Are you interested in experiencing a trip in 'Pride of the South' - luxury tourist train of South India? Find here the details / itinerary of the trip.
Golden Chariot is the only luxury train in South India operated jointly by the Ministry of Railways and Karnataka State Tourism. The train operates in 2 different circuits in South India. These are the 'Pride of South' and the 'Southern Splendor'. The tours depart from Bengaluru (Yashwantpur) Railway Station (RS) on scheduled dates/time.
Photo Credit: www.goldenchariot.org
Experience / explore the South Indian art and architecture through these trips, enjoy the warmth of the sunny beaches in the South and the wildlife destinations in the South.
Details of the trip / itinerary
The 7 nights / 8 days tour covers the destinations of Bangalore, Mysore, Kabini, Hassan, Hospet, Hampi, Badami and Goa. The tour commences on Monday from Bangalore and ends in Bangalore.
Day 1 - Bangalore to Kabini
At around 3 p.m check-in at Taj West End in Bangalore (Registration and related cost is excluded).
After check-in relax / stroll in Taj hotel gardens till 5 p.m.
Tea is served at 5 p.m.
The representatives of Golden Chariot will give a briefing of the tour at 5.30 p.m.
Cultural dance presentation at 6 p.m.
Visit to ISKCON temple at 6.45 p.m.
Warm welcome at Yeshwantpur RS at 8.15 p.m.
Train departs at 9 p.m to Mysore.
Day 2 - Mysore and Kabini
Train reaches Mysore in the morning.
Breakfast is served at 8 a.m.
Visit to Amba Vilas Mysore Palace (popularly known as Mysore Maharja Palace) at 10 a.m.
Proceed to Kabini Jungle Resort in the coach at 11.15 a.m.
Lunch is served at 1.15 p.m in the Jungle Resort.
Jungle Safari at 3.45 p.m.
A wildlife movie is screened at 7.40 p.m.
Dinner at 8 p.m followed by camp fire and over night stay at the jungle resort.
Day 3 - Kabini / Mysore
Boat ride at 6.30 a.m in Kabini River.
Breakfast at 8 a.m in the resort.
The coach departs to Mysore at 9.30 a.m.
Board the Golden Chariot at 11.30 a.m.
Lunch is served at 1 p.m.
Sight seeing of Srirangapatnam at 3.30 p.m - visit to Tipu Sultan museum, Dariya Daulat and Fort.
Shopping in CIE at 6 p.m.
Cultural dance and dinner at 7 p.m at 5 star Palace Hotel.
Board Golden Chariot at 10 p.m
Day 4 - Mysore to Hassan
Train departs from Mysore to Hassan at 5 a.m.
Breakfast at 7.30 a.m.
Visit to Sravanabelagola at 9 a.m. There are 700 steps to climb. Tourists who are unwilling to visit can stay at Golden Chariot and rejuvenate in the spa, gym or restaurants.
Return to Golden Chariot at 1 p.m for lunch.
Visit to the temple complex in Belur and Halebidu at 2.45 p.m.
Return to the Golden Chariot at 7.15 p.m.
Dinner served at 8 p.m.
Train departs for Hospet at 8.40 p.m.
Day 5 - Hospet and Hampi
Image Courtesy: www.goldenchariot.org
Train reaches Hospet at 6 a.m.
Breakfast at 7 p.m.
Sighting in Hampi at 8.30 a.m. Visit Hemakuta hill, Virupaksha temple, Queens bath, Elephant stables, Royal enclosure, Hazara Rama temple.
Return to Golden Chariot at 1 p.m. followed by lunch.
Visit to Vijaya Vithala temple and stone chariot at Hampi.
Tourist are served lunch on board and then visit Vijaya Vithala temple complex and the marvel stone chariot.
At 5 p.m watch the sunset at Tungabhadra river.
Leave for Hospet RS at 6 p.m.
Dinner on board at 8 p.m.
Day 6 - Hospet to Badami
Image Courtesy: www.goldenchariot.org
At 4 a.m train departs for Badami.
Breakfast on board at 7.30 a.m.
Train arrives at Badami at 8.30 a.m.
At 8.40 a.m sight seeing of Pattadakal and Badami caves.
Back to Golden Chariot by 1.20 p.m, lunch is served on board at 1.30 p.m. and train departs for Goa.
Dinner on board at 8 p.m.
Train reaches Goa by 1 a.m.
Breakfast on board at 8 a.m.
Sightseeing at 10 a.m.
Visit to famous churches at 11 a.m.
At 12.15 p.m visit to Portuguese Mansion converted to an emporium.
Lunch at 2 p.m in a luxury resort followed by afternoon tea and visit to the best beaches of Goa.
At 5.30 p.m leave the resort and back to Golden Chariot by 6.30 p.m. Train departs to Bangalore.
On board dinner at 8 p.m.
Day 8 - Bangalore
Breakfast on board at 8 a.m.
Train reaches Yeshwantpur RS by 11.30 a.m and the tour ends.
On board facilities
44 guest cabins that include 26 twin bed cabins 17 double bed cabins and 1 disabled friendly cabin. Amenities in the cabin include AC, LCD TV, wardrobes, writing desk, DVD player and attached washroom.
Two multi-cuisine restaurants - Nala and Ruchi.
Lounge Bar named Madira.
Conference car where business meetings can be executed.
A recreational coach housed with Nirvana spa and gym.
Other facilities include indoor games, wifi along with laptops, medical aid, wheelchair assistance, attendant called khidmatgar and Newspapers / magazines
Image Courtesy: www.goldenchariot.org
Tariffs
For Indian nationals:
Single occupancy - Rs.35,000/- per night and Rs.2,45,000/- per head for 7 nights.
Double occupancy - Rs.25,000 per head per night and Rs.1,75,000/- per head for 7 nights.
Triple occupancy - Rs.18,000/- per person per night and Rs.1,26,000/- per person for 7 nights.
For International travelers:
Single occupancy - 55,000 INR (Indian Rupees) per person per night and 3,85,000 INR per person for 7 nights.
Double occupancy - 45,000 INR per person per night and 3,15,000 INR per person for 7 nights.
Triple occupancy - 30,000 INR per person per night and 2,10,000 INR per person for 7 nights.
Tourists can make online reservation through the official website.
Drink bottled water and insist on sealed bottles only.
South Indian foods can be spicy
Carry emergency medical kit.
Disclaimer: The author neither a travel agent nor is in any way connected to the Golden Chariot. The author just provided information on the tour.
Article by Kalyani Kalyani is basically an educationist and presently a home-maker who is fruitfully utilizing her free time in freelancing, online content writing and above all blogging. She is an active lead editor at IndiaStudyChannel.com for over 2 years. She is an environmentalist who strives to protect the environment through the revival of age-old eco-friendly practices. She also strives to preserve the rich cultural heritage of India.
This appears to be an excellent package for touring in this area but the cost is on the higher side and does not appear affordable for a middle-class person.
It is luxurious and has its own ambience and those who can afford it will definitely enjoy the magnificent trip.
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This appears to be an excellent package for touring in this area but the cost is on the higher side and does not appear affordable for a middle-class person.
It is luxurious and has its own ambience and those who can afford it will definitely enjoy the magnificent trip.