Golden Chariot Train-Pride Of South Journey

About Golden Chariot Train

The South India version of Palace On Wheels is called Golden Chariot Train.

The Golden Chariot train tour operates from Bangalore/Bangalore on 2 different tour circuits

  • 7 Nights Pride of South Journey covering Mysore, Hampi, Goa etc
  • 7 Nights Southern Splendour Journey covering Mahabalipuram,Pondicherry & Kerala backwaters etc.

A joint collaboration of Indian Railways & Tourism Department of Karnataka ,the onboard & offboard services Have been outsourced to a private company-Maple Group of Hotels.

The train operates from October to March & there is no service from April till September .

"The Golden Chariot Train has gone for Major Renovation work & expected to restart operations from Feb 2020"

Facilities

The Golden Chariot Train was launched to showcase the rich cultural heritage of Karnataka & it's very name is derived from the famous Stone chariot at Hampi temples. The theme & interiors of the train are inspired by the rich craftsmanship of 14th century built Hosalya Temples & the onboard staff is attired in traditional dress. There are 9 Passenger saloons with 4 Deluxe cabins each, having option to book Twin beds & queen size beds. Some of the twin-bedded Cabins have option of third bunker bed. There is a small pantry in each Passenger saloon, Which is serviced round the clock by a Saloon attendant. All the cabins are air-conditioned with facility of LCD TV & intercom & having attached Private bathrooms with running hot & cold water. The bathrooms are equipped with toiletries of international standard. The Saloon are named after Famous Royal Dynasties of South India. There are two dining cars with onboard kitchen serving international cuisine. Passengers can relax in Madera Bar Lounge Or enjoy facilities of the mini gym & aryuvedic spa after the daily sightseeing tours. All off board excursions are organized in Air conditioned Buses with services of English speaking Guide.

"The Golden Chariot Train has gone for Major Renovation work & expected to restart operations from Feb 2020"

Pride Of South - 7 Nights 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 : THURS 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 7 : 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 8 : 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.

"The Golden Chariot Train has gone for Major Renovation work & expected to restart operations from Feb 2020"

SCHEDULE 2016-17 Season

7 Nights Golden Chariot Train Pride Of South Depart Dates Ex Bangalore
Month Departure Dates
Oct 2016 10
Nov 2016 07
Dec 2016 05
Jan 2017 16
Feb 2017 13
March 2017 13
Note :
  • Train Tour will operate subject to MINIMUM Twenty Passengers OR Advance Received will be refunded(with no further liability)

"The Golden Chariot Train has gone for Major Renovation work & expected to restart operations from Feb 2020"

Tariff : 2016-17 Season

7 Nights Pride of South Journey of Golden Chariot Train Cost-PER CABIN(Taxes Extra)
Occupancy Type No of Persons Per Cabin US$ Tariff For Foreign Passport Holders INR Tariff Only for Indian National
Single One US$ 5530 Rs 1,82,,000/-
Double Two US$ 8260 Rs 3,08,000/-
Triple Three US$ 10,500 Rs 3,36,,000/-
Note:
  • Add Govt. Taxes Extra ,as applicable on date of journey
  • On Day 2(Tuesday Nights) guests stay in Forest Lodge at Kabini
  • Children < 12 years charged 50% of adult rate ,sharing cabin with Adult
  • Children below 5 years are complimentary,WITHOUT BED
  • Option to book for MINIMUM Three nights part journey & pay accordingly

"The Golden Chariot Train has gone for Major Renovation work & expected to restart operations from Feb 2020"

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