Southern Splendour Train Tour

Since Nov 2010, the Golden Chariot train is operating on an alternate South India temple tour circuit covering Mahabalipuram, Trichy, Tanjore, Madurai & Kanyakumari; besides former French colony of Pondicherry, unique Auroville Commune, Kerala Backwaters, Kovallam Beach & Port City of Cochin

Southern Splendour Train Tour Program

Day 01 : MON : Bangalore Depart :
Self Report by 4.30 pm at Hotel Taj West End ,Bangalore for check in formalities of Golden Chariot Train Tour,followed by Hi-Tea & brief presentation.
Proceed for culture program & arrive by 8.00 p.m. at Yashwantpura Railway station for traditional welcome & be escorted to your respective cabins.
Dinner on board.train & departs by 9.00 p.m. from Bangalore

Day 02 : TUE : Chennai & Mahapalipuram
Chennai & Mahabalipuram World Heritage Site Train arrives at Chennai Egmore railway station by 0530 a.m. early morning. After breakfast, board AC Buses by 930 a.m. for day excursion to Mahabalipuram town after drive along Marina Beach in Chennai The 9th century built Sea Shore temples & Stone Carvings at Mahabalipuram have withstood erosion over centuries & have been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
After leisurely lunch at beach resort in Mahabalipuram depart by AC Buses for Pondicherry Railway station where the Train is awaiting your arrival.

Day 02 : TUE Night : Pondicherry
Dinner on board & overnight train stabled at Pondicherry.

Day 03 : WED Morning : Auroville Commune
Morning excursion to nearby located Auroville commune , started in 1930's to bring harmony amongst all the religions orders & promotion of natural eco friendly produce.

Day 03 : WED Afternoon: Pondicherry-Former French colony
After lunch & brief rest on the train, experience charms of the former French Colony of Pondicherry on foot; visiting Sri Aurobindho Ashram, White Quarters & beach side. Time free for shopping followed by dinner in local restaurant. Return to the train at Pondicherry station by 10 p.m. & depart.

Day 04 : THURS : Trichy Temple & Tanjore World Heritage Site
Early morning 6 a.m. your train reaches Trichy Railway Station. After breakfast board AC Buses by 9 a.m. for full day excursion to Temples in Trichy & Thanjavur First visit the ancient Ghat temples in Trichy to view traditional South Indian Hindu rituals & later drive 1.5 hrs to Tanjore town; to experience the grandeur of 11th century stone built Brihadeshwara Temple, with an apex 216 feet high. Nearby is a huge granite stone carved statue of the sacred bull (Nandi). This temple complex is also a World Heritage Site.After lunch in a Tanjore Hotel visit Artefacts & Paintings gallery, before boarding train from Tanjore railway station at 5 p.m. & depart.The Thanjavur School of art is famous for it' colourful three dimensional paintings having touches of gold.

Day 05 : FRI : Madurai Temple Town
Morning visit one of the holiest sacred spot for Hindus-The Meenakshi temple,which was first constructed more than 2500 years ago, but present work was completed in early 17th century. The temple complex is spread over 45 acres & is a massive structure measuring 254 by 237 meter. The temple is surrounded by 12 towers, the tallest of which, the famous Southern tower, rises to over 170 ft . There are four different gates to enter the temple complex & it's 1000 pillared decorative hall is an architectural wonder Evening enjoy Sound & Light show in The Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal,former Palace of Madurai Royal.

Day 06 : SAT Morning : Kanyakumari Sunrise Point
Early morning 515 a.m. board AC Coaches from Nagercoil railway station for drive to Kanyakumari, to snatch Sunrise photo moment ;at the southernmost tip of Indian Peninsula; overlooking the three oceans of Bay of Bengal, Indian Ocean & the Arabian Sea.Return to Nagercoil Railway station by 730 a.m. to board the train & depart. Breakfast & Lunch onboard (time permitting visit early 17th century Padmanabha Palace Complex)

Day 06 : SAT Evening : Kovallam Beach
Train reaches Trivandrum Railway Station by 3 p.m. & Board AC Buses by 5 p.m. for 45 minutes drive to nearby located Kovallam Beach & time at leisure. Enjoy cultural program & dinner in 5 Star Beach Resort & return to Trivandrum Railway station by 10 p.m. to board the train Train stabled overnight at Trivandrum Railway station.

Day 07 : SUN Morning : Kerala Backwaters
Train departs at 5 a.m. from Trivandrum Railway Station & reaches Alleppey Railway station by 830 a.m. Drive by AC Buses to Alleppey Jetty Point to board Houseboats for cruise through narrow waterways & canals also often referred to as "Venice of the East" Enjoy local Kerala cuisine lunch on the houseboat & later return to Boat Jetty point to board AC Buses for 1.5 hrs drive to Kochi City.

Day 07 : SUN Afternoon : Cochin Fort Area
The ancient port town of Cochin in now a modern city with thriving commercial district of Ernakulum. Afternoon enjoy walk through 16th century Built Portuguese Fort town with churches, Jewish synagogue & Chinese fishing nets Board the train from Ernakulum Railway station by 630 p.m. & depart. Dinner on board.

Day 08: Mon Morning: BANGALORE Return
The southern splendour train returns to Yashwantpura railway station, Bangalore by 930 a.m. Check-out after breakfast. Tour ends on arrival.

Facilities
This luxury train offers option of twin/double/triple bedded luxuriously furnished deluxe sleeping chambers with private washrooms having toiletries of international standard..There is a Bar Saloon & Two Dining cars with onboard kitchen.The tourists can also avail services of Aryuvedic Spa saloon,Mini Gym & business centre with wi-fi facility.There are special discounted INR Rupees rates for Indian Nationals.

SCHEDULE: Southern Splendour 2014-15 Season

7 Nights Southern Splendour -Golden Chariot Train Tour Depart Ex. Bangalore
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 paid passengers.
• 10% Holiday surcharge extra for 29th Dec, 2014 departure.

Tariff: Southern Splendour 2014-15 Season
There is Dual Pricing Policy for the luxury trains operating in South India & Indian Nationals pay a lower INR Tariff In comparison to higher US$ tariff valid for Foreign Passport Holders

7 Nights Southern Splendour Golden Chariot Train Tour Ex Bangalore
Cabin Occupancy Type	For Foreign Nationals( US Dollars)	For Indian Nationals(INR Rupees)
Deluxe Cabin On Twin Sharing	US$ 8778 for 2 persons + Taxes Extra	Rs.2,77,200 for 2 persons +Taxes Extra
Deluxe Cabin On Single Occupancy	US$ 5817 for 1	Rs.1,84,800 for 1 person +Taxes Extra
Deluxe Cabin On Triple Sharing	US$ 11,445 for 3	Rs.3,46,500 for 3 persons +Taxes Extra

NOTE :
• Add 3.09% Govt. Service Tax Extra
• Add 10% holiday surcharge extra for 29 Dec 2014 depart.
• NRI’s & OIC Card Holders with valid PAN No. & Residential Proof are eligible for INR Tariff.
• Train Tour will operate subject to minimum 25 passengers OR advance refunded
• Option to book Bangalore/Kerala Backwaters 6 Nights part journey

CHILD POLICY :
• Children< 12 years charged 50% of adult rate & provided bed.
• Children< 5 years are complimentary without bed

Southern Splendour Train Tour Cost Includes :
Stay onboard the Train in Sleeping Chambers with private washrooms;Daily Three Meals;Excursion & sightseeing arrangements with English Speaking Guides;Bottled drinking water;"monument entrance fees".

EXTRA COSTS (Not Included in train tour) :
Video camera fees at monuments & wildlife reserves;Laundry;Hard & Soft drinks;Tour Insurance;Usage of Business Center & Spa facility;Gratuity,Tips & Porterage; & all other expenses of personal nature.

Terms & Conditions : Southern Splendour Tour on Golden Chariot

Booking Procedure :
• Advice Names/Nationality/Date of birth of all the passengers to process your request.
• Bookings will be confirmed on receipt of MINIMUM 25% Advance Deposit of total tour value.
• Balance payment with Passport Details must reach us 35 days before Tour Departure Date with photocopy of passport.
• Any booking request received < 35 days before tour departure date, we will be only confirmed on receipt of ONE TIME Full payment

Payment Options :
You can make payment Either by Credit Card Authorization(Visa/Mastercard) OR Bank Wire Transfer.

Cancellation Rules Southern Splendour Train Tour :
- Cancellation Request must be sent in writing.
- If cancellation request received > 35 days before Tour Date, minimum 20% of Total Tour Cost will charged as cancellation Fee.
- If cancellation request received between 18 to 34 days before Tour Date,MINIMUM 50% of Total Tour Cost will charged as cancellation Fee.
- If cancellation request received less than 18 days before Tour Date,Full 100% of Total Tour Cost will charged as cancellation Fee.
- Full advance will be refunded (without additional liability) if train tour cancelled, due to minimum passenger policy

IMPORTANT :
• Southern Splendour Tour on Golden Chariot Train is a joint venture between Ministry Of Railways & State Tourism Dept of Karnataka(KSTDC) & onboard services are managed by Maple Group of Hotels.
• Liability of Bhandari Travelz Pvt Ltd, New delhi is restricted to that of booking agent only & not that of Principal tour Operator
• Maximum Liability of train Company is defined under Indian Railways Act.
• Overseas Guests are advised to pre-purchase tour insurance from country of origin of travel
• Travel Booking is non endorsable & governed by cancellation rules
Request for postponement of journey date is governed by cancellation rules.
• In case a journey needs to be cancelled, due to lack of minimum tourists, a minimum 15 Days notice will be provided to Guests & full advance amount refunded
• Train manager Reserves the right to amend/curtail the day to day program at short notice
• Foreign Nationals are advised to contact the nearest Indian Consulate to complete the VISA Formalities
• Disputes (if any) are subject to jurisdiction of courts of New Delhi(India) only

Get a Query Quote

Name: E-mail: Phone: Country: No. of Persons: Date of Travel: Your Requirements: