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Day 1
- Bangalore (Monday) |
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12:00
noon: |
Check-in at The
Leela Palace Hotel followed by lunch at Jamawar or Citrus |
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03:00
pm: |
Depart for
Bangalore Sightseeing Tippu's Palace, Bull Temple & Lalbagh |
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08:00
pm: |
Arrival at
Yeshwantpur Railway Station, Platform No. 6 Traditional Indian welcome
at Railway Station and escorting to respective cabins. |
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Dinner on
board The Golden Chariot |
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09:00
pm: |
Depart to
Mysore |
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11:30
pm: |
Arrive at
Mysore |
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Alternate
Itinerary* |
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11 am
onwards: |
Check in at Our
Native Village |
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12
Noon to 2 pm: |
Lunch |
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3.00
pm to 3.30 pm:
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What is it
that makes us a 100% eco resort - Resort tour
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3.30
PM to 4.00 pm:
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The
Revivalist movement - Art and culture tour
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4.00
pm to 4.30 pm:
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Living an
organic life Herbal & Medicinal plant tour, Organic farm tour
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4.30
pm to 5.30 pm:
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Pottery
session & Explore the simplicity of village games - playing Indian
village games & Bullock cart rides
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6.00
pm to 6.30 pm:
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Rest and
depart to Yeshwantpur Railway Station
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*Optional
itinerary for those who do not opt for Leela Palace check-in and
Bangalore sight seeing. |
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Bangalore:
A World of Opportunity
The capital of Karnataka is known as the Garden City because of its
salubrious climate and greenery. Perched 3,250 feet above sea level,
temperatures seldom exceed 30oC (88oF). Founded by Kempegowda, a
powerful chieftain, the city is unique with its rich cultural heritage
that coexists with its modern day technological and industrial
achievements.
Today
Bangalore is popularly known as India's Silicon Valley.
Bandipur:
Tread the path of the erstwhile Maharaja of Mysore with a visit to
Bandipur, about 80km south of Mysore on the Mysore-Ooty Road. The
reserve is a playground for wildlife, with elephants taking the lead
role. Be prepared for an unforgettable experience - you might see a
tiger prowling amidst the mix of deciduous, evergreen forest and
scrubland vegetation. Set against the picturesque backdrop of the
enchanting Niligiri mountains with its mist-covered peaks, Bandipur
was once the Mysore Maharaja's private hunting ground. It was brought
under Project Tiger in 1973. This is one of the best game sanctuaries
in India to observe and photograph wildlife in close proximity. A
temple perched atop Himad Gopalaswamy Hill, the highest peak in the
Bandipur range, is worth a visit.
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Day 2
- Mysore / Kabini / Bandipur (Tuesday) |
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10:00
am:
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Depart for
Kabini / Bandipur after breakfast
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01:00
pm:
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Reach Jungle
Lodge
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Lunch at the
Jungle Lodge
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Post
Lunch:
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Jungle / Boat
Safari
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Return in the
evening for wildlife film
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Dinner and
stay overnight at Jungle Lodge
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Alternate
Itinerary* |
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- Raganatittu
Bird Sanctary
- Mysore Zoo
- Lunch on board
- Brindavan Gardens
*Optional
itinerary for those who do not opt for Kabini / Bandipur tour
A minimum of
5 passengers required for Alternate Itinerary
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Kabini:
A World of Wildlife
Rajiv Gandhi National Park, Nagarhole (Kabini), the hunting retreat of
the Mysore Maharajas, is definitely the perfect destination for
wildlife lovers in South India. The excitement starts with a safari
into the heart of the park, 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. |
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Day 3
- Mysore (Wednesday) |
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08:30
am:
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Breakfast and
Depart for Mysore
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11:30
am:
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Back onboard
The Golden Chariot
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01:00
pm:
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Lunch on
board The Golden Chariot
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03:00
pm:
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Mysore
sightseeing: Mysore Palace, Srirangapatnam
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07:00
pm:
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Reach the Lalitha
Mahal Palace for cultural show followed by dinner
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10:00
pm:
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Back onboard
The Golden Chariot
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Mysore:
A World of Royalty
Mysore has been always associated with the royal families and their
patronage, be it the Wodeyars or the Sultans. Mysore is a city known
for its resplendent palaces and majestic buildings. A visit to the
city conjures up visions of the glory, still evident of the
illustrious Wodeyar Kings. This former state capital still retains its
tradition in music and dance, art and literature and its time-honoured
crafts.
A 141 kms
from Bangalore, the city enchants you with its quaint charm, verdant
gardens, tree-lined boulevards and its sacred temples.
Mysore, once
the state capital, today is a vibrant city teeming with tourists and
visitors. It is known the world over for its exotic sandalwood and
rich silks. Many culinary delights await those inclined to sample the
regional cuisine.
Mysore
Palace: Built in Indo-Saracenic
style with domes, turrets, arches and colonnades, the Palace is a
treasure house of exquisite carvings and works of art from all over
the world. The magnificent jewel -studded golden throne of the
Wodeyars is displayed here during the Dasara festival.
Srirangapatna:
The island fortress of the legendary warrior king Tipu Sultan is just
14 km from Mysore city. Inside the fortress is Tipu's mosque with its
twin minarets, the Wellesley Bridge and the dungeons where British
officers were once imprisoned. |
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Day 4
- Hassan (Thursday) |
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06:00
am:
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Depart from
Mysore to Hassan
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08:15
am:
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Arrive at
Hassan
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09:00
am:
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Depart for
sightseeing to Shravanabelagola
(Please note that you would have to climb close to 700 steps to
experience the architectural marvel. Only those who can undertake this
are advised to do so. Guests unwilling to experience can stay back
onboard The Golden Chariot. Palanquins are available for those who
cannot take the climb by themselves. This is available to the
passengers at no extra cost)
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01:00
pm:
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Lunch on
board The Golden Chariot
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03:00
pm:
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Depart for
Belur and Halebid for sightseeing
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07:15
pm:
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Back onboard
The Golden Chariot
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07:45
pm:
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Depart to
Hospet
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Dinner
onboard The Golden Chariot
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Belur
& Halebid : A World of Worship
Belur in Hassan district 220 kms from Bangalore and 38 kms from Hassan)
is famous for its magnificent Hoysala Temple Complex. The Chennakesava
Temple here is the major attraction, built by Hoysala Vishnuvardhana,
to commemorate his victory over the Cholas. The facade of the temple
is filled with intricate sculptures with no portion left blank. It is
the only Hoysala Temple still in active worship.
Halebid
in Hassan district is 27 kms away from Hassan and was the capital of
the Hoysalas. It has one of the finest Hoysala temples. 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.
Shravanabelagola,
52km from Hassan, is an important Jain pilgrim centre. It is home to
Asia's largest monolithic statue Lord Gomateswara here towers 58 ft.,
looming atop the picturesque Vindhyagiri Hill. Every 12 years, Jain
pilgrims gather here to participate in a splendid head-anointing
ceremony. |
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Day 5
- Hospet (Friday) |
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06:00
am:
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Arrival at
Hospet
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08:30
am:
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After
breakfast depart for Hampi sightseeing: Virupaksha Temple. Queens's
Bath, Elephant Stables, Local crafts bazaar
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01:00
pm:
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Return to The
Golden Chariot for Lunch
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03:00
pm:
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Depart for
sightseeing: Royal enclosure, Hazara Rama Temple. Illuminated Vittala
Temple.
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08:00
pm:
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Back onboard
The Golden Chariot
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Dinner
onboard The Golden Chariot
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Hampi:
A World Heritage Site
If dreams were made out of stone, it would be Hampi. Hampi has been
classified as a World Heritage Center and is one of the major tourist
destinations in India.
Hampi,
the seat of the famed Vijayanagara empire was the capital of the
largest empire in post-moghul India, covering several states. The
Vijayanagara empire stretched over at least three states -Karnataka,
Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh. The destruction of Vijayanagar by
marauding Moghul invaders was sudden, shocking and absolute.
Although in
ruins today, this capital city once boasted riches known far beyond
the shores of India. The ruins of Hampi of the 14th Century lies
scattered in about 26 sq. km area, amidst giant boulders and
vegetation.
Protected by
the tempestuous river Tungabhadra in the north and rocky granite
ridges on the other three sides, the ruins silently narrate the story
of grandeur splendor and fabulous wealth.
The splendid
remains of palaces and gateways of the broken city tells a tale of
man's infinite talent and power of creativity together with his
capacity for senseless destruction. A visit to Hampi is a sojourn into
the past. Most of the important structures and ruins are located in
two areas, which are generally referred to as the Royal Centre and the
Sacred Centre.
A visit to
Anegundi village by traversing the gushing Tunga Badra river on a
coracle is an experience that provides the guests with a glimpse into
the traditional country life in Karnataka. |
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Day 6
- Badami (Saturday) |
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05:00
am:
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Depart from
Hospet to Badami
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08:30
am:
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Arrival at
Badami
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09:00
am:
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Depart after
breakfast for sightseeing: Badami Caves and Pattadakal
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01:30
pm:
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Return to The
Golden Chariot for Lunch
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02:00
pm:
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Depart for
Goa
Relax and enjoy the facilities onboard The Golden Chariot: Spa, Gym
Dinner onboard The Golden Chariot Reach Goa post midnight
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Badami:
A World Heritage Site
Badami is 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
dance poses.
Pattadakal,
with its beautifully chiseled temples is a World Heritage Site located
on the banks of the Malaprabha River. It bears testimony to the
richness of the Chalukyan architecture. Pattadakal reached its
pinnacle of glory under the Chalukyan Kings and was once used as a
ceremonial center where kings were crowned. |
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Day 7
- Goa (Sunday) |
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09:30
am:
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Breakfast on
board The Golden Chariot
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10:00
am:
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Depart for
sightseeing
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11:00
am:
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Visit the
famous churches of old Goa
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12:15
pm:
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Visit an old
Portuguese house: Sola Souto Maior for tea/coffee and cookies;
shopping at the emporium
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02:00
pm:
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Reach Majorda
Beach Resort for lunch
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03:00
pm:
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An Ayurvedic
massage, a visit to the casino, a dip in the pool / beach, etc. (Ayurvedic
massage and casino charges extra as applicable)
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06:00
pm:
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Depart from
the resort
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07:15
pm:
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Return to The
Golden Chariot.
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Dinner
onboard The Golden Chariot
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09:00
pm:
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Depart for
Bangalore
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Goa:
A World of Golden Beaches
Also known as "Pearl of the Orient" and a "Tourist
Paradise", the state of Goa is located on the western coast of
India in the coastal belt known as Konkan.
The
magnificent scenic beauty and the architectural splendors of its
temples, churches and old houses have made Goa a firm favorite with
travelers around the world.
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.
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. After all, more than anywhere else on planet earth, this is a
place where people really know how to relax. |
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Day 8
- Bangalore (Monday) |
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08:00
to 09:30 am:
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Breakfast
onboard The Golden Chariot
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11:00
am:
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Reach
Yeswanthpur railway station, farewell by the entire crew.
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