Overview
Day 01 - Bangalore
The journey "Pride of The South" starts with the pride of south, the capital of Karnataka, Bangalore. This third largest city of India is, needless to say, ever-bustling and is bestowed with the Victorian architectural marvels and an all-year-round pleasant weather. After you reach Bangalore, check- in at Taj West End by 1600 hours. Enjoy a relaxing stroll in the gardens of the Taj. 1700 hours Hi-Tea is scheduled in the hotel lawns. At 1730 hours, the Golden Chariot representatives will present detailed brief of the tour. A graceful cultural dance session will be presented at 1800 hours. A visit to ISKCON is arranged next. At 2015 hours, Golden Chariot staff will welcome in the Yeshwanthpur railway station. Check in to your coaches and relax. At 2100 hours the train leaves for Mysore.
Day 02 - Kabini – Bandipur
On day 2, enjoy the breakfast served at 0800 hourson-board. At 1000 hours leave to explore the enticing Amba Villas Mysore Palace. At 1115 hours board the coach that awaits you to take you to Kabini. Leave for a wildlife safari at Kabini/Bandipur. By 1315 hours, you reach Bandipur National Park, have lunch at a jungle lodge. The former hunting grounds of the Maharaja of Mysore; this is one of the most popular wildlife reserves of the Southern region of the country. Later, at 1545 hours, embark on a jungle safari, spotting around 200 avifauna species along with animal species such as Indian elephants, tigers, gaurs, sloth bears, four-horned antelopes, Indian rock pythons, dholes and muggers. By 1945 hours you will be back. Settle down for the screening of a wildlife movie. Dinner will be served and camp fire will be set as you will have an overnight stay at the lodge.
Day 03 - Mysore
On day 3, start the day at 0600 hours for a scenic boat ride on Kabini River, a retreat for bird watchers. Get mesmerized by melodious symphony of birds. At 0800 hours assemble for a scrumptious breakfast which will be served at the lodge. At 0930 hours check out and proceed towards your luxury ride to board the Golden Chariot at 1115 hours for Mysore. Savor a delicious lunch on the train served at 1300 hours. By 1530 hours you embark on sightseeing and shopping tour in and around Srirangapatnam. Explore the Tipu museum, Dariya Daulat and fort. Cure your exhaustion with graceful cultural dance at 1900 hours at a 5 star Palace hotel. A scrumptious dinner awaits after the cultural program. At 2200 hours return back to the Golden Chariot.
Day 04 - Hassan
On day 4 of the tour, the train leaves from Mysore for Hassan at 0500 hours. Breakfast will be served at 0730 hours on-board. On arrival in Hassan, at 0900 hours leave for visiting the renowned Jain pilgrimage site of Shravanabelagola. The site also contains world's largest monolithic statue - a statue of Gommateshvara Bahubali that dates back to 978-993 AD. There will be 700 steps to be climbed in order to reach the architectural gem, those who are willing can join and others can stay at the Golden Chariot and rejuvenate in spa, gym or restaurants. Lunch will be served at 1300 hours. Return to the Golden Chariot for the meal. At 1445 hours, proceed towards the temple sites of Halebid and Belur. The magnificent temple complexes were erected during the 16th century. These temples are the finest example of Hoyasala architecture with beautiful intricate carvings. At 1915 hours return back to the Golden Chariot. Enjoy the lavish amenities of your ride. Dinner will be served at 2100 hours post which the train leaves for Hospet. Delight in a relaxing night.
Day 05 - Hospet & Hampi
On day 5, start the day with a hearty breakfast on-board the train served at 0700 hours. De-board the Golden Chariot to explore the prime attractions of Hampi. The architectural marvel awaits you in Hospet and Hampi. Hampi is magical. The beautiful landscaped colored with a tinge of beige and rocks strewn in the scenery grasps you in its spell. Start the tour with alluring attractions of Hemakuta hill and Virupaksha temple which made its way to the list of World Heritage sites. Other sightseeing includes the royal enclosure, a fortified campus now in ruins. The Hazara Rama temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu with beautiful 15th century artworks on their walls. At 1300 hours get back to the train for lunch and some leisure time. Later, proceed to the last visit of the day, to exxplore the magnificence of the Vittala temple. The 16th century wonderful structure, dedicated to Lord Vittala. The treasured Stone Chariot which inspired the luxury train, the Golden Chariot. The sunset view from the banks of Tungabhadra River is enchanting and rejuvenating, after this you will board the train and indulge in its lavish facilities. Dinner will be served at 2000 hours. Enjoy the overnight stay.
Day 06 - Badami
On the day 6, Golden Chariot moves towards Badami. At 0730 hours enjoy a scrumptious breakfast. De-board for sightseeing at Badami. As its name says, Badami gets is name from the color of Badaam (Almond). The Red-stoned edifices and cliffs, totally sets the scene to make the name Badami aptly suitable. In today's sightseeing, visit Pattdakal and Badami caves. Badami's popular attractions are beautiful carved temples dating to 6th to 8th centuries. These caves are the finest example of Badami Chalukya architecture. Pattadakal is a World Heritage site, containing several temples and other monuments. Experience the centuries of history lingering in the ambiance. After this, hop aboard as the lunch is served and the train leaves for Goa. While on-board, indulge yourself in various available facilities in the Golden Chariot. Dinner and night stay aboard the train.
Day 07 - Goa
Breakfast is served at 0800 hours. Leave for exploring Goa by 1000 hours. The blessed environs of Sun, Sand and Sea is tantalizing. The sightseeing of Goa includes the famous churches of Old Goa. Start with a visit to Basicila of Bom Jesus and Sola Souto Maior - an Old Portuguese house. Later, shop for souvenirs at the markets at the local emporium. At 1400 hours proceed to luxury resort for a sumptuous lunch. There are options to enjoy swimming or an Ayurvedic massage session at the resort. By 1730 hours, leave from the resort for the Golden Chariot. Dinner on-board at 2000 hours as the train proceed towards Bangalore.
Day 08 - Bangalore
As you amassed different moments of the journey to create a fairytale of your own, you will receive warm farewell from the Golden Chariot team in Bangalore. Have breakfast on-board the train. Arrive at Bangalore's Yeshwantpur Railway station at around 1100 hours. Complete the farewell formalities and de-board the train.