Golden Chariot Pride of the South Tour

Day 1: Bangalore

The journey "Pride of The South" starts with the pride of south and the capital of Karnataka. 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 strolling 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 arrangednext. 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 2: Kabini – Bandipur

On day 2, enjoy the breakfast served at 0800 hours at 1000 hours leave for the Amba Villas Mysore Palace. Explore the enticing 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. Settled down for the screening of awildlife movie. Dinner will be served and camp fire will be set as you will have an overnight stay at the lodge.

Day 3: 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 d melodious symphony of birds. At 0800 hours assemble for a scrumptiousbreakfast will be served at the Lodge. At 0930 hours check out and proceed towards your luxury ride. At 1130 hours, board the Golden Chariot. The coach leaves for Mysore.

Savor a delicious lunch on the train served at 1300 hours. By 1530 hours you embark on thesightseeing and shopping in and around Srirangapatnam. Explore the Tipu museum, Dariya Daulat and fort. Go for a shopping tour in CIE. Cure your exhaustion with graceful cultural dance at 1900 hoursat 5 stars Palace Hotel. A scrumptious dinner awaits after the cultural program. At 2200 hours return back to the Golden Chariot.

Day 4: Hassan

On day 4 of the tour, the train leaves from Mysorefor Hassan at 0500 hours. Breakfast will be served as 0730 hours in the luxury train. On arrival in Hassan, at 0900 hours leave for visiting the renowned Jain pilgrimage site of Shravanabelagola. Shravanabelagola is also known as one of the Seven Wonders of India. 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.The train leaves for Hospet as you are done with dining.Delight in a relaxing night.

Day 5: Hospet

On day 5, start the day with a hearty breakfast aboard 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 templewhich made its way to the list of World Heritage sites. Othersightseeing includesthe 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. Explore the magnificence ofthe 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 hop aboard and have dinner.

Leave for Hospet railway station at 1800 hours. Board the train and indulge in its lavish facilities. DinnerI served at 2000 hours. Enjoy the overnight stay.

Day 6: 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 7: Goa

Have breakfast served at 08000 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 toBasicila 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 8: 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.