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Orient Rail Journeys · Escorted tour

Pride of the Karnataka

Six-day luxury train loop through South India's heritage sites and wildlife

Illustration of Pride of the Karnataka

Orient Rail Journeys operates the Pride of the Karnataka, a six-day luxury rail journey aboard the Golden Chariot that departs from Bengaluru and loops through southern India's heritage heartland before ending in Goa. The itinerary is escorted, meaning guides meet you at each stop and lead visits to major sites: Mysore Palace, the ancient temple ruins at Halebidu, and the sprawling Hampi monument complex dating back centuries. You sleep on the train every night, eliminating packing and unpacking; all breakfasts, lunches, and dinners are served on board. Day 1 includes a wildlife safari at Bandipur Wildlife Sanctuary. Day 3 features a visit to a working coffee plantation near Chikamgaluru. Day 5 breaks the pattern with a morning excursion to Portuguese colonial churches in North Goa and an evening gala dinner at a hotel in South Goa before the train departs for home. This tour suits luxury-seekers, history lovers, and couples who want cultural immersion paired with high comfort and no logistics to manage.

What to know before you look closer

  • You sleep on the train all five nights; there are no hotel stays, only the luxury train as your accommodation.
  • Day 5 includes a morning shore excursion to North Goa churches (depart 09:00, return by noon) and an evening gala dinner off the train in South Goa; you are off the train for these segments.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Golden Chariot (on board), Mysore

    Bengaluru - Bandipur - Mysore

    Registration and check-in at Yesvantpur Railway Station from 08:30, with morning departure at 09:45. Lunch on board as the train arrives at Nanjangud (13:30), followed by an evening safari at Bandipur Wildlife Sanctuary (16:30-18:30). Dinner on board as the train proceeds to Mysore.

    Meals: Lunch, Dinner

  2. Day 2railovernight: Golden Chariot (on board)

    Mysore

    Breakfast on board, then a visit to Mysore Palace. Lunch on board, with an optional afternoon visit to Srirangapatnam. Dinner on board as the train proceeds to Banavar for watering and fuelling.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  3. Day 3railovernight: Golden Chariot (on board)

    Halebidu and Chikamgaluru

    Breakfast on board, then a visit to Halebidu from Banavar Railway Station. Lunch on board as the train proceeds to Chikamgaluru, followed by an evening coffee plantation visit, cultural activities and dinner at Chikamgaluru. Return to the train as it proceeds to Hospet.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  4. Day 4railovernight: Golden Chariot (on board)

    Hospet

    Breakfast on board, then a visit to the Hampi ruins. Lunch on board; evening free. Dinner on board as the train proceeds to Goa.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  5. Day 5railovernight: Golden Chariot (on board)

    Goa

    Arrive at Karmali; after breakfast, visit the churches of North Goa (deboard 09:00, return by noon). Lunch on board as the train proceeds to Madgaon. Evening gala dinner activity at a hotel in South Goa, then the train proceeds to Bengaluru (22:30).

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  6. Day 6rail

    Bengaluru (Disembark)

    Breakfast on board. Deboard at Bengaluru (Yesvantpur Railway Station).

    Meals: Breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Board the Golden Chariot at Yesvantpur Railway Station in Bengaluru at 09:45 and enjoy lunch on board as the train departs south toward Mysore; evening safari at Bandipur Wildlife Sanctuary with views of wildlife in their habitat.
  • Day 2Visit Mysore Palace after breakfast on board; an optional afternoon excursion to Srirangapatnam is available.
  • Day 3Depart from Banavar Railway Station to visit the temples at Halebidu, then explore a coffee plantation in Chikamgaluru with cultural activities before returning to the train.
  • Day 4Walking tour of the Hampi ruins complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site of ancient temple remains and stone monuments, with lunch back on board.
  • Day 5Morning visit to the Portuguese colonial churches of North Goa from Karmali station, followed by an evening gala dinner at a hotel in South Goa before the train departs for Bengaluru.

Questions travellers ask

Is all train travel included in the price?
Yes; the fare covers all rail travel aboard the Golden Chariot for all six days and five nights.
Are meals included?
Yes; breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served on board every day. An optional evening gala dinner at a hotel in South Goa on Day 5 is included.
Is this tour guided or independent?
It is an escorted tour. Orient Rail Journeys organizes guided visits to Mysore Palace, Halebidu temples, Hampi ruins, coffee plantations, and Goan churches; the train provides transportation between stops.
What is included in the package?
Accommodation on the Golden Chariot, all meals, guided excursions at each destination, and entry to sites such as Mysore Palace and Hampi ruins are included. An optional visit to Srirangapatnam on Day 2 is available at additional cost.
How much walking is involved?
Days include walking tours of Mysore Palace, Halebidu temples, Hampi ruins, and North Goa churches. A safari at Bandipur Wildlife Sanctuary on Day 1 uses vehicles. Moderate fitness for city and site walking is expected.
When does the tour run?
The pack does not list specific departure dates or months. Contact Orient Rail Journeys directly to confirm the schedule.

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