The Golden Chariot | Luxury Train Travel South India

Pristine beaches, wildlife parks and astonishing architectural and World Heritage sites along with cultural immersions & insider experiences: The Golden Chariot luxury trains travel in India is about this and more.

At a Glance

Tour Duration	6 Nights / 7 Days
DESTINATIONS COVERED	Bengaluru – Bandipur - Mysore – Halebidu – Chikmagalur - Hampi - Badami – Goa
FARE STARTING FROM	-
SEASON	Oct to Apr
DISTANCE COVERED	1,888 kms approx

The Golden Chariot offers tastefully crafted luxury train tours in South India. An initiative of the Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC), the Golden Chariot travels to an array of World Heritage Sites, wildlife sanctuary, spectacular palaces and cultural sites in South Indian states of Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.

This Indian luxury train comes equipped with state of the art amenities such as air conditioning, Wi-Fi internet, live television and en-suite washrooms. The train also comes with 2 dining cars, a bar & a lounge and fitness center and spa.

With interior decor inspired from the Hoyasala and Mysore tradition of architecture, this luxury train transports the guest into a bygone era of elegant train traveling.

Relax in privacy of your cabin even as the breakfast is served to you every morning. Wake up at a different destination each day, watch the landscape spool by through the panoramic window as you embark on one of the most unforgettable chug across destinations in South India

With all inclusive itineraries which include an array of unique experiences, embark on a voyage through the sand of times as you travel in style aboard this luxury train in South India.

About the Train

Cabins

There are 19 coaches which comprises the Golden Chariot including 11 guest coaches. Each coach is named after an erstwhile ruling dynasty of a bygone era and characterized by motifs reminiscent of that particular time and era. Traditional décor combines flawlessly with the modern amenities to offer the best of elegance and pampering to the guests in their warm and suave interiors. Intricate carvings, sylvan décor, and furniture inspired by Mysore and Hoysala architecture are suffused in history narrating eternal tales.

Each cabin is equipped with modern amenities such as air conditioning, LCD television with satellite channels, wardrobes, vanity/writing desk and attached bathroom with accessories and toiletries. The coaches are set with features such as:

Centrally air conditioning
Interiors depicting essence of Karnataka
LCD television with satellite connection
Writing Desk
Private Bath
Padded beds
1 cabin for the disabled guests aboard the train

Ruchi

Meaning fine taste in India, Ruchi serves to its guests a comfortable atmosphere to relish Indian culinary delights besides a host of international cuisines as well.

Recreational

Other than sightseeing in some of the premium destinations of India, you can also recreate luxury, comfort and adventure in the recreational coach of the train! This luxury cabin is set with:

Gym facilities
An Ayurveda spa center with 2 massage rooms
Lounge area for relaxation

Dining

There are two elegantly appointed restaurants Nala and Ruchi with décor inspired by Halebid and Hampi style of architecture. These restaurants serve gourmet cuisines to the guests in their aesthetically designed interiors. Timeless beauty and serene ambience add to the romance of an elegant dining experience on board the Golden Chariot train. Both vegetarian and non vegetarian foods are served for the platter of the guests. Besides table d'hôte meals included in the fare, guests can also order a la carte menu as per their liking and appetite.

A well stocked bar with collection of home labels as well as international label is also available on the Golden Chariot. There is a seamless harmony of the charm of bygone era and the contemporary sophistication in the decor of the bar. The bar serves an eclectic collection of wine and spirits along with the hors d'oeuvres. Get high on spirits as local performers add to the nonchalance and romance of a languid evening.

Nala

Named after the legendary chef, Nala, this in house restaurant is best visited by guests for its classic ambience and range of lip smacking delicacies.

Madira

Madira is the lounge bar housed within the Golden Chariot that guests visit in order to unwind and relax after a tiring day of sightseeing and travel. The wide collection of exotic drinks will surely help lift your spirits. The interiors of the bar wonderfully reflect the designing of the Mysore Palace.

Detail Itinerary

Spanning 7 days/6 nights, this enchanting journey beginning in Bangalore takes you across tigers abode Bandipur, imperial Mysore, architectural wonderland of Halebid, Chikkamagaluru, Hampi, Badami and Pattadakal and tiny emerald Goa, a sun and sand paradise.

The proud cultural heritage and topographical diversity of the state of Karnataka along with the Sunkissed beaches of the tiny emerald of Goa are what is at display during the 6 nights and 7 days itinerary of the Golden Chariot.

Beginning from the Garden City Bangalore, this luxury train crisscrosses fascinating terrains traveling through lush landscapes near Bandipur and from there on the train travels to a series of heritage and architectural sites that includes the royal Mysore, heritage Halebid, Hampi, and Badami and then on to the creamy beaches of Goa.

Throughout the journey, the state of the art amenities, impeccable hospitality and cozy interiors keep you pampered on board as you travel hassle-free from one fascinating destination to others.

The mesmerizing destinations of Karnataka and the pristine beaches of Goa wait to inspire your senses aboard the Golden Chariot train. This complete sojourn across medieval and contemporary destinations and attractions will enable you to catch a glimpse of the Indian essence.

Detailed itinerary has been given below for your kind perusal:

Day 1 - Bangalore – Bandipur

On your arrival in the city of Bangalore, you have to arrive at 0845 hours at Yeshwanthpur Railway Station. 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 Bandipur.

High tea will be organized for all guests aboard the Golden Chariot and after the tour briefing, onboard the guests will proceed for the scrumptious lunch. At 1400 hours you will reach at Nanjangud town and de-board the train. You will head towards Bandipur National Park from here which is located at a distance of 50 km. Enjoy the evening safari at the national park from 1630 hours to 1830 hours and then return to the train which will proceed towards Mysore. Train stationed at Mysore station for overnight.

Dinner and overnight stay aboard the train.

Day 2 - Mysore

Relish your breakfast served aboard the Golden Chariot. Later, de-board at Mysore 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 returned to the train for lunch.

Then you can visit the Srirangapatnam (optional). 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 Mysore, the city is famous for silk Sarees, sandalwood, incense, coffee powder, and brass artifacts.

Dinner and overnight stay onboard.

Day 3 - Halebid and Chikkamagaluru

Begin the day with a leisurely breakfast. Arrive at the Banavar Railway station where you de-board the Golden Chariot at 0800 hours and proceed for a sightseeing tour of Halebidu. This city is blessed with magnificent temple complexes of the 10th century Hoysala architecture. Explore and appreciate the intricate workmanship of the sculptures, frescoes, and ornate pillars.

Return to the train by 1100 hours and then proceed to the Chikkamagaluru. Savor a sumptuous lunch and de-board the train upon your arrival at Chikkamagaluru station at 1500 hours. Proceed for the Coffee Plantation tour. Enjoy the time here and devour the dinner.

Return to the train for an overnight stay as the train travels towards Hampi.

Day 4 - Hampi

On the 4th day of the sojourn, guests aboard the Golden Chariot itinerary will head towards Hampi. Enjoy the lavish spread of breakfast as the train chugs towards your destination. Hampi, the UNESCO World Heritage site 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. Enjoy the evening onboard.

Savor the delectable dinner on Golden Chariot and overnight stay.

Day 5 - Badami

Breakfast will be served on board. Upon your arrival at Badami, leave the train and proceed towards the popular tourist attractions housed here. Visit the Badami Caves (optional) and return to the train for lunch. At 1415 hours de-board the train to visit Pattadakal and Aihole, and return to the Golden Chariot after the sightseeing tour.

Dinner will be served on board. Rest in your cabins for the night.

Day 6 - Goa

On the 6th day of the Golden Chariot trip, arrive at Goa. Magical beaches are a specialty 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 heritage sites, the elegant churches in Goa. Visit the famous churches of Old Goa and museums. Walkthrough the Old Portuguese house now an emporium for shopping and refreshments.

Lunch will be served onboard followed by Bollywood evening and dinner at the hotel. Return to the Golden Chariot by 2145 hours. The train will proceed to Yeshwanthpur.

Overnight stay on-board.

Day 7 - Bangalore (Return)

Relish on the lip-smacking breakfast served aboard the train before the Golden Chariot sojourn comes to an end. The luxury train will land you back in the Yeshwanthpur Railway Station, Bangalore by 11:00 hours on the 7th day of the trip! The journey with the Golden Chariot thus completes a full circle.

Schedule

Golden Chariot Train Schedule For Season 2019 - 20

Month	Departure Dates
March, 2020	22
March, 2020	29
April, 2020	12

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Tariff

Golden Chariot Tariff For Season 2019 - 20

(For Indian Nationals Only)

Occupancy Type	Price (Per Person Per Night)	Total Amount (6 Nights)
Single Occupancy	INR 87247	INR 523480
Double Occupancy	INR 49855	INR 299130

( For International Travellers)

Occupancy Type	Price (Per Person Per Night)	Total Amount (6 Nights)
Single Occupancy	USD 1225	USD 7350
Double Occupancy	USD 700	USD 4200

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