Golden Chariot Pride of the South - A luxury train tour across South India

Tour Duration	7 Nights / 8 Days
DESTINATIONS COVERED	Bangalore – Mysore – Kabini – Mysore – Hassan – Shravanabelagola – Hospet – Hampi – Badami – Goa
FARE STARTING FROM	-
MONTHS OF OPERATION	October to April
DISTANCE COVERED	1,131 kms approx

Tour Duration

7 Nights / 8 Days

DESTINATIONS
COVERED

Bangalore – Mysore – Kabini – Mysore – Hassan – Shravanabelagola – Hospet – Hampi – Badami – Goa

FARE STARTING FROM

MONTHS OF OPERATION

October to April

DISTANCE COVERED

1,131 kms approx

Detail Itinerary

The mesmerizing destinations of Karnataka and the pristine beaches of Goa wait to inspire your senses aboard the Pride of the South tour itinerary. This complete sojourn across medieval and contemporary destinations and attractions will enable you to catch a glimpse of the Indian essence. Details of the itinerary have been given below for your perusal.

Detailed itinerary has been given below for your kind perusal:

Day 1 - Bangalore

On your arrival in the city of Bangalore, you can check in at the hotel Taj West End. A high tea will be organized for all guests aboard the Pride of the South itinerary. Guests will later be taken to enjoy an exclusive cultural show. You also have the opportunity to visit ISKCON Temple, (The International Society of Krishna Consciousness). You will be required to report at the Yeshwanthpur Railway Station by 20:00 hours where the Pride of the South tour itinerary waits to begin.

After a traditional welcome by the staff of the train, you will be ushered to your royal cabins and the train will soon move out of Bangalore towards Mysuru.

Dinner and overnight stay aboard the train.

Day 2 - Mysore/Kabini

Relish your breakfast served aboard the Golden Chariot. Later, de-board at Mysuru Railway Station. You will be taken to visit the famous Amba Vilas Mysore Palace, the home of the royal Wodeyar Dynasty. After a quick visit, you will be transferred to Kabini in coach.

Kabini, the former hunting retreat of the Mysore Maharajas is now known as Rajiv Gandhi National Park. Check-in to the Kabini jungle lodges resort, where you can have lunch and take rest. Late afternoon is scheduled for jungle safari, where you can spot wild animals in their natural habitat. The resort features a screening of a wildlife film in the evening.

Dinner is followed by camp fire. Overnight stay in the jungle resort.

Day 3 - Kabini/Mysore

Begin the day with a leisurely boat ride for bird safari on Kabini River. Return to the jungle lodge for breakfast, after which you drive back to Mysore. Arrive to the station where you board the Golden Chariot and proceed for a delicious lunch.

Later, you will be taken on a short coach trip to Srirangapatnam, the capital of South India's very own tiger, Tipu Sultan. Explore Dariya Daulat, Tipu mausoleum and drive through the fort while sightseeing. Later proceed for shopping in Mysuru, the city is famous for silk sarees, sandalwood, incense, coffee powder and brass artefacts. Savor a sumptuous dinner and a cultural performance at one of the 5-star hotels.

Return to the train for overnight stay as the train travels towards Hospet.

Day 4 - Hassan

On the 4th day of the sojourn, guests aboard the Pride of the South itinerary will head towards Hassan. Enjoy the lavish spread of breakfast as the train chugs towards your destination. On arrival in Hassan head for Shravanabelagola. The popular site of Jian Pilgrimage, the town is nestled at a great height and one need to climb close to 700 steps to witness the architectural marvel. Only those who can undertake this are advised to do so. Guests unwilling to climb can stay back on board The Golden Chariot to and rejuvenate in the spa, gym or restaurants.

Lunch is organized on board. Later, depart for Belur and Halebidu. Both these cities are blessed with magnificent temple complexes of the 10th century Hoysala architecture. Explore and appreciate the intricate workmanship of the sculptures, frescoes and ornate pillars.

Back on board The Golden Chariot for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 5 - Hospet/Hampi

On the 5th day of the journey, the Golden Chariot arrives to Hospet. Enjoy the breakfast platter on board after which you depart for sightseeing. Hampi, the UNESCO World Heritage site is just 13km from Hospet. It displays the splendors of the erstwhile capital of the Vijayanagara Empire. Check out the wonderful Hemakuta Hill, Virupaksha temple, Queens Bath, Elephant stables, Royal enclosure, and Hazara Rama Temple.

Take a break for lunch and return to the Golden Chariot. Later, return for a visit to the Vijaya Vittala temple complex and marvel at the exquisite stone chariot. Sit out by the banks of the Tungabhadra River to enjoy a sunset.

Return to Hospet railway station to get back to The Golden Chariot. Dinner and overnight stay on board.

Day 6 - Badami

Today in the early morning by 05:00 hours, the train will chug its way out of Hospet towards Badami. Breakfast will be served onboard. By 09:00 hours you will arrive to Badami. Leave the train and proceed towards the popular tourist attractions housed here. The highlights of the day include the Badami Caves and Pattadakal, and return to the Golden Chariot by 13:00 hours. Post-lunch leave for Goa.

The rest of day is at your leisure. Relax in your luxury and enjoy the facilities on board, spa, gym, movies, lounge, etc. Dinner will be served onboard. Rest in your cabins for the night.

Day 7 - Goa

On the 7th day of the Pride of the South trip, arrive to Goa. Magical beaches are a speciality of the smallest state of India but there is also so much more. Post breakfast, leave for sightseeing.

Sightseeing in Goa must include its UNESCO World heritages sites, the elegant churches in Goa. Visit the famous churches of old Goa. Walk through the Old Portuguese house now an emporium for shopping and refreshments.

Lunch at the luxury resort in Goa followed by beach stroll and Hi-Tea. Return to the Golden Chariot. Dinner and overnight stay on-board.

Day 8 - Bangalore (Return)

Relish on the lip smacking breakfast served aboard the train before the Pride of the South sojourn comes to an end. The luxury train will land you back in the Yeshwanthpur Railway Station, Bangalore by 11:00 hours on the 8th day of the trip! The journey with the Golden Chariot thus completes a full circle.

Tariff

Pride of the South Tariff For Season 2019 - 20

Given below are the inclusions, exclusions and other details of the Golden Chariot - Pride of the South.

Half fare for children between 5 and 12 years.
Christmas and New Year being the peak holiday season calls for a 10% surcharge levied on all departures.
As per the Government of India norms, Service Tax @ 5% GST is levied on the prevalent tariff.

Inclusion

The tariff of this luxury train includes accommodation on board, the meals, the sightseeing trips, and the entrance fees (while entering monuments, parks, palaces and other sightseeing locations).

Exclusions

The fare of the Golden Chariot does not comprise of tips, phone calls, and camera fees in the sightseeing locations, SPA car and Business car facilities, liquor as well as laundry.

No show/ En route termination of tour/amendment:

No Show -

In case of No Show / Non-arrival of the guest, no refund or adjustment in future travel will be possible. The whole amount shall be treated as forfeited.

En route termination of tour -

In case of termination of tour by the guest, for any reasons, no refund or adjustment for future travel will be possible. The amount for unused portion of the tour shall be treated as forfeited.

Amendment -

Is only possible under the circumstances like Natural Disaster / Natural Calamity or Serious Health Problem's (this needs to be supported by doctor's certificate) and is subject to availability. No refunds are possible and every case be decided on merits on a case to case basis.

The booking policies:

The reservation policies of the Pride of the South tariff (FIT) are as follows:

Payment of 20% of ticket value at the time of confirming the booking is mandatory.
Remaining 80% of ticket value can be paid 60 days prior to departure.

The reservation policies of the Pride of the South tariff (for Groups) are as follows:

Payment of 50% of ticket value at the time of confirming the booking is mandatory.
Remaining 50% of ticket value can be paid 45 days prior to departure.

Cancellation Policy

Cancelation policies as mentioned in the tariff (FIT) are as:

When booking is cancelled 60 days prior to departure - 5% of ticket value will be deducted
When booking is cancelled 30-59 days prior to departure - 20% of ticket value will be deducted
When booking is cancelled 15-29 days prior to departure - 50% of ticket value will be deducted
When booking is cancelled less than 14 days prior to departure - 100% of ticket value will be deducted.

Cancelation policies as mentioned in the tariff (for Groups) are as:

When booking is cancelled 60 days prior to departure - 10% of ticket value will be deducted
When booking is cancelled 30-59 days prior to departure - 25% of ticket value will be deducted
When booking is cancelled 15-29 days prior to departure - 75% of ticket value will be deducted
When booking is cancelled less than 14 days prior to departure - 100% of ticket value will be deducted

Pride of the South

At a Glance