India Luxury Train [7 days]

The land once ridden by formidable armies is now traversed by the world's most unique railway - This Luxury Train beckons you to discover worlds that are enriched with history and culture. Recline and relax as the magnificent scenery unfolds outside your window with luxury on the inside, thus far reserved for royalty. A fine balance between a glorious yesterday and an omnipresent tomorrow in the magical land of Karnataka.

Tour Details:

Day 1 - Bangalore
Welcome to Bangalore, the capital of Karnataka, and 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.
You will board the train and begin your discovery of the many facets of Karnataka on-board an experience that we promise is out of this world.

Day 2 – Mysore
Your first stop is at Mysore, a city which has always been associated with the royal families and their patronage. Known for its resplendent palaces and majestic buildings, a visit to the city conjures up visions of the glory of the illustrious Wodeyar Kings. This former state capital still retains its tradition in music and dance, art, literature and its time-honored crafts. A 141 kms from Bangalore, Mysore enchants you with its quaint charm, verdant gardens, tree-lined boulevards and sacred temples.

Today, the former state capital of Mysore is now 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.

Visit Srirangapatna, the island fortress of the legendary warrior king Tipu Sultan, which 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.

Move on to Mysore Palace, which was built in Indo-Saracenic style with domes, turrets, arches and colonnades; 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.

Your last stop before going back to your train will be at Brindavan Gardens, one of the best gardens in South India. Located at the Krishna Raja Sagar Dam and spread over 150 acres, Brindavan Gardens has provided the backdrop for many Indian films since the 1960's.

Day 3 – Kabini
Today you will be visiting Rajiv Gandhi National Park, Nagarhole (Kabini), the hunting retreat of the Mysore Maharajas, which 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 elusive 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.

Day 4 – Belur
Today you will visit Belur in the Hassan district (220 kms from Bangalore and 38 kms from Hassan) which 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.

Move on to Halebidu in Hassan district, 27 kms away from Hassan and formerly the capital of the Hoysalas. Here lies one of the finest Hoysala temples, The Hoysaleswara Temple, perched on a star-shaped base amidst lawns - 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.

You will also visit the important Jain pilgrim center of Shravanabelagola, located 52 km from Hassan. It is home to Asia's largest monolithic statue, Lord Gomateswara, which towers 58 ft, looming atop the picturesque Vindhyagiri Hill. Every 12 years, Jain pilgrims gather here to participate in a splendid head-anointing ceremony.

Day 5 – Hampi
Hampi, which has been classified as a World Heritage Center and is one of the major tourist destinations in India. If dreams were made out of stone, it would be Hampi.

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 14th century ruins of Hampi lie scattered in a 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 describe 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 will provide you with a glimpse into traditional country life in Karnataka.

Day 6 – Badami
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 tales 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.

Move on to Aihole which is acclaimed as the "Cradle of Hindu Temple Architecture". Aihole has over a hundred temples scattered around the village, the most impressive being 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 5th 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.

Day 7 – Goa
Arrive in Goa, the "Pearl of the Orient" and the "Tourist Paradise", located on the western coast of India in the coastal belt known as Konkan. Disembark the luxury train after breakfast and either transfer to the airport for your flight back home or continue your stay in Goa.

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. However, 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.

Prices are per person based on double occupancy.
Prices in GBP, USD and CAD are informative and may vary with the official exchange rate.

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Carbon Footprint for this package: EUR 11.87