The Golden Chariot - Pride of the South

The Golden Chariot unveils empires and treasures, unravels secrets and takes you to lost kingdoms, all in resplendent and luxurious surrounds. The epitome of travelling in style, this is the perfect way to explore Southern India.

Tour overview
•   Tour vibrant Bangalore
•   Take a boat ride and jungle safari in Kabini/Bandipur
•   Explore majestic Mysore
•   See diverse sights including UNESCO World Heritage Sites
•   Eat lunch at a Goan spice plantation

Guide

RAIL JOURNEY

•   On board the Golden Chariot you will have the services of a tour manager and all off-train excursions will be guided by English speaking local guides.
•   Extensions are not escorted but assistance is provided in each destination by our local representatives.

MEAL PLAN
•   Breakfast daily
•   Lunch and dinner on Days 3-8

ACCOMMODATION
•   Five star hotels in Bangalore
•   Accommodation onboard the Golden Chariot features ensuite cabins, air-conditioning, plasma television, Wi-Fi and DVD player

GRATUITIES
•   Tipping is a way of life in India
•   It is usual to tip your room boy, waiter, porter and tour manager and waiter at the end of the journey

TRAVEL TIPS
•   Expect heavy showers during the monsoon season (May to Oct)

NB
•   Please note local conditions may necessitate slight variations to the timings of the itinerary
•   Check-in at hotels in India is after 12pm

DAY 1 - LONDON TO BANGALORE
Fly overnight with British Airways to Bangalore

DAY 2 - BANGALORE
Upon arrival transfer to the Oberoi Bangalore for one night.

DAY 3 - BANGALORE TO GOLDEN CHARIOT
This morning join a half day tour of Bangalore, dubbed the Garden City due to its beautiful green spaces and pleasant climate. Later today you can enjoy High Tea at Banquet Hall, a presentation on your upcoming trip and an enthralling cultural show before boarding the Golden Chariot. You will be served a mouth watering dinner prior to departing for royal Mysore at 9pm.

DAY 4 - GOLDEN CHARIOT
Following a leisurely breakfast on board you will travel by coach to Kabini and Bandipur, once the hunting retreat of the Mysore Maharajas and the perfect places to spot a number of India's wildlife species including elephants, leopards and even the endangered Bengal Tiger. Enjoy a jungle safari and a wildlife film before dinner and stay overnight at the Jungle Lodge.

DAY 5 - GOLDEN CHARIOT
Early this morning join a boat Safari followed by breakfast the trip back to Mysore. Lunch is taken back on board the Golden Chariot and is followed by a tour of the city and later, some shopping. In the evening enjoy a cultural show and dinner at the Lalitha Mahal Palace before returning to the train.

DAY 6 - GOLDEN CHARIOT
Today the train will halt at Hassan where you will disembark and travel to Shavanabelagola, an notable Jain pilgrimage site, for some sightseeing. Witness the extraordinary monolithic stone statue of Lord Gommateshwara and the Jain temple at Vindhyagiri.

Return to the Golden Chariot for lunch prior to departing for Belur and Halebid. In Belur you will witness the magnificent Hoysala Temple Complex while in Halebid you can explore the extravagant Hoysaleswara temples. Board the train for dinner before it departs for Hospet.

DAY 7 - GOLDEN CHARIOT
Upon arrival in Hospet and after breakfast disembark for a morning tour the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hampi, a former capital that sprawls across a spectacular barren and boulder strewn landscape, including a visit to the Virupaksha Temple, the Queen's bath and the Elephant Stables. Lunch is back on board and the afternoon is spent at the Vittala Temple with its spectacular stone chariot. Wander the halls and pavilions of this complex, originally built in the 15th Century. Return to the Golden Chariot for dinner.

DAY 8 - GOLDEN CHARIOT
Early this morning the train will depart for Badami while you enjoy breakfast. Enjoy a sightseeing tour of the richly decorated Badami Cave Temples and the UNESCO World Heritage Site at Pattadakal. Return to the Golden Chariot for lunch. Early this afternoon the train will depart for Goa, leaving you the perfect chance to make the most of the onboard facilities which include a spa, gym and lounge bar.

DAY 9 - GOLDEN CHARIOT
Arrive this morning in Goa. Visit the Old Goa churches and museum and savour lunch at the Majorda Beach Resort. Enjoy an afternoon at the resort using their extensive facilities, before returning to the train for a final dinner as the train departs for its final leg back to Bangalore (if you choose to disembark in Goa, you won't receive the sightseeing and will instead transfer to your chosen hotel).

DAY 10 - GOLDEN CHARIOT TO BANGALORE
Arrive in Bangalore. After breakfast, transfer to the Oberoi Bangalore for an overnight stay.

DAY 11 - BANGALORE TO LONDON
Return to Heathrow with Jet Airways via Mumbai, arriving later the same day.