A golden journey awaits to mesmerise
you in India. The newly launched Golden Chariot luxury train promises to
take you to destinations that have significance in Indian history and are
loved by tourists. And that also in style, with all the pampering comforts
you can ask for. Make sure you do not loose out this golden opportunity to
explore the invaluable treasures of Karnataka while enjoying a royal
lifestyle.
If you wish to know the details of the itinerary before setting out for the
journey, then you have all the details below. Just go through the itinerary
and see if the plan offers you all that you are looking for. Also note that
given below is the details of Bangalore to Bangalore tour whereas it is also
possible to kickstart and finish your journey from and in Goa. The only
difference being that the tour from Goa begins a day in advance than the
Bangalore to Bangalore tour. This is to say that whereas the Bangalore to
Bangalore journey begins from Monday, the Goa to Goa journey begins on
Sunday.
Day 1 - Monday - Bangalore
06.00 - 07.00 pm : Report at the station for check-in and board the
train. .
09.00 pm : The Golden Chariot pulls off from the station and
proceeds towards Mysore.
Bangalore, capital city of Karnataka,
is one of the most developed cities in India and is also a hot favourite
with IT industry. IT aspirants from all over India come to Bangalore to give
their careers a boost by working in highly rated companies. For tourists
too, there are many sights to see and things to do. Bangalore, the garden
city, is known for its pleasant climate. It is from here that you commences
the wonderful journey of your life on board the Golden Chariot. Dinner is
served on board. Cheers!
Day - 2- Tuesday - Mysore - Kabini
01.00 am : The Golden Chariot arrives at Mysore station.
08.00 am : Drive to Kabini, known for its wildlife
10.00 pm : Return to the Golden Chariot.
Covering a distance of 141 km, the Golden Chariot pulls in at the Mysore
station. Mysore, which was once the state capital, is one of the most
visited cities by the tourists. It is one city which invariably reminds you
of its glorious history, of the mighty Tipu Sultan and his father Hyder Ali.
The palaces and buildings still stand majstically as a silent reminder of
the courageous sultans who once ruled the city.
After reaching Mysore, you will be driven to Kabini, a wolrd of wildlife.
Also known as the Rajiv Gandhi National Park and the Nagahole Wildlife Park,
Kabini once enjoyed the status of royal hunting retreat. It was visited by
the Maharajas of Mysore but today, it is open for everyone who is fond of
wildlife. Wild animals that you can spot in the park area include elephant,
gaur, sambar, chital and wild boar. If lucky enough, you might just also
catch a glimpse of the fiercer lot like leopard and tiger. And if you are a
lover of avian species, then the 300 species of birds are there to fill your
heart with joy..
Later, you return to the Golden Chariot which remains stationed at Mysore
station all through the night.
Day -3
- Wednesday - Mysore
08.30 am : Set out for sightseeing in Mysore.
11.00 pm : Return to train
Today, you will have the opportunity to explore the wonderful city of
Mysore. Amongst places that you will visit today, the most famous ones are
Mysore Palace and Brindvan Gardens. The first of these is the wonderful
example of the Indo Sarcenic style of architecture. Worth appreciating here
are the fine carvings and work of art from all over the world. The Brindavan
Gardens present a very different kind of attraction. With its charming
beauty, it attracts a whole lot of tourists. So much so that it has for
years also served as a shooting spot for film makers in India.
Dinner and overnight on board.
Day 4 - Thursday - Hassan - Halebidu / Belur
06.00 am : The Golden Chariot leaves Mysore.
08.40 am : The train arrives in Hassan.
09.30 am : You are driven to Halebidu / Belur.
01.00 pm : Return to train and enjoy lunch onboard.
04.00 pm : You are driven to Sravanbelagola Jain Temples.
07.00 pm : Return to train where the dinner is served.
07.40 pm : The luxury train leaves for TB DAM.
Today, you will visit some of the most famous and revered temples of
Karnataka. In Hassan, you will visit the magnificent Hoyasala temple
complex. The Chennakesava temple here which was constructed to mark the
victory of Hoyasala ruler Vishuvardhan over the Chola king is a major draw
here. The exquisite architecture fills your heart with admiration for the
artists. The temple is also known because it is the only one which still
draws worshippers in large number. No other temple in this complex is still
used for worship.
Not too far away is Halebidu which is known for the Hoysaleswara temple.
The temple standing on a star shaped base with lawns all around is a treat
for the lovers of artistry. Shravanbelagola, the next on the list of
attractions to be visited, houses the monolithic statue of Lord Gomteswara.
Soaring upto 58 feet, it is Asia's largest monolithic statue and is highly
revered by the Jain community of the country.
Day - 5 - Friday - Hospet - Hampi
05.30 am : The Golden Chariot arrives at TB DAM.
08.30 am : Drive up the hill for breakfast.
09.30 am : Catch the train to reach Hospet / Hampi
01.00 pm : Lunch is served onboard.
03.30 pm : Explore Hampi in the evening.
07.00 pm : Dinner is served onboard.
08.00 pm : The train departs for Gadag.
Desginated the status of world heritage sites, the monuments of Hampi remind
you of the famed Vijayanagara empire. Hampi was then the capital of this
mighty empire which included the present day states of Karnataka,
Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh. The ruins of Hampi which spread to 26 sq km
stand testimony to the great creativity and artistry of the bygone era. The
most important ruins in the area are the royal Centre and the Sacred Centre.
Later, you will also pay a visit to the Anegundi village and enjoy the
relaxed, beautiful and traditional life of Karnataka.
Dinner and overnight on board.
Day 6 - Saturday - Aihole & Pattadakal - Badami
05.30 am : The train pulls in at Gadag.
08.30 am : You are driven to Aihole & Pattadakal.
01.00 -04.00 pm : have your lunch at Badami Court.
04.00 - 06.00 pm : Explore Badami, a world heritage site.
07.00 pm : Dinner is served onboard.
08.00 pm :The train departs for Goa.
Today, its time for you to visit few other famous attractions of the south
Indian state of Karnataka. The first of these is Badami, a world heritage
site, most known for its sculpture of 18 armed Nataraja striking 81 dance
poses. Monuments of Pattadakal, also a world heritage site, were built by
the Chalukyan rulers and mark their architectural excellence. Aihole
presevres ancient Hindu temples, over hundred in number. They are all spread
around a village. The most significant amongst so many temple is the Durga
Temple. Other temples here include the Hutchimalli Temple and Lad Khan
temple. The latter is said to be the oldest temple here.
Return back on train. Overnight on board.
Day 7 - Sunday - Goa
05.30 am : The train arrives at Goa
09.00 am : You are driven to Mapple Viva.
12.00 -04.00 pm : Enjoy your lunch & explore the Calangute
Beach.
06.00 pm : Return to Train.
07.00 pm : Departure from Goa.
Goa, a name that is synonymous with sun, sand and sea is your destination
today. An entire day to explore this magical land will boost your spirit.
Goa is a place where every year numreous tourists - both domestic and
foreign - pour in to enjoy their vacation. Relaxing on beach, enjoying
watersports, exploring the Portuguese heritage specially the churches of old
Goa is what tourists in general enjoy doing here. The Calangute beach is one
of the most popular amongst the tourists and offers a wonderful opportunity
to enjoy watersports. You can also indulge in a bit of shopping here.
Overnight on board.
Day - 8 - Bangalore
11.00 am : The Golden Chariot returns to Bangalore.
Today, you beautiful journey comes to an end. The train pulls back to
Bangalore station and bids farewell to you.
Tarrif
October 2007 till March 2008 : High
Season tariff Applicable
April & September 2008 : Lean Season Discounted tariff Applicable
The Tour Tariff is inclusive of
Tariff is inclusive of travel/catering / conducted sight-seeing/ entrance
fee at Monuments / Parks / Palaces / Cultural Programmes. Additional fees
must be paid for video cameras permits, beverages, laundry service and all
other personal services. The Spa car and the business car facilities are not
included in the tour tariff either.
It is possible to book the segment Bangalore to Goa only. Prices are
available on request.
On board and off board hospitality is provided by one of the leading hotel
and resort chains of India " The Mapple Group"
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.
- (Half fare for children between 5 and 12 years)
Passenger reservations/cancellation on the The Golden Chariot may
be done as per the following terms and conditions :
Reservation Policy :
- 20% of ticket value at the time of confirming the booking.
- Remaining 80% of ticket value 45 days prior to departure.
Cancellation Policy :
Cancellation must be advised by Fax/E-mail/Letter. On cancellation, refund
will be made. Certain amount of the ticket value will be deducted as
follows.
- 5% of the Ticket Value if the cancellation request is received before
60 days from the scheduled date of departure.
- 20% of Ticket Value if cancellation request is received within a
period of 30-59 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.