Morning transfer to the airport for the British Airways back to London Heathrow. Depart Heathrow on British Airways to Bangalore arriving in the early hours of day 2.

Arrive in Bangalore early in the morning where you will be met and transferred to the Taj West End Hotel for immediate check in and day room use. Morning at leisure until Golden Chariot check in formalities and lunch at the hotel (start of the Golden Chariot programme). Afternoon sightseeing before proceeding with the group to the railway station to board the Golden Chariot for the 6 night programme from Bangalore to Goa.

Your first stop on this incredible journey is Mysore. Once the state capital, today it is a vibrant city with a quaint charm, verdant gardens, tree-lined boulevards and sacred temple, known the world over for its exotic sandalwood and rich silks. Many culinary delights await those inclined to sample the regional cuisine. Morning visit to Srirangapatna, an island fortress of the legendary warrior king Tipu Sultan. Inside the fortress is Tipu's mosque with its twin minarets, the Wellesley Bridge and the dungeons where British officers were once imprisoned. Lunch is followed by an afternoon tour of the city. 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. Return to the Golden Chariot for dinner and overnight.

After breakfast on board depart of Kabini in Nagarhole National Park where you will spend the day. Otherwise known at Rajiv Gandhi National Park, Nagarhole (Kabini), was the hunting retreat of the Mysore Maharajas and is a great destination for wildlife lovers in South India. You will venture into the park both by boat and jeep 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 occasionally 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.

Depart for Hassan this morning and following breakfast on board depart for Halebid by coach. Once the capital of the Hoysala kingdom, it is home to one of the finest surviving Hoysala temples. The Hoysaleswara Temple, perched on a star-shaped base amidst lawns, is a sculptural delight with walls richly carved with an endless variety of Hindu deities, sages, stylized animals, birds and friezes depicting the life of the Hoysala Kings. Continue to Belur. 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 today. Return to the train for lunch and this afternoon visit Shravanabelagola, an important Jain pilgrim centre. It is home to Asia's largest monolithic statue Lord Gomateswara here towers 58 feet, looming atop the picturesque Vindhyagiri Hill. Every 12 years, Jain pilgrims gather here to participate in a splendid head-anointing ceremony. Return to the train for dinner and the overnight journey to Hospet.

Arrive in Hospet this morning and after breakfast, depart for Hampi for a full day of sightseeing. Classified as a World Heritage Centre 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 splendour and fabulous wealth. Your sightseeing ends with a sound and light show at the temple complex after which you will return by road to the Golden Chariot for dinner and overnight.

This morning the train departs for Gadag and after breakfast on board, continue by coach to Aihole. Acclaimed as the "Cradle of Hindu Temple Architecture", Aihole has over a hundred temples scattered around the village. The most impressive one is 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. Continue to the World Heritage Site of Pattadakal with its beautifully chiselled temples, 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 centre where kings were crowned. Badami is picturesquely situated at the mouth of a ravine between two rocky hills and following a late lunch, take a tour of the exquisite sculptures and the rust red sandstone caves. Returning to the Golden Chariot, the train departs for Goa as dinner is served.

Arrive in Goa early this morning. The magnificent scenic beauty and the architectural splendours of its temples, churches and old houses have made Goa a firm favourite with travellers 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. Following breakfast, transfer to Candolim beach where the morning is free for you to relax. Following lunch, take a sightseeing tour of Old Goa’s churches and museum. End the day with a visit to an old Portuguese house before returning to the Golden Chariot for dinner and the return overnight journey to Bangalore.

Following breakfast on board, arrive back into Bangalore around midday. Transfer to the Taj West End for an overnight stay.

Morning transfer to the airport for the British Airways back to London Heathrow.