Palace followed by lunch at Jamawar or Citrus. After lunch proceed for a sightseeing tour of Bangalore visiting the Tippu Sultan Palace, Bull Temple and Lal Bagh Gardens. 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.

Bangalore * Alternate Itinerary*

KABINI: Arrive Kabini at 1300 Hrs. 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.

BANDIPUR: Tread the path of the erstwhile 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 an unforgettable experience - you might see a tiger prowling amidst the mix of deciduous, evergreen forest and scrubland vegetation. Set against the picturesque backdrop of the enchanting 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 observe and photograph wildlife in close proximity. A temple perched atop Himad Gopalaswamy Hill, the highest peak in the Bandipur range, is worth a visit.

Dinner and stay overnight at Jungle Lodge

(*Optional itinerary for those who do not opt for Kabini / Bandipur tour - Visit the Raganatittu Bird Sanctary and Mysore Zoo. Enjoy lunch on board followed by a visit to Brindavan Gardens)

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.

Today, arrive in Hassan at 0815 Hrs. Proceed for a sightseeing tour of Sravanabelagola, Belur and Halebid.

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.

Arrive Hospet at 0600 Hrs. Proceed for sightseeing Tour of Hampi.

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.

After breakfast depart for Hampi sightseeing: Virupaksha Temple. Queens's Bath, Elephant Stables, Local crafts bazaar. Return to The Golden Chariot for lunch. Later, continue your Hampi sightseeing visiting the Royal enclosure, Hazara Rama Temple and the illuminated Vittala Temple.

Dinner onboard The Golden Chariot.

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.

Dinner onboard The Golden Chariot
 

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!

Visit the famous churches of old Goa. Visit an old Portuguese house: Sola Souto Maior for Tea/Coffee and cookies and shopping at the emporium.

Reach Sahakari Spice Plantation, Ponda for lunch and tour of spice farm. Reach Utorda beach to watch the sunset.
 
Dinner onboard The Golden Chariot