The Train

Cabin Coaches:
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
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 tilting music uplifts you.
• Relaxing and elegant seating at bar.
• Plush and royal interiors modeled after the Mysore Palace.

Conference Coach
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
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.

Tour Details: 7 Nights / 8 Days Places Covered: Bangalore - Kabini/Bandipur - Mysore - Hassan - Hospet - 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. Day 1 - Bangalore (Monday)   12:30 pm: Check-in at the Leela Palace followed by lunch at Jamawar or Citrus 03:00 pm: Depart for Bangalore Sightseeing Tippu's Palace, Bull Temple & Lalbagh 08:00 pm: Arrival at Yeshwantpur Railway Station, Platform No. 6 Traditional Indian welcome at Railway Station and escorting to respective cabins.   Dinner on board The Golden Chariot 09:00 pm: Depart to Mysore 11:30 pm: Arrive at Mysore 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 - Kabini (Tuesday)   10:00 am: Depart for Kabini / Bandipur after breakfast 01:00 pm: Reach Jungle Lodge   Lunch at the Jungle Lodge Post Lunch: Jungle / Boat Safari   Return in the evening for wildlife film   Dinner and stay overnight at Jungle Lodge 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 - Mysore (Wednesday)   08:30 am: Breakfast and Depart for Mysore 11:30 am: Back onboard The Golden Chariot 01:00 pm: Lunch on board The Golden Chariot 03:00 pm: Mysore sightseeing: Mysore Palace, Srirangapatnam 07:00 pm: Reach Brindavan Gardens for cultural show followed by   dinner at Hotel KRS 10:00 pm: Back onboard The Golden Chariot 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. 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. 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. Day 4 - Hassan (Thursday)   06:00 am: Depart from Mysore to Hassan 08:15 am: Arrive at Hassan 09:00 am: Depart for sightseeing to Shravanabelagola (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 onboard 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) 01:00 pm: Lunch on board The Golden Chariot 03:00 pm: Depart for Belur and Halebid for sightseeing 07:15 pm: Back onboard The Golden Chariot 07:45 pm: Depart to Hospet   Dinner onboard The Golden Chariot 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 5 - Hampi (Friday) 06:00 am: Arrival at Hospet 08:30 am: After breakfast depart for Hampi sightseeing: Virupaksha Temple. Queens's Bath, Elephant Stables, Local crafts bazaar 01:00 pm: Return to The Golden Chariot for Lunch 03:00 pm: Depart for sightseeing: Royal enclosure, Hazara Rama Temple. Illuminated Vittala Temple. 08:00 pm: Back onboard The Golden Chariot   Dinner onboard The Golden Chariot Hampi: A World Heritage Site If dreams were made out of stone, it would be Hampi. Hampi has been classified as a World Heritage Site 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-Mughal India, covering several states. The Vijayanagara empire stretched over at least three states - Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh. The destruction of Vijayanagar by marauding Mughal 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 lie 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 a glimpse into the traditional country life in Karnataka. Day 6 - Badami, Aihole und Pattadakal (Saturday) 05:00 am: Depart from Hospet to Badami 08:30 am: Arrival at Badami 09:00 am: Depart after breakfast for sightseeing: Badami Caves and Pattadakal 01:30 pm: Return to The Golden Chariot for Lunch 02:00 pm: Depart for Goa   Relax and enjoy the facilities onboard   The Golden Chariot: Spa, Gym Dinner onboard   The Golden Chariot Reach Goa post midnight 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. Day 7 - Goa (Sunday) 08:00 to 09:30 am: Breakfast onboard The Golden Chariot 10:00 am: Depart for sightseeing 11:00 am: Visit the famous churches of old Goa 12:15 pm: Visit an old Portuguese house: Sola Souto Maior for Tea/Coffee and cookies and shopping at the emporium 02:00 pm: Reach Sahakari Spice Plantation, Ponda for Lunch and tour of spice farm 03:00 pm: Depart for Utorda Beach 04:30 pm: Reach Utorda beach to watch the sunset (Guests can make use of the facilities: towels, shower, toilet) 07:15 pm: Return to The Golden Chariot.   Dinner onboard The Golden Chariot 09:00 pm: Depart for Bangalore 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 - Bangalore (Monday) 08:00 to 09:30 am: Breakfast onboard The Golden Chariot 11:00 am: Reach Yeswanthpur railway station, farewell by the entire crew.

Departure dates:

Tour Tarif

(Half fare for children between 5 and 12 years)

10% Surcharge shall be levied on departures during Christmas / New Year.
Service Tax @ 2.58% 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.

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 Policy:
In case of FITs:
• 20% of ticket value at the time of confirming the booking.
• Remaining 80% of ticket value 35 days prior to departure.

In case of Group:
• 50% of ticket value at the time of confirming the booking.
• Remaining 50% of ticket value 65 days prior to departure.

Cancellation Policy
In case of FITs:
• 5% of the ticket value if cancellation is made until 60 days prior to departure.
• 20% of the ticket value if cancellation is made between 30-59 days prior to departure.
• 50% of the ticket value if cancellation is made between 15-29 days prior to departure.
• 100% of the ticket value if the cancellation is made 14 days prior to departure.

In case of Group:
• 10% of the ticket value if cancellation is made until 60 days prior to departure.
• 25% of the ticket value if cancellation is made between 30-59 days prior to departure.
• 75% of the ticket value if cancellation is made between 15-29 days prior to departure.
• 100% of the ticket value if the cancellation is made 14 days prior to departure.

No show/ En route termination of tour/amendment:

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.