Day 01 Bangalore

Today you will check in at Leela Palace Hotel and have lunch. Afterwards, you will explore the city of Bengaluru. You will begin with a visit to Tipu’s Palace. The Palace of Tipu Sultan is a beautiful wooden palace with intricately sculpted arches. Though parts of the palace were destroyed in battle, a visit here explains why this was Tipu’s favored summer retreat.

Next you will visit the Bull Temple. The temple was constructed in the 16th century and dedicated to the sacred bull Nandi. The Bull Temple is a fine example of Dravidian architecture.

Afterwards you will visit Lal Bagh, a famous botanical garden. Started as a royal private garden, Lal Bagh has a famous glass house that hosts the annual flower show.

You will then head to the Yeshwantpur Railway Station, where you will be welcomed in the traditional Indian style and escorted to your cabin on the Golden Chariot. You will have dinner and spend the night on board.

Day 02 Bangalore # Kabini / Bandipur

After breakfast, you will leave for Kabini. You will have lunch at the jungle lodge and then heat for a jungle/boat safari.

Kabini is a popular wildlife destination in the area and has a charming lake and lush green landscape. This is an ideal place to spot large herds of elephants and was once a popular hunting location for Indian Royalty and British Viceroys.

In the evening, you will have the chance to view an engrossing wildlife film. You will have dinner and spend the night in the jungle lodge.

Day 03 Bandipur # Mysore

After breakfast, you will leave for Mysore and have lunch on board the train. On arrival, you will visit the Mysore Palace. This spectacular building was commissioned in 1897 but was only complete in 1912. Every year it plays host to the annual Mysore Dasara festival.

Next you will visit Srirangapatnam, a place of great religious and historical significance. In fact, it is the site of the infamous battle between Tipu Sultan and the British army. Tipu died in battle within the fort of Srirangaptnam and the place where he fell has been turned into a memorial.

In the evening, you will enjoy a cultural show at the Brindavan Gardens followed by dinner at Hotel KRS. You will then return to the Golden Chariot.

Day 04 Mysore # Hassan

After breakfast, you will leave for Hassan. You will visit Shravanabelagola. This historic town is a significant area for pilgrims of the Jain faith, with many ancient monuments and places of worship.

After lunch on board the Golden Chariot, you will visit Belur. This is temple town that is particularly renowned for the Hoysala temple complex.

Next you will visit Halebid. This is another temple town famed for its Hoysala architecture. Most temples in both towns were made of steatite. The artistic accomplishments of the sculptors were so great that they actually left signatures on their work. The sculptors often left a small blank space on a pillar as a challenge to anyone who had the talent to fill them in. However, they remain blank even today.

You will then return to the Golden Chariot and have dinner onboard.

Day 05 Hassan # Hospet

After breakfast, you will head to Hampi to do some sightseeing. Hampi was the medieval capital of India and has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hampi is dotted with ancient monuments and ruins among them beautiful temples, royal pavilions and ancient market streets that attract pilgrims and tourists alike.

You will then visit the Virupaksha Temple. This sprawling temple complex began as humble shrines and is important for worshippers of Lord Shiva.

Next you will visit the Queen’s bath, possibly a bathhouse for the king and his wives. The simple exterior hides an ornate interior that was once possible a large indoor aquatic complex.

Afterwards, you will visit the Elephant Stables. One of the best-preserved structures in Hampi, the Elephant Stables consists of 11 domed chambers used to house the ceremonial elephants of the royal household. You will then head to the local crafts bazaar and perhaps buy some local arts and crafts as souvenirs of your trip.

You will then return to the Golden Chariot for lunch. Next comes a visit to the Royal Enclosure. The Royal Enclosure has numerous relics of the fallen empire including royal pavilions and audience halls.

Next comes a visit to the Hazara Rama Temple. The temple probably got its name from the many sculptures on its walls that depict the Ramayana. The royal family possibly used it as a private temple.

Thereafter, you will visit the illuminated Vittala temple. This architectural marvel defies description. Carved out of granite rock, the precision of the art, architecture and engineering required to create this structure points to the accomplishments of the architects and craftsmen of the 15th century.

You will then return to the Golden Chariot for dinner.

Day 06 Hospet # Badami

After breakfast on board the train, you will explore the Badami Caves. The Badami Cave Temples are brilliant example of Indian rock-cut architecture. Carved out of soft sandstone in the late 6th century, the caves represent different religious sects.

Next you will visit the town of Pattadakal, famous for its monuments dating back to the 8th century. Built under the patronage of the Chalukyan Dynasty, the monuments display both the north Indian Nagara and southern Dravidian styles of architecture.

You will then return to the Golden Chariot and head toward to Goa. You will have lunch, relax and enjoy the excellent facilities on board. These include a spa and gym.

Day 07 Badami # Goa

After breakfast on board the train, you will have the opportunity to explore Goa. Goa’s colonial history has given it some of the most beautiful and renowned churches in India. Today you will have the chance to explore some of them.

This cultural heritage can also be seen in the architecture of the old Portuguese homes.

A visit to the emporium will give you the opportunity to pick up some of the local arts and crafts as souvenirs.

You will then head to the Majorda Beach Resort where you will have lunch.

Next comes an exciting visit to the local casino before returning to the Golden Chariot. You will have dinner on board the train.

Day 08 Goa # Bangalore

You will have breakfast on board the Golden Chariot and return to the Yeshwantpur Railway Station after a memorable journey.