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Day 1 London/Bangalore
Depart London-Heathrow by overnight Kingfisher Airlines scheduled flight.

Day 2 Bangalore/Mysore
Arrive Bangalore, from where, after a rest and breakfast at an airport hotel, you will be driven to Mysore (3.5 hours), visiting Srirangapatnam en route. This was the capital of the Mysore Rajahs, only finally conquered by the British in 1799, and the ruins of the infamous Tipu Sultan’s fortified palaces are full of fascinating echoes. On arrival at Mysore check-in at the Royal Orchid Metropole (Royal Wing Room & Breakfast) for a 2-night stay. Remainder of day at leisure.

Day 3 Mysore
Once the capital of a princely state and home of the illustrious Wodeyar Kings, vibrant Mysore (‘the Jewel of Karnataka’) still bears the stamp of its proud past. Its artistic and cultural heritage, its many festivals, gardens and notable palaces and temples, its exotic sandalwoods and rich silks all reflect the quintessence of the state’s heritage. A morning sightseeing tour includes visits to the Maharaja’s Palace (a magnificent synthesis of Hindu and Saracenic styles, with archways, domes, turrets, colonnades and sculptures), the Art Gallery and the drive up to the 1,062-metre-high Chamundi Hill to enjoy panoramic views of the city. On your return see the famous Nandi Bull carved out of solid rock in 1659. The afternoon is at leisure. In the evening visit Brindavan Gardens, 150 acres in area and one of the finest of their kind in South India and the backdrop for many Indian films.

Day 4 Mysore/Nagarhole
After breakfast you are driven to Nagarhole National Park (4.5 hours) where your base for the next two nights is the beautiful Orange County Kabini Resort in a serene setting right on the edge of the Park (Jacuzzi Hut with Full Board). In the evening enjoy a game safari in the Park.

Day 5 Nagarhole
Morning and afternoon game-drives in the Park. Nagarhole is an all-weather park and the habitat of several rare and endangered species, notably the tiger. Thankfully, much of it has been protected from the ill- effects of development because the Mysore Maharajahs for long used the area as a hunting park. Some of the popular sightings are elephant, gaur, sambar, chital, wild boar and occasionally predators like tiger and leopard. A birdwatcher's paradise, the Park is home to over 300 species of birds, many of which are endemic to these jungles.

Day 6 Nagarhole/Coorg
This morning you are driven to the hill station of Coorg (4 hours), set amidst the valleys, imposing mountains and teak-wood forests of the Western Ghats. It’s dubbed ‘the Scotland of India’ – but as well as misty hills, it also boasts lush forests vast acres of tea and coffee plantations and orange groves. Its undulating streets and picturesque views also add a special charm. On arrival check-in at the Orange County Coorg Resort (Cottage Accommodation & Breakfast) perched 800 metres above sea level among 300 acres of coffee and spice plantations. Afternoon at leisure – perhaps for a coffee plantation walk or rejuvenation with an ayurveda treatment.

Day 7 Coorg
After breakfast you are taken on a guided 2-hour trek to the nearby Dubare forest. In the afternoon you will enjoy a gentle spice plantation walk.

Day 8 Coorg/Belur & Halebid (The Golden Chariot Train)
This morning you are driven to Hassan (3 hours) to check-in aboard The Golden Chariot train, your comfortable travelllng hotel for the next three nights. Morning excursion to Shravanabelagola, an important Jain pilgrim centre that’s home to Asia's largest monolithic statue, towering 58ft atop picturesque Vindhyagiri Hill. Return to The Golden Chariot for lunch, after which the train leaves for nearby Belur and Halebid. Sightseeing stops are made to explore Belur’s spectacular Hoysala Temple complex and, afterwards, the Hoysaleswara Temple at Halebid, a sculptural extravaganza depicting the life of the Hoysala Kings. The train departs for Hospet in the evening.

Day 9 Hampi (The Golden Chariot Train)
After arrival at Hospet and breakfast on board enjoy sightseeing visits to celebrated Hampi. This World Heritage Site and former capital of the Vijaynagara empire, the largest empire in post-Mughal India. Destroyed by its Mughal conquerors, it once boasted riches known far beyond the shores of India. Today its ruins of splendid palaces and gateways represent one of the country’s most evocative ancient sites. The morning’s visit features the Virupaksha Temple, the Queen’s Bath, the Elephant Stables and a local crafts bazaar, while after lunch on the train you will see the Royal Enclosure, the Hazara Rama Temple and illuminated Vittala Temple. Evening departure by train.

Day 10 Badami (The Golden Chariot Train)
Morning arrival at Badami. After breakfast depart for sightseeing of this World Heritage Site dramatically located at the mouth of a ravine in a setting of rust-red sandstone cliffs framing exquisite sculptures. Also visited is Pattadakal (also a World Heritage Site), with its beautifully chiselled temples built on the banks of the Malaprabha River a testimony to the richness of the glory of the Chalukyan Kings. You then return to The Golden Chariot for lunch and the afternoon departure for Goa (midnight arrival).

Day 11 Goa
After breakfast enjoy a sightseeing tour of Goa. The ‘Pearl of the Orient’ is unlike any other corner of the Subcontinent, combining the lure of exotic tropical beaches with a unique cultural and architectural cocktail of influences both Portuguese and Indian, seen at their best in the many resplendent churches and old houses. Your day includes visits to some of those churches and a spice plantation tour with lunch. After relaxing and enjoying the sunset at Utorda Beach you check-in at the Majorda Beach Resort (Standard Room & Breakfast) for a 5-night stay.

Days 12/15 Goa
Four days to enjoy Goa’s wonderful sun, sea and sand!

Day 16 Goa/Mumbai/London
Morning at leisure. In the afternoon transfer to the airport for your Kingfisher Airlines scheduled flight to Mumbai, connecting there with your homeward Kingfisher Airlines flight to London-Heathrow.

Day 17 London
Arrive London-Heathrow.

INCLUSIVE PRICES from £2768 per person (sharing twin room)

Single supplements on request. Supplements apply for July/August and December departures - details on request.

Prices valid for stays until 31 March 2010. They are correct at the time this website was prepared but are subject to change. Please check with us.
Prices from 01 April 2010 available on request.

Flights by Other Airlines: Please ask for details and prices for flights by other airlines and from alternative UK departure points.

Price Includes: Economy Class flights with Kingfisher Airlines from London to Bangalore, Goa to Mumbai and Mumbai to London • 11 nights shared double/twin room accommodation at hotels named with meals as described • 3 nights shared twin cabin accommodation (air-conditioned with private facilities) on board The Golden Chariot train, with full board • Airport/hotel transfers by private air-conditioned vehicle • Entrance fees at all monuments visited and any local taxes applicable to items included in the tour arrangements • Sightseeing and other activities inckuded in the programme as described above • Services of English-speaking driver/guides on featured tour programme • Assistance and porterage at hotels and airports featured in tour • Current Airport Departure Tax • Airline Insurance and Fuel Surcharges • Assistance of our local representatives.

Price Excludes: Personal insurance and any special insurance for activity sports • Government taxes • Tips and expenses of a personal nature. A valid passport (minimum validity 6 months from return date) is required. Clients must be fully insured from the time of booking.

For Bookings & Enquiries please call us on: 020 8893 1781 or email: tours@goldendays.co.uk

All our tours can be tailor made to meet your exact requirements.

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