The Golden Chariot Train

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.
The Golden Chariot Train Tour (08 Days)
Bangalore | Mysore | Kabini | Hassan | Belur |
Sravanbelagola | Hampi | Aihole & Pattadakal | Badami | Goa | Bangalore
Days of Operation :
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
Day 01 : Monday
06.00 pm : Report for check-in to board the train.
07.00 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 02 : Tuesday
00.01 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 03 : Wednesday
08.30 am : Mysore sight seeing.
11.00 pm : Return to train. Overnight onboard.
Mysore Palace : 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.
Brindavan Gardens : 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 04 : Thursday
06.00 am : Departure from Mysore.
08.40 am : Arrival at Hassan.
09.30 am : Drive to Halebid / Belur (A World of Worship).
01.00 pm : Board the train & lunch on board.
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
& Halebid - 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.
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, 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 05 : 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 TB DAM. 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 06 : 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 07 : 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 08 : Monday
11.00 am : Arrival at Bangalore.
End of a memorable tour !!!
Tour Map :
Tariff Chart :
April 2008 to August 2008 : Lean Season Discounted tariff
Applicable
| April 2008 to August 2008 |
| Occupancy Type |
Per night
(per person) |
Total for 7 nights
(per person) |
| Single occupancy |
Rs. 15800 |
Rs. 110,600 |
| Double occupancy |
Rs. 11800 |
Rs. 82600 |
| Triple occupancy |
Rs. 9600 |
Rs. 67200 |
September 2008 to March 2009 : High Season tariff
Applicable
| September 2008 to March
2009 |
| Occupancy Type |
Per night
(per person) |
Total for 7 nights
(per person) |
| Single occupancy |
Rs. 19400 |
Rs. 135,800 |
| Double occupancy |
Rs. 14000 |
Rs. 98000 |
| Triple occupancy |
Rs. 11400 |
Rs. 79800 |
(Half fare for children between 5 and 12 years)
Tariff is inclusive of travel/catering / conducted sight-seeing/ entrance
fee at Monuments / Parks / Palaces / Cultural Programmes. The guest has to
pay for video cameras, liquor, laundry and other items of personal nature.
Please note :
* 10 % surcharge shall be levied on departures during Christmas / New Year
* 3.09 % service tax shall be levied additional on tariff
* No charter can be booked during Xmas & New Year period
* Tariff is subject to change without notice
Reservation :
- 50% advance payment within 07 working days of confirmation
- Remaining 50% of ticket value 90 days prior to departure.
Cancellation Policy :
- 10 % service charge if cancelled after receipt of 50 % advance payment
- 25 % cancellation charges if cancelled 90 days prior departure
- 50 % cancellation charges if cancelled less then 90 or 60 days prior
departure
- 100 % cancellation charges if cancelled less then 60 days prior departure
No show / En route termination of tour / amendment
- No Show: In case of No Show / Non-arrival of the guest no
refund/adjustment in future travel will be admissible.
- En route termination of tour: In case of termination of tour by the
guest, no refund/adjustment for future travel will be admissible.
- Amendment: No charges will be levied for amended dates of tour and
amendment will be permitted once only subject to availability.