Welcome to Enchanting Journeys

Namaste & welcome to incredible Republic of India - one of the friendliest countries on earth, combining glorious architecture with a warm-hearted welcome.

With its sumptuous mix of traditions, spiritual beliefs, festivals, architecture & landscapes, your memories of India will blaze bright long after you have left its shores.

Arrive in dynamic cosmopolitan Bengaluru (formerly Bangalore), one of India's most progressive & developed cities of India, blessed with a benevolent climate, a modern metro system & a burgeoning drinking, dining & shopping scene.

After you exit in the Arrival Hall at Terminal ?- Bengaluru Kempegowda International Airport, subsequent to Immigration & Customs, you will be met by The Journeys representative who will ensure your comfort, discuss the program for the week aboard the luxury ‘hotel on wheels’ & transfer you to the departure point (Check-in time for the Golden Chariot is at 04:00 pm. If arriving early morning, you can perhaps opt for an “optional” day use room or a sightseeing tour of Bangalore).

Bangalore also famous as the `Garden City’, was once a summer resort of the British Raj. It is one of the most attractive cities in India with its beautiful parks, avenues, impressive buildings & today, is one of Asia’s fastest growing cosmopolitan city. Referred to as India’s `Silicon Valley’, it is home to some of the most high tech industries in India. 

Blessed with a salubrious climate, gardens & parks, natural lakes, architectural landmarks, shopping malls, the best restaurants & pubs in this part of the globe, it offers something for everyone - music and dance concerts (Western & Indian), dramas, exhibitions, carnivals, conferences & more. Go disco-hopping or pub-crawling, shop till your feet give away or relax in the swankiest restaurants or with your favourite movie stars-in the movie hall or simply tee off to glory.

Bengaluru’s creature comforts are a godsend to the weary traveller who has done the hard yards, & it is a great city for mixing with locals in craft-beer joints or quirky independent cafes. Though there are no world-class sights, you will find lovely parks & striking Victorian-era architecture.

The central district (dating back to the British Raj years) remains unchanged and the landmark corporate headquarters & business parks of the city's booming IT industry are mostly in the outer suburbs

Depending on the arrival time, you might have a few hours to spend before your Check-in for the iconic train experience (we would be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements). 

Around 03.00 pm, you will be transferred to Hotel Taj West End, where you will begin your journey of a lifetime.

Arrive at the Hotel where you will be accorded a traditional ‘Indian’ welcome.

In India we say “Atthi Devo Bhava” which means “the guest is equivalent to God'. You will receive a traditional Indian welcome with garlanding & tikka on your forehead & welcomed with a refreshing Welcome Drink (non-alcoholic).

Flower garlanding is generally offered as a mark of respect & honour to welcome visitors & also or in honour to the Gods &Goddesses. Tilak is a ritual mark put on the forehead as a form of blessing, greeting or auspiciousness. The Tilak is usually made out of a red vermilion paste (kumkum) which is a mixture of turmeric, alum, iodine, camphor, etc.

Subsequent to completing the Registration process & Check-in formalities, you have free time to stroll around in the picturesque & magnificent gardens of the hotel. Meet your fellow travelers,

At 05.00 pm, High Tea has been arranged by you, followed by an audio-visual presentation by the Train staff at 05.30 pm.

Then at 06.00 pm, walk to the Hotel Auditorium to enjoy a 30 minute Cultural program showcasing the southern states & the areas you would be visiting.

At 06.45 pm, you will board the bus to leave for Bangalore Yeshwantpur Station to board your ‘hotel on wheels’.

But enroute, you would be stopping briefly at the ISKCON Temple (International Society for Krishna Consciousness).

Reach the Station at 08.15 pm to a warm welcome from the Train staff.

Welcome aboard Golden Chariot.

You will be shown to your delightful cabins. Feel free to relax in your new palace and explore every bit & acquaint yourself with its various facilities. Or relax with a drink at the bar over a tete-a-tete with other guests.

Dinner will be served at 09.30 pm on board in its two restaurants as the Golden Chariot pulls out into the night ... for a week-long experience through fascinating Karnataka, retracing South India’s resplendent & . glorious past.

Arrive in Mysore in the morning.

Enjoy a leisurely Breakfast on board at 08.00 am & pack for a night stay elsewhere, before disembarking.

Board the coach & drive for an hour to reach the early 20^th century Mysore Amba Vilas Palace, whose architecture style is a mix of Hindu, Muslim, Rajput & Gothic structure. View the Durbar Hall Wing & Personal Art Gallery of the former royals.

After spending an hour exploring the Palace, depart at 11.15 am for an overnight excursion to Rajiv Gandhi National Park, Nagarhole (Kabini), the hunting retreat of the Mysore Maharajas & definitely the perfect wildlife destination in South India.

Reach the Kabini Jungle Lodge by 01.15 pm & Check-in on arrival.

Enjoy Lunch & a brief rest before proceeding for a 3 hour jungle safari in a jeep, into the heart of the forest, where you are sure to spot wild animals in their natural habitat.

Some of the popular sightings are elephant, gaur, sambar, chital, wild boar and the more exclusive predators like tiger and leopard. A bird watcher's paradise, the park is home to over 300 species of birds, many of which are endemic to these jungles.

Come back to the Lodge by 06.30 pm & relax.

Later at 07.40 pm, enjoy a Wildlife film followed by a bar-be-que Dinner around a Campfire.

At dawn, proceed for boat ride in Kabini River to site crocodiles sunning themselves & many hued birds flitting in & out of the forest’s green canopy.

Return to Lodge for Breakfast at 08.00 am & Check-out.

Depart for Mysore at 09.30 am & reach Mysore Train Station by 11.30 am.

Mysore has been always associated with the royal families & their patronage, be it the Wodeyars or the Sultans. A visit to the city conjures up visions of the glory, still evident of the illustrious Wodeyar Kings. Former capital of the princely state, it is the second largest city in the province of Karnataka. It is a beautiful city of stately palaces, gardens, parks & museums and was once the residence of the Maharajas of Mysore. The Kingdom of Mysore was ruled by the Wodeyar dynasty, except for a brief period in the late 18^th century when Hyder Ali & Tipu Sultan were in power. Patrons of art & culture, the Wodeyars contributed significantly to the cultural growth of the city.

Noted for its palaces, including the Mysore Palace, & for the festivities that take place during the Dasara festival when the city receives a large number of tourists. It was the location of the first private radio station in India. Mysore houses Mysore University, which has produced several notable authors, particularly in the field of Kannada literature. It still retains its tradition in music & dance, art & literature and its time-honoured crafts. Located in close proximity to Bangalore, the city enchants you with its quaint charm, verdant gardens, tree-lined boulevards and its sacred temples.

At 01.00 pm, enjoy Lunch on board Golden Chariot.

At 03.30 pm, accompanied by the Tour-guide proceed for an excursion to the 18^th century Srirangapatnam Fort, the island fortress of the legendary warrior king Tipu Sultan which witnessed many a skirmishes between the popular King Tipu Sultan & British Colonial rulers. It is also home to Daria Daulat Bagh, the king's summer palace & favourite retreat and Tipu's mosque with its twin minarets, the Wellesley Bridge & the dungeons where British officers were once imprisoned.

You will have some free time for shopping in the town. Mysore is known internationally for its exotic sandalwood and rich silks, Mysore style of painting, the sweet dish Mysore Pak, the Mysore Peta (a traditional silk turban) & the garment known as the Mysore silk saree.

In the evening at 07.00 pm, enjoy the Rangayana Cultural Show & a delicious Dinner in the famous Lalita Mahal Palace, now converted into a 5* Hotel. Many culinary delights await those inclined to sample the regional cuisine.

Return back at 10.00 pm to the Golden Chariot.

Early morning at 05.00 am, the Golden Chariot departs from Mysore for Hassan Railway Station.

Breakfast on board at 07.30 am

At 09.00 am, proceed to the Jain pilgrim center of Shravanabelagola to see Asia's largest monolithic statue, an architectural marvel towering 58 ft,, of the Jain Monk Lord Gomateswara Bahubali, overlooking the Vindhyagiri Hills. Every 12 years, Jain pilgrims gather here to participate in a splendid head-anointing ceremony. (Please note that you would have to climb approximately 700 steps carved in a stone hillock, to experience this architectural marvel, and guests must be in good health in order to undertake the climb. Alternately, palanquins are available at no extra cost for guests who cannot take the climb by themselves).

Climb down the steep steps to board your bus standing at base of the hillock & drive back to Hassan Railway Station to board the Train for lunch & brief rest. (Guests unwilling to climb the steep steps can stay back on board The Golden Chariot). 

Return to the Train for Lunch at 01.00 pm.

At 02.45 pm, depart on a 30 km scenic drive for a 4 hour excursion to Halebid & Belur for a tour of the richly-carved ancient Hindu Temples.

Halebid was the capital of the Hoysala empire in the 12^th century and is home to one of the best examples of Hoysala architecture in the ornate Hoysaleswara & Kedareswara temples though they were never completed and were ruined through repeated attacks by enemy empires and later ravaged by the British. The Hoysaleswara Temple, perched on a star-shaped base amidst lawns, is a sculptural extravaganza. Its walls are richly carved with an endless variety of Hindu deities, sages, stylized animals, birds and friezes depicting the life of the Hoysala Kings who ruled Karnataka between the 11^th & 14^th centuries AD and contributed immensely to the art and architecture of the region. Constructed from soapstone, the sculptures are not as intricate as the ones in Belur but the outer facade of the Temple is of far more interest as it depicts multiple stories, legends and myths. These temples have existed for almost 1000 years now and are definitely worth a visit.

From here, it is a quick hop over to Belur to experience the magnificent Hoysala Temple Complex.

Belur is famous for its magnificent Hoysala Temple Complex. The 12^th century Chennakesava Temple dedicated to Hindu God-Lord Vishnu & Lord Shiva, was built by Hoysala Vishnuvardhana, to commemorate his victory over the Cholas and the facade of the temple is filled with intricate sculptures of elephants, lions, horses & sensuous dancers, with no portion left blank. The complex was ransacked & looted by Muslim Invaders from north India in 14^th century. It is the only Hoysala Temple still in use for active worship.

After enjoying this town of Temples among the hills and ponds, return to the Train by 07.15 pm

Enjoy a sumptuous Dinner on board at 08.00 pm.

At 08.40 pm, the Golden Chariot departs for Hospet.

Early, in the morning, arrive at Hospet.

Breakfast on board at 07.00 am.

Shortly after, depart for an excursion (30 minutes / 14 km one way) to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hampi Palace ruins.

Located amongst awesome granite boulder-strewn landscape, Hampi was the capital of mighty South Indian Vijayanagar Empire covering several states in 14^th century with opulent palaces, marvellous temples, massive fortifications, private baths for royalty, markets, pavilions & stables for royal elephants. The city’s merchants traded in diamonds, pearls, fine silks, brocades, horses & much more and this capital city once boasted riches known far beyond the shores of India.

Though the destruction of Vijayanagar by marauding Moghul invaders in 16^th century was sudden, shocking & absolute, the ruins of these historical monuments scattered in about 26 sq. km area, amidst giant boulders and vegetation, have withstood the ravages of man & nature, to evoke memories of regal splendour. Protected by the tempestuous river Tungabhadra in the north and rocky granite ridges on the other three sides, the splendid remains of palaces & gateways of the broken city tell a tale of man's infinite talent and power of creativity together with his capacity for senseless destruction.

Explore Hampi throughout the morning, walking among the ruins of fabulous stone statues, carved pillars, and magnificent palace of the Sacred Center's Virupaksha Temple Complex. Marvel at the Queen's bath, Elephant stables, Royal Center, Hazara Rama Temple and later, stroll through a local crafts bazaar, where works by many different regional artisans are on display.

Return to Golden Chariot for Lunch at 01.00 pm.

At 03.30 pm, proceed to visit the 16^th century Vittala Temple Complex dedicated to Hindu God-Lord Vishnu. In courtyard of the main temple is a massive Stone Chariot after which Golden Chariot train has been named. The stone wheels of the Chariot can be rotated but have been cemented by authorities to avoid damage.

One of the most notable features of Vittala Temple are the musical pillars. Each of the pillar that support the roof of the main temple represents a musical instrument, and is constructed as 7 minor pillars arranged around a main pillar. These 7 pillars, when struck, emanate the 7 notes from the representative instrument, varying in sound quality based on whether it represents a wind, string or percussion instrument.

Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the banks of the Tungabhadra River at sunset, while you view the Illuminated Temple. You will also have the opportunity to visit the Anegundi village to catch a glimpse into the traditional country life in Karnataka.

Return to Hospet Station for Dinner aboard the Golden Chariot at 08.00 pm.

Today begins with an early morning departure to Badami, a short distance away.

Breakfast is served on board at 07.30 am.

Post breakfast, proceed from Badami Railway Station for an excursion to UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Badami Caves (5 km one way) & Pattadkal Temple Complex.

Feast your eyes on the magnificent World Heritage Site, the 3^rd century rock-cut cave temples of Badami, dedicated to Hindu religious sects of Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and Budha & Jain faiths are picturesquely situated at the mouth of a ravine between two rocky hills. The exquisite sculptures and the rust red sandstone cliffs of Badami tell many a tale of yore. The first sculptural embellishment to dazzle the eye is the 18 armed Nataraja striking 81 Tandav dancing poses.

Later, tour the other World Heritage Site of Pattadakal Temple complex located on the banks of the Malaprabha River and built between 7^th & 9^th century offers 10 beautifully chiseled temples bearing testimony to the richness of the Chalukyan architecture. There are numerous Kannada language inscriptions on the walls. Pattadakal reached its pinnacle of glory under the Chalukyan Kings and was once used as a ceremonial center where kings were crowned.

Move on to village of Gadag - Aihole, acclaimed as the "Cradle of Hindu Temple Architecture". It has over a hundred temples scattered around the village. The most impressive one is the Durga Temple with its semi- circular apse, elevated plinth and the gallery encircling the sanctum. The oldest temple here is the Lad Khan temple dating back to the 5^th century. The Hutchimalli Temple out in the village - has a sculpture of Vishnu sitting atop a large cobra. The Revalphadi Cave - dedicated to Shiva - is remarkable for its delicate details. There are hundreds of other temples strewn in the villages nearby.

Return back to Badami Railway Station by 01.20 pm.

Lunch & Dinner on board while the Train chugs on towards Goa.

Spend the rest of your day relaxing on board, enjoying the scenic views that pass by your window, socializing with fellow passengers in the bar car, or perhaps taking advantage of the on-board spa or gym facilities.

Arrive refreshed this morning in Goa-Vasco de Gama Railway Station.

Having been the meeting point of races, religions and cultures of East & West over the centuries, Goa has a multi-hued and distinctive lifestyle quite different from the rest of India and is home to India's finest beach resorts and famous for its Portuguese architecture. Beguiling white sands, fresh & spicy seafood, and a cold drink under a glowing sun is Goa at its charming best.

Shaped like the new moon, Goa’s beaches are known the world over. Fringed by swaying palm and coconut trees with cool and comfortable shacks offering a variety of refreshments, Goa’s 103 km coastline is blessed with the most enchanting beaches lapped by the Arabian Sea. And almost all of them are swimmer friendly with the assured presence of lifeguards on all the popular beaches.

But then Goa is much more than just beaches and sea. It has a soul which goes deep into unique history, rich culture and some of the prettiest natural scenery that India has to offer with its own traditions, culture, architecture and its share of monuments. Studded with churches all over due to its past of foreign connection, the striking Renaissance cathedrals in Old Goa, ancestral homes surrounding the ragtag city of Margao, the ornate Hindu temples of Ponda, and Panaji's Portuguese historic district, engross every world traveller.

Spend the morning visiting the UNESCO World Heritage site of Old Goa Churches, with its Portugese influenced architecture. Founded in 15^th century by Muslim Rulers of Bijapur Sultanate & capital of Portuguese Colonial rulers from early 16^th to mid19^th century, town of Old Goa is famous for it’s churches affiliated to various congregations, including the Se Cathedral (the seat of the Archbishop of Goa), the Church of St. Francis of Assisi, the Church of S. Caetano, and notably, the Basilica of Bom Jesus which contains the relics of Saint Francis Xavier, 

Enjoy tea, cookies and shopping at Solar Souto Maior, an old Portugese mansion which was built in 1585 and has since been renovated. Besides the natural beauty, the fabulous beaches and sunshine, travellers to Goa love the laid-back, peaceful, warm and friendly nature of the Goan people.

Reach the Zuri White Sands Resort for Lunch at 02.00 pm.

Balance of the afternoon is at leisure. You may opt to visit the Casino, take a dip in the pool or ocean, or enjoy an Ayurvedic massage (extra charges as applicable). 

Return to the Station by 06.30 pm evening for your last night on board the Golden Chariot as it spirits you back to Bangalore.

Morning, arrive at Bangalore Yeshwanthpura Railway Station.

Enjoy a sumptuous breakfast on board at 08.00 am

Bid adieu to the Crew before disembarking and letting the memories of the past week linger in your mind for a long time.

On arrival, you will be met by a Journeys Rep, who will provide the transfer to Terminal? - Bengaluru Kempegowda International Airport for your onward journey.

If you are leaving in the evening, you can spend the balance of the day exploring independently or catching up on your shopping before being transferred to the airport for your onward flight (we would be happy to offer suggestions & make any arrangements, if required).  B    

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