Golden Chariot : Pride of the South
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8 Days / 7 Nights
USD$ 5530 Onwards
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The Golden Chariot — Pride of the South
● Bangalore ● Kabini/Bandipur ● Mysore ● Hassan ● Hospet/Hampi ● Badami
● Goa ● Bangalore
Itinerary
Dates & Prices
Hotels
Destination Info
More Info
Here’s a journey that crests the zenith of South Indian art and architecture. Reassuringly long, across a few centuries of history. Tempered in the warmth of sunny beaches and teeming wildlife destinations. .
Day 1: Monday Bangalore Depart
The city of Bangalore, the capital of Karnataka, is a splendid neo-metro that lets measures of modernity and age old culture mingle in equal parts. While here, enthrall your senses with a traditional art exhibition and folk dance performance at the Chithrakala Parishad. Or check-in at Our Native Village for a quick overview of village life in India. Furthermore, get acquainted with just what’s in store for you, aboard The Golden Chariot.
Report in Lobby of Hotel Taj West End by 3pm for Check-In formalities of Golden Chariot Train Tour , followed by high tea,brief train tour presentation & cultural program. Proceed to visit ISKON Hindu Temple,before reaching Yashwantpura Railway Station by 815pm to board the Golden Chariot Train. At 9pm train departs. Dinner is served onboard.
Day 2: Tue Morning : Mysore Palace & Depart Kabini
From Mysore, a coach ride through the breathtaking wilderness will take you to Kabini. Now a part of the Rajiv Gandhi National Park, Kabini was once a hunting retreat of the Mysore Maharajas. The excitement here starts with a safari into the heart of the jungle, where you are sure to spot wild animals in their natural habitat.
Morning 8 a.m. pack overnight clothes for Night stay in Jungle Lodge & first drive to visit early 20th Century built Amba Vilas Mysore Palace,whose architecture style is a mix of Hindu, Muslim, Rajput & Gothic structure.View the Durbar Hall Wing & Personal Art Gallery Of former royaly.
Later drive 2 hrs to Kabini Forest.
Arrive in Kabini by 1.15 pm & check into rooms in Jungle Lodge After lunch & brief rest proceed for Safari to Kabini jungles, abound with herds of Asian Elephants, Sambar & Spooted deer; wild boar,sloth bear gaur & occasional sighting of panther & tiger. Evening return to jungle lodge for screening of wildlife film, followed by campfire & Dinner.
Night stay Kabini Jungle Lodge.
Day 3: Wed: Morning: Kabini Boat ride & depart for Mysore
Mysore, the erstwhile capital of the Wodeyar Maharajas, is home to a few opulent palaces and is a centre of sandalwood-carving, silk and incense production. A short coach trip from Mysore will take you to the capital of South India’s very own tiger, Tipu Sultan, at Srirangapatna. While here, visit his summer palace and Gumbaz. And revisit history as it was two centuries ago.
Early morning 630 am proceed for boat ride in Kabini River,to site crocodiles sunning themselves
& many hued birds flitting in & out of the forest’s green canopy. Return back to Jungle Lodge for breakfast & check-out by 930 am to drive back to Mysore railway station (2 hrs) to board the train.
After brief rest & lunch,proceed at 3.30 pm for excursion to 18th Century built Srirangapatnam Fort, On a river bank-Which witnessed many a skirmishes between Popular King Tipu sultan & British Colonial rulers. After Visiting Dariya Daulat & Tipu Mausoleum drive back to Mysore Town & time free for shopping. Later enjoy cultural program & dinner in Lalita Mahal Palace, now converted into a 5 Star Hotel. Return back to train by 10 p.m. & train is stationary at Mysore Station for the Night.
Day 4: Thurs Morning: Shravanabelagola Monolith
From Hassan, set deep in the Karnatakan countryside, the journey to Asia’s tallest monolith at Shravanabelagola is not long. Return to The Golden Chariot for your sumptuous lunch spread, for the glory of 10th century Hoysala architecture awaits you at Belur and Halebeedu in the afternoon. Take a trip around the temple courtyards of this World Heritage Site to appreciate the intricate workmanship of the sculptures, friezes and ornate pillars.
Early morning 5am train departs from Mysore to Hassan Railway station & at 9.am. proceed for excursion (1.5 hrs one way) to Shravanabelagola village. Climb 700 steep steps, carved in a stone hillock to view 10th century built statue of Jain Monk Gommateshvara Bahubali an architectural marvel towering 58 feet high,Later, climb down the steep steps to board your bus standing at base of the hillock & drive back to Hassan Railway station to board the train by 1p.m. for lunch & brief rest.
NOTE: Guests unwilling to climb the steep steps can stay back on board The Golden Chariot
From Hassan Railway Station depart at 2.45 pm. for excursion (1.5 hrs one way) to view ancient Hindu temples at Halebedu & Belur. The 12th Century built Belur Temple is dedicated to Hindu God-Lord Vishnu & filled with intricate sculptures of elephants, lions, horses & sensuous dancers. The 12th Century built Halebidu temple complex is dedicated to Hindu God-Lord Shiva ,but were ransacked & looted by Muslim Invaders from north India in 14th Century. The outer walls of the temples contain intricate array of stone sculptures. Return back to Hassan Railway station by 7.15 p.m. for dinner & depart for Hospet
Day 5: Friday Morning: HAMPI Palace Complex
The splendours of the erstwhile capital of the Vijayanagara empire await you at Hampi, just 13kms away from Hospet. Magnificent temples and courtyards, peppered in between the ruins of what might have been resplendent palaces a few centuries ago, vie for your attention here. This, together with the boulder strewn sandscape and the Tungabhadra river gives Hampi a charm that is almost ethereal.
From Hospet Railway station at 8.30 a.m. proceed for excursion (30 minutes one way) to UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hampi Palace ruins. Located amongst awesome granite boulder-strewn landscape, Hampi was the capital of mighty South Indian Vijayanagar Empire in 14th Century-with opulent palaces, marvellous temples, massive fortifications, private baths for royalty, markets, pavilions & stables for Royal Elephants. The city's merchants traded in diamonds, pearls, fine silks, brocades, horses & much more. Though ransacked by rulers from North India in 16th Century, ruins of these historical monuments have withstood the ravages of man & nature, to evoke memories of regal splendour. Return back to Hospet Railway Station by 1 p.m. to board the train for lunch & brief rest.
At 3.30 p.m. proceed for excursion (30 minutes one way) to 16th century built temple complex of Vithala, dedicated to Hindu God-Lord Vishnu. In courtyard of the main temple is a massive Stone Chariot ,after which Golden Chariot train has been named. The stone wheels of the Chariot can be rotated ,but have been cemented by authorities to avoid damage.
One of the most notable features of Vittala temple are the musical pillars. Each of the pillar that support the roof of the main temple is supported by a pillar representing a musical instrument, and is constructed as 7 minor pillars arranged around a main pillar. These 7 pillars, when struck, emanate the 7 notes from the representative instrument, varying in sound quality based on whether it represents a wind, string or percussion instrument. Time free to sit on banks of nearby located Tungabhadra River for sunset view. Depart by 6 p.m. back to Hospet Railway station to board the train for dinner & depart
Day 6: Sat Morning: Badami & Pattadakal
Wake up in the cradle of Hindu architecture at the ancient capital city of the Chalukya empire. A flight of steps will take you to the four ancient rock-cut caves, each replete with carved pillars, bracket figures and sculptures. Among them is the 18 armed Nataraja, striking 81 dance poses. A short distance away is Pattadakal, home to perhaps the earliest examples of Dravidian and Nagara architecture in the whole of India.
Morning 8.30 a.m. proceed from Badami Railway station for excursion to UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Badami caves & Pattadkal Temple Complex Carved out of sandstone hills, the 7th century built Badami Cave temples are dedicated to Hindu religious sects of Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu & Budha and Jain Faiths. Highlight of the cave sculptures is a 18 armed Lord Shiva in Tandav dancing pose.
The Pattadakal Temple complex, built between 7th to 9th Century offers 10 temples built in fusion of various Indian Architectural Styles. There are numerous Kannada language inscriptions on the temple walls.
Return back to Badami Railway Station by 1:30 pm & depart for Goa, Lunch & Dinner onboard
Afternoon at leisure to enjoy the country side.
Day 7: Sun Morning: Old Goa Churches
This well known beach paradise is famous for its carefree spirit and relaxed vibes. Savour the Portuguese history of this state on a walkabout through its magnificent churches and Portuguese homes. Or just relax, for the excellent sea food, casino and spa services set the right note.
Train arrives in Goa-Vasco de Gama Railway Station early Morning 1 a.m. At 10 a.m. proceed for sightseeing of UNESCO World Heritage site of Old Goa Churches. Founded in 15th century by Muslim Rulers of Bijapur Sultanate & capital of Portuguese Colonial rulers from early 16th to mid 19th century, town of Old Goa is famous for it's churches affiliated to various congregations, including the Se Cathedral (the seat of the Archbishop of Goa), the Church of St. Francis of Assisi, the Church of S. Caetano, and notably, the Basilica of Bom Jesus which contains the relics of Saint Francis Xavier, Later visit Old Portuguese House & time free for shopping.
By 2 p.m. reach luxury beach resort for lunch & at leisure. Option to enjoy sea sports activities at extra cost . Depart from Beach Resort at 5.30 p.m. & drive back to Vasco De Gama Railway Station(1 hr) To board the train & depart
Day 8: Mon Morning-Bangalore Return
The overnight return journey to Bangalore is the time for quiet contemplation. As the warm sea breeze gives way to the cool night, prepare yourself to celebrate the end of a journey well travelled. In luxury. Aboard The Golden Chariot.
Train reach Yeshwanthpura Railway Station Bangalore by 11.30 a.m. and Farewell by the entire crew.
NOTE : Itinerary, Destination & Scheduled time are liable to change without prior notice due to unforeseen circumstances.
DEPARTURE DATES
2017 April
3, 10, 17, 24, 31
2016 October
4, 11, 18, 25
2016 May
7, 14, 21,
2016 November
2, 9, 16, 23, 30
2016 June
5, 12, 19,
2016 December
6, 13, 20, 27
2016 July
2, 16, 23, 30
2017 January
4, 11, 18, 25
6, 13, 27
2017 February
1, 8, 15, 22, 29
2016 August
6, 13, 20, 27
2017 March
5, 12, 19, 26*
2016 September
*Dates in bold indicate important festival period and Dates in Red are for Charters/Group Bookings Only
TOUR COST per Cabin for 7 Nights Pride of South Golden Chariot Train Tour-Per Cabin
No of Persons
Per Cabin
INR Tariff-
Only for Indian National
(Taxes Extra)
US$ Tariff-
For Foreign Passport Holders (Taxes Extra)
Occupancy
Type
One
` 1,82,,000/-
US$ 5530
Single
Two
` 3,08,000/-
US$ 8260
Double
Three
` 3,36,,000/-
US$10,500
Triple
TOUR COST Pride of South Golden Chariot Train Tour-Per person Per Night
No of Persons
Per Cabin
INR Tariff-
Only for Indian National
(Taxes Extra)
US$ Tariff-
For Foreign Passport Holders (Taxes Extra)
Occupancy
Type
One
` 26,000/-
US$ 790
Single
Two
` 44,000/-
US$ 1,180
Double
Three
` 48,000/-
US$1,500
Triple
Note:
Add Govt. Taxes Extra ,as applicable on date of journey
10% Surcharge shall be levied on departures during Christmas / New Year
Children between 5 and 12 years charged 50% of adult rate (Half fare)
Children below 5 years are complimentary(but no bed)
Option to book for MINIMUM Three nights part journey & pay accordingly
Train tour will operate ,subject to MINIMUM 20 Passengers OR
advance received will be refunded (with no further liability)
Validity: From April 1, 2016 to March 30, 2017 |
* Indicative price subject to change at the time of issue.
TOUR COST INCLUDES
● Accommodation On-board stay & travel in private A/C Deluxe Cabins with attached bathrooms
● Accommodation for Tuesday Night in Kabini Forest Lodge room.
● Daily Three Meals.
● Bed Tea
● Transportation in air-conditioned vehicle with driver for transfers,
● Group excursion & sightseeing.
● The entrance to places of tourist interest mentioned in the itinerary. (Single visit per site).
● Services of English speaking local guide.
● Entrance fees at monuments / parks / palaces and cultural programs.
● Bottled drinking water
● Boat ride & Jeep safari in Kabini forest.
● Cultural program in Bangalore & Mysore
TOUR COST DOES NOT INCLUDE
● International air fare.
● Visa fee and service charges if service provided for issuance of visas.
● Expense of personal nature like spa, business car facilities, drinks, and also food drinks not forming part of the group menus, room service or mini-bar consumption, laundry, medical expenses, telephone and internet services, camera or video camera fee at monuments, tips and other items.
● Personal Insurance is not included in the cost, hence any cost involving health which may include
any type of medical expense or medication and any cost derived due to illness would be charged extra. It is advised to take a personal travel insurance
● Cost of Optional or add-on tours unless mentioned otherwise.
● Airport taxes and airport departure tax normally included in the international tickets.
● Meals other than those mentioned as included in the itinerary.
● Services not mentioned in the 'The price includes' box.
VISA
● Travellers should carry a valid tourist visa for
● India
IMPORTANT NOTES
● The price provided is based on the prices and taxes existing at the time of calculation. Any increase in the airfare, in routing due to withdrawal of existing flights, taxes change if any would be advised at the time of booking.
● Any change in rate of exchange leading to an increase in the cost of the tour, which may come into effect prior to departure would be informed at the time of booking.
● Minimum reporting time in India for International flights in India is three hours and for internal flights is hour and a half.
● Child without bed - Is an individual under 12 years of age, sharing the room with 2 Full Paying adults and without a bed.
● Triple rooms do not exist in India, most hotels use roll away beds which is placed once you arrive at the hotel. The room size is the same as a Double Room.
● Once an air ticket is issued, any change of date or cancellation would attract a penalty charge levied by the airlines. Your sales officer will advise you the
amount at the time of making the date change.
● The tour will be operated, subject to a minimum of 06 full paying adult passengers. In the event that the group size is less than 06 adult passengers, you will be given an option of travelling as an individual tourist with private services. Additional supplement might apply. The Tour will be conducted on a seat-in-coach basis for group strength of 20- 25 persons, with the assistance of a local representative.
● Travel Insurance for the duration of the tour is not included in the tour price. However, any passengers who wish to take an insurance cover can request for it at an additional charges.
● The right to vary, amend or withdraw any particular itinerary, departure or excursion rests entirely with the company. Due to demand in particular airline in/ out points may change. Service, will however remain unchanged. Hotels / Flights / Airlines / Itinerary / Route subject to change without notice
HOTEL SELECTION
City
Luxury
Nights
Mysore
01
River Kabini Lodge
While on journey on board
06
The Golden Chariot (Train)
LUXURY HOTELS [+]
River Kabini Forest Lodge, MysoreNamed after the River Kabini, the River Kabini Lodge beckons with the promise of elephants, gaur, deer and a rumour of tiger. Located on the southern fringes of the Nagarahole National Park, this former hunting lodge of the erstwhile Maharaja of Mysore was rated as One of the Top 5 Wildlife Resorts in the World by the British Tatler’s Travel Guide. A sprawling colonial estate in the heart of elephant country, the River Kabini Lodge echoes with the call of the wild.. ...read more<>
Bengaluru
Capital of Karnataka State, Bengaluru, also known as the 'City of Gardens', is one of the most attractive cities in India with its beautiful parks, avenues and impressive buildings. The once-sedate cantonment settlement of the British has now spread way beyond the mud fort and the four towers constructed by Kempe Gowda in 1537. With its booming economy and racy lifestyle, the capital of Karnataka has metamorphosed from a sleepy Garden City into one of India's fastest growing, accommodating, technophiliac, and cosmopolitan cities.
Bangalore is a city of contrasts, going by several other aliases: India's Silicon Valley, Pub City, Shopper's Paradise, Garden City, Air-conditioned City, Gourmet's Delight, Pub Hopper's Paradise and Shopper's Hot Spot. Surrounded by weekend getaways, Bangalore makes an ideal hub for visitors who want to travel to the many hill stations and coastal towns of South India.
Bandipur National Park
Once the personal hunting grounds of Mysore maharajas, the Bandipur National Park in the state of Karnataka is a Project Tiger Reserve -- India's homegrown initiative to protect the tigers’ dwindling numbers. Nesting in the foothills of the Nilgiris, today Bandipur covers 874 sq. km, and is home Asian Elephant, leopards, dholes (wild dogs), gaur, chital, sambar and sloth bears.
You can also spot Giant Squirrel, Nocturnal Porcupine and Blacknaped Hare in this wildlife reserve. the Bandipur National Park is also noted for a number of bird species including Peafowl, Partridge, Hornbill, Quail and Ibis . While visiting the Bandipur National Park, you can also travel to Mudumalai wildlife sanctuary.
Mysore
Mysore was the political capital of the Wodeyar dynasty which ruled Karnataka for some 150 years till the independence of the country from the British. The kings, great patrons of art and culture, developed Mysore as an important centre of religion, education and culture. It was the Wodeyars who instituted the tradition of the grand celebration of Dasara festival, the 10-day festivities that celebrated its 400th anniversary in 2010. Today, Mysore is a city of palaces, gardens, shady avenues and sacred temples and retains some of the charm of the old world while stepping into modernity with enthusiasm.
Hassan
A relaxed and laid-back town, Hassan is the headquarters of the same-named district and is one of the all-time favourite spots in the state of Karnataka. Named after the town's presiding Goddess "Hasanamba", Karnataka's fourth largest city is mainly a farmer and trader town. Hassan is a pleasant place to explore for a day or two on foot and forms a perfect base for exploring the world-famous site of Halebid (33km), Belur (38km) and Sravanabelagola (48km).
Hassan is best known for its Hasanamba Temple, but there's also Siddeshvara Temple, built by Venkatappa Nayaka, one of the Nayaka rulers.
Hampi
Vijayanagara, the “City of Victory,” was one of the greatest of all medieval Hindu capitals of South India. Its impressive ruins in central Karnataka are known best as Hampi, after the name of a still populated local village. Traditionally known as Pampakshetra of Kishkindha, Hampi is situated on the southern bank of the river Tungabhadra.
It was the seat of the mighty Vijayanagara Empire (1336-1565) which extended from the Arabian Sea to the Bay of Bengal and from the Deccan Plateau to the tip of the Indian Peninsula. Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Badami
Known as Vatapi in ancient India, Badami was once the capital of the Chalukyas who rose to power in much of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh in the middle of the 6th century AD. Its claim to world fame lies in the magnificent rock-cut cave temples built by the Early Chalukyas who is great temple builders.
The Badami temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and the Jain Tirthankaras, displaying the secular nature of the Chalukyas of Vatapi or modern Badami. These temples are known for profusion of symbolic and mystical carvings of the highest order.
Goa
Goa, situated on the west coast of India, is one of the most delightful states in India. Formerly a Portuguese colony, it is endowed with variety of attractions, like palm pronged beaches, miles of golden sands, lush green country-side, an incredible mosaic of cultural heritage, magnificent churches, temples, forts and monuments and a unique cultural synthesis of the east and west.
With its tropical climate, Goa is a tourist’s destination for all seasons. Goa’s cities are impressively individual. The capital, Panjim (Panaji), for many, hast the edge over many cities in the country.Replete with colonial architecture, the city is known for its vibrancy that attains its pinnacle in the annual Goa Carnival festival.
IMPORTANT NOTES
HOTELS ...
MEALS ...
TRAVEL BY ROAD ...
AIRFARES AND TRAVELLING BY AIR ...
BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE ...
First Class 40 Kgs.
Executive Class 35 Kgs.
Economy Class (Y,B,M & H) 20 Kgs.
Economy Class (K,Q,V,W,G,L,U,S,T,X, N & E) 15 Kgs.
Infants not entitled to a seat (All economy classes) Nil
INSURANCE ...
FESTIVALS ...
Local festivals may fall on the date of travel and it is possible that the visits to places of interest are modified by the local government or authorities for which we cannot be held responsible. The program would be amended accordingly so that none of the visits included are missed on an alternative provided.
ACTIVITIES ...
(Wildlife Safari/ Boat ride/ Desert & Rural Safari/ Bicycle & Rickshaw Ride/ Animal Rides)
Boats: To take part in any boat ride, you need to be of average mobility to be able to climb on and off all these boats unaided; able to disembark onto makeshift docks without handrails, or onto muddy and slippery riverbanks.
Canters: These are large, open trucks with wooden bench seats in the back and used for safaris on sharing basis in the national parks.
Elephant ride at Amber Fort (Jaipur): Elephant rides can either be taken to the fort or from the fort based on the directives received from the Rajasthan State Tourism Board and are booked on first come-first serve basis. As such for Elephant ride at Amber Fort, an early departure from the hotel is recommended. Also note Elephant ride to or from the Fort is subject to same being operational and may be stopped due to various reasons by Rajasthan State Tourism Board
Important: At all times, our Tour Managers, Local Guides, and Representatives will assist and brief guests about these activities but cannot guarantee the uninterrupted services during their stay in Indian Subcontinent. All guests must bear full responsibilities for such activities releasing Indior Tours, its associates, its directors, its agents of any claim. It would be in your interest to buy a suitable insurance to cover all risks associated with such travel.
SUGGESTED CLOTHING ...
POPULATION ...
In order not to encourage begging, we suggest that you should not distribute anything during your visits (candy, money, toys, pens etc.).Should you wish to made donations in cash or kind, please consult your guide who would provide you with the best advice.
We suggest that you spend your money to buy locally produced things made my local craftsmen and take them to the country of your origin and contribute to the local economy thus providing work to those in need.
PRICE AND OTHER CONDITION OF SALE ...
RECOMMENDED TIPS ...
(Indicative only because it is at the discretion of each / not to spare but only tickets ) :
CANCELLATION FEES ...