Golden Chariot - Pride of the South

Overeview

With this weeklong journey, explore Karnataka - a state with many worlds converging into one and offering the tourists the best of everything. The journey will get your adrenaline pumping as you route across some of the most fascinating tourist destinations in the state that is flanked by the soaring Western Ghats in the east and blessed by the blue waters of the Arabian Sea in the West. Karnataka has a 320 km long coastline dotted with unspoiled beaches and scores of temples. Some of these beaches and temples are unknown, unsung and undiscovered and this is what you would love to witness before you conclude your joyride in Goa - the bustling city popular for its beaches, world heritage architecture and dazzling nightlife.

Highlights

• Jungle safari across the Bandipur National Park.
• Visit to the renowned pilgrimage sites such as Shravanabelagola and Belur.
• Visit to the World Heritage Site - Hampi.
• Sightseeing excursion to Badami Caves and Pattadakal.
• Goa city tour.

Day 01 Monday

Arrival: 15:00 hrs
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:

Day 02 Kabini - Bandipur, Mysore

Arrival: 10:00 hrs
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: 09:00
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: 08:15 hrs
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: 06:00 hrs
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: 08:30 hrs
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: 09:30 hrs
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: 11:00 hrs
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.

PRIDE OF THE SOUTH SCHEDULE

Departures for Season beginning October 2014 - March 2016
16 October, 2016
7 November 2016
5 December, 2016
16 January, 2017
13 February, 2017
13 March, 2017

PRIDE OF THE SOUTH FARE

October 2016 - March 2017 (For Indian only)

October 2016 - March 2017 (For International Travelers only)

Booking Policy

• Half fare for children between 5 and 12 years.
• 10% Surcharge shall be levied on departures during Christmas / New Year.
• Service tax @3.65% shall be levied on the prevalent tariff of The Golden Chariot as per Govt. of India norms.

Inclusions

• Accommodation on board The Golden Chariot and other resorts.
• All meals, soft beverages, house brands of Indian wines, beer and spirits.
• Butler service, complimentary tea, coffee and mineral water on board.
• Guided off train tours as included in the journeys inclusive of entrance fees, still camera fee, transport and services of a guide.
• Porter charges at stations.

Exclusions

• Any optional tours as mentioned in the itinerary.
• Taxes, insurance, gratuities, telephone calls, laundry.
• Alcoholic beverages (apart from the house brands).
• Video, film and professional still camera fees and arrival and departure transfers.
• International and domestic air tickets.
• Pre and post tour accommodation.
• Any tour extensions unless specifically mentioned as part of the journeys.