This beautiful tour is a classic Karnataka tour, a mixture of beautiful monuments and different cultures. Enjoy 06 nights / 07 days on board in a luxury train starting from Bangalore and covering the destinations Bandipur National Park, Mysore, Halebidu & Chikamgalur, Hampi, Pattadakal & Aihole, Goa and tour end at Bangalore.
Itinerary:
Day 01 - Sunday Morning: Bangalore Depart - Bandipur Sightseeing
Report at Yashvantpura railway station by 08:30 am. After traditional welcome & check-in formalities, guests are escorted to respective cabins & Golden Chariot Train soon departs. Brunch served on-board. Deboard at Nanjangud Town railway station by 14:00 pm for jungle safari to Bandipur Tiger Reserve. Former private hunting grounds of Maharajas of Mysore & home to Bengal Tigers, Leopards, Elephants & number of other animals. Return to train by 18:30 pm & train departs for Mysore, where it is Stabled overnight. Dinner served on-board.
NOTE: Guests unwilling to proceed for Jungle Excursion, can stay back.
Day 02 - Monday: Mysore
After Breakfast, visit early 20th century rebuilt Amba Vilas Mysore Palace, of Wadiyar Dynasty, whose architecture style is a mix of hindu muslim, rajput & gothic structure. View the Durbar Hall Wing & Personal Art Gallery of former royalty. Return to Golden Chariot Train for Lunch.
Afternoon : Optional Excursion
Option to either relax back in comforts of the Train or proceed for excursion to 18th century Srirangapatnam Fort, built on a river bank which witnessed many a skirmishes between popular king Tipu Sultan & british colonial rulers. After visiting Dariya Daulat & Tipu Mausoleum drive back to Mysore & board the Train. Dinner on-board.
Day 03 - Tuesday: Halebidu Temples
After early breakfast, proceed by 08:00 am from Banavar railway station for excursion to 12th century Hoysaleswara Temple Complex in Halebidu, which are an architectural marvel & renowned for their intricate carvings which portray the golden age of Hoysala rule. Every sculpture is different from the other & the granular details of the postures are amazing. Return to the Train by 11:30 hrs & it soon departs. Lunch served on-board.
Afternoon : Coffee Plantation Visit
Deboard at Kadur Railway Station at 15:00 pm & proceed for excursion to coffee plantations in Chikmagalur, followed by Coffee tasting & dinner. Return to railway station by 22:00 pm & train departs.
Day 04 - Wednesday: Hampi
After early breakfast, proceed from Hospet railway station at 8.30 am to visit Hampi ruins of 15th century, once the Capital of Mighty Vijayanagara Empire. It is said that Hampi-Vijayanagara was the world's second-largest medieval-era city after Beijing, and probably India's richest at that time. Return to the train for lunch. Afternoon at leisure & dinner on-board.
Day 05 - Thursday: Pattadakal & Aihole Temples
After breakfast, option to either relax back in the train or visit Badami Caves Temple Complex, carved out of sandstone hills way back in 7th century & dedicated to Hindu & Buddhist Religious Sects. Highlight of the cave sculptures is a 18 armed Lord Shiva In Tandav dancing pose. Keep in mind that it takes uphill 200 steps to reach.
Pattadakal & Aihole: After on-board lunch proceed by 14:15 pm to visit Aihole Temple Complex, built by Chalukya Dynasty & dating back to 6th Century. The artisans of the period cut the rocks in order to build the temples. Also visit 8th century built Pattadakal Temple Complex said to be "a harmonious blend of architectural forms from northern and southern India" and an illustration of "eclectic art" at its height. The friezes in the Hindu temples display, depict stories from the Ramayana, the Mahabharata, the Bhagavata Purana etc. Later return to the train & it departs, Dinner is served on-board.
Day 06 - Friday: Goa
After Breakfast, visit UNESCO World Heritage site of 16th century Portuguese Churches, abandoned due to plague in 18th Century. Return to the train for lunch. Late afternoon proceed to Beach Resort to enjoy Bollywood Evening Cultural Program followed by dinner. Return to railway station by 21:45 pm & train departs.
Day 07 - Saturday: Bangalore return
Breakfast on-board & check-out on arrival by 11:00 am.
End of tour.
Important:
- Itinerary, destination & scheduled time are liable to change without prior notice due to unforeseen circumstances.
