Get
ready for one of the most remarkable journeys of your life. The Golden
Chariot is here to spell its charm on you.
The destinations covered by the Golden Chariot are absolutely delightful.
Why? Because the itinerary has been designed in a way that gives passengers
an opportunity to explore both the cultural as well as natural treasures of
Karnataka. The journey will begin on Monday from Bangalore, the capital city
and proceed to destinations like Mysore, Srirangapatnam, Kabini Wildlife
Sanctuary, Hassan, Belur, Halebid, Shravanabelagola, Hospet, Hampi, Gadag,
Aihole, Badami and Pattadakal. And yes, before the journey ends, tourists
will also get a chance to visit Goa - the fun capital of India. The
culmination of the journey will once again be in Bangalore and on Monday.
Facilities Offered
The eleven passenger coaches of the train are named after the famous royal
dynasties that ruled the region in the erstwhile era. This includes a coach
for those who are physically challenged. Other than this, there is the
lounge bar 'Madira' and the restaurant 'Nala'. A Spa &gym, a conference
coach, a staff car and a couple of generator car are also part of the Golden
Chariot.
The idea is to give passengers every comfort they desire during their
journey. The cabin coaches are fully air conditioned with wardrobe, a
writing desk and LCD Tvs. The restaurant coaches have interiors that have
been inspired by the art of Hampi and Halebid. Sofas and chairs apart from 4
and 2 seater dining cabins give a feeling of luxury. The Loung bar is in no
way behind when it comes to offering comfort and luxury. Also, the
interiors, inspired by the beautiful interiors of Mysore palace, are a treat
for art lovers.
The gym coach offers more of luxury. There are two massage rooms for a
relaxation that will drive away all weariness from the body. For those who
wish to work out a little bit everyday, there is a fully equipped gymnasium.
The conference coach has a seating capacity for 25-30 guests with a 42 inch
LCD television. The hospitality services on the Golden Chariot is provided
by the Mapple Group, one of the most renowned names in Indian hotel
industry.
Golden Chariot Tour in Detail
Day 1 - Monday - Bangalore
06.00 pm - Reporting time. Check-in to board the train.
07.00 pm - Departure from Bangalore.
The capital city of Karnataka is where the royal journey of the Golden
Chariot begins. With a pleasant climate and loads of attractions, Bangalore
is a hot favourite with tourists to south India. Bangalore is also popular
with business class of India and is called the Silicon valley of the
country.
The dinner is served on train. Stay overnight on board.
Day - 2 - Tuesday - Mysore - Kabini
00.01 am - Arrive in Mysore
08.00 am - Drive to Kabini sanctuary
10.00.pm - Return to Golden Chariot.
The Golden Chariot arrives in Mysore and is stationed there. For most of
the Indian, Mysore conjures up images of the great warrior Tipu Sultan and
his father Hyder Ali. Today, the magnificent forts and palaces of the city
along with the rich culture and tradition of its people is the primary draw
for tourists to Mysore.
In the morning, you will be driven to Kabini to explore the hunting retreat
of the erstwhile Maharajas of Mysore. A safari to catch a glimpse of the
animals and birds will follow. Some of the animals and birds that you can
see in this park include elephant, gaur, sambar, chital and wild boar. Also
if luck is by your side, then you can also spot tiger and leopard.
Later, return to Golden Chariot, have your dinner and stay
overnight on board.
Day - 3 - Wednesday - Mysore
08.30 am - Sight seeing trip of Mysore
11.00 pm - Return to Golden Chariot.
This day, you will start exploring the wonderful city you reached yesterday
- Mysore. Amongst the most important attractions of Mysore that you will see
today are the Mysore Palace and the Brindavan Gardens. The first of the two
is a beautiful reminder of the Indo-Saracenic style of architecture while
the latter has served as a venue for many film shootings in south India.
Later, return to the Golden Chariot and have your dinner. Stay overnight on
board.
Day - 4 - Thursday - Hassan - Halebid / Belur - Sravanbelagola
06.00 am - Depart from Mysore.
08.40 am - Arrive at Hassan.
09.30 am - Drive to Halebid / Belur
01.00 pm - Return to the train & lunch onboard.
04.00 pm - Drive to Sravanbelagola to visit Jain Temple.
07.00 pm - Return to train.
07.40 pm - Depart for TB DAM.
The Golden Chariot leaves Mysore and proceeds towards Hassan. From there
you are driven to Halebid and Belur to see the famous temples. In Belur, the
Hoyasala Temple complex is famous for the Chennakesava Temple. Th temple
commemorates the triumph of Hoysala Vishnuvardhana over the Chola ruler.
Amongst all the Chola temple, this one is the only one where worshippers
still pour in to pay their respect. The Hoyasala temple of Halebidu is one
for the lovers of architecture and art.
After lunch on board Golden Chariot, proceed to visit Shravanabelagola .
The Jain temple here is amongst the most revered one in entire India.
Highpoint here is the monolithic statue Lord Gomateswara which soars upto 58
feet and is the largest of its type in Asia.
Later return to the train and stay overnight on board.
Day 5 - Friday - TB DAM - Hospet / Hampi
05.30 am - Arrive at TB DAM
08.30 am - Drive up the hill to have your breakfast.
09.30 am - Train to Hospet / Hampi
01.00pm - Lunch on train
03.30 pm - Hampi
07.00 pm - Dinner on train.
08.00 pm - Depart to TB DAM
The train arrives at TB Dam from where you are driven up the hill to have
your breakfast. The Golden Chariot then takes you to Hospet and Hampi. Hampi
was the seat of the mighty Vijaynagar rulers whose empire spread across
three states of India Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh. Today, the
ruins of Hampi have much to reveal.
You will also pay a vist to Anegundi village by crossing the Tunga Badra
river on a small boat. This will bring you face to face with the rual life
of the people of Karnataka.
Return to Golden Chariot. Have your dinner and stay on board overnight. The
train moves to its next destination - Gadag.
Day - 6 - Saturday - Gadag - Aihole & Pattadakal - Badami
05.30 am - Arrive at Gadag.
08.30 am - Drive to Aihole & Pattadakal.
01.00-04.00 pm - Have your lunch at Badami Court.
04.00 - 06.00 pm - Explore Badami
07.00 pm - Dinner onboard
08.00 pm - Depart for Goa.
Arrive at Gadag and set out to explore Aihole, Pattadakal and
Badami. The first of these is known for its over hundred temples that spread
around the village. Amongst these, the Durga Temple is most renowned.
Together, these temples have earned, Aihole the sobriquet of "Cradle of
Hindu Temple Architecture".
The temples of Pattadakal are a world heritage site and were built by the
rulers of the Chalukya dynasty. Badami is known for its exquisite
sculptures, the most famous being the 18 armed Nataraja striking 81 dance
poses.
Return to the Golden Chariot and stay overnight on board. The train now
moves for Goa.
Day 7 - Sunday - Goa
05.30 am - Arrival at Goa
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.
The Golden Chariot today brings you to the fun capital of India, Goa. It is
one complete day for you to explore the attractions of Goa. Amongst the
various attractions, you will get a chance to visit the famous Calangute
beach. Later, return to the Golden Chariot and stay overnight on board.
The train moves on a return journey to Bangalore.
Day - 8 - Monday - Bangalore
11.00 am - Arrival at Bangalore
The Golden Chariot reaches Bangalore thereby bringing to an end your royal
journey. Move on for your onward journey.
Note : It is also possible to begin and end your journey from Goa.
In this case, the tour begins on Sunday.
The Golden Chariot - Tour Tariff
| January
2008 to March 2008 : High Season tariff Applicable |
| Occupancy
Type |
|
January
to March 2008
(per person per night) |
Total
for 7 Nights
(per person) |
| Single occupancy |
US $ |
485.00 |
3395.00 |
| Double occupancy |
US $ |
350.00 |
2450.00 |
| Triple occupancy |
US $ |
285.00 |
1995.00 |
| April 2008 to
September 2008 : Lean Season Discounted tariff Applicable |
| Occupancy Type |
|
April 2008 to Sep 2008
(per person per night) |
Total for 7 nights
(per person) |
| Single occupancy |
US $ |
395.00 |
2765.00 |
| Double occupancy |
US $ |
295.00 |
2065.00 |
| Triple occupancy |
US $ |
240.00 |
1680.00 |
| October 2008 to
March 2009 : High Season tariff Applicable |
| Occupancy Type |
|
Oct 2008 to March 2009
(per person per night) |
Total for 7 nights
(per person) |
| Single occupancy |
US $ |
485.00 |
3395.00 |
| Double occupancy |
US $ |
350.00 |
2450.00 |
| Triple occupancy |
US $ |
285.00 |
1995.00 |
(Half fare for children between 5 and 12 years)
Indian passengers can pay in equivalent Rupee amount against US$ at the
exchange rate prevalent at the time of payment.
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.
Note:
10% Surcharge shall be levied on departure during Christmas
/ New Year.
@ 3.09% Service Tax shall be levied on the tariff of The Golden Chariot.
Tariff Subject to change without notice.
Passenger reservations/cancellation on the The Golden Chariot may be
done as per the following terms and conditions :
Reservation
» 20% of ticket value at the time of confirming the booking.
» Remaining 80% of ticket value 45 days prior to departure.
Cancellation
» Cancellation must be advised by Fax/E-mail/Letter to The Luxury
Trains. On cancellation, refund will be made. Certain amount of the ticket
value will be deducted as follows.
» 20% of Ticket Value if cancellation request is received within a
period of 30-59 days from the scheduled date of departure.
» 5% of the Ticket Value if the cancellation request is received
before 60 days from the scheduled date of departure.
» 50% of ticket value if cancellation request is received within the
period of 15-29 days from the scheduled date of departure.
» 100% of ticket value if cancellation request is received within the
period of 14 days or before the scheduled date of departure.
» No refund or adjustment will be made in the event of interruption of
journey by a tourist on his own after the commencement of the tour.
Cultural
Tours in India
