DAY 1: Arrive Chennai, INDIA
You are met on arrival and taken to your hotel. Enjoy an afternoon and evening at leisure to relax or explore Chennai (formerly known as Madras).
►Suggested hotel:
Taj Coromandel, Chennai

DAY 2: Chennai, INDIA
Chennai is the gateway to South India, and a blend of the traditional and modern. This morning’s sightseeing tour includes the ancient Kapaleeswar Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. A good example of Dravidian architecture, its intricately carved 120-foot gopuram is a landmark. Visit the 14th century Santhomre Cathedral Church, which houses the remains of St. Thomas the Apostle. See the Flower and Fruit market, High court and Marina Beach, one of the longest beaches in India. Your afternoon is at leisure.
►Suggested hotel:
Taj Coromandel, Chennai

DAY 3: Mahabalipuram, INDIA
Today explore the tiny seaside village of Mahabalipuram, "City of Seven Pagodas." These 7th century rock-hewn monuments, temple sand carvings show scenes of daily life. See Five Rathas (chariots), rock-cut monoliths, named after the 5 Pandavas, and Bas-relief of Arjuna’s penance. Next, drive to the old cultural capital of Kanchipuram, the City of a Thousand Temples. Explore the important temples of Kailashnath, Ekambaranath, Kamakshi amma and of Devarajaswami.
►Suggested hotel:
Taj Coromandel, Chennai

DAY 4: Chennai to Bangalore, INDIA
This morning visit Kalakshetra, the famous dance school, before taking your flight to Bangalore. This unique city is a beautiful, rich in cultural heritage and modern technology. It’s called “The Garden City” because of its climate and greenery, and widely known as India's Silicon Valley because of the high concentration of computer industries.
►Suggested hotel:
The Leela Palace, Bangalore

DAY 5: Bangalore, INDIA & Board the ‘Golden Chariot’ Train
Relax this morning and then tour the city in the afternoon. Visit Tipu’s Wooden Palace, the Bull Temple Basavanagudi, and enjoy a nature walk through the Lalbagh Botanical Garden. Board “The Golden Chariot” train in time to enjoy dinner on board.

Train: The Golden Chariot
The Golden Chariot features two restaurants with a variety of cuisine, an elegant lounge bar, two massage rooms and a fully equipped gym.

DAY 6: Kabini / Bandipur, INDIA
This morning drive through Kabini and the evergreen forest to Bandipur and the Rajiv Gandhi National Park. Set against the picturesque, mist-covered peaks of the Niligiri Mountains, Bandipur was the hunting retreat of the Mysore Maharajas. This afternoon enjoy a nature walk, then a jeep and boat safari into the heart of the park. Alive with wildlife, watch for elephant, gaur, sambar, chital, wild boar and the more exclusive tiger and leopard. A bird watcher's paradise, the park is also home to over 300 species of birds.
►Suggested hotel:
Orange County Kabini Lodge, Kabini / Bandipur

DAY 7: Mysore, INDIA
On arrival in Mysore disembark and visit this vibrant city with a mix of quaint and modern. Visit the island fortress of the legendary warrior Sultan Tipu located in Srirangapatna. Then drive back to Mysore to visit the palace. Enjoy and entertaining cultural show at Brindavan Gardens and dinner before re-boarding the train for the night.
►Suggested hotel:
The Golden Chariot

DAY 8: Hassan, INDIA
Arrive in Hassan then disembark for a drive to Halebidu and the Hoysala Temple. Explore this sculptural extravaganza with its richly carved walls depicting the life of the Hoysala Kings. Next, drive to Belur to visit the Chennakesava Temple. It was built by Hoysala Vishnuvardhana, to commemorate his victory over the Cholas, and is the only active Hoysala Temple. The incredible facade of the temple is completely filled with intricate sculptures. Continue on today’s excursion to visit the Jain pilgrimage center in Shravanabelagola. Here you’ll see the 58-foot statue of LordGommateshwara, Asia’s largest monolith statue. Return to the train for the night.
►Suggested hotel:
The Golden Chariot

DAY 9: Hampi, INDIA
Today tour Hampi, the former seat of the vast 14th century Vijayanagara empire, and whose ruins today are a World Heritage Center. Visit the Virupaksha temple complex and Hampi Scared Center. The splendid remains of palaces and gateways tell the tales of talent, power and senseless destruction, and give you a glimpse of what traditional country life was like. Next visit the Vittala Temple Complex, the Royal Center, and wander through Hampi’s colorful Craft Bazaar.
►Suggested hotel:
The Golden Chariot

DAY 10: Gadag to Badami, INDIA
Disembark the train to tour Badami, a picturesque World Heritage Site with red sandstone exquisite sculptures. Highlights are the 18-armed Nataraja and her 81 dance poses, and the 3rd century rock-cut cave. Next, drive to the banks of the Malaprabha River to explore the Pattadakal World Heritage Site. The beautiful chiseled temples bear testimony to the faded glory of the Chalukyan Kings.
►Suggested hotel:
The Golden Chariot

DAY 11: Arrive Goa, INDIA
This morning say farewell to The Golden Chariot when you disembark in Goa, the “Pearl of the Orient.” The city offers architectural and scenic beauty in its temples, churches and popular beaches.
►Some suggested Goa hotels (in alphabetical order):
The Leela Kempinski Goa
Park Hyatt Goa Resort and Spa (in South Goa)   (V)
►Together, we will find the best choice for you!

DAY 12: Goa, INDIA
Today is a full day at leisure to explore the city independently or to relax and enjoy the many amenities at your deluxe beach resort.
►For Goa hotel suggestions, see above.

DAY 13: Goa to Mumbai, INDIA
After your morning flight to Mumbai, check into your hotel for a brief rest, then enjoy a brief our of the city. See the famous Hanging Gardens and Malbar Hill. Also see the Gateway of India, an archway erected to commemorate the 1911 visit of King George V, and Mumbai's principle landmark. Drive alongthe popular Marine Drive, fondly known as the 'Queen's Necklace'.
►Some suggested Mumbai hotels (in alphabetical order):
Oberoi, Mumbai   (V)
Taj Mahal Palace & Tower
Taj Lands End, Mumbai   (V)
►Together, we will find the best choice for you!

DAY 14: Depart Mumbai, INDIA
This morning you are taken to the airport for your flight home or on to your next destination.