The Golden Chariot Train Tour

This South India Version of Palace On Wheels, was launched in March 2008 & has been rated by The Vanity Fair, U.K. amongst the top seven train journeys in the world.

Built & operated on same concept of it's more famous North India counterpart ,The Golden Chariot Train is a joint collaboration between Indian Railways & State Govt. Of Karnataka & the onboard hospitality is managed by Maple Group of Hotels.
Since Nov 2010,The Golden Chariot is operating on two different train circuits, Ex. Bangalore viz.

7 Nights Pride Of South Golden Chariot from Bangalore to Goa
covering Tiger reserve of Kabini, ,Mysore Palace, Goa beaches; besidesUNESCO World Heritage Sites of Hampi, Pattadakal, Badami & Old Goa

Golden Chariot Train - Tour Program

Day 01 : MON : Bangalore Depart :
Self Report by 4.00 pm (1600 hrs) at Hotel Taj West End ,Bangalore for check in formalities of Golden Chariot Tour, followed by Hi-Tea & brief tour presentation.
At 530 p.m. board A/C buses & proceed to Chitrakala Parishad to enjoy cultural program & later be escorted to Yashwantpura Railway Station (Bangalore) to board
The Golden Chariot Train by 8 p.m.; after traditional welcome. The train departs from Bangalore by 9 p.m. Dinner on board.

Day 02 : TUE : Drive From Mysore / Kabini - Overnight Stay
Train arrives early morning at Mysore Station. After breakfast, pack overnight clothes & by 10 a.m. board A/C bus for 2.5 hrs long drive to Kabini Forest Reserve(Nagarhole), after brief visit to Mysore Palace. Drive 2.5 hrs from Mysore Station to Kabini Forest Reserve & check-into forest lodge. Check-into Jungle Lodge on arrival at Kabini, followed by lunch & brief rest. Late afternoon jeep excursion to Nagarhole Jungles, former hunting retreat of Mysore Royalty Forests of Kabini /Bandipur/Nagarhole are spread over 600 square kilometres & was declared protected reserve in 1973 under Project Tiger; and now called Rajiv Gandhi National park Mostly covered by teak, rosewood & dry deciduous forest; it is home to elephants, tigers, leopard, herds of deer, wild boars etc, besides numerous birds and reptiles
Return to the Jungle Lodge to share excitement of sighting of various wild animals over screening of wild life film, followed by dinner Night Stay in jungle lodge at Kabini

Day 03 : WED Morning : Mysore Palace & Srirangapatna Fort
Early morning boat ride in Kabini River, to view some of the 80 species of aquatic birds
After breakfast ,board AC Bus by 930 a.m. & drive back to Mysore Railway Station to board Golden Chariot Train for brief rest & lunch

Day 03 : WED Afternoon : Mysore
Afternoon excursion to 18th century built Srirangapatnam Fort, famous for battles between British Colonial forces & legendry Mysore Warrior King Tipu Sultan.
Time free for shopping & later enjoy cultural program followed by dinner at Lalita Mahal Palace Hotel Return to the train by 10 p.m. which is stabled overnight at Mysore Station

Day 04 : THUR Morning : Gomateswara Hill Monolith
Early morning 6 a.m. the train departs from Mysore Station to reach Hassan Railway Station by 8.15 a.m. After breakfast, board AC buses for drive to Shravanabelagola & climb 700 steps up a steep hill, to view the 57 feet high monolithic statue of Jain Monk, Lord Gomateswara, built in 10th century (OPTION to stay back in the train, if not interested for the steep hill climb) Return to the train at Hassan Railway station by 1 p.m. for lunch & brief rest

Day 04 : THURS Afternoon : Belur & Halebid
Afternoon excursion to architectural marvels of Belur & Halebid temple complex, with intricately carved statues, built under the royal patronage of Hosalya Dynasty in 12th century. Return to the train by 715 p.m. & depart. Dinner on board

Day 05 : FRI : HAMPI - UNESCO World Heritage Site
Train arrives at Hospet railway station by 8 a.m. In 14th century ;Hampi was capital city of mighty & rich Vijayanagara Empire, which ruled most of South India Peninsula & even had controlling interest in south east Asia The ruins of once impressive Palace Complex spread over 26 square km. boulder strewn landscape, still bear strong testament of same Morning visit Virupaksha temple, Queens Palace, Elephant stables, Royal Enclosure and Hazara Rama temple Return to train by 1 p.m. for lunch & brief rest Late afternoon 430 p.m. proceed for excursion to Vittala temple Complex with musical pillars & an iconic architectural masterpiece of Stone Chariot, after which your train is named. Return to train for Dinner by 8 p.m. 7 train stabled at Hospet station for the night

Day 06 : SAT : UNESCO World Heritage Site of Badami and Pattadakal
Train departs from Hospet at 5 a.m. to reach Badami railway station by 7.30 a.m. Morning visit cave sculptures at Badami, carved out of sand stone hills in 6th century ; most imposing being 18 armed Natraja striking 81 cosmic dance poses. Later, proceed for excursion to 8th century built Pattadakal Temple complex ,offering unique confluence of Dravidian and Indo-Aryan styles of temple architecture. Return to train by 1.30 p.m. & depart. Day at leisure. Lunch & Dinner on board.

Day 07 : Sun : GOA Churches & Golden Beaches
Train reaches Vasco de Gama railway station early morning . Board AC Buses by 10 a.m. to visit UNESCO World Heritage site of Old Goa , famous for 16th century built Portuguese churches Later visit Medieval Portuguese building & time free for shopping. Proceed for lunch at popular beach resort hotel Time at leisure to enjoy sea sports (at extra costs) or relax by swimming pool/beach Return to train by 530 p.m. & depart. Dinner on board

Day 08 : Mon : BANGALORE Return
The train arrives back at Yashwantpura Railway station, Bangalore by 11 a.m.
Check-out on arrival.
Tour ends

Note : Train Tour Manager reserves the right to amend the day to day tour logistics at short notice
Contact us for booking

Facilities
This luxury train offers option private A/C well furnished deluxe sleeping chambers having LCD TV and attached bathrooms. You have choice to book double/twin bedded cabins 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.


SCHEDULE: Golden Chariot Pride of South: 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 passengers.
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Tariff: Golden Chariot Pride of South 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 Golden Chariot Pride of South Train Tour(Dual Tariff)
Cabin Type	For Foreign National ( US Dollar)	For Indian National  (INR Rupees )
Deluxe Cabin On Twin Share	US$ 7630 for 2 persons +Taxes Extra	Rs 2,31,000 for 2 persons+Taxes Extra
Deluxe Cabin On Single Occupancy	US$ 5278 for 1 persons + Taxes Extra	Rs. 1,54,000 for 1 person+ Taxes Extra
Deluxe Cabin On Triple Sharing	US$ 9240 for 3 persons +Taxes Extra	Rs 2,77,200 for 3 persons +Taxes Extra

NOTE :
• Add 3.09% Govt Service Tax Extra
• Add 10% Holiday surcharge extra for 22 Dec 2014 depart Extra
• NRI’s & OIC Card Holders with valid PAN No. & Residential Indian Proof are eligible to pay as per INR Rupees Tariff
• Option to book for Bangalore/Goa 6 Nights part journey & pay accordingly
• Train Tour will operate subject to minimum 25 paid passengers Or Advance received will be refunded

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

Golden Chariot Train Tour Cost Includes :
on board stay in Sleeping Chambers with private washrooms (except Day 2 in Kabini forest Lodge) ;Daily Three Meals; Excursion & sightseeing arrangements with English Speaking Guides; Bottled drinking water monument entrance fees; Jungle Safari in Kabini; Cultural program in Mysore.

EXTRA COSTS (Not Included in train tour) :
Video camera fees at monuments & wildlife reserves ;Laundry; Alcoholic & Non Alcoholic Beverages; Tour Insurance ;Usage of Business Centre & Spa facility; Gratuity, Tips & Porter fee ; & all other expenses of personal nature.

Golden Chariot Train Terms & Conditions

Booking Procedure :
• We require Name/nationality/Date of birth of all the passengers to process bookings
• Bookings will be confirmed on receipt of MINIMUM 25% Advance Deposit.
• Full/ Balance payment must reach us at least 35 days before tour date, with Passport Details.
• Any booking request made < 35 days before train tour depart, will require full 100% payment to confirm the booking.

Payment Options :
You can make payment Either by Credit Card Authorization(Visa/MasterCard) OR Bank Wire Transfer.
Indian nationals can forward payment by Cheque /Draft/RTGS etc
Contact us for booking

Cancellation Rules :Golden Chariot Train
• Cancellation Request for Golden Chariot Train Tour 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 30 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
• request for amendments in name Or occupancy type/postponement of journey date is governed by cancellation rules
• Request for cancellation, due to changes in tour program OR increase in tariff OR taxes are governed by Cancellation rules
• No Show/Self Curtailment of Journey/Refusal to co-operate with fixed tour schedule is governed by Cancellation rules
• The Train manager reserves the right to amend the day to day program at short notice.
• Full refund will be made, in case the Train Tour Cannot be operated due to limited Occupancy & 15 days prior notice will be given
• Disputes(if any) are subject to Jurisdiction of Courts of New Delhi(India) only

IMPORTANT :
• The Golden Chariot Train is jointly owned by Indian Railways & State Tourism Dept. Of Karnataka & onboard/off board services are managed by Maple Group of Hotels
• Liability of Bhandari Travelz Pvt. Ltd is restricted to that of booking agent only & not of principal Train Tour operator company All overseas guests are advised to self contact nearest Indian Consulates, at least 3 weeks before boarding flight to India for completing VISA Formalities
• Golden Chariot Train tour will operate subject to minimum 25 paid passengers
• Liability of Train Tour Company is restricted to that defined under Indian Railways Act
• All foreign passport holders are advised to pre purchase Tour Insurance from country of origin of travel

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