Showing posts with label Golden Chariot. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Golden Chariot. Show all posts
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A Trip to Bangalore aboard Golden Chariot Train

Golden Chariot‘A voyage to the many world’s of Karnataka’; this is the best one liner to describe the Pride of the South journey offered by the Golden Chariot train in a nutshell. Launched with the joint initiative of Karnataka State Tourism and Development Corporation (KSTDC) and the Indian Railways, Golden Chariot embarked on its maiden voyage on 10th March, 2008. The train has been listed as the ‘Seven Best Luxury Rail Journeys in the World’ by Vanity Fair Magazine for its  flawless services and state of the art facilities. 

In a nutshell, Pride of the South emphasize upon the uncovering the cultural heritage of Karnataka rooted in the crumbled ruins, medieval temples and spectacular palaces. The journey also includes a dash of wildlife and colonial lifestyle in Goa. Except for Bangalore, the point of commencement for the Pride of the South journey, no other destination covered on board displays the urbanization and modernization of international standards. Let’s take a look at the events took place on the first day of the Pride of the South journey. Read on….

1 - A high tea experience at the Taj West End hotel for the guests who’ve opted for the Pride of the South journey.

2 - A short trip to Chitrakala Parishath followed by a cultural program. A cultural organization and institution located in Bangalore, Chitrakala Parishath aims at promoting art and culture through its art exhibitions conducted at the state and national levels.

3 - Alternatively, you have a choice to visit the Our Native Village for an eco-vacation. It is a 100% eco-friendly resort where you can savor a sumptuous lunch and explore the in-house organic farms and be a spectator to the specially organized cultural extravaganza. Here you can take a slice of the rural lifestyle.

4 - By 2000 hours, you will  be required to report at the Yeshwanthpur Railway Station to board the train.

5 - After a traditional welcome, you’ll be ushered to your respective cabins and the train will start rolling towards Kabini.

I agree that the first day excursion is quite short, restricted to few hours but still enables a sneak peek into the rural lifestyle prevailing in the modern hub of Bangalore along with a dash of art and culture.
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Golden Chariot First Journey of the Season to Begin from 1st October, 2012


Operators of the Golden Chariot train, Karnataka State Tourism and Development Corporation (KSTDC) have announced the departure date for the first seasonal journey of this Indian luxury train. The luxury train will chug its way from Bangalore to Goa on 1st October 2012. The departure schedule for the upcoming run season is given on the website of Indian luxury trains. 

golden chariot booking
Golden Chariot : Luxury Train in India
The Golden Chariot with its two itineraries-Prides of the South and Splendor of the South- takes guests on an enchanting voyage through sublime terrains of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Goa. The Pride of the South itinerary by Golden Chariot is 8 days and 7 night’s journey that covers Bangalore, Kabini, Mysore, Hassan, Hospet, Badami and Goa. The weeklong journey encompasses ancient temples, World Heritage Sites, churches & cathedrals and wildlife treasure troves.  

Built on the lines of famous Palace on Wheels, the Golden Chariot is India’s first disabled friendly luxury train. The train constitutes of 44 well appointed cabins which include 25 twin bed cabins, 18 double bed cabins and 1 cabin for physically challenged. Each cabin represents the architectural esthetics of erstwhile south Indian dynasties in their interior décor and maintains modern refinement through state of the art amenities such as LCD television, individual temperature control, electronic safe and Wi-Fi internet among others.


For more information on train facilities, itineraries, schedules and facilities, you may like to visit the website of the - http://www.indianluxurytrains.com/journeys/the-golden-chariot.html


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Golden Chariot Train Pride of the South : Discover Myriad Facets of Karnataka

“Water changes at every mile and language changes at every three miles”. The varied topography, cultural mix, religious tolerance and multi-lingual populace of India certainly mount up to the aforementioned statement. When it comes to southern region of India, there could be no way better than Golden Chariot train to unearth the natural and cultural treasures of this region.

Golden Chariot Train
The Golden Chariot Train Ariel View
Fondly referred to as South India’s very own Palace on Wheels, this Indian luxury train was launched to showcase the rich heritage of Karnataka in an opulent manner. On 10th March, 2008, Golden Chariot embarked on its maiden voyage from Bangalore to Goa. During the course of its 8 days and 7 nights’ journey, this Indian luxury train encompasses various historically prominent and naturally rich destinations which include Mysore, Kabini, Hassan, Hospet, Badami and Goa. From ancient temples to stunning palaces and from wildlife treasure troves to colonial edifices, this tastefully crafted itinerary aboard the Golden Chariot train offer different strokes to different folks.

Each day of Pride of the South journey lets you discover a different aspect of tourism in this state. The 2nd day marks the entry of Golden Chariot into the rustic hinterland of Kabini. A delectable lunch in jungle lodge enveloped with luxuriant greens followed by a game safari to enjoy the call of the wild is what scheduled for the 2nd day.

Moving on the 3rd day of this itinerary, the train will chug into the erstwhile realm of Tipu Sultan - Mysore. Beautiful gardens, stunning temples, magnificent palaces and local markets of this south Indian princely state will surely leave you spellbound. The sightseeing excursion will reach its crescendo in the cultural program organized at Lalitha Mahal Palace.

Apart from exploring wildlife treasures and imperial heritage of Mysore, this Indian luxury train brings you face to face with the rich Dravidian heritage of south India. The 4th, 5th and 6th day on board Pride of the South journey will take you to Hassan, Hospet and Badami, each of which is sprinkled with scores of religious edifices and monuments built during medieval age.

On the penultimate day of this rail tour, the luxury train enters the beach paradise ‘Goa’. The sightseeing tour of the day includes exploration of churches and Sola Souto Manor, a Portuguese house dating back to 16th century, in Old Goa.

Some points to be remembered while making reservations for Golden Chariot train:
  • If reservation is made for individual travelling, you have to pay 20% of the ticket value at the time of booking confirmation. Rest 80% is to be paid 60 days prior to departure.
  •  If reservation is made for a group tour, you are required to pay 50% of the ticket value at the time of booking confirmation. Rest 80% is to be paid 60 days prior to departure.
The destinations covered by Golden Chariot during the course of Pride of the South journey offers peak into the rich history and cultural heritage of Karnataka. Right from exploring rich Dravidian heritage to wildlife rendezvous in Bandipur National Park, the journey explores many worlds of Karnataka.
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World Heritage Sites in India: Group of Monuments at Hampi, Karnataka

The last great Hindu Kingdom before it was conquered by the Deccan Muslim confederacy in 1565; the somber, colossal site of Hampi was the last capital of once mighty Vijayanagar Empire. Traditionally known as Pampakshetra of Kishkindha, Hampi is situated on the southern bank of the river Tungabhadra. The princes of Hampi built many Dravidian temples and palaces between 14th to 16th centuries that gained the attention of the travelers. The Muslim invaders however raided and ransacked the city for over six months before abandoning it.

World Heritage Sites in India
Ancient Ruins at Hampi which is now designated as the UNESCO World Heritage Site
Temples of this city are noted for their big dimensions, ornate embellishment, bold and delicate carvings, grand pillars, outstanding pavilions and a great wealth of iconographic and traditional depictions which include subjects from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata.

Group of Monuments at Hampi, Karnataka
Lotus Mahal at the Zenana Enclosure
Hampi, flourishing on its cotton and spice trade, was considered to one of the most stunning medieval cities of the world and Its palaces and Dravidian temples were much admired by travelers, be they Arab (Abdul Razaak), Portuguese (Domingo Paes) or Italian (Nicolò dei Conti). The city was believed to cover an area of nearly 26 sq km and was stated to be enclosed by seven lines of fortifications.

Historical and Heritage tours, India
The remains of a giant Bukka's Aqueduct located near Anegondi
The tourist attractions of the city are Virupaksha Temple, 6.7 m tall monolith of Ugra Narasimha, Lotus Mahal, Queen's Bath with stark exteriors and ornate interiors, Singaradu Hebbagilu, the oldest and most massive gateway of the capital, Hazara Rama Temple with its exquisitely carved basalt pillars depicting the incarnations of Shri Vishnu, and Vitthala Temple with its 'Musical Pillars' and ornate stone chariot of Garuda in the temple courtyard.

South India tours
Monument of a chariot which two elephants in the courtyard of Vitthala Temple


In one of the interior courtyards of the temple of Vitthala, a small monument of a chariot which two elephants, sculpted in the round, struggle to drag along is one of the the favorite tourists attractions today as well as travelers of the past. Hampi definitely is one of the must visit destinations in India as well as an important tourist destinations in India.

Besides the temples, the impressive complex of civil, princely or public buildings (elephant stables, Queen's Bath, Lotus Mahal, bazaars, markets) are enclosed in the massive fortifications which, however, were unable to repulse the assault of the five sultans of Deccan in 1565.
heritage tours
Virupraksha Temple tower
For more information regarding World Heritage Sites in India or any other travel information in India, please feel free to contact me
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