Pride of the South | 08 Days

The city of Bangalore, the capital of Karnataka, is a splendid neo-metro that lets measures of modernity and age old culture mingle in equal parts. While here, enthrall your senses with a traditional art exhibition and folk dance performance at the Chithrakala Parishad. Or check-in at Our Native Village for a quick overview of village life in India. Furthermore, get acquainted with just what's in store for you, aboard The Golden Chariot.

From Mysore, a coach ride through the breathtaking wilderness will take you to Kabini. Now a part of the Rajiv Gandhi National Park, Kabini was once a hunting retreat of the Mysore Maharajas. The excitement here starts with a safari into the heart of the jungle, where you are sure to spot wild animals in their natural habitat.

Mysore, the erstwhile capital of the Wodeyar Maharajas, is home to a few opulent palaces and is a centre of sandalwood-carving, silk and incense production. A short coach trip from Mysore will take you to the capital of South India's very own tiger, Tipu Sultan, at Srirangapatna. While here, visit his summer palace and Gumbaz. And revisit history as it was two centuries ago.

From Hassan, set deep in the Karnatakan countryside, the journey to Asia's tallest monolith at Shravanabelagola is not long. Return to The Golden Chariot for your sumptuous lunch spread, for the glory of 10th century Hoysala architecture awaits you at Belur and Halebeedu in the afternoon. Take a trip around the temple courtyards of this World Heritage Site to appreciate the intricate workmanship of the sculptures, friezes and ornate pillars.

The splendours of the erstwhile capital of the Vijayanagara empire await you at Hampi, just 13kms away from Hospet. Magnificent temples and courtyards, peppered in between the ruins of what might have been resplendent palaces a few centuries ago, vie for your attention here. This, together with the boulder strewn sandscape and the Tungabhadra river gives Hampi a charm that is almost ethereal.

Wake up in the cradle of Hindu architecture at the ancient capital city of the Chalukya empire. A flight of steps will take you to the four ancient rock-cut caves, each replete with carved pillars, bracket figures and sculptures. Among them is the 18 armed Nataraja, striking 81 dance poses. A short distance away is Pattadakal, home to perhaps the earliest examples of Dravidian and Nagara architecture in the whole of India.

This well known beach paradise is famous for its carefree spirit and relaxed vibes. Savour the Portuguese history of this state on a walkabout through its magnificent churches and Portuguese homes. Or just relax, for the excellent sea food, casino and spa services set the right note.

The overnight return journey to Bangalore is the time for quiet contemplation. As the warm sea breeze gives way to the cool night, prepare yourself to celebrate the end of a journey well travelled. In luxury. Aboard The Golden Chariot.