“Still round the corner, there may wait, a new road or a secret gate.” – JRR Tolkien
Travelling from Bangalore to Goa on The Golden Chariot Train can be one of the most precious moments of your life. Not only because the train takes you to the most popular tourist sites in South India but because it delves deeper into the road less travelled. Here are 5 off-beat destinations that make this interesting journey even more momentous.
- Bandipur: Once the hunting ground of the Maharaja of Mysore, Bandipur nestled in the Nilgiris is India’s first biosphere reserve. Sprawling over 874 sq km, it has a rich cover of deciduous forests, teak and sandalwood trees along with several endangered wildlife species such as hornbills, deers, pythons, sloth bears, elephants, etc. A major attraction for tourists in this natural haven is spotting a tiger during their jungle safari. A high point of the Bangalore to Goa Golden Chariot’s itinerary, an adventurous excursion to Bandipur National Park is the perfect start to this exciting journey.
- Badami: Home to the fascinating cave temples, Badami is a traveller’s dream come true. Surrounding the Agastya Lake, it is a charming valley of red sandstone peppered with beautifully crafted cave temples, ruins and edifices. As the former capital of the Chalukyas, Badami (or Vatapi) is a repository of fine Dravidian masterpieces and a day of exploration here of treasures can be a rewarding experience!
- Pattadakal: Resting on the banks of the Malaprabha river, the heritage town of Pattadakal boasts of a rich Chalukyan legacy dating back to the 7th and 8th century. Renowned for its intricately designed temples, it once served as the ceremonial centre where royals and kings were crowned and commemorated. The ancient town’s temple architecture is a unique blend of Dravidian and Aryan styles, making it one-of-its-kind in India and Pattadakal in particular a destination worth visiting by every tourist and history lover.
- Aihole: Another historic site in Karnataka, Aihole is framed by stunning sandstone hills and tiny villages along the banks of the Malaprabha river. Housing over 125 gorgeous Chalukyan monuments and temples from the 6th to 12th century, it is a prominent site for temple architecture in India.
Together the towns of Aihole, Pattadakal and Badami form a vast circuit showcasing the marvel and grandeur of the once powerful Chalukyan Empire. Considered to be the finest representation of Chalukyan Architecture in India, the Aihole-Badami-Pattadakal complex has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Goa: If you think Goa is all about walking along the ocean and sunbathing on its various picturesque beaches, then you’re about to be pleasantly surprised during your Bangalore to Goa trip on The Golden Chariot Although Goa is one of India’s most visited tourist destinations, the charming state has a lot that remains unexplored. Unlike most tours, The Golden Chariot Train’s itinerary includes visits to ancient churches and museums, giving tourists an opportunity to immerse themselves in the colourful cultural fabric of Goa and its surrounding areas. Having been a Portuguese colony for over 450 years, Goa’s whitewashed churches, crumbling forts, ochre-coloured mansions and oyster shell windows paint a very pretty picture.
A Vacation to Remember
The ‘Pride of Karnataka with Goa (7D/6N)’ tour on The Golden Chariot Train is filled with such intriguing destinations and exciting adventures that every moment in this holiday is one to remember! Complete bookings for the season 2020-21 today and unbox a special promo offer valid for Indian Nationals. Want to know The golden chariot train bangalore to goa price or The Golden Chariot Train from Bangalore to Goa fare? Get all the details.
*The above details/itinerary/destination are subject to change. Please refer Golden Chariot’s official website for more information.