Golden Chariot (Mysore – Goa)

Golden Chariot (Mysore – Goa)

This South India version of Palace on Wheels, was launched in March 2008. The Vanity Fair – a leading travel journal of U.K., has rated Golden Chariot Train tour amongst the top seven train journeys in the world. Built & operated on same concept of its more famous North India counterpart, The Golden Chariot train Tour is a joint collaboration between Indian Railways & State Govt. of Karnataka.

The onboard hospitality is managed by Maple Group of Hotels. Since Nov 2010, The Golden Chariot is operating on two different train circuits, 1. Bengaluru viz. 7 Nights Pride of South Golden Chariot from Bangalore to Goa covering Tiger reserve of Kabini, Mysore Palace, Goa beaches, UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Hampi, Pattadakal, Badami & Old Goa. 2. 7 Nights Southern Splendour Golden Chariot from Bangalore to Kerala, covering Mamallapuram Sea Temples, Auroville & former French Colony of Pondicherry, Temple towns of Trichy, Thanjavur & Madurai, Kovallam beach, Kerala backwaters & Cochin port town. Tour Itinerary of the train is as follows.

Day 01: MON: Bangalore Depart

A tourist reports by 4.30 pm at Hotel Taj West End, Bangalore for check in formalities of Golden Chariot Train Tour, followed by Hi-Tea & brief presentation. The group of all tourists proceed for culture program & arrive by 8.00 p.m. at Yashwantpura Railway station for traditional welcome & be escorted to one’s respective cabins. Dinner is served on board as train departs by 9.00 p.m. from Bangalore.

Day 02: TUE: Mysore / Kabini – Overnight Stay

Train arrives early morning at Mysore Station. After breakfast, the group heads for Kabini forests lodge that is a drive of around 2.5 hrs from Mysore Station. The group stays overnight at Kabini Forest lodge. The group after lunch departs for excursion to Nagarhole Tiger Reserve.

Day 03: WED: Mysore Palace & Srirangapatna Fort

The day starts with early morning boat ride in Kabini River, after which the group drives back to Mysore Railway Station & boards the Golden Chariot Train and later proceeds for excursion to 18th century Fort of Srirangapatna, famous for defeat of British army at hands of legendry Tipu Sultan. The group also visits, late 19th century built Mysore Palace, with rare collection of paintings, arte-facts & crystals.

Day 04: THURS: Hosalya Temples & Jain Monolith

The train reaches and the group visits Shravanabelagola, a steep uphill trek to view gigantic 17 metres high naked monolith statue of Jain Monk, Gomateshwara. The group then visits, intricately carved temples of Halebid & Belur, built under royal patronage of Hosalya Kings in 12th century.

Day 05: FRI: Hampi – UNESCO World Heritage Site

Hampi was capital city of once mighty Vijayanagara Empire. The nearby 15th century built Vittala Temple, with array of giant granite pillars & the iconic Stone Chariot.

Day 06: SAT: UNESCO World Heritage Site of Badami and Pattadakal

On the day six the group first visits to cave temples of Badami in the morning. The temple dates back to 6th Century A.D. The Lord Shiva with 16 hands in his Nataraja Cosmic dance pose is the most famous statue which the tourists visit. Later the group visits for excursion to 8th century built Pattadakal, offering unique confluence of Dravidian (Southern) and the Nagara (Indo-Aryan) styles of temple architecture

Day 7: Sun: Goa Golden Beaches

After reaching Goa, the group first visits UNESCO World Heritage site of 16th century built Portuguese churches. Afternoon is spent at leisure in sea side resort hotel.

Day 8: Mon: Bengaluru Return

The train arrives back at Yashwantpura Railway station, Bangalore by 11 a.m. on the last day of the tour where the ends. This luxury train Deccan Odyssey offers option of twin/double/triple bedded luxuryfurnished deluxe sleeping chambers with private washrooms having toiletries of international standard. There is a Bar Saloon & Two Dining cars with onboard kitchen.

The tourists can also avail services of Aryuvedic Spa, saloon, Mini Gym & business centre with Wi-Fi facility. There are special discounted INR Rupees rates for Indian Nationals.