The
land once ridden by formidable armies is now governed by be world's most
unique railway - the Golden Chorion beckons you go discover worlds that are
enriched with history and culture. Recline and relax as the magnificent
scenery unfolds outside your window with luxury on the inside, thus far
reserved for royalty. We present The Golden Chariot - a fine balance between
a glorious yesterday and an omnipresent tomorrow in a magical land.... that
is Karnataka
Bangalore - A World of Royalty
The capital of Karnataka is known as the Garden City because of its
salubrious climate and greenery. Perched 3250 feet above sea level,
temperatures seldom exceed 30°C (88°F). Founded by Kempegowda, a
powerful chieftain, the city is unique with its rich cultural heritage that
coexists with its modern day technological and industrial achievements.
Today, Bangalore is popularly known as India's Silicon Valley.
The Palace on Wheels is high on demand, hence, tourists are advised to make
their bookings well in advance. The best season for a journey on the Palace
on Wheels is between the months of September to April. The train usually
travels in the night and allows the passengers to complete their sightseeing
during the day time.
Mysore - A World of Royalty
Mysore has been always associated with the royal families and their
patronage, be it the Wodeyars or the Sultans. Mysore was the capital of the
princely state with palaces and princely buildings till Independence. Mysore
also has a rich cultural heritage and celebrates festivals with pomp and
grandeur like the world famous dussehra.
A visit to the Island fortress of Tipu sultan of Srirangapatna lets you
relive the pages of history of courage of this great warrior who stood up
bravely to the might of the British Empire.
Kabini - A World of Wildlife
Rajiv Gandhl National Park, Nagarhole (Kabini), the hunting retreat of the
Mysore Maharajas, is definitely the perfect destination for wildlife lovers
in South India. The excitement starts with a safari into the heart of the
park, 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
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.
Belur & Halebld - A World of Worship
Belur in Hassan district 220 kms from Bangalore and 38 kms from Hassan is famous
for its magnificent Hoysola Temple Complex. 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 sill in
active worship.
Halebid in Hassan district is 27 kms away from Hassan
and was the capital of the Hoysalas. It has one of the finest Hoysala
temples. The Hoysaleswara Temple, perched on a star-shaped base amidst
lawns, is a sculptural extravaganza. Its walls are richly carved with an
endless variety of Hindu deities, sages, stylized animals, bards and friezes
depleting the life of the Hoysala Kings.
Shravanabelagola is a pilgrim
centre for the Jains with the world's tallest monolithic standing statue of
the Lord Bahubali.
Hampi - A World Heritage Site
One of the greatest civilizations of its time, Hampi was not only the
capital of the powerful Vijaynagar Empire but also rich in agricultural
yield and trade. Founded by Hakka and Bukka in 1336AD, it fell to the
Sultans who invaded in 1 565 AD. Hampi has rightfully earned its distinction
as a World Herltage Site.
A viskt to
Anegundi village by traversing the gushing
Tunga Badra river on a coracle is an experience that provides the guests
with a glimpse into the traditional country Iife in Karnataka.
Badami - A World Heritage Site
Badami, Pattadakal and Aihole ensemble depict rich South Indian temple
architecture and rock-cut cave temples. Badami showcases four ancient
rock-cut cave temples, the largest of them dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
Pattadakal is a World Herltage Site, which stands
testimony to the richness of Chalukya kings.
Aihole is widely acknowledged as the cradle of South
Indian temple architecture. There are hundreds of temples strewn in the
villages nearby.
Goa - A World of Gold Beaches
Goa, once a colony of the Portuguese, is a melting pot of Portuguese
culture, art and architecture building structures is starkly evident. Known
for its popular beaches, Goa also offers magnificent churches and temples.
Golden Chariot has two programs “THE PRID OF THE SOUTH” and “THE
SPLENDOR OF SOUTH”
Itinerary for The Pride of South
Bangalore, Kabini, Mysore, Hassan, Hampi, Badam, Goa
Day 1 (Monday)
Bangalore
12:30pm : Check-in at the Leela Palace followed by lunch
at jamawar or citrus
03:00pm : Depart for Bangalore Sightseeing Tippu’s
Palace, Bull Temple, Lalbagh and shopping
08:00pm : Arrival at Yeshwantpur Railway Station,
Platform No. 6. Traditional Indian welcome at Railway Station and
escorting to respective cabins. Dinner onboard The Golden Chariot
09:00pm : Depart for Mysore
11:30pm : Arrive at Mysore - Overnight in The Golden
Chariot at Mysore Railway Station
Day 2 (Tuesday)
Mysore/ Kabini/ Bandipur
10:00am : Depart for Kabini / Bandipur after breakfast
01:00pm : Reach Jungle Lodge
Lunch at the Jungle Lodge
Post Lunch : Jungle / Boat Safari
Return in the evening for wildlife film
Dinner and stay overnight at Jungle Lodge
Day 3 (Wednesday)
Mysore
06:30am : Depart for boat ride in the kabini river
08:15am : Breakfast at kabini jungle lodge and depart
for mysore
01:00pm : Lunch on board The Golden Chariot
03:00pm : Mysore sighting seeing, srirangap atnam
07:00pm : Dinner at Lalita Mahal Place with a Culture
Show
10:00pm : Back onboard The Golden Chariot
Day 4 (Thursday)
Hassan
06:00am : Depart from Mysore to Hassan
08:15am : Arrive to Hassan
09:00am : Depart for Sightseeing to Shravanabelagola
01:00pm : Lunch on board The Golden Chariot
02:30pm : Depart for Belur and Halebid for sightseeing
07:15pm : Back onboard The Golden Chariot
08:40pm : The train would depart for Hospet (Dinner
onboard The Golden Chariot)
Day 5 (Friday)
Hampi
06:00am : Arrival at Hospet.
08:30am : After breakfast depart for Hampi sightseeing:
Virupaksha Temple. Queens's Bath, Elephant Stables and Local crafts bazaar.
01:00pm : Lunch on board The Golden Chariot
03:00pm : Depart for sightseeing: Royal enclosure,
Hazara Rarna Temple. Illuminated Vittala Temple.
08:00pm : Dinner on board The Golden Chariot.
Day 6 (Saturday)
Badam
05:00am : Depart from Hospet to Badami
08:30am : Arrival at Badarni
09:00am : Depart after breakfast for sightseeing: Badami
Caves and Pattadakal
01:30pm : Lunch on board The Golden Chariot
02:00pm : Depart for Goa. Relax and enjoy the facilities
onboard The Golden Chariot Spa, Gym Dinner onboard The Golden Chariot. Reach
Goa post midnight.
Day 7 (Sunday)
Goa
09:30am : Breakfast on board The Golden Chariot
10:00am : Depart for sightseeing
11:00am : Visit the famous churches of old Goa
12:15am : Visit an old Portuguese house: Sola Souto
Maiorfortea/ coffee and cookies; shopping at the emporium
02:00pm : Reach Majorda Beach Resort for lunch
03:00pm : An Ayurvedic massage, a visit to the casino, a
dip in the pool / beach, etc. (Ayurvedic massage and casino chargesextra as
applicable)
05:00pm : Depart from the Resort
07:15pm : Return to The Golden Chariot.
Dinner onboard The Golden Chariot
09:00pm : Depart for Banqalore
Day 8 (Monday)
Banqalore
11:30am : Reach Yeshwantpur Railway Station
Tour ends
Itinerary for The Splendor of South
Bangaluru, Chennai, Pondicherry, Tiruchirapalli &
Thanjavur, Madurai, Thiruvananthapuram & Poovar, Backwaters &
Kochi
Day 1 (Monday)
Bangalore
12:00pm : Check-in at the Leela Palace followed by lunch
03:00pm : Depart for Bangalore Sightseeing Tippu’s
Palace, Bull Temple, Lalbagh and shopping
08:00pm : Arrival at Yeshwantpur Railway Station,
Platform No. 6. Traditional Indian welcome at Railway Station and
escorting to respective cabins. Dinner onboard The Golden Chariot
10:00pm : Depart for Chennai
Day 2 (Tuesday)
Chennai
06:00am : Arrive Chennai early morning
07:30pm : Breakfast onboard The Golden Chariot
09:00pm : Proceed for a sightseeing tour of Chennai. The
tour begins from the ‘St. Mary’s Church’, built in 1678 –
80, was the first English Church in Chennai. Other attractions include the
National Art Gallery and Museum, which house some beautiful temple
friezes, the bronze gallery, archeological section. Drive past the High
Court Building, Fort St. George and the famous film studios.
11:30pm : Drive to Mamallapuram
01:00pm : Lunch at Temple Bay Mamallapuram
02:30pm : Excursion to Mamallapuram, an ancient coastal
port, south of Chennai, world famous for its shore temple, Mamallapuram was
the second capital and sea port of the Pallava Kings of Kanchipuram,
the first Tamil dynasty after the fall of the Gupta Empire. The whole of
Mamallapuram is a fabulous open-air museum of sculptures in living rock,
Monolithic shrines scooped out caverns magnificently sculpted within and the
world’s biggest Bas relief in rock, are truly wondrous examples of the
sculptor’s art. The famous temples of the Rathas , the Penance of
Bhagirath, the Shore Temple and the eight Mandapams. (Shallow, rock cut
halls) are also located at the beach.
05:30pm : Depart for Chennai
07:00pm : Dinner onboard The Golden Chariot
Departure for Pondicherry after the dinner. Overnight in The Train
Day 3 (Wednesday)
Pondicherry
07:00am : Breakfast onboard The Golden Chariot
08:00am : The Train arrives at Pondicherry (Vellupuram
Railway Station) and drive to Pondicherry
09:30pm : Sightseeing tour of Pondicherry, visiting
Auroville. Conceived as a tribute to Sri Aurobindo, Auroville is an
entirely new concept in education and urban living.
01:00pm : Lunch at Indo French Cuisine Restaurant of
Neemrana Hotel
02:30pm : The Aurobindo Ashram is known to the world
over as the "Centre of Integral Yoga". Sri Aurobindo, India’s
philosopher around 1920 founded it.
06:30pm : Drive to Pondicherry (Vellupuram Railway
Station)
08:00pm : Dinner onboard The Golden Cheriot.
10:00pm : After dinner onboard, the train continues to
Tiruchirapalli
Day 4 (Thursday)
Tiruchirapalli & Thanjavur
Arrival in Tiruchirapalli early in the morning
07:00am : Breakfast onboard The Golden Chariot
08:30am : Trichy (Tiruchirapalli) - Situated on the
banks of the River Kaveri, just 320 kms from Chennai, Trichy was a Chola
Citadel during the Sangam Age when the Pandyas and Pallavas held sway over
this region for short periods. The Nayaks of Madurai built the town and the
historic Rock Fort, which played a vital role in the Carnatic wars in the
18th century. The most famous landmark is ‘The Rock Fort Temple’,
a spectacular monument perched on a rock outcrop which rises abruptly
from the plain to tower over the old city. At the first level are the
remnants of a huge hall blasted into ruins in 1772. The next storey is the
Mathrubhuteshwar Shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. Finally at the top of
the hill, is the Ucchi Pillayar Koil – A Lord Ganesh Temple, offering a
commanding view of the city.
12:00am : Drive to Tanjore
01:00pm : Lunch at Sangam at Tanjore
02:30pm : Proceed for a sightseeing tour of Tanjore
where you will visit temples built during the 10th and 14th centuries. These
later became a part of the Vijaynagar Kingdom, which subsequently passed
into the hands of the Marathas and went to the British. The most famous
landmark is the Brihadeshwara temple , which ,is now a world heritage site.
00:00pm : Drive to Trichy
08:00pm : Dinner onboard The Golden Cheriot.
10:00pm : After dinner onboard and leave for Madurai
Day 5 (Friday)
Madurai
07:00am : Breakfast onboard The Golden Chariot
08:00am : Arrival in Madurai
09:00pm : Proceed for a sightseeing tour of Madurai –
The primary interest is the Meenakshi Temple, where Dravidian temple
architecture may be considered to be at its best. Its Hall of a
thousand Pillars is fabulous and is filled with worshippers at all hours of
the day. The tour also includes a visit to the – Thirumalai Nayak
Palace & Thiruparangundram temple.
01:30pm : Lunch at Taj Garden Retreat
03:00pm : Local Market Tour and evening ceremony at
Meenakshi Temple
08:00pm : Dinner onboard, overnight at The Golden
Chariot
10:00pm : The Train will leave for Thiruvananthapuram
12:00pm : Depart for Poovar
Day 6 (Saturday)
Thiruvananthapuram - Poovar
The tour begins from “The Padmanabhaswamy Temple”, which, was
constructed in the Dravidian style, by the Maharaja of Travancore in 1733.
Only Hindus are allowed inside this temple. It has a 7 storey high tower
with a curious pagoda – Shaped Peak. Later also visit the Napier
Museum, housed in a bizarrely attractive, decaying Indo-Saracenic building
dating back to 1880. The museum has a good collection of historical and
contemporary bronze ornaments, temple carts, ivory carvings and life size
figures of kathakali dancers in full regalia.
The tour also includes a visit to the Sri Chitra Art Gallery, which houses
paintings of the Rajput, Mughal and Tanjore schools. It is renowned for its
collection of art from Tibet, China and Japan as well as from North and
South India.
For lunch we continue to Poovar a beautiful island just off the coast of
the Arabian sea. Lunch in a nice hotel and time to explore the beaches.
Evening Gala dinner with music and dance.
Day 7 (Sunday)
Backwaters & Kochi
09:00am : Arrival in Allepey and Backwater Cruise
01:00pm : Lunch at kumarakom Lake Resort and afterwards
drive to Kochi
02:30pm : Drive to Kochi
04:00pm : Arrive at Kochi The tour of Kochi begins from “The
Dutch Palace also known as Mattancherry Palace, built by Portugues in 1555,
which is famous for its murals depicting scenes from the Ramayana and the puranic
legends. Adjacent to the palace is the Jewish Synagogue (closed on Fridays &
Saturdays) built in 1568. Also visit the St. Francis Church (closed on
Sundays), established by the Portuguese Franciscan friars in 1503. Vasco Da
Gama was buried in the courtyard of this European church built in India.
Other attractions include the traditional fishing hamlets and the fisher
folk in their colorful costumes.
08:00pm : Kathakali dance and dinner at Taj Malabar
Hotel
10:00pm : Departure for Bangalore
Day 8 (Monday)
Bangaluru
11:00am : Arrive at Yeshwantpur Railway Station after
Breakfast
Tour ends
Tariff for Pride of South – Valid from 2017 to 2018
Tariff per person per night
Tour Itinerary : 7 Nights / 8 Days
Departure : Every Monday
Destination Covered :
Bangalore > Kabini > Srirangapatnam > Mysore > Shravanabelagola > Belur > Halebid > Hampi > Badami > Pattadakal > Goa
Departure dates 2017 -18
| Month |
Departure Dates |
| Oct 2017 |
16, 23 |
| Nov 2017 |
06, 20 |
| Dec 2017 |
11, 25 |
| Jan 2018 |
08, 22 |
| Feb 2018 |
05, 19 |
| March 2018 |
05 |
PRIDE OF SOUTH
| The Golden Chariot - Tariff Card - 2017 – 2018 |
| For Indian Nationals Only |
| Occupancy Type |
Per person / night (INR) |
Total for 7 nights per person (INR) |
| Single |
Rs.26,000 |
Rs.1,82,000 |
| Double |
Rs.22,000 |
Rs.1,54,000 |
| Triple |
Rs.16,000 |
Rs.1,12,000 |
|
| For International Travellers |
| Occupancy Type |
Per person / night(INR) |
Total for 7 nights per person(INR) |
| Single |
Rs. 53,720 |
Rs. 3,76,040 |
| Double |
Rs. 40,120 |
Rs. 2,80,840 |
| Triple |
Rs. 34,000 |
Rs. 2,38,000 |
|
Note :
- 50% of tariff for children between 5 years and 12 years of age.
- Govt. Service tax extra as applicable.
- There will be a 10% surcharge levied on the tariff for the trips falling during Christmas and New Year.
- Tariff is inclusive of accommodation on board The Golden Chariot / travel / all meals / Conducted Sight-seeing Tours / Entrance fees at Monuments / Parks / Palaces and Cultural Programmes.
- Tariff does not include Drinks, tips, laundry, telephone calls, video camera fees, SPA Car, Business Car Facilities and other items of personal nature.
The Splendor of South – Valid from 2017 to 2018
Tariff per person per night
Tour Itinerary : 7 Nights / 8 Days
Departure : Every Monday
Destination Covered :
Bangalore > Chennai > Pondicherry > Tanjavur > Madurai > Thiruvananthpuram > Alleppey > Kochi > Bangalore
Departure dates 2017 -18
Coming Soon...
SOUTHERN SPLENDOUR
International Travellers
| Occupancy Type |
(Per person per night)
(IN $) |
Total for 7 nights (per person)
(IN $) |
| Single occupancy |
Coming Soon... |
Coming Soon... |
| Double occupancy |
Coming Soon... |
Coming Soon... |
| Triple occupancy |
Coming Soon... |
Coming Soon... |
Indian Nationals Only
|
Golden Chariot Train - Tariff |
|
| Occupancy Type |
(Per person per night)
INR |
Total for 7 nights (per person)
INR |
| Single occupancy |
Coming Soon... |
Coming Soon... |
| Double occupancy |
Coming Soon... |
Coming Soon... |
| Triple occupancy |
Coming Soon... |
Coming Soon... |
Note :
- 50% of tariff for children between 5 years and 12 years of age.
- Govt. Service tax extra as applicable.
- There will be a 10% surcharge levied on the tariff for the trips falling during Christmas and New Year.
- Tariff is inclusive of accommodation on board The Golden Chariot / travel / all meals / Conducted Sight-seeing Tours / Entrance fees at Monuments / Parks / Palaces and Cultural Programmes.
- Tariff does not include Drinks, tips, laundry, telephone calls, video camera fees, SPA Car, Business Car Facilities and other items of personal nature.
