Golden Chariot Train

The land once ridden by formidable armies is now governed by be world's most unique railway - the Golden Chorion beckons you go 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

Bangalore - A World of Royalty
The capital of Karnataka is known as the Garden City because of its salubrious climate and greenery. Perched 3250 feet above sea level, temperatures seldom exceed 30°C (88°F). 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.

The Palace on Wheels is high on demand, hence, tourists are advised to make their bookings well in advance. The best season for a journey on the Palace on Wheels is between the months of September to April. The train usually travels in the night and allows the passengers to complete their sightseeing during the day time.


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 was the capital of the princely state with palaces and princely buildings till Independence. Mysore also has a rich cultural heritage and celebrates festivals with pomp and grandeur like the world famous dussehra.

A visit to the Island fortress of Tipu sultan of Srirangapatna lets you relive the pages of history of courage of this great warrior who stood up bravely to the might of the British Empire.


Kabini - A World of Wildlife
Rajiv Gandhl 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.


Belur & Halebld - A World of Worship
Belur in Hassan district 220 kms from Bangalore and 38 kms from Hassan is famous for its magnificent Hoysola 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 sill 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, bards and friezes depleting the life of the Hoysala Kings.

Shravanabelagola is a pilgrim centre for the Jains with the world's tallest monolithic standing statue of the Lord Bahubali.


Hampi - A World Heritage Site
One of the greatest civilizations of its time, Hampi was not only the capital of the powerful Vijaynagar Empire but also rich in agricultural yield and trade. Founded by Hakka and Bukka in 1336AD, it fell to the Sultans who invaded in 1 565 AD. Hampi has rightfully earned its distinction as a World Herltage Site.

A viskt to Anegundi village by traversing the gushing Tunga Badra river on a coracle is an experience that provides the guests with a glimpse into the traditional country Iife in Karnataka.


Badami - A World Heritage Site
Badami, Pattadakal and Aihole ensemble depict rich South Indian temple architecture and rock-cut cave temples. Badami showcases four ancient rock-cut cave temples, the largest of them dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

Pattadakal is a World Herltage Site, which stands testimony to the richness of Chalukya kings.

Aihole is widely acknowledged as the cradle of South Indian temple architecture. There are hundreds of temples strewn in the villages nearby.


Goa - A World of Gold Beaches
Goa, once a colony of the Portuguese, is a melting pot of Portuguese culture, art and architecture building structures is starkly evident. Known for its popular beaches, Goa also offers magnificent churches and temples.

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Tour Details
The Golden Chariot Train Tour starts on every Monday of the week from Bangalore and ends in Bangalore on every Monday morning respectively. It is also possible to commence the journey in Goa where the Golden Chariot arrives every Sunday morning. In the evening, it departs to Bangalore. Below is provided the details of Bangalore to Bangalore tour.

Day 1 : Bangalore
1230 - Arrival at The Leela Palace Hotel
1300 - Check in at The Leela Palace Hotel for The Golden Chariot
1330 - Lunch at The Leela Palace Hotel
1500 - Departure from The Leela Palace Hotel
1500-1630 - Visit Tipu's Palace
1630-1730 - Cleanse your spirit at Bull Temple
1730-1840 - Get a glimpse of nature at Lal Bagh
1845-2000 - Drive to Yeshwanthpur Station
2000-2030 - Welcome on board The Golden Chariot
2100 - Departure to Mysore / Dinner on Board

Day 2 : Kabini
0930-1130 - Experience your drive to the Jungle Resorts
1130- 1200 - High Tea Service
1200-1330 - Take a peaceful walk with nature and relax over a Boat Safari
1330- 1500 - Relax at the Kabini Resort with lunch
1500-1600 - Watch a Wildlife Movie
1830-2030 - Experience the exciting Jeep Safari
1930 - Dinner at Kabini Resort
( Over night stay & Breakfast at Kabini Resort )
0830 - Depature to Mysore

Day 2 : Alternate Tour (Mysore)
0930-1130 - Visit to Ranghanathittu Bird Sanctuary
1130-1330 - Visit to Zoological Gardens
1330-1500 - Lunch on board
1700-2000 - Visit to Brindavan Gardens

Day 3 : Mysore
Tour 1 - Srirangapatna
1100 - Departure to Srirangapatna
1130- 1230 - Feast your eyes on the Daria Daulat Fort
1515-1545- Lunch at Hotel Regaalis, Mysore
Tour 2 - Mysore Palace
1500-1600 - Visit the Palace and ride on Elephants
Tour 3 - Chamundi Hills
1600-1730 - Pay a visit to the Nandi Bull
1300-1500 - Experience the Rangayana Cultural Show
Drive back to The Golden Chariot / Dinner on Board

Day 4 : Hassan
0600-0840 - Relax on your journey to Hassan
Tour 1 - Belur & Halebid
0900-0930 - Drive into Halebid
0930-1030 - Experience Halebid on a tour
1930-2130 - Drive into Belur
1100- 1230 - Experience Belur on a tour
1300-1500 - Lunch on board
Tour 2 - Shravanabelagola
1800-1915 - Experience your drive to Shravanabelagola
1630-1730 - Climb the Magnificent Indragiri Hill & Experience peace at the Lord Bahubali Statue
1730-1800 - Tea Service
1800-1900 - Drive back to The Golden Chariot
1940 - Departure to Hospet / Dinner on board

Day 5 : Hospet
Tour 1 - Hampi Sacred Centre
0830-1130 - Drive and experience the Sacred Centre
1530-1620 - Relax with lunch on The Golden Chariot
Tour 2 - Royal Centre and Vittala Temple Complex
1500 - 1900 - Shop and a Tour of the Craft Bazaar


Day 6 : Gadag
0600-0800 - Journey to Gadag on The Golden Chariot
0830-1030 - Drive to Hotel Badami Court, Badami
Tour 1 - Aihole and Pattadakal
1030-1300 - Observe and experience on a tour
1300-1501 - Relax with lunch and crafts at Hotel Badami Court
Tour 2 - Badami Caves
1600-1800 - Feast your eyes on the magnificent Caves of Badami
1800-2000 - Drive back to Gadag
2000 - Departure to Vasco

Day 7 : Goa
0930-1030 - Drive to Candolim Beach
1030-1130 - Enjoy the beach
1130-1145 - Drive to Taj Holiday Village
1200-1500 - Lunch at Taj Holiday Village
1500-1600 - Drive to Old Goa
1600-1630 - Visit Solar De Colasco an Old Portuguese House
1630-1900 - Experience the beautiful Churches on a tour of Old Goa
2100 - Final Journey to Bangalore / Dinner on board

Day 8 : Bangalore
1100 - Arrival at Yeshwanthpur station

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Facilities Offered
Cabin coaches

• Fully air-conditioned vestibules cabins
• 26 twin beds, 17 double bed cabins and 1 cabin for the physically challenged guests.
• Every cabin includes LCD TVs with DVD with 6 satellite channel, wardrobe, vanity / writing desk and private bathroom with luxurious amenities and accessories.
• Restaurant Coaches interiors inspired by the timeless aesthetics of Hampi and Halebid with a combination of 4 and 2-seater cover tables.
• Lounge Bar Coach has elegant bar & plush interiors replacing the Mysore Palace aura of royalty and charm.
• Conference Coach with a seating capacity of 25-30 guests with 42" LCD television
• Gym Coach has a fully equipped gymnasium, two massage rooms for rejuvenating experience including Ayurveda massages and high speed internet area.

Tarrif :
April 2008 to August 2008 :

Occupancy Type	(Per person per night) (Rs)	Total for 7 nights (per person) (Rs)
Single occupancy	15,800	1,10,600
Double occupancy	11,800	82,600
Triple occupancy	9,600	67,200

Promotional Offer in the following weeks :

• April 28th to 5th May, 2008
• May 26th to 2nd June, 2008
• June 30th to 7th July, 2008
• July 28th to 4th August, 2008
• August 25th to 1st September, 2008

Occupancy Type	(Per person per night) (Rs)	Total for 7 nights (per person) (Rs)
Single occupancy	13,400	93,800
Double occupancy	10,000	70,000
Triple occupancy	8,200	57,400

1st September 2008 to March 2009 :

Occupancy Type	(Per person per night) (Rs)	Total for 7 nights (per person) (Rs)
Single occupancy	19,400	1,35,800
Double occupancy	14,000	98,000
Triple occupancy	11,400	79,800

(Half fare for children between 5 and 12 years)
10% Surcharge shall be levied on departures during Christmas / New Year. Service Tax @ 3.09% 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
Room service, drinks, tips, laundry, telephone calls, video camera fees, SPA Car, Business Car Facilities, liquor and other items of personal nature.

Reservation & Cancellation policy
Advance
20% of ticket value at the time of confirming the booking.
Remaining 80% of ticket value 30 days prior to departure.

Cancellation

• 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.

The launch
10th March 2008 would see The Golden Chariot trundle out towards the pictures- que Karnataka country side. With the movement of its wheels. history would be created. There are limited seats so make your bookings now.