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Welcome aboard a fascinating journey through the many worlds of Karnataka. Embark on a luxurious voyage of discovery through the Cradle of Stone Architecture. THE GOLDEN CHARIOT train named after the famous Stone Chariot in Hampi, a world heritage site, in Southern India will travel through timeless Historical Heritage Sites, Resplendent Palaces, Wildlife and Golden Beaches. It’s 7 Nights / 8 Days colorful journey begins every Monday from Bangalore and traverses through Mysore, visiting Srirangapatna, Mysore Palace; the Nagarhole National Park (Kabini) and continuing to the historical sites of Shravanabelagola, Belur-the 11th century cradle of Hoysala architecture and a world heritage site, Halebidu, Hampi and thereafter entering into the triangular heritage site of Badami, Pattadakal, Aihole, and finally the Golden Beaches of Goa before ending in Bangalore.
Cabin Coaches
From The Palace to your Chamber
Your chambers are steeped in history. Chambers in which, you will retire under a sky of craftsmanship that narrate timeless tales. Sink into a bed of royalty, reminiscent of the Mysore Maharajas, admire the intricate carvings on the ceiling, the wall panels and furniture inspired by Mysore and Hoysala architecture.
Each Coach of the “The Golden Chariot” has been named after the dynasties that ruled Karnataka - Kadamba, Hoysala, Rastrakota, Ganga, Chalukya, Bhahamani, Adhilshahi, Sangama, Shathavashna, Yudukula and Vijayanagar.
• Fully air-conditioned cabins.
• 26 twin beds, 17 double bed cabins and 1 cabin for the physically challenged.
• Every cabin is equipped with Wi-Fi, LCD television, DVD with 6 satellite channels, wardrobe, vanity/writing desk and private bathroom with luxurious amenities and accessories.
Nala and Ruchi - Two Restaurants
A Culinary tour of fine taste.
Nala named after a king and legendary chef from the times of the Mahabharata. Ruchi, a name that means fine taste in Sanskrit. The two restaurants serve a spread of vegetarian and non-vegetarian culinary delights.
• Interiors inspired by the timeless aesthetics of Hampi and Halebid.
• 4-seater and 2-seater dining cabins with comfortable sofas and chairs.
Madira - The Lounge Bar
Spirit for your soul.
Timeless like the spirits we serve, Madira, the mythical drink of the gods in the lounge bar aboard The Golden Chariot. Pour yourself fine spirits as you unravel your soul, as you watch performances of local artisans. Celebrate the journey into timelessness as lilting music uplifts you.
• Relaxing and elegant seating at bar.
• Plush and royal interiors modeled after the Mysore Palace.
Conference Coach
Where modern day royalty does business.
The Golden Chariot Conference Coach can seat up to 30 business leaders and gives you lessons in history and leaves with a vision for the future.
• Seating capacity of 25-30 guests.
• 42 inch LCD television.
• High-speed internet surfing area.
Gym Coach
Experience Eternity
Attain Nirvana.
At the Ayurveda centre, Spa and gym on The Golden Chariot, discover age old traditions and cures to modern day stress.
• Two massage rooms for an out of this world rejuvenation experience.
• For those who prefer a local flavour - Ayurveda massages are provided.
• Fully equipped gymnasium.
Bangalore to Bangalore Tour
Tour Details: 7 Nights / 8 Days
Places Covered: Bangalore - Mysore - Kabini - Hassan - Belur - Sravanbelagola - Hampi - Aihole & Pattadakal - Badami - Goa – Bangalore
The Golden Chariot Train Tour starts on every Monday of the week from Bangalore and ends in Bangalore on every Monday morning respectively. |
Detailed Itinerary:
The land once ridden by formidable armies is now traversed by the world's most unique railway - The Golden Chariot beckons you to 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. |
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Day 1 – Monday |
06.00 - 07.00 pm |
Report for check-in to board the train. |
09.00 pm |
Departure from Bangalore - Yeshwanthpur.
Wine & dine onboard. Overnight onboard. |
Bangalore: A World of Opportunity
The capital of Karnataka is known as the Garden City because of its salubrious climate and greenery. Perched 3,250 feet above sea level, temperatures seldom exceed 30oC (88oF). 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. |
Day 2 – Tuesday |
01.00 am |
Arrival at Mysore (A World of Royalty). |
08.00 am |
Drive to Kabini (A World of Wildlife). |
10.00 pm |
Return to train.
Overnight onboard. Train Stabled at Mysore |
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 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.
A 141 kms from Bangalore, the city enchants you with its quaint charm, verdant gardens, tree-lined boulevards and its sacred temples.
Mysore, once the state capital, today is a vibrant city teeming with tourists and visitors. It is known the world over for its exotic sandalwood and rich silks. Many culinary delights await those inclined to sample the regional cuisine.
Srirangapatna: The island fortress of the legendary warrior king Tipu Sultan is just 14 km from Mysore city. Inside the fortress is Tipu's mosque with its twin minarets, the Wellesley Bridge and the dungeons where British officers were once imprisoned.
Kabini: A World of Wildlife
Rajiv Gandhi 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. |
Day 3 – Wednesday |
08.30 am |
Mysore sight seeing. |
11.00 pm |
Return to train.
Overnight onboard. |
MysorePalace: Built in Indo-Saracenic style with domes, turrets, arches and colonnades, the Palace is a treasure house of exquisite carvings and works of art from all over the world. The magnificent jewel -studded golden throne of the Wodeyars is displayed here during the Dasara festival.
BrindavanGardens: Located at the Krishna Raja Sagar Dam, Brindavan Gardens is one of the best gardens in South India. Spread over 150 acres, Brindavan Gardens has since the 1960s provided the backdrop for many Indian films. |
Day 4 – Thursday |
06.00 am |
Departure from Mysore. |
08.40 am |
Arrival at Hassan. |
09.30 am |
Drive to Halebidu / Belur (A World of Worship). |
01.00 pm |
Board the train & lunch onboard. |
04.00 pm |
Drive to Sravanbelagola and visit famous Jain Temple. |
07.00 pm |
Return to train, dinner onboard. |
07.40 pm |
Departure to TB DAM.
Overnight onboard. |
Belur & Halebidu: A World of Worship
Belur in Hassan district 220 kms from Bangalore and 38 kms from Hassan) is famous for its magnificent Hoysala 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 still in active worship.
Halebidu 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, birds and friezes depicting the life of the Hoysala Kings.
Shravanabelagola, 52km from Hassan, is an important Jain pilgrim centre. It is home to Asia's largest monolithic statue Lord Gomateswara here towers 58 ft., looming atop the picturesque Vindhyagiri Hill. Every 12 years, Jain pilgrims gather here to participate in a splendid head-anointing ceremony. |
Day 5 – Friday |
05.30 am |
Arrival at TB DAM. |
08.30 am |
Drive up the hill for breakfast. |
09.30 am |
Train to Hospet / Hampi (A World Heritage Site). |
01.00 pm |
Lunch onboard. |
03.30 pm |
Hampi evening session. |
07.00 pm |
Dinner onboard. |
08.00 pm |
Departure to Gadag.
Overnight onboard. |
Hampi: A World Heritage Site
If dreams were made out of stone, it would be Hampi. Hampi has been classified as a World Heritage Center and is one of the major tourist destinations in India.
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 splendor and fabulous wealth.
The splendid remains of palaces and gateways of the broken city tells a tale of man's infinite talent and power of creativity together with his capacity for senseless destruction. A visit to Hampi is a sojourn into the past. Most of the important structures and ruins are located in two areas, which are generally referred to as the Royal Centre and the Sacred Centre.
A visit 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 life in Karnataka. |
Day 6 – Saturday |
05.30 am |
Arrival at Gadag. |
08.30 am |
Drive to Aihole & Pattadakal. |
01.00 -04.00 pm |
Lunch at Badami Court. |
04.00 - 06.00 pm |
Badami (A World Heritage Site). |
07.00 pm |
Dinner onboard. |
08.00 pm |
Departure to Goa.
Overnight onboard. |
Badami: A World Heritage Site
Badami is picturesquely situated at the mouth of a ravine between two rocky hills. The exquisite sculptures and the rust red sandstone cliffs of Badami tell many a tale of yore. The first sculptural embellishment to dazzle the eye is the 18 armed Nataraja striking 81 dance poses.
Pattadakal, with its beautifully chiseled temples is a World Heritage Site 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 center where kings were crowned.
Aihole is 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. There are hundreds of temples strewn in the villages nearby. |
Day 7 – Sunday |
05.30 am |
Arrival at Goa (A World of Golden Beaches). |
09.00 am |
Drive to Mapple Viva. |
12.00 -04.00 pm |
Lunch & Calangute Beach. |
06.00 pm |
Return to Train. |
07.00 pm |
Departure from Goa.
Overnight onboard. |
Goa: A World of Golden Beaches
Also known as "Pearl of the Orient" and a "Tourist Paradise", the state of Goa is located on the western coast of India in the coastal belt known as Konkan.
The magnificent scenic beauty and the architectural splendors of its temples, churches and old houses have made Goa a firm favorite with travelers 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.
Besides the natural beauty, the fabulous beaches and sunshine, travellers to Goa love the laid-back, peaceful, warm and friendly nature of the Goan people. After all, more than anywhere else on planet earth, this is a place where people really know how to relax. |
Day 8 - Monday |
11.00 am |
Arrival at Bangalore |
Tour Schedule: -
The Golden Chariot Train Tour starts on every Monday of the week from Bangalore and ends in Bangalore on every Monday morning respectively
Tarriff :-
March 2008: High Season tariff |
Occupancy Type |
March 2008
(per person per night) |
Total for 7 nights
(per person) |
Single occupancy |
US$ 485 |
US$ 3395 |
Double occupancy |
US$ 350 |
US$ 2450 |
Triple occupancy |
US$ 285 |
US$ 1995 |
April 2008 to September 2008: Lean Season Discounted tariff |
Occupancy Type |
April 2008 to Sep 2008
(per person per night) |
Total for 7 nights
(per person) |
Single occupancy |
US$ 395 |
US$ 2765 |
Double occupancy |
US$ 295 |
US$ 2065 |
Triple occupancy |
US$ 240 |
US$ 1680 |
October 2008 to March 2009: High Season tariff
|
Occupancy Type |
October 2008 to
March 2009
(per person per night) |
Total for 7 nights
(per person) |
Single occupancy |
US$ 485 |
US$ 3395 |
Double occupancy |
US$ 350 |
US$ 2450 |
Triple occupancy |
US$ 285 |
US$ 1995 |
(Half fare for children between 5 and 12 years)
10% Surcharge shall be levied on departures during Christmas / New Year.
Service Tax @ 3.09% shall be levied on the prevalent tariff of The Golden Chariot as per Govt. of India norms.
Above Tariff is Subject to change without notice.
Indian passengers can pay an equivalent Rupee amount against the US$ converted at the ROE displayed on http://rbi.org.in as on the date of payment.
The Tariff includes:
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.
The Tariff does not includes:
Drinks, tips, laundry, telephone calls, video camera fees, SPA Car, Business Car Facilities, liquor and other items of personal nature.
Reservation & Cancellation policy:
Advance:
• 20% of ticket value at the time of confirming the booking.
• Remaining 80% of ticket value 30 days prior to departure.
| Cancellation: |
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5% of the ticket value if cancellation is made until 60 days prior to departure. |
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20% of the ticket value if cancellation is made between 59-30 days prior to departure. |
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50% of the ticket value if cancellation is made between 29-15 days prior to departure. |
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100% of the ticket value if the cancellation is made 14 days prior to departure. |
No show/ En route termination of tour/amendment: |
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No Show - In case of No Show / Non-arrival of the guest, no refund or adjustment in future travel will be possible. The whole amount shall be treated as forfeited. |
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En route termination of tour - In case of termination of tour by the guest, for any reasons, no refund or adjustment for future travel will be possible. The amount for unused portion of the tour shall be treated as forfeited. |
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Amendment - Is only possible under the circumstances like Natural Disaster / Natural Calamity or Serious Health Problem’s (this needs to be supported by doctor’s certificate) and is subject to availability. No refunds are possible and every case will be decided on merits on a case to case basis.. |
The above mentioned rates are commissionable by 5% to our principal agent. |
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