Duration: 7 Nights / 8 Days tour.
Destination Covered: Bangalore - Srirangapatnam - Mysore - Kabini - Shravanabelagola - Belur - Halebid - Hampi - Badami - Aihole - Pattadakal - Goa.
Welcome aboard a fascinating journey through the many worlds of Karnataka. Embark on a luxurious voyage of discovery through the Cradle of Stone Architecture.
THE GOLDEN CHARIOT train named after the famous Stone Chariot in Hampi, a world heritage site, in Southern India will travel through timeless Historical Heritage Sites, Resplendent Palaces, Wildlife and Golden Beaches.
It’s 7 Nights / 8 Days colorful journey begins every Monday from Bangalore and traverses through Mysore, visiting Srirangapatna, Mysore Palace; the Nagarhole National Park (Kabini) and continuing to the historical sites of Shravanabelagola, Belur - the 11th century cradle of Hoysala architecture and a world heritage site, Halebidu, Hampi and thereafter entering into the triangular heritage site of Badami, Pattadakal, Aihole and finally the Golden Beaches of Goa before ending in Bangalore.
Detailed Itinerary of Golden Chariot :
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.
The Golden Chariot Train Tour starts on every Monday of the week from Bangalore and ends in Bangalore on every Monday morning respectively.
Tour Itinerary for Golden Chariot :
Day 1
06.00 pm Report for check-in to board the train.
07.00 pm Departure from Bangalore - Yeshwanthpur.
Wine & dine onboard.
Overnight onboard.
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
00.01 am Arrival at Mysore (A World of Royalty).
08.00 am Drive to Kabini (A World of Wildlife).
10.00 pm Return to train.
Overnight onboard.
Train Stabled at Mysore.
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.
Day 3
08.30 am Mysore sight seeing.
11.00 pm Return to train.
Overnight onboard.
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.
Brindavan Gardens: Located at the Krishna Raja Sagar Dam, Brindavan Gardens is one of the best gardens in South India. Spread over 150 acres, Brindavan Gardens has since the 1960s provided the backdrop for many Indian films.
Day 4
06.00 am Departure from Mysore.
08.40 am Arrival at Hassan.
09.30 am Drive to Halebidu / Belur (A World of Worship).
01.00 pm Board the train & lunch onboard.
04.00 pm Drive to Sravanbelagola and visit famous Jain Temple.
07.00 pm Return to train, dinner onboard.
07.40 pm Departure to TB DAM.
Overnight onboard.
Belur & Halebidu: 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.
Halebidu 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
05.30 am Arrival at TB DAM.
08.30 am Drive up the hill for breakfast.
09.30 am Train to Hospet / Hampi (A World Heritage Site).
01.00 pm Lunch onboard.
03.30 pm Hampi evening session.
07.00 pm Dinner onboard.
08.00 pm Departure to Gadag.
Overnight onboard.
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
05.30 am Arrival at GADAG.
08.30 am Drive to Aihole & Pattadakal.
01.00 -04.00 pm Lunch at Badami Court.
04.00 - 06.00 pm Badami (A World Heritage Site).
07.00 pm Dinner onboard.
08.00 pm Departure to Goa.
Overnight onboard.
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.
Day 7
05.30 am Arrival at Goa (A World of Golden Beaches).
09.00 am Drive to Mapple Viva.
12.00 -04.00 pm Lunch & Calangute Beach.
06.00 pm Return to Train.
07.00 pm Departure from Goa.
Overnight onboard.
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.
Day 8
11 AM - Arrival at Bangalore.
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Tour Ends. ****
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