Itinerary -
Day 01 Monday Arrival : 1500 hours / Place: Taj West End Hotel, Bangalore
Assemble at The Taj West End Hotel by for check-in formalities followed by high tea & a brief presentation on the train. Proceed for visiting Chitrakala Parishad / Art gallery, and enjoy a cultural programme. Reach Yeshwantpur Railway Station, by 2000 hours and get a grand welcome by the train crew who escort you to your respective cabins. Dinner to be served on board. Train departs by 2100 hours.
Alternate itinerary In case you do not wish to go for the original itinerary that includes check-in at Taj and sightseeing of Bangalore city, here's an alternate itinerary, especially suited for people fond of eco tourism:
Arrival: 1100 hours / Place: Our Native Village Check-in at Our Native village, followed by a grand lunch. Know the train, do's & don'ts and safety & security measures while being on the train through a brief presentation by the train staff. At around 1500 hours, get an eco resort tour, and the Revivalist movement - an art & culture tour. Proceed on for an exciting pottery session, village games and bullock cart rides. Depart to Yeshwantpur Railway Station for a grand welcome session and dinner onboard as the train starts rolling towards Kabini at around 2100 hours.
Day 02 Kabini - Bandipur, Mysore Arrival: 1000 hours
On the second day of your sojourn, a lavish breakfast at the Mysore Palace awaits you. Post this, you will get a chance to visit the wildlife environs of Kabini/Bandipur. On your arrival in Kabini, you can relish a sumptuous lunch at the jungle lodge besides also enjoying a jungle safari across the Bandipur National Park. Be prepared for an unforgettable experience - you might see a tiger prowling amidst the mix deciduous, evergreen forest and scrubland vegetation.
Dinner and overnight stay in the Jungle Lodge, which offers enthralling expanses of wilderness, rivers and beach.
Day 03 Mysore Arrival: 0900 hours
Post a boat ride, depart for Mysore, the land of the fascinating palaces and gardens. The train starts rolling towards Mysore as you savour a lavish lunch experience on the train. As you arrive in this city of palaces, embark on a half an excursion across Mysore and visit prime attractions such as Mysore Palace and Srirangapatnam. The evening is booked for a cultural performance along with dinner at the beautiful Lalitha Mahal.
Board the Golden Chariot to resume your journey.
Day 04 Hassan Arrival: 0815 hours
Early morning, depart for Hassan and travel to renowned pilgrimage sites such as Shravanabelagola and Belur as well as visit the attractions of Halebid. Post your visit to Shravanabelagola, return to the luxury train for lunch and later leave for Halebid and Belur.
Some 52 km from Hassan, Shravanabelagola is an important Jain pilgrim centre. Home to Asia's largest monolithic statue Lord Gomateswara at 58 ft., it looms atop the picturesque Vindhyagiri Hill. Halebid is the abode of the Hoysaleswara Temple. Perched on a star-shaped base amidst lawns, the temple is a sculptural extravaganza. Belur is famous for the centuries old Chennakesava Temple, built by Hoysala Vishnuvardhana, to commemorate his victory over the Cholas.
Important note: Guests traveling to Shravanabelagola should be prepared to climb the 700 steps that lead one to the main sanctum sanctorum. The guests may also choose to stay back in the train and explore its state-of-the-art amenities.
Day 05 Hospet Arrival: 0600 hours
As the Sun kisses you a good morning, arrive at Hospet. Post breakfast on board, depart for Hampi sightseeing and explore Virupaksha Temple, Queens's bath, Elephant stables, local crafts bazaar, Royal enclosure, Hazara Rama Temple. Set amidst an awesome boulder-strewn landscape along the Tungabhadra River, Hampi is a World Heritage Site. In the afternoon, return to your plush train to enjoy a sumptuous lunch. Depart for sightseeing to Vittala Temple with the beautiful Stone Chariot. Late evening, return on board for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 06 Badami Arrival: 0830 hours
The train proceeds towards Badami and breakfast is served on board. As you reach Badami - abode to various temples, gateways, forts, inscriptions and sculptures; embark on a sightseeing excursion to Badami Caves and Pattadakal. 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. You just have to climb a flight of steps to reach the four ancient rock-cut caves replete with carved pillars and bracket figures, all hewn out of red sandstone on the precipice of a hill.
Spend your afternoon leisurely on the train as the train rolls towards Goa, famous for its golden beaches. Do peep from your window for a feast of the natural beauty of the landscapes that passes you by. Dinner and overnight stay aboard the train.
Day 07 Goa Arrival: 0930 hours
Popularly referred to as the "Pearl of the Orient" and a "Tourist Paradise", Goa is located on the western coast of India in the coastal belt known as Konkan. The seventh day of your journey starts with visiting the beautiful Churches of Old Goa and an old Portuguese house to witness its architectural splendor. After enjoying your tea and snacks at Sola Souto Maior, you may walk through the streets of Goa for shopping. Majorda Beach Resort awaits you for a grand lunch, offering you the best the Goan and other cuisines. If you wish, you may go for a rejuvenating massage, pay a visit to one of the casinos out there or just relax and enjoy being at the beach. Depart from the resort. Board the Golden Chariot for enjoying your last night onboard this luxurious journey.
Day 08 Bangalore Arrival: 1100 hours
Enjoy your breakfast aboard the train as it arrives to the Yeshwantpur Railway Station in Bangalore. On your arrival in the city by 1100 hours you will be given a warm farewell to mark the end of this memorable journey.
Trip Ends With Sweet Memories !!!
Bangalore
Bangalore is a city of contrasts, going by several other aliases: India's Silicon Valley, Pub City, Shopper's Paradise, Garden City and Gourmet's Delight. The capital of the Southern state of Karnataka has a lot to offer - a rich cultural heritage, historic monuments, cultural centers, traditional arts and crafts stores, exotic cuisines and friendly people.
Mysore
Known for its magnificent palaces, majestic buildings, sprawling gardens and tree-lined boulevards, shimmering silks and sandalwood, the 'City Royale" - Mysore always figures out in the tourist's itinerary. It conjures up visions and memories of the resplendent glory of the illustrious Wodeyar Kings. This former Karnataka Capital is a seamless blend of old-world charm and modernity.
Hampi
Set amidst an awesome boulder-strewn landscape along the banks of the Tungabhadra River 12 km away from the sleepy town of Hospet in Bellary district, Hampi was the magnificent capital of the mighty Vijayanagar Kingdom. The best way to visit this World Heritage Site is to take a leisurely stroll through the eloquent ruins.
Belur
Belur - the famous temple destination in the country is located in Karnataka. Visited by thousands of devotees and tourists throughout the year who come here to offer their prayers as well as marvel at the architectural brilliance of the temples, it is home to the famous Hoysala temple complex. Referred to as the Southern Benaras, Belur's origination dates back to the Hoysala rule during the eleventh and twelfth centuries.
Halebid
Home to one of the best examples of Hoysala architecture in the ornate Hoysaleswara and Kedareswara temples, Halebid is located in the Hassan district in Karnataka. Halebid has several strikingly beautiful Hoysala temples and Jain shrines. These temples are sculptural extravaganza, richly endowed with most finely detailed scroll work in stone.
Pattadakal
Pattadakal, in Karnataka, represents the high point of a heterogeneous art which, in the 7th and 8th centuries under the Chalukya dynasty, achieved a harmonious blend of architectural forms from northern and southern India. An impressive series of nine Hindu temples, as well as a Jain sanctuary, can be seen there. One masterpiece from the group stands out - the Temple of Virupaksha, built c. 740 by Queen Lokamahadevi to commemorate her husband's victory over the kings from the South.
Kabini
Offering abundant wildlife in the country and located at about 80 km from the city of Mysore in Karnataka, Kabini is a lush green habitat for the animals, especially Elephants. Besides elephants, the Kabini Wildlife Sanctuary is also home to a large variety of birds too. The place is a must visit for those on a lookout for a wildlife holiday. So get ready to encounter the mighty tuskers.
Badami
Picturesquely situated at the mouth of a ravine between two rocky hills, the exquisite sculptures and the rust red sandstone cliffs, Badami tell many a tale of yore. Located in the Bagalkot district of Karnataka, the blue waters of Agastya Lake surround Badami. Climb a flight of steps to reach the four ancient rock-cut caves replete with carved pillars and bracket figures.
Goa
Palm pronged beaches, miles of golden sands, lush green country-side, an incredible mosaic of cultural heritage, magnificent churches, temples, forts and monuments and a unique cultural synthesis of the east and west - Goa offers it all. Replete with colonial architecture, the Goa is known around the world for its vibrancy. So, just come ashore and enjoy this ever bustling, ever shimmering and ever glowing state where festivities and celebration never end.
Chennai
A blend of the old and the new, the traditional and the modern, Chennai is the capital city of Tamil Nadu. Spread over 200 sq km with the Bay of Bengal on the east, it is home to a host of Tamil culture art forms including dance, literature, sculpture, music and cinema. Adorned with temples, this modern city is unique for its allegiance to ancient traditions and ethos.
Mahabalipuram
Mahabalipuram also known as Mamallapuram is divided into four categories - open-air bas-reliefs, structured temples, man-made caves, and rathas. Situated in the Kancheepuram district of Tamil Nadu, the town attracts shoals of foreigners in search of unique architectural marvels, relaxation and sea bathing, and most strange of all, it has an atomic power plant as well.
Pondicherry
A French colony up to 1954, Pondicherry (Puducherry) is a living memorial of French rule and culture in India. The Aurobindo Ashram and 'Auroville' the international township are famous all over the world. No else in India would you find such a profusion of natural and architectural beauty. The Union Territory has a lot to offer to the tourists from lovely beaches, backwater areas, to marvelous hotels and restaurants serving authentic French and Indian cuisines.
Tanjore
Home to hundreds of ancient temples, the district of Tanjore, also addressed as Tanjai and Thanjavur, is also famous for its exquisite handicrafts, castings, pith craft and South Indian musical instruments. Being a native place of many skilful artists, Thanjavur paintings are the most renowned elements associated with the place and excellent souvenirs to be carried back home. Tourists visit this place to witness the wonders humans can create with their dexterity and craft.
Madurai
Madurai, located on the banks of Vaigai River, fascinates pilgrims and tourists as the enigma of Indian philosophy unravels in its architecture, religion and cultural traditions. Legends mingle with history, giving its shrines an evocative ambience that brings life to the richness of the city's spiritual culture. The ostentatious Meenakshi temple is the major tourist attraction of this picturesque city.
Thiruvanathpuram
Madurai, located on the banks of Vaigai River, fascinates pilgrims and tourists as the enigma of Indian philosophy unravels in its architecture, religion and cultural traditions. Legends mingle with history, giving its shrines an evocative ambience that brings life to the richness of the city's spiritual culture. The ostentatious Meenakshi temple is the major tourist attraction of this picturesque city.
Kochi
The commercial hub of Kerala, Kochi is a picturesque location that was earlier known as Cochin. A stroll along the beach, particularly at sunset with the Chinese fishing nets and sailing ships in the background, is a memorable experience. Many European style bungalows can be seen along the shoreline. The coastal stretch has loads of small stalls, which cook mouth-watering traditional cuisines using freshly caught fish.
Kerala Backwaters
The backwaters in Kerala offer a world of serenity and wonderment. The coastal regions of Kerala have a network of waterways, inlets from the sea, and estuaries of over forty rivers, lakes and natural canals connecting coastal towns. Cruising on these waterways on a traditional houseboat and enjoying the scenic beauty is sure an incredible experience.
Kanyakumari
The meeting point of three great water bodies: the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean, Kanyakumari is the southernmost point of the peninsular India. Besides being an important pilgrim center, it is well known for its beautiful views of sunrise, sunset and moonrise over the waters. The rich history and the cultural heritage of Kanyakumari is one of mixed culture and profound heritage.
About The Tour:
Suffused with the saga of the past and alteration of the present, The Golden Chariot takes the travelers on an enthralling trip to the most renowned destinations in South India. Being painted with the golden and purple colors, the royal train signifies majestic epoch of erstwhile South Indian dynasties. It radiates an aura of grace and luxury from its every nook. The emblem of this luxury train is an elephant headed lion, which denotes royalty in its own way. A fleet of bonhomie and welcoming staff greets the guests in a traditional style before boarding one of the most popular luxury trains in India.
Historical legacy, cultural ethos and superb artwork of once ruling dynasties of the south are manifested in the 11 coaches of this train. The names of these coaches draw inspiration from the different rulers who have ruled the area in the history and reverberate with the architectural ethos of that particular era. The train route of this royal carrier connects Goa and Bangalore, which are the major tourist attractions in South India. Booking the journey in this train will take you on an unforgettable journey full of the memories to cheer throughout the life. We at Namoh, offer an attractive trip of the Golden Chariot making your holidays perfectly pleasant.
Pride of South
Unspoiled beaches, scores of temples, sparkling waterfalls, and captivating wildlife, Karnataka is truly exhibits natural beauty at its best.
Explore the wildlife environs of Kabini, the palaces and gardens of Mysore, the pilgrimage sites of Hassan and the captivating Badami caves before you reach Goa - the party hub of India with endless entertainment options including the beaches, the discotheques and casinos.