Heritage Train Travel - on the Golden Chariot

December 09, 2019

The Golden Chariot is a luxury heritage train travel managed by the Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation of Karnataka Tourism, Government of Karnataka. The itinerary includes:

Monday: Welcome reception over high tea in Taj West End in Bangalore at 5.00 pm; 6.30 p.m. visit to Chitra Kala Parishat. Dance performance in CKP.

Boarding train at 8.25 p.m. Departure at 9.00 p.m.

Tuesday: Visit Mysore Palace, pose for souvenir group picture in front of Mysore Palace; Head to Nagarhole National Park. Wildlife safari; Evening Entertainment is screening of wildlife documentary.

Wednesday. Early morning boat safari, Breakfast at Kabini Lodge of Jungle Lodges and Resorts, drive back to Mysore, lunch on train, travel to Srirangapatna, visit Ranganatha temple, Tipu's mausoleum, Daria Daulat Palace, return to Mysore for silk shopping, Evening Entertainment: Live Classical Music Concert and buffet dinner with silver cutlery in Lalith Mahal Place Hotel in Mysore. Return to train for sound night's sleep n rest.While we sleep the train leaves for Sravanabelagola.

Thursday: We have breakfast on the train and in the forenoon we complete sightseeing of the monolithic free standing statue of Jain monk Bahubali on the rock hill The steep climb on a sheer rock facade merits a whole half day... justifying the heavy breakfast! Later that day we complete the sightseeing of the Belur and Halebid temples. That evening the entertainment on board is a feast for ladies ... they are treated to indulgent creative designs of Henna or Mehendi on their palms. Dinner on board the train.

Friday: Day tour of Hampi. We visit Hazara Rama Temple, Virupaksha temple, Saasve kaalu Narasimha Temple, Temple of Badavi Linga, Lotus Mahal, Market Complex and the stone chariot, the Kodandarama temple, the Elephant Stables and then return to the train for another indulgent lunch on board. In the evening there is illumination of the Hazara Rama temple with a live concert. That night we traverse to the World Heritage Site of Pattadakal.

Saturday: Forenoon we visit Pattadakallu, then after lunch on board we visit Badami, and Aihole. That night the train chugs across the scenic Western ghats (so we miss sighting the Doodhsagar Water Falls).

Sunday: We reach Vasco Station in Goa. After breakfast on board the train we visit Basilica of Bom Jesus, and Se Cathedral in Old Goa. After lunch on board we are left to relax at a beach resort in Mudgaon. After a charming coffee and cakes, at the resort, we head back to the train - our seven day home. That night there is a party on board with a fancy dress competition.

Monday: By 9.00 am we would have finished breakfast on the train and we reach Bangalore's Yelahanka Railway Station. The Golden Chariot is not just a train or our seven days home... but we make friends, they are our new family members.

Day 2. Its a lazy start with an indulgent cup of filter coffee yoga / aerobics and the Hindu newspaper. Then after a crisp Masala Dosa coffee and a dessert for breakfast served in silver cutlery we head to the Mysore Palace and from thereon to Kabini Lodge in the Nagarhole National Park / Rajiv Gandhi Tiger Reserve for an overnight stay. In the afternoon we head for wildlife sighting for two hours, come back and watch a wildlife documentary, eat a scrumptious dinner, socialise and retire for the day.