The Golden Chariot Travel Itinerary :
Destinations Covered: Bangalore » Mysore » Kabini » Mysore » Hassan » Halebid / Belur » Sravanbelagola » TB DAM » Hospet-Hampi » Gadag » Aihole-Pattadakal » Badami » Goa » Bangalore
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Day 1 - Monday : Bangalore

- The journey commences from Bangalore, the capital of Karnataka. Located on the Deccan Plateau in the south-eastern part of Karnataka, also known as the "Silicon Valley" and is one of the fastest growing metropolitan cities of India. Founded by Kempe Gowda, a powerful chieftain, the city offers a unique blend of rich cultural heritage and modern day technological and industrial achievements.
- 12:30 PM : Arrival at the Leela Palace followed by lunch at Jamawar, for authentic Indian culinary delights or citrus, a refreshing brassiere.
- 03:00 PM : Proceed for the Bangalore Sightseeing tour in luxury air-conditioned coach. The first stop at the glorious Tippu Sultan's Palace, the abode of 17th century emperor of Mysore. Next is the Bull temple dedicated to Nandi Bull, the vahana (vehicle) of Lord Shiva. Built in the Dravidian style of architecture, this temple is situated in Basavanagudi. Your last sightseeing destination is Lalbagh Botanical Garden, initially developed as a private garden in an area of 40 acres by Hyder Ali, one of the most famous rulers of old Mysore in 1760 and father of Tippu Sultan.
- 08:00 PM : Arrival at Yeshwantpur Railway Station, Platform No. 6 for boarding The Golden Chariot. A warm traditional Indian welcome on board The Golden Chariot followed by a sumptuous dinner.
- 09:00 PM : Departure for Mysore
- 11:30 PM : Arrival at Mysore, the kingdom of Tippu Sultan. Onboard for a good night rest.
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Day 2 - Tuesday : Mysore - Kabini - Bandipur

- 10:00 AM : After a hearty breakfast onboard the day begins with a trip to Rajiv Gandhi National Park at Kabini, Bandipur. This hunting retreat of the Maharajas of Mysore and now a wildlife sanctuary is explored through a safari. It commences from the heart of the park, which provides a glimpse of the wild animals in their habitat. The most popular sightings are elephant, gaur, sambar, chital, wild boar whereas predators like tiger and leopard are a rare sight. The park is a bird watcher's paradise, home to over 300 species of birds, many of which are endemic to these jungles.
- 01:00 PM : Post an exciting morning lunch waits at the Jungle Lodge.
- 03:00 PM : Jungle / Boat Safari. Return in the evening for a wildlife film. Dinner and stay overnight at the Jungle Lodge.
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Day 3 - Wednesday : Mysore

- 08:30 AM : The third day begins with a royal breakfast at the Jungle Lodge. Post breakfast departure for Mysore. The city of yesteryears royal families and their patronage, like the Wodeyars and the Sultans. Mysore's resplendent palaces and majestic buildings conjure up visions of the glory, still evident of the illustrious Wodeyar Kings. Its time-honored crafts are still retained in the form of native art, dance and literature. Situated 141 kms from Bangalore, it charms through the verdant gardens, tree-lined boulevards and architectural marvels such as its temples and palaces. Once the state capital, today Mysore is a vibrant city known the world over for its exotic sandalwood and rich silks.
- 11:30 AM : Return onboard The Golden Chariot for rest and leisure.
- 01:00 PM : Lunch onboard at The Golden Chariot
- 03:00 PM : Post lunch the sightseeing tour for Mysore starts with Mysore Palace, built in Indo-Saracenic style with domes, turrets, arches and colonnades. It houses the exquisite carvings and works of art from all over the world within its architecture. The magnificent jewel -studded golden throne is displayed here during the Dasara festival in the month of October. Next a trip to Srirangapatnam, the island fortress of the legendary warrior king Tippu Sultan is situated 14 km from Mysore. Inside the fortress is the emperor's mosque with its twin minarets, the Wellesley Bridge and the dungeons where British officers were once imprisoned.
- 07:00 PM : Departure for the Brindavan Gardens. Known for its symmetric design it is one of the most beautifully laid out terrace gardens in the world. Situated adjoining the Krishnaraja Sagar Dam site the creation of this garden has been the conceived and achievement of Sir Mirza Ismail, Dewan of the princely State of Mysore. The garden has numerous terraces, parterres, fountains, running and cascading water channels, water chutes, lush green lawns, flower beds, shrubs and trees. It is world famous for its ethereal beauty, grandeur and illumination/ musical fountain. Here you will be entertained by a cultural show featuring the synchronised fountains illumination. This will be followed by dinner at Hotel KRS.
- 10:00 PM : Return onboard The Golden Chariot for a much awaited rest.
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Day 4 -Thursday : Hassan

- 06:00 AM : Departure from Mysore for Hassan
- 08:15 AM : Arrival at Hassan
- 09:00 AM : Departure for sightseeing tour of Shravanabelagola, an important Jain pilgrim centre. Situated 52 kms from Hassan, home to Asia's largest monolithic statue of Lord Gomateswara, which towers 58 ft., looming atop the picturesque Vindhyagiri Hill. After every 12 years, Jain pilgrims gather here to participate in a splendid head-anointing ceremony. ( Please note that you would have to climb close to 700 steps to experience the architectural marvel. It is advised for only those who can undertake this. 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 awaits onboard The Golden Chariot
- 03:00 PM : Departure for Belur, situated 38 kms from Hassan. The Hoysala Temple Complex, the Chennakesava Temple built by Hoysala Vishnuvardhana, to commemorate his victory over the Cholas dynasty, are the major attractions. The intricate sculpture adorns the walls of the temples. After Belur the district of Halebid is another stop for visualising yet another complex devoted to magnificent temples. Situated 27 kms from Hassan and former capital of the Hoysala dynasty it offers the Hoysaleswara Temple. This temple is an architectural extravaganza perched on top of a star-shaped base. The interiors and exteriors of the temple are adorned with sculptures of Hindu deities, sages, stylized animals, birds and friezes depicting the life of the Hoysala Kings.
- 07:15 PM : Return to The Golden Chariot
- 07:45 PM : Departure for Hospet. Dinner onboard The Golden Chariot
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Day 5 - Friday : TB Dam - Hospet - Hampi

- 06:00 AM : Arrival at Hospet
- 08:30 AM : After a lavish breakfast the fifth day begins with the departure for Hampi. A World Heritage Site was the seat of the famed Vijayanagara Empire and the capital of the largest empire in post-mughal India. The Vijayanagara Empire stretched though three states -Karnataka, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh. The destruction of Vijayanagar by marauding Mughal invaders was jolting and absolute. This city once boasted of riches known far beyond the shores of India is in ruins today. The ruins of Hampi of the 14th Century lie scattered in about 26 sq. km area.
Protected by the tempestuous river Tungabhadra in the north and rocky granite ridges on the other three sides, the ruins silently narrate the story of grandeur splendour and fabulous wealth.
The palaces and gateways of the broken city express the tale of a man's infinite talent and power of creativity together with his capacity for senseless destruction. The structures and ruins are located in two areas which are referred as the Royal Centre and the Sacred Centre.
A glimpse into the traditional country life in Karnataka can be attained by traversing the gushing Tunga Badra river on a coracle to the Anegundi village. Here you will also be visiting the Virupaksha Temple and local crafts bazaar.
- 01:00 PM : Return for Lunch at The Golden Chariot
- 03:00 PM : Depart for sightseeing: Royal enclosure, Hazara Rama Temple and illuminated Vittala Temple.
- 08:00 PM : Return for Dinner onboard The Golden Chariot.
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Day 6 - Saturday : Gadag - Aihole & Pattadakal - Badami

- 05:00 AM : Departure from Hospet for Badami
- 08:30 AM : Arrival at Badami, a World Heritage Site. This picturesque district is situated at the mouth of a ravine between two rocky hills. The red sandstone cliffs and premier sculptural establishment in the form of 18 armed Natraja striking 81 poses is a sight to see.
- 09:00 AM : Departure after breakfast for Badami Caves and Pattadakal. The latter houses beautifully chiseled temples located on the banks of Malaprabha River. It symbolizes the Chalukyan architecture. The Chalukyan kings elevated Pattadakal to reigning heights under their rule and it was also a former centre for the crowning ceremony of the kings.
- 01:30 PM : Return for Lunch onboard The Golden Chariot
- 02:00 PM : Depart for Goa. Dinner onboard The Golden Chariot
- 00:30 AM : Arrive Goa
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Day 7 - Sunday : Goa

- 08:00 to 09:30 AM : Breakfast onboard The Golden Chariot
- 10:00 AM : Departure for a tour of Goa, known as "Pearl of the Orient" and a "Tourist Paradise". It is located on the western coast of India in the coastal belt known as Konkan. The scenic beauty and the architectural splendour of its temples, churches and century old houses is what Goa offers to you. It has a soul which goes deep into unique history influenced by Portugal, rich culture and some of the prettiest natural scenery that India has to offer. Besides the natural beauty, the beautiful beaches laid-back, peaceful, warm and friendly nature of the Goan people makes this is a place a paradise.
- 12:15 PM : Visit an old Portuguese house for Sola Souto Maior for Tea/Coffee and cookies and shopping at the emporium
- 02:00 PM : Reach Sahakari Spice Plantation, Ponda for Lunch and tour of a spice farm
- 03:00 PM : Departure for Utorda Beach
- 04:30 PM : Reach Utorda beach to watch the sunset ( Guests can make use of the facilities: towels, shower and toilet )
- 07:15 PM : Return for Dinner onboard The Golden Chariot
- 09:00 PM : Departure for Bangalore
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Day 8 - Monday : Bangalore

- 08:00 to 09:30 AM : A luxurious breakfast onboard The Golden Chariot
- 11:00 AM : Departure from Yeswanthpur railway station as the mesmerising sojourn voyage ends.
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