Why Pride of the South journey by Golden Chariot train is a hit among local and international travelers alike? An enchanting medley of cultural heritage, wildlife treasure troves and medieval & modern edifices, Pride of the South journey spanning over a week, takes guests on a whirlwind tour to unravel the diverse concoction of attractions housed in Karnataka along with a halt in beach paradise, Goa.
Operated by Karnataka State Tourism and Development Corporation (KSTDC) in collaboration with Indian Railways, Golden Chariot embarked on its maiden voyage on 10th March, 2008. The weeklong journey encompasses various historically significant, culturally potent and cosmopolitan destinations which include Bangalore, Kabini, Mysore, Hassan, Hospet, Badami and Goa.
Hemmed by Arabian Sea on one side and Goa, Kerala and Tamil Nadu on other, Karnataka is a prominent tourist destination in southern region of India. The very fact that Karnataka encompasses various different worlds in its bosom, Pride of the South journey is every wanderer’s delight. The exquisitely carved Dravidian temples of Hassan, Hospet and Badami, rich flora and fauna of Bandipur, crumbling churches and cathedrals of Old Goa and cosmopolitan infrastructure of Bangalore, each destination has different account to tell to its visitors.
Starting from Garden City ‘Bangalore’, Golden Chariot chugs out of Yeshwanthpur Railway Station and ends up reaching into the wildlife environs of Kabini. Guests on board the train will enjoy call of the wild via safari tour in the jungle. Next on the itinerary front is Mysore famous for its exotic gardens, stunning temples & palaces and local handicraft items displayed in shopping arcades. Some major attractions of Mysore include Srirangapatna and Brindavan Gardens. The crescendo of the day forms at Lalitha Mahal Palace where guests will be delighted with lavish feast and cultural extravaganza.
Post Mysore, the series of next three destinations – Hassan, Hospet and Badami – houses the ancient cultural heritage of south India. Each of these destinations is sprinkled with scores of Dravidian temples and exquisite edifices built during medieval age. Goa, famous for the unparallel languidness of its far stretched beaches, brings to fore the colonial ambience left by Portuguese invaders.
Till the time, Golden Chariot reaches the periphery of Bangalore after concluding its Pride of the South voyage lasting for 168 hours, guests on board are truly convinced that this luxury train journey explores many worlds of Karnataka and also brings to fore the less undertaken aspect of tourism in Goa.
Pride of the South Journeys Photos –
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