Golden Chariot Luxury Train-Pride of South-8 days
Places covered: Bangalore, Kabini, Mysore, Shravanabelagola, Belur, Halebeedu, Hampi, Badami, Pattadakal, Goa
Here’s a journey that crests the zenith of South Indian art and architecture. Reassuringly long, across a few centuries of history. Tempered in the warmth of sunny beaches and teeming wildlife destinations
Day 1 (Monday) Bangalore: Arrive at Bangalore. You will be welcomed by Concept Voyages representative who will transfer you to Taj West End Hotel to check in for starting your luxurious Pride of South train journey on The Golden Chariot. The city of Bangalore, the capital of Karnataka, is a splendid neo-metro that lets measures of modernity and age old culture mingles in equal parts. While here, enthrall your senses with a traditional art exhibition and folk dance performance at the Chithrakala Parishad. Or check-in at Our Native Village for a quick overview of village life in India. Furthermore, get acquainted with just what’s in store for you, aboard The Golden Chariot. After registering your check in at 3 PM at Taj West End Hotel, you will be taken for a nature walk in the heritage gardens at the hotel. Enjoy Hi-Tea at 5 PM followed by a presentation and orientation on Golden Chariot luxury train. Enjoy a cultural performance in the evening. Visit ISKCON Temple and depart for a traditional welcome at Yeshwanthpur railway station to board Golden Chariot Luxury Train. Depart for Mysore. Overnight on board. Day 2 (Tuesday) Mysore – Kabini: From Mysore, a coach ride through the breathtaking wilderness will take you to Kabini. Kabini was once a hunting retreat of the Mysore Maharajas. The excitement here starts with a safari into the heart of the jungle, where you are sure to spot wild animals in their natural habitat. Breakfast on board. Visit the famous Amba Vilas Mysore Palace. Depart for Kabini by coach to Kabini Jungle Lodges Resort. Enjoy a sumptuous lunch at resort. Depart for afternoon Jungle Safari followed by a screening of wildlife film. Enjoy a delicious dinner followed by camp fire and stay overnight at jungle lodges resort Day 3 (Wednesday) Kabini-Mysore: Mysore, the erstwhile capital of the Wodeyar Maharajas, is home to a few opulent palaces and is a centre of sandalwood-carving, silk and incense production. A short coach trip from Mysore will take you to the capital of South India’s very own tiger, Tipu Sultan, at Srirangapatna. While here, visit his summer palace and Gumbaz. And revisit history as it was two centuries ago. Enjoy a boat ride for bird safari on Kabini River. After breakfast depart for Mysore by coach to board Golden Chariot luxury train with lunch served on board. After noon visit Srirangapatna, Dariya Daulat, Tipu mausoleum and drive through the fort. You are free to shop at Cottage Industries Emporium. Enjoy a Cultutal show followed by dinner at a 5 star palace hotel. Overnight on board on Golden Chariot. Day 4 (Thursday) Hassan: From Hassan, set deep in the Karnatakan countryside, the journey to Asia’s tallest monolith at Shravanabelagola is not long. Return to The Golden Chariot for your sumptuous lunch spread, for the glory of 10th century Hoysala architecture awaits you at Belur and Halebeedu in the afternoon. Take a trip around the temple courtyards of this World Heritage Site to appreciate the intricate workmanship of the sculptures, friezes and ornate pillars. Enjoy breakfast on board and depart for sightseeing tour to Shravanabelagola. After lunch on board visit Belur and Halebidu magnificent temple complexes. Depart for Hospet while having dinner on board. Day 5 (Friday) Hospet and Hampi: Breakfast on board on Golden Chariot luxury train. The splendours of the erstwhile capital of the Vijayanagara empire await you at Hampi, just 13kms away from Hospet. Magnificent temples and courtyards, peppered in between the ruins of what might have been resplendent palaces a few centuries ago, vie for your attention here. This, together with the boulder strewn sandscape and the Tungabhadra river gives Hampi a charm that is almost ethereal.Depart for sightseeing to Hampi- World Heritage site: Hemakuta Hill, Virupaksha temple, Queens Bath, Elephant stables, Royal enclosure, Hazara Rama Temple. Enjoy a luxurious lunch on board The Golden Chariot. Post noon visit the Vijaya Vittala temple complex and the marvel stone chariot. Later sit by the banks of the Tungabhadra River for a magnificient sunset view. Dinner and overnight on board. Day 6 (Saturday) Badami: Depart from Hospet to Badami. Wake up in the cradle of Hindu architecture at the ancient capital city of the Chalukya empire. A flight of steps will take you to the four ancient rock-cut caves, each replete with carved pillars, bracket figures and sculptures. Among them is the 18 armed Nataraja, striking 81 dance poses. A short distance away is Pattadakal, home to perhaps the earliest examples of Dravidian and Nagara architecture in the whole of India. Breakfast on board. Depart for sightseeing to Pattadakal and Badami cave temples- World Heritage Sites. Return to Golden Chariot for lunch and depart for Goa. Free time to relax and enjoy the facilities on board - Spa, Gym, Movies, etc. Dinner on board The Golden Chariot. Reach Goa past midnight Day 7 (Sunday) Goa: Goa well known beach paradise is famous for its carefree spirit and relaxed vibes. Savour the Portuguese history of this state on a walkabout through its magnificent churches and Portuguese homes. Or just relax, for the excellent sea food, casino and spa services set the right note. Breakfast on board The Golden Chariot. Depart for sightseeing: Visit the famous churches of old Goa. Visit Old Portuguese house now an emporium for shopping and refreshments. Lunch at the luxury resort in Goa followed by beach stroll and Hi-Tea. Return to The Golden Chariot and depart for Bangalore. Dinner on board The Golden Chariot Day 8 (Monday) Bangalore departure: Breakfast on board The Golden Chariot. The overnight return journey to Bangalore is the time for quiet contemplation. As the warm sea breeze gives way to the cool night, prepare yourself to celebrate the end of a journey well travelled. In luxury. Aboard The Golden Chariot. Reach Yeshwanthpur railway station and Farewell by the entire crew. You will be welcomed back into the city by Concept Voyages’ representative after your Pride of South luxury train journey on The Golden Chariot and transferred to Bangalore airport to board flight to onward destination. End of tour. |
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