Overview: The only luxury train in South India, "Golden Chariot" offers an insight into treasure trove of archaeological wealth, abundant bounty for wildlife seekers and a kaleidoscope of culture for it's esteemed guests. It offers a mix of heritage, culture, eco-tourism and beach life. Recline & 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. The Golden Chariot Train is a joint venture of State Government of Karnataka & Ministry of Railways. The Eight -days sojourn Departs from Bangalore every Monday evening & takes the travelers through Mysore (covering Srirangapatnam, Nagarhole Wildlife Sanctuary), Hassan (Belur, Halebid, Sravanabelagola), Hospet (Hampi), Gadag (Aihole, Badami, Pattadakkal) and Goa; before returning to Bangalore next Monday morning. The Golden Chariot Train is a joint venture of State Government of Karnataka & Ministry of Railways. Facilities on Board: Designed & operated on the lines of World famous Palace On wheels Train Tour; The Golden Chariot(Golden Chariot Train)/Southern Splendor Train offers Eleven luxuriously furnished Air- Conditioned Saloons of 4 sleeping chambers(cabins) each, Two Dining Cars, One Bar Lounge,Business Centre, Mini Gymnasium & Ayurvedic Spa! architecture dating back to 12th century. Total 44 Air Conditioned cabins in 11 inter-connected saloons are Incredible Passenger Saloons: The Interiors of the Saloon are inspired by the intricately ndia carved Hoysala temple combination of 26 Twin Bedded Cabins,17 Double bedded Cabins & One Cabin for Physically Challenged. Each Cabin offers small wardrobe, vanity desk, LCD Televisions, Electric sockets with 220 AC for recharging batteries; & private washroom having 5 Star Hotel accessories.
Restaurant Coaches: The interiors of the Two Dining Cars (called Nala & Ruchi) are inspired by the royal aesthetics of Hampi & Halebid temples. There is a wide spread of vegetarian and non-vegetarian culinary delights available. Lounge Bar Coach: The plush & royal interiors of the Cigar Bar Lounge (called Madira) are modeled after the early 20th century Mysore Palace. Spa & Gym Facility: There are Two massage rooms, for the traditional & age old Ayurvedic massages, said to offer definite cures for modern day fatigue & stress. Also available is a fully equipped Gymnasium.
Embark on a luxurious voyage of discovery through the cradle of Stone Architecture. Journey through the magnificent World Heritage Sites at Hampi & Pattadakkal, the exquisite temples at Belur & and Halebid, Golden beaches of Goa & Wildlife Reserve at Nagarhole.
GOLDEN CHARIOT PROGRAM Day 01 : Bangalore 1600 Hrs 1730 1930 Hrs 2000 Hrs 2100 Hrs Report in Lobby of Hotel Taj West End for Check-In formalities of Golden Chariot train, followed by high tea & brief train tour presentation. 1930 hrs Visit Chitrakala Parishad / Art Gallery,followed by cultural program Arrival at Yeshwantpur Railway Station, Platform No. 6 Traditional Indian welcome at Railway Station and escorted to respective cabins. Train departs & Dinner on board. Day 02 : Drive Mysore/Kabini Lodge 1100 Hrs Board AC Vehicles from Mysore Railway station with overnight clothes for stay at Forest Lodge Near Nagarhole Tiger Reserve Reach Kabini Forest by 1 p.m. & Check into Govt. Jungle Lodge. After Lunch, proceed for jungle excursion/boat ride Return in the evening for wildlife film. Dinner and overnight at Jungle Lodge.
Day 03 : Mysore 0630 Hrs Boat ride/jungle excursion 0930 Hrs After breakfast, check out from lodge & depart back for Mysore station 1130 Hrs Board back on Golden Chariot, followed by lunch. 1500 Hrs Proceed to visit Mysore Palace & Srirangapatnam Fort, followed by shopping 1900 Hrs Cultural show followed by dinner at Lalita Mahal Palace Hotel 2200 Hrs Reach railway station to board train Day 04 : Thursday : Jain Monolith & Hoysala Temple Architecture 0600 Hrs Train Depart from Mysore for Hassan 0815 Hrs Your train Arrive at Hassan Railway station 0900 Hrs Depart for sightseeing to Sravanabelagola. (Please note that you would have to climb close to 700 steps to experience the architectural marvel. Only those who can undertake this are advised to do so. Guests unwilling to experience can stay back on board The Golden Chariot. Palanquins are available for those who cannot take the climb by themselves. This is available to the passengers at no extra cost) 1300 Hrs Lunch on board The Golden Chariot 1500 Hrs Depart for Belur and Halebid for sightseeing 1915 Hrs Back onboard The Golden Chariot 1945 Hrs Depart to Hospet Dinner onboard The Golden Chariot
Day 05 : Hampi Temples & Vijayanagara Palace 0600 Hrs Train Arrives at Hospet Railway Station. 0830 Hrs After breakfast depart for Hampi sightseeing: Virupaksha Temple. Queens s Bath, Elephant Stables, Local crafts bazaar. 1300 Hrs Return to The Golden Chariot for Lunch. 1500 Hrs 2000 Hrs Day 06 : Badami Caves & Pattadakal Temples Depart for sightseeing: Royal enclosure, Hazara Rama Temple. Illuminated Vittala Temple. Back onboard The Golden Chariot. Dinner onboard The Golden Chariot. 0500 Hrs Train Departs from Hospet Railway Station for Badami 0830 Hrs Your train arrives at Badami Railway station 0900 Hrs Depart after breakfast for sightseeing: Badami Caves and Pattadakal 1330 Hrs Return to The Golden Chariot for Lunch 1400 Hrs Depart for Goa. Relax and enjoy the facilities onboard The Golden Chariot: Spa, Gym Dinner onboard The Golden Chariot. Reach Goa post midnight.
Day 07 : Sunday : Goa 0930 Hrs Breakfast on board The Golden Chariot 1000 Hrs Depart for sightseeing 1100 Hrs Visit the famous churches of old Goa 1215 Hrs Visit an old Portuguese house: Sola Souto Maior for tea/coffee and cookies; shopping at the emporium 1400 Hrs Reach Majorda Beach Resort for lunch 1500 Hrs 1800 Hrs Depart from the resort 1915 Hrs 2100 Hrs Depart for Bangalore An Ayurvedic massage, a visit to the casino, a dip in the pool / beach, etc. (Ayurvedic massage and casino charges extra as applicable) Return to The Golden Chariot. Dinner onboard The Golden Chariot Day 08 : Bangalore Return Tours ends on arrival at Yashwantpura Railway station by 1130 hrs IMPORTANT: The Day to Day Schedule may be changed at short notice by the Train Manager, to suit local logistics.
SCHEDULE: Since Nov 2010; The Golden chariot Train is covering two different South India Circuits, both departing from Bangalore on alternate Mondays 7 Nights/Eight Days Golden Chariot (Pride of South) Train Tour from Bangalore to Goa, covering Mysore, Tiger Reserve, Hampi, Pattadakal & Badami. 7 Nights/Eight Days Southern Splendor (Golden Chariot) Train Tour from Bangalore to Cochin, covering Chennai, Pondicherry, Tamil Nadu & Kerala. SCHEDULE: 2013-14 Season 7 Nights Golden Chariot Train -Pride Of South depart dates Ex Bangalore. Month Depart Dates Feb 2014 03, 17 March 2014 03, 17 Note : Train tour will operate subject to minimum 25 paid passengers SCHEDULE: 2014-15 Season 7 Nights Golden Chariot Train -Pride Of South depart dates Ex Bangalore. Month Depart Dates Oct 2014 06, 13, 27 Nov 2014 10, 24 Dec 2014 08, 22* Jan 2015 05, 19 Feb 2015 02, 16 March 2015 02, 16, 30 Note: Train tour will operate subject to minimum 25 paid guests. 10% holiday surcharge extra for 22 nd Dec 14 Christmas departure. TARIFF Cost Per Cabin: 2013-14 Season: 7 Nights Golden Chariot Pride of South Train Tour Cabin Type For Foreign National (charged US Dollar) For Indian National (Charged Rupees) On Twin Share US$ 7630 for 2 Rs 2,31,000 for 2 On Single Occupancy US$ 5278 for 1 Rs. 1,54,000 for 1 On Triple Sharing US$ 9240 for 3 Rs 2,77,200 for 3 NOTE : Option to book minimum 3 night journey & pay accordingly. 10% Holiday surcharge extra for Christmas/New Year departure. Add 3.09% Govt. Service Tax Extra. Foreigners & OIC Card Holders with valid PAN No. & Residential Proof are eligible for INR Tariff
CHILD POLICY : Children< 12 years charged 50% of adult rate & provided bed. Children< 5 years are complimentary without bed. Season 2014-15 Official tariff to has not been finalized yet. Expect increase of 10-15% from last year's tariff. Golden Chariot Train Tour Cost Includes: Onboard stay & travel in private A/C Deluxe Cabins with attached bathrooms (stay on Tuesday Night in Kabini Forest Lodge room);daily Three Meals; Bed Tea; Group Excursion & Sightseeing Tours by A/C coaches with services of English Speaking Guide; Entrance fees at monuments & wildlife park; Bottled drinking water; boat ride & jeep safari in Kabini forest; cultural program in Bangalore & Mysore. Extra Costs (Not Included in train tour) : Consumption of alcoholic & non-alcoholic beverages; Video Camera fees at monuments & wildlife parks; laundry; tour insurance; use of business centre & spa facility; porter fee; tips; gratuity ; Visa arrangements for India & all other expenses of personal nature. TERMS & CONDITIONS Booking Procedure: We require Names/Nationality/Date of birth of all the passengers with preferred date of travel to process booking Your Bookings will be confirmed on receipt of minimum 25% of tour amount Balance/Full amount must be received before 35 days of tour depart. All booking request received<35 days before tour depart, will be confirmed on receipt of one time full tour amount deposit. E-Tickets will be issued on receipt of Passport details of all passengers viz. Name/Nationality/Date of birth /Passport No./ Place & Date of Issue of passport. Saloon name/cabin number will be allotted at time of check-in Payment Options: 1. By Online Credit Card Authorization(Visa Or MasterCard only) 2. Swift wire transfer 3. Indians can pay by RTGS OR Cheque/Draft payable at par in New Delhi Cancellation Terms - Golden Chariot Train: A. All cancellation must be made in writing B. Minimum cancellation fee of 20% on total tour amount, if intimated more than 35 days before tour depart C. Minimum 50% of total tour amount, will be charged as cancellation fee, if intimated between 20 to 34 days before tour depart D. Full 100% of tour amount, will be charged as cancellation fee, if intimated less than 19 days before tour depart E. Request for change in Name OR Postponement of journey date, governed by cancellation rules F. Non receipt of payment as per payment policy, governed by cancellation rules G. No Show/Refusal to board train tour Or continue journey is non refundable H. The Golden Chariot Train is operated by KSTDC & liability of Lawrence travels & Tours Pvt Ltd. is limited to that of booking agent only I. Disputes, if any, subject to jurisdictions of courts of New Delhi, India only. Important: There is no concept of Tour insurance in India ;& Overseas Guests are requested to pre -purchase the same in their respective countries..
Journey: Splendor of South Golden Chariot now brings to you the Southern Splendor, a journey spanning 7 nights and 8 days that links some of South India s greatest destinations filled with memorable moments guaranteed to stay with you for a lifetime. On this splendid voyage covering three states we take you through exotic locales starting from the garden city of Bangalore passing through ancient temple towns of Tamil Nadu and finally ending our journey in the coastal city of Kochi. In short, it s an experience that captures the romance of a by-gone era making your sojourn an unforgettable one Day 1: Monday : Bangalore Report at The Taj West End Hotel by 4 p.m. for check-in formalities followed by high tea & brief presentation. Proceed for visit to art gallery, followed by cultural program. Reach Yeshwantpur Railway Station, by 8 pm & be escorted to respective Cabins. Dinner on board & train departs by 9 pm for Chennai. Day 2: Tuesday: Chennai & Mahabalipuram Temples Morning 9.30 am board AC Buses from Chennai Egmore Railway station for 1.5 hours long drive to Mahabalipuram, passing along Marina Beach & busy Streets of Chennai Metropolis On arrival, visit UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sea Shore temples of Mahabalipuram, built more than 1200 years ago & some have still managed to weather sea erosion & high tides. After lunch in beach side resort depart for 2.5 hours long drive to Pondicherry Railway station to board the awaiting train. Dinner on board. Train stabled overnight at Pondicherry. Day 3: Wed: Auroville & Pondicherry Morning excursion to Auroville-a modern commune, dedicated to unification of all religions. Return to train for lunch. Afternoon stroll through beach town of Pondicherry-this former French colony, exudes a Mediterranean aura with French style architecture and boutiques. Proceed for dinner to eco-resort & later return to train & depart. Day 4: Thurs : Trichy & Tanjore Temples Morning 9 a.m. board AC Buses from Trichy Railway station to visit ancient Hindu Temple on banks of River Cauvery. Later proceed for 1.5 hours long drive to Tanjore & visit UNESCO World Heritage Site of Brihadishwar temple, famous for a 66 meters high temple tower & big statue of Nandi (sacred bull) carved out of a single rock. After lunch in a city hotel, time free for shopping & to visit Tanjore style of art workshop. Reach Tanjore Railway station by 5 p.m. to board the awaiting train & depart. Dinner on board.
Day 5 : Fri : Madurai The temple city of Madurai has a rich cultural heritage that goes back to over 2, 500 years. The city is synonymous with the celebrated Meenakshi temple which stands today as one of the country s greatest architectural landmarks. Close to the temple is situated yet another architectural wonder, the Tirumalai Nayak Mahal, a classic blend of Dravidian, Islamic and European architecture. After breakfast, visit famed Meenakshi Temple & stroll through the local market. Return to train for lunch. Late afternoon visit Poompuhar Handicrafts Emporium for optional shopping. Proceed to Tirumalai Nayak Mahal for sound & light show, followed by dinner & traditional folk performance at The Heritance. Return to train & depart. Day 6 : Sat : Kanyakumari Sunrise & Kovalam Beach Early morning 5.15 a.m. board AC Buses from Nagercoil Railway station for 20 minutes drive to Kanyakumari sun rise point, that offers an unique panorama on the confluence of 3 seas viz. Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. Return to board the train for breakfast at Nagercoil station by 730 a.m. Time permitting, proceed for 2.5 hours excursion to Padmanabha Wooden Palace. Return to train for lunch & depart. From Trivandrum Kuchuvelli Railway Station board AC buses by 5 p.m. for evening excursion to Kovalam Beach, followed by Cultural Program & Dinner in beach resort. Return to Trivandrum railway station by 10 p.m. & train stabled for the night. Day 7 : Sun : Kerala Backwaters Cruise & Cochin Fort town The train arrives at Alleppey Railway Station by 8.30 a.m. Transfer to Alleppey Jetty Point to board traditional houseboats for backwater cruise through narrow waterways to view novel lifestyle of villagers, whose only access to mainland is by water. After a typical Kerala cuisine lunch, return to Alleppey Boat Jetty to board awaiting AC Bus for 1.5 hrs long drive to port city of Cochin. Afternoon enjoy walk through 16th century built Portuguese Fort town of Cochin to view Medieval Church, Jewish Synagogue & view Chinese Fishing Nets. Later Board the train from Cochin Railway station by 6.30 p.m. & depart. Dinner on board. Day 08: Bangalore Return Morning train returns to Bangalore. Tour ends IMPORTANT: The Day to Day Schedule may be changed at short notice by the Train Manager, to suit local logistics.
The Golden Chariot Train has also started running on a different South India tour circuit,covering Mamallipuram,Pondicherry & Kerala Backwaters.This tour circuit is also known as "Southern Splendor" SCHEDULE: 2013-14 Season 7 Nights Southern Splendor -Golden Chariot Train Tour Depart Ex. Bangalore Month Depart Dates Feb 2014 10, 24 March 2014 10, 24 SCHEDULE: 2014-15 Season 7 Nights Southern Splendor -Golden Chariot Train Tour Depart Ex. Bangalore Month Depart Dates Oct 2014 20 Nov 2014 03, 17 Dec 2014 01, 15, 29* Jan 2015 12, 26 Feb 2015 09, 23 March 2015 09, 23 Note: Train tour will operate subject to minimum 25 guests. 10% Holiday Surcharge extra for 29 th Dec 2014 New year s departure. Season 2014-15 Official tariff to has not been finalized yet. Expect increase of 10-15% from last year's tariff. Train Tour Cost includes : Travel & stay Onboard in private A/C sleeping chambers with attached bathrooms; Bed Tea & Daily three meals; Group excursions & sightseeing tours by air-conditioned buses with English speaking guide; Monument entrance fees, Bottled drinking water; Backwaters cruise in Alleppey; Cultural program in Madurai & Bangalore. Extra Costs ( Not Included): Video Camera fees at monuments; alcoholic & non alcoholic beverages; laundry; room services; telephone calls; use of spa & business centre facilities; tips; porter charges, tour insurance; airport & railway station transfers; hotel stay; Arrangements for Visa travel documents for India; & all other expenses of personal nature
TERMS & CONDITIONS Booking Procedure Advice Names/Nationality/Date of birth of all the passengers with preferred date of travel to process booking We require minimum 25% advance deposit of tour amount to hold your booking on confirmed basis. Balance/Full amount must be reach us at least 35 days prior of tour depart. All booking request received<35 days before tour depart, will be confirmed on receipt of ONE time full tour amount deposit. E-Tickets will be issued on receipt of Passport details of all passengers viz. Name/Nationality/Date of birth /Passport No./ Place & Date of Issue of passport. Saloon name/cabin number will be allotted at time of check-in Payment Options: 1. By Online Credit Card Authorization(Visa Or MasterCard only) 2. Swift wire transfer 3. Indians can pay by RTGS OR Cheque/Draft payable at par in New Delhi Cancellation Terms -Southern Splendor Golden Chariot Train A. All cancellation must be forwarded in writing & acknowledged by us B. Minimum cancellation fee of 20% on total tour amount, if intimated more than 35 days before tour depart C. Minimum 50% of total tour amount, will be charged as cancellation fee, if intimated between 20 to 34 days before tour depart D. Full 100% of tour amount, will be charged as cancellation fee, if intimated less than 19 days before tour depart E. Request for change in Name OR Postponement of journey date, governed by cancellation rules F. Non receipt of payment as per payment policy, governed by cancellation rules G. No Show/Refusal to board train tour Or continue journey is non refundable H. Southern Splendor tour is operated on Golden Chariot Train by KSTDC & liability of Lawrence travels & Tours Pvt Ltd. is limited to that of booking agent only I. Disputes, if any, subject to jurisdictions of courts of New Delhi, India only. Important : I. There is no concept of Tour insurance in India ;& Overseas Guests are requested to pre -purchase the same in their respective countries II. Lawrence travels & Tours Pvt Ltd is not liable to arrange Indian Visa Travel documents for overseas guests. III. In case a train tour depart is cancelled for technical reasons, option will be given to amend journey date To nearest alternate depart OR full refund will be made of advance received IV. The Train tour Manager reserves the right to amend day to day schedule, due to late running of train OR reasons sine die.