Palace Tours - Luxury Tours Collection 20 Wall Street, Princeton, New Jersey 08540 USA Telephone: +1-800-724- 5120 Call Us 1-800-724-5120 Golden Chariot: Pride of the South The Golden Chariot of Karnataka awaits you… World class train accommodations are ready to carry you on a Maharaja's journey through time in Karnataka, a magnificent Indian state bordered by the lush southwestern coast of the Arabian Sea. Steeped in historical and architectural significance, yet shimmering with vibrant contemporary culture, Karnataka is a land endowed by some of the most powerful empires of ancient India, whose enduring traditions in artistic, cultural, and literary excellence are mirrored in modern-day cultural and social trends and amenities. The Golden Chariot's luxuriously appointed sleeping cabins, dining rooms, and relaxation facilities provide royal comfort, security and elegance with a perfect combination of old-world ambience and 21st century convenience. For the traveler seeking a profound, exciting, and unsurpassed tour experience, we offer a unique confluence of past and present. Karnataka bears witness to some of India's most glorious ancient civilizations; it is a land of magnificent palaces and temples, monolithic hand-carved sculptures, and national parks with waterfalls and wildlife sanctuaries. It also offers abundant delights in the modern-day pleasures of touring historic architectural masterpieces, shopping, sampling local culinary specialties, strolling gardens and marketplaces, and becoming acquainted with local cultural life. Step onto the Golden Chariot in Bangalore, Karnataka's glorious capital city, to begin an incredible voyage of 8 days and 7 nights. Each day is a magical ride to a new place, including Mysore, the Imperial City of Palaces; Kabini, home of Nagarhole National Park; Hassan, an ancient center of worship with magnificent rock-carved temples in Shravanabelagola, Belur and Halebidu; Hampi, the seat of India's great 14th century Vijayanagara Empire, known for its military and cultural achievements; Badami and Pattadakal, a comprehensive setting for the myriad architectural forms and styles of temples built between the 6th and 8th centuries; and Goa, the gorgeous golden beach town along the Arabian Sea, to repose and refresh the traveler's soul before returning back to Bangalore at your journey's end. Itinerary The Golden Chariot departs from Bangalore on Mondays. Day 1 - A garden of the future Arrive and check-in for your Southern Splendor tour at the Taj West End and stroll along a nature walk. High tea is served before your briefing for the Golden Chariot tour. View a cultural show and visit the ISKCON Temple (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) before the drive to Yeshwantpur Station. You are welcomed on board the Golden Chariot, where you can enjoy dinner and begin your journey through South India’s glorious past. Day 2 - Nature's sanctuary This morning after breakfast, arrive in Mysore and visit the Myspore Palace before departing for Kabini. Pack your overnight bag and embark on a scenic drive to Jungle Lodges and Resorts. Lunch is served at the Jungle Lodges before a Jungle Safari, where you may see elephant, gaur, sambar, chital, wild boar, or perhaps one of the more elusive predators such as leopard or tiger. Following the safari, return to the lodges for a wildlife film viewing, dinner and an overnight stay. Day 3 - A world of royalty Early in the morning, take a boat ride along the Kabini River. Enjoy breakfast at the Jungle Lodges before departing to Mysore. After lunch on board the Golden Chariot, tour Srirangapatna, the island fortress of the legendary warrior king Tipu Sultan. It is home to Daria Daulat Bagh, the king's summer palace and favorite retreat. Later in the afternoon, you are driven to Lalitha Mahal Palace Hotel for a Golden Chariot: Pride of the South(© www.palacetours.com) 1/9 cultural show and then whisked away to a hotel for a delicious dinner. Return to the Golden Chariot later this evening and spend the night on board. Day 4 - Temple marvels After the Golden Chariot makes its early morning departure to Hassan, travel to the Jain pilgrim center of Shravanabelagola to see Asia's largest monolithic statue, a towering 58 ft depiction of Lord Gomateswara overlooking the Vindhyagiri Hills. (Please note that you would have to climb approximately 700 steps to experience this architectural marvel, and guests must be in good health in order to undertake the climb. Alternately, palanquins are available at no extra cost for guests who cannot take the climb by themselves). Return to the train for lunch and depart on a scenic drive to Halebid for a tour of its richly-carved temples which depict an endless array of Hindu deities, sages, and friezes depicting the lives of Hoysala kings. From here, it's a quick hop over to Belur to experience the magnificent Hoysala Temple Complex. After enjoying this town of temples among the hills and ponds, return to the train for a sumptuous dinner on board. Day 5 - An empire cast in stone Early, in the morning, arrive at Hospet and enjoy breakfast aboard the train. Explore Hampi throughout the morning, walking among the ruins of fabulous stone statues, carved pillars, and magnificent palace of the Sacred Center's Virupaksha Temple Complex. Marvel at the Queen's bath, elephant stables, Royal Center, Hazara Rama Temple and later, stroll through a local crafts bazaar, where works by many different regional artisans are on display. After lunch on the Golden Chariot, enjoy a visit to the Vittala Temple Complex with its famous Stone Chariot shrine. Leisurely stroll the banks of the Tungabhadra River before revisiting the Vittala Temple again for Illumination. Return to the Golden Chariot for dinner and an overnight stay. Day 6 - Crown of temples Today begins with an early morning departure to Badami with breakfast served on board. Tour the World Heritage Site of Pattadakal, with its beautifully chiseled temples bearing testimony to the richness of the Chalukyan architecture, located on the banks of the Malaprabha River. Later, feast your eyes on the magnificent rock-cut cave temples of Badami which date back to the 3rd century. Return to the Golden Chariot for lunch as the train prepares for its departure to Goa. Spend the rest of your day relaxing on board, enjoying the scenic views that pass by your window, socializing with fellow passengers in the bar car, or perhaps taking advantage of the onboard spa or gym facilities. Day 7 - Arabian Sea coastal retreat Arrive refreshed this morning in Goa, a glorious and casual beach resort on India's west coast. Spend the morning visiting the famous churches of Old Goa, with its Portugese-influenced architecture. Enjoy tea, cookies and shopping at Solar Souto Maior, an old Portugese mansion which was built in 1585 and has since been renovated. Reach the Zuri White Sands Resortfor lunch followed by your afternoon at leisure, where you may visit the casino, take a dip in the pool or ocean, or enjoy an Ayurvedic massage (extra charges as applicable). Return to the train this evening for your last night on board the Golden Chariot as it spirits you back to Bangalore. Day 8 - Disembark the train Disembark the Golden Chariot train in Bangalore before lunchtime at Bangalore's Yeshwantpur Train Station and let the memories of the past week linger in your mind for a long time. Destination Information Badami Badami is a beautiful, deceptively quiet village picturesquely situated at the mouth of a ravine at the foot of a rugged, sandstone outcrop surrounding Agastya lake. It cradles four mysterious and magnificent rock-cut cave temples, which were constructed between the 6th and 8th centuries. The exquisite sculptures within the caves within the rust red sandstone cliffs tell many tales of yore; the first sculptural embellishment to dazzle the eye is the 18-armed Nataraja striking 81 dance poses. Largest, and most ornamental, is the third cave temple dedicated to Vishnu. Overlooking the cave temples is a reservoir dotted with smaller temples dedicated to Vishnu and Shiva. Also notable are the Bhutanatha temples that lend their name to the lake beneath the cave temples. Bangalore Golden Chariot: Pride of the South(© www.palacetours.com) 2/9 Bangalore is the capital of the state of Karnataka. Known as the Garden City for its lush landscape, lakes and temperate climate, it aptly represents India's marriage of past and present, standing at the very helm of the future. Founded by a feudal lord in the middle ages, this pastoral city serves as a natural stage for the marvelous confluence of the best of the world's architectural, cultural and technological achievements. The Lalbagh Botanical Gardens, considered to be one of the most richly diverse oases in south Asia, and Bangalore Palace, modeled on Windsor Castle, complete with fortified towers and turreted parapets, are two such examples. Likewise, the State Archaeological Museum and the Vishweshwariah Industrial and Technological Museum are home, respectively, to premier examples of Indian miniature paintings and other artifacts, and the latest technologic and scientific innovations. Numerous temples and shrines repose in the the landscape, sharing the limelight with dozens of cinemas and theaters, also very popular national pleasures. For recreation, Bangalore has many delightful shopping arenas, featuring exquisite silks, art and craftwork, sandalwood oil and carved treasures; the wonderful Bannerghatta National Park, with many wildlife attractions, including crocodiles, a serpentarium and a lion's safari; and the Bangalore Race Course, one of the finest in India, and with the biggest field stakes in the land. For the epicure, there are superb dining opportunities, featuring sumptuous regional cuisines in lovely settings by day or night; and Bangalore's calendar boasts nearly two dozen annual festivals; many religious and cultural traditions are celebrated seasonally and with great exuberance.