Pampering galore, the ambience of privilege and the luxuriant trappings all add to an enormous sense of well-being as one slips into the world of one of India’s most romantic luxury trains on a memorable rail journey of the exotic treasures of the splendid South. The fabulous experience on the Golden Chariot, a virtual travelling palace, was launched several years ago from Bangalore, state capital of Karnataka, but even today one cannot get enough of the delights of the rich nuances of a bygone era of royal of privileges and pleasure in the beautifully appointed interiors, the impeccable service and the fabulous itinerary which encompasses the many many attractions of the south from its monumental treasures to natural settings of incredible beauty, cosseted by unmatched luxury.
03.00 pm to 4.00 pm: Check-in at Taj West End
04.00 pm to 5.00 pm: High Tea at Banquet Hall
05.00 pm to 5.30 pm: Presentation on The Golden Chariot tour, Dos and Donts, safety and security, etc.
05.30 pm to 6.30 pm: Visit to Chitrakala Parishad / Art Gallery
06.30 pm to 7.30 pm: Cultural Show
8.00 pm: Arrive at Yeshwantpur Railway Station, Platform No. 6 to a traditional Indian welcome. Dinner onboard The Golden Chariot
9 pm: Depart to Mysore
Dinner onboard The Golden Chariot
9.00 pm: Depart to Mysore
Alternate Itinerary*
BANGALORE
11 am onwards: Check in at Our Native Village
12 Noon to 2 pm: Lunch
3.00 pm to 3.30 pm: What is it that makes us a 100% eco resort - resort tour
3.30 PM to 4.00 pm: The Revivalist movement - Art and Culture Tour
4.00 pm to 4.30 pm: Living an organic life - Herbal & Medicinal Plant Tour, Organic Farm Tour
4.30 pm to 5.30 pm: Pottery session & Explore the simplicity of village games – playing Indian village games & Bullock cart rides
6.00 pm to 6.30 pm: Rest and depart to Yeshwantpur Railway Station
*Optional itinerary for those who do not opt for Taj West End check-in and Bangalore sightseeing.
Bangalore: A World of Opportunity
The capital of Karnataka is known as the Garden City because of its salubrious climate and greenery. Perched 3,250 feet above sea level, temperatures seldom exceed 30oC (88oF). 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.
Bandipur:
Tread the path of the erstwhile Maharaja of Mysore with a visit to Bandipur, about 80km south of Mysore on the Mysore-Ooty Road. The reserve is a playground for wildlife, with elephants taking the lead role. Be prepared for an unforgettable experience - you might see a tiger prowling amidst the mix of deciduous, evergreen forest and scrubland vegetation. A temple perched atop Himad Gopalaswamy Hill, the highest peak in the Bandipur range, is worth a visit.
10:00 am: Depart for Kabini / Bandipur after breakfast
01:00 pm: Reach Jungle Lodge
Lunch at the Jungle Lodge
Post Lunch: Jungle / Boat Safari
Return in the evening for Wildlife Film
Dinner and stay overnight at Jungle Lodge
Alternate Itinerary*
- Raganatittu Bird Sanctary,
- Mysore Zoo,
- Lunch on board,
- Brindavan Gardens
*Optional itinerary for those who do not opt for Kabini / Bandipur tour
A minimum of 5 passengers required for Alternate Itinerary
Kabini: A World of Wildlife
Rajiv Gandhi 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.
08:30 am: Breakfast and Depart for Mysore
11:30 am: Back onboard The Golden Chariot
01:00 pm: Lunch on board The Golden Chariot
03:00 pm: Mysore sightseeing: Mysore Palace, Srirangapatnam
07:00 pm: Reach the Lalitha Mahal Palace for cultural show followed by dinner
10:00 pm: Back onboard The Golden Chariot
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 Palace: Built in Indo-Saracenic style with domes, turrets, arches and colonnades, the Palace is a treasure house of exquisite carvings and works of art from all over the world. Srirangapatna: The island fortress of the legendary warrior king Tipu Sultan is just 14 km from Mysore city.
06:00 am: Depart from Mysore to Hassan
08:15 am: Arrive at Hassan
09:00 am: Depart for sightseeing to Shravanabelagola
(Please note that you would have to climb close to 700 steps to experience the architectural marvel. Only those who can undertake this are advised to do so. Guests unwilling to experience can stay back onboard The Golden Chariot. Palanquins are available for those who cannot take the climb by themselves. This is available to the passengers at no extra cost)
01:00 pm: Lunch on board The Golden Chariot
03:00 pm: Depart for Belur and Halebid for sightseeing
07:15 pm: Back onboard The Golden Chariot
07:45 pm: Depart to Hospet
Dinner onboard The Golden Chariot
Belur & Halebid : A World of Worship
Belur in Hassan district 220 kms from Bangalore and 38 kms from Hassan) is famous for its magnificent Hoysala Temple Complex. The Chennakesava Temple here is the major attraction.
Halebid 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.
Shravanabelagola, 52km from Hassan, is an important Jain pilgrim centre. It is home to Asia's largest monolithic statue Lord Gomateswara here towers 58 ft., looming atop the picturesque Vindhyagiri Hill.
06:00 am: Arrival at Hospet
08:30 am: After breakfast depart for Hampi sightseeing: Virupaksha Temple, Queens's Bath, Elephant Stables and Local Crafts Bazaar
01:00 pm: Return to The Golden Chariot for Lunch
03:00 pm: Depart for sightseeing: Royal enclosure, Hazara Rama Temple and Illuminated Vittala Temple.
08:00 pm: Back onboard The Golden Chariot
Dinner onboard The Golden Chariot
Hampi: A World Heritage Site
Hampi, the seat of the famed Vijayanagara empire was the capital of the largest empire in post-mughal India, covering several states.
A visit 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 life in Karnataka.
05:00 am: Depart from Hospet to Badami
08:30 am: Arrival at Badami
09:00 am: Depart after breakfast for sightseeing: Badami Caves and Pattadakal
01:30 pm: Return to The Golden Chariot for Lunch
02:00 pm: Depart for Goa
Relax and enjoy the facilities onboard The Golden Chariot: Spa, Gym Dinner onboard The Golden Chariot, reach Goa post-midnight
Badami: A World Heritage Site
Badami is picturesquely situated at the mouth of a ravine between two rocky hills.
Pattadakal, with its beautifully chiselled temples is a World Heritage Site located on the banks of the Malaprabha River.
09:30 am: Breakfast on board The Golden Chariot
10:00 am: Depart for sightseeing
11:00 am: Visit the famous churches of old Goa
12:15 pm: Visit an old Portuguese House: Sola Souto Maior for tea/coffee and cookies; shopping at the
emporium
02:00 pm: Reach Majorda Beach resort for lunch
03:00 pm: An Ayurvedic massage, a visit to the casino, a dip in the pool / beach, etc. (Ayurvedic massage and casino charges extra as applicable)
06:00 pm: Depart from the resort
07:15 pm: Return to The Golden Chariot.
Dinner onboard The Golden Chariot
09:00 pm: Depart for Bangalore
Goa: A World of Golden Beaches
Also known as "Pearl of the Orient" and a "Tourist Paradise", the state of Goa is located on the western coast of India in the coastal belt known as Konkan.
The magnificent scenic beauty and the architectural splendors of its temples, churches and old houses have made Goa a firm favorite with travelers around the world.
But then, Goa is much more than just beaches and sea. It has a soul which goes deep into unique history, rich culture and some of the prettiest natural scenery that India has to offer.
08:00 to 09:30 am: Breakfast onboard The Golden Chariot
11:00 am: Reach Yeswanthpur railway station, farewell by the entire crew.
Terms & Conditions :
SenKay Group Memberships
