THE GOLDEN CHARIOT

The land once ridden by formidable armies is now governed by be world's most unique railway - the Golden Chorion beckons you go 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

Bangalore - A World of Royalty
The capital of Karnataka is known as the Garden City because of its salubrious climate and greenery. Perched 3250 feet above sea level, temperatures seldom exceed 30°C (88°F). 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.

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 was the capital of the princely state with palaces and princely buildings till Independence. Mysore also has a rich cultural heritage and celebrates festivals with pomp and grandeur like the world famous dussehra.

A visit to the Island fortress of Tipu sultan of Srirangapatna lets you relive the pages of history of courage of this great warrior who stood up bravely to the might of the British Empire.

Kabini - A World of Wildlife
Rajiv Gandhl National Park, Nagarhole (Kabini), the hunting retreat of the Mysore Maharajas, is definitely the perfect destination for wildlife lovers in South India. The excitement starts with a safari into the heart of the park, where you are sure to spot wild animals in their natural habitat. Some of the popular sightings are elephant gaur, sambar, chital, wild boar and the more exclusive predators like tiger and leopard. A bird watcher's paradise, the park is home to over 300 species of birds, many of which are endemic to these Jungles.

Belur & Halebld - A World of Worship
Belur in Hassan district 220 kms from Bangalore and 38 kms from Hassan is famous for its magnificent Hoysola 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 sill 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, bards and friezes depleting the life of the Hoysala Kings.

Shravanabelagola is a pilgrim centre for the Jains with the world's tallest monolithic standing statue of the Lord Bahubali.

Hampi - A World Heritage Site
One of the greatest civilizations of its time, Hampi was not only the capital of the powerful Vijaynagar Empire but also rich in agricultural yield and trade. Founded by Hakka and Bukka in 1336AD, it fell to the Sultans who invaded in 1 565 AD. Hampi has rightfully earned its distinction as a World Herltage Site.

A viskt 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 Iife in Karnataka.

Badami - A World Heritage Site
Badami, Pattadakal and Aihole ensemble depict rich South Indian temple architecture and rock-cut cave temples. Badami showcases four ancient rock-cut cave temples, the largest of them dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

Pattadakal is a World Herltage Site, which stands testimony to the richness of Chalukya kings.

Aihole is widely acknowledged as the cradle of South Indian temple architecture. There are hundreds of temples strewn in the villages nearby.

Goa - A World of Gold Beaches
Goa, once a colony of the Portuguese, is a melting pot of Portuguese culture, art and architecture building structures is starkly evident. Known for its popular beaches, Goa also offers magnificent churches and temples.

Golden Chariot has three programs “JEWELS OF SOUTH”, “PRIDE OF KARNATAKA” and “GLIMPSES OF KARNATAKA”

Itinerary for JEWELS OF SOUTH
Duration : (6 Nights / 7 Days)
Destinations : Bengaluru - Mysore - Hampi - Mahabalipuram - Thanjavur and Chettinad - Cochin - Kumarakom - Bengaluru

Day 1 (Sunday) Bengaluru to Mysore Arrive at Yeshwantpur Railway Station around 09:00 AM. Proceed to Mysore after welcome and registration. Lunch shall be served onboard. Proceed to visit the Mysore Palace at around 3:00 PM. Return to the train for dinner as the train proceeds to Hampi.		Day 2 (Monday) Hampi After onboard breakfast, proceed to visit the capital of Vijaynagara kingdom – Hampi. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the ruins tell a tale of opulence and grandeur. Return to train for lunch. Evening optional excursion to Anegundi. Dinner shall be served onboard as train proceeds to Mahabalipuram.
Day 3 (Tuesday) Mahabalipuram Enjoy a relaxed breakfast onboard as the train arrives into Chengalpattu Railway Station. Proceed to visit the UNESCO World Heritage site – Shore Temple. followed by lunch at an exclusive venue. Return to the train for dinner as the train proceeds to Thanjavur.		Day 4 (Wednesday) Thanjavur and Chettinad Proceed to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site - Brihadeshvara Temple. Lunch shall be served onboard as the train proceeds to Chettinad. In the evening proceed to visit the Athnagudi tile factory followed by visit to Chettinadu mansions. Dinner shall be served onboard as the train proceeds to Cochin.
Day 5 (Thursday) Cochin After onboard breakfast, proceed to visit the Matancherry Palace in Fort Cochin area after which witness some of the best kept dance forms of Kerala at an exclusive venue. Return to the train for lunch. Optional excursion to Chinese Fishing Nets and St. Francis Church. Enjoy an India evening onboard followed by dinner as it proceeds to Kumarakom.		Day 6 (Friday) Kumarakom After onboard breakfast proceed for a cruise on the backwaters followed by lunch at an exclusive venue. Return to the train as it proceeds to Bengaluru. Dinner shall be served onboard.
Day 7 (Saturday) Bengaluru Breakfast shall be served onboard as the train arrives in Bengaluru.

Itinerary for PRIDE OF KARNATAKA
Duration : (6 Nights / 7 Days)
Destinations : Bengaluru - Bandipur - Mysore - Halebidu - Chikamgaluru - Hampi - Pattadakal&Aihole - Goa - Bengaluru

Day 1 (Sunday) Bengaluru to Bandipur Guests arrive at Yeshvantpur Railway Station at around 0845 hrs. Tour Briefing onboard.Lunch onboard.Deboard at Nanjangud Town at 1400 hrs. 50 km by road to Bandipur.Evening Safari at Bandipur from 1630 to 1830 hrs. Return to train for dinner. Train proceeds to Mysore and stationed overnight at Mysore.		Day 2 (Monday) Mysore Breakfast onboard. Visit Mysore Palace. Return to train for lunch. Optional visit to Srirangapatnam. Dinner onboard.
Day 3 (Tuesday) Halebidu and Chikamgaluru Breakfast onboard as train arrives at Banavar Rly Station. Visit Halebidu from Banavar Rly Station at 0800 hrs. Return to train by 1130 hrs. Train proceeds to Chikamagalur. Lunch onboard.Deboard at 1500 hrs to visit plantations followed by coffee tasting and dinner. Return to train.		Day 4 (Wednesday) Hampi After early breakfast onboard, proceed to visit Hampi ruins. Lunch onboard. Indian Evening onboard.
Day 5 (Thursday) Pattadakal & Aihole After breakfast onboard, optional visit to Badami Caves. (200 steps to climb).Lunch onboard. 1415 hrs deboard to visit Pattadakal and Aihole. Dinner onboard.		Day 6 (Friday) Goa Onboard breakfast. Proceed to visit Churches of North Goa and Museum. Lunch onboard. Deboard for a Bollywood Evening and dinner at a resort/hotel. Return to the train by 2145 hrs. Train proceeds to Yehswantpur.
Day 7 (Saturday) Bengaluru Breakfast onboard. Trip ends.

Itinerary for GLIMPSES OF KARNATAKA
Duration : (3 Nights / 4 Days)
Destinations : Bengaluru - Bandipur - Mysore - Hampi - Bengaluru

Day 1 (Sunday) Bengaluru to Bandipur Arrive at Yeshwantpur Railway Station at around 08:30 AM. Proceed on your sojourn at 09:30 AM after welcome and registration. Lunch shall be served onboard. Proceed for a game drive at Bandipur National Park from Nanjangud Town, approx. 50 km from Bandipur. Return to the train for dinner.		Day 2 (Monday) Mysore After breakfast onboard, proceed to visit the Mysore Palace. Return to the train for lunch. Visit Srirangapatnam as an Optional excursion. Proceed for dinner at a city hotel with cultural activities. Return to the train as it proceeds to Hampi.
Day 3 (Tuesday) Hampi After breakfast onboard, proceed to visit the capital of Vijayanagara kingdom – Hampi. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the ruins at Hampi tell a tale of opulence and grandeur of the kingdom. Return to the train for lunch. Visit Anegundi as an Optional excursion in the afternoon. Enjoy an Indian Evening onboard followed by dinner.		Day 4 (Wednesday) Bengaluru Breakfast shall be served onboard as the train arrives into Yeshwantpur Railway Station at around 11:00 AM.