The Golden Chariot Train

A luxury Hotel on Wheels
The Golden Chariot - It is a luxury hotel on wheels where the discerning traveler will be seeing several cities in seven days and will get a flavour of the diversity of India as a world of fantasy is unraveled for him. They would also be reaching out and touching history in this week of splendor . The Golden Chariot unravels a world of fantasy as the traveler reaches out and touches history & discovers the Cradle of stone architecture, timeless heritage sites, resplendent palaces, wild life & golden beaches.

Mapple makes memorable memories as is evident from the milestones reached. With the movement of the wheels of The Golden Chariot a new chapter in hospitality is about to be written. The venture which is in association with Karnataka tourism is an experience of opulence, regality and a journey through the annals of Indian culture and history. Every suite has been meticulously crafted allowing the fortunate traveler to relive the kingly splendor of a rich past, with all the comforts that make for fine living. The Mapple touch and attention to detail would be evident in making a memorable voyage of discovery.

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 Gandhi 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 & Halebid - 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 Heritage Site.
A visit 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 life 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 Heritage 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.


The Golden Chariot Itinerary

Day	Destination	Details
Day 1	Bangalore	1230	Arrival at The Leela Palace Hotel
		1300	Check in at The Leela Palace Hotel for The Golden Chariot followed by lunch at Jamawar or Citrus
		1500 Hrs	Departure from The Leela Palace Hotel for Bangalore sightseeing Visit Tipu's Palace, Bull Temple and Lal Bagh
		2000 Hrs	Arrival at Yeshwantpur Station
		2000-2030 Hrs	Traditional Indian welcome at the Railway Station at Platform No.6 and escorting to respective cabins onboard The Golden Chariot
		2100 Hrs	Departure to Mysore and dinner onboard
Day 2	Kabini / Bandipur	1000 Hrs	Depart for Kabini / Bandipur, experience your drive to the Jungle Resorts
		1300 Hrs	Lunch at the jungle lodge
		Post Lunch	Jungle / Boat Safari Return in the evening for wild life film Dinner and overnight stay at jungle lodge
Day 3	Mysore	0830 Hrs	Breakfast at the jungle lodge and depart to Mysore
		1130 Hrs	Back onboard The Golden Chariot to relax
		1300 Hrs	Lunch onboard The Golden Chariot
		1500 Hrs	Mysore sightseeing, Mysore Palace, Srirangapatnam,
		1700 Hrs	Hrs Reach Brindavan Gardens for Cultural show followed by Dinner at Royal Orchid.
		2200 Hrs	Back onboard The Golden Chariot
Day 4	Hassan	0600 Hrs	Breakfast onboard and depart for Hassan
		0815 Hrs	Arrive at Hassan
		0900 Hrs	Depart for sightseeing to Shravanabelagola (Please note this has a climb of 640 steps to experience the architectural marvel. Only those who can undertake this are advised to do so. Guests unwilling to experience can stay back onboard The Golden Chariot and experience the facilities onboard. Palanquins are available for those who cannot take the climb by themselves. This is available to the passengers at no extra cost)
		1300 Hrs	Lunch onboard The Golden Chariot
		1500 Hrs	Depart for Belur and Halebid for sightseeing
		1915 Hrs	Back onboard The Golden Chariot
		1945 Hrs	Depart to Hospet and dinner onboard The Golden Chariot
Day 5	Hospet	0600 Hrs	Arrival at Hospet
		0830 Hrs	After breakfast depart for Hampi sightseeing, Virupaksha Temple, Queen's Bath, Elephant Stables, Local crafts Bazaar
		1300 Hrs	Return to The Golden Chariot for the lunch
		1500 Hrs	Depart for sightseeing, Royal Enclosure, Hazara Rama Temple, Illumination at the Vittala Temple
		2000 Hrs	Back onboard The Golden Chariot for dinner
Day 6	Badami	0500 Hrs	Depart from Hospet to Badami
		0830 Hrs	Arrival at Badami
		0900 Hrs	After breakfast depart for sightseeing: Badami Caves and Pattadakal
		1330 Hrs	Return to The Golden Chariot for lunch
		1400 Hrs	Depart for Goa Relax and enjoy the facilities onboard The Golden Chariot: Spa, Gymnasium. Dinner onboard The Golden Chariot The Golden Chariot reaches Goa post midnight
Day 7	Goa	0800 Hrs	Breakfast onboard The Golden Chariot
		1000 Hrs	Depart for sightseeing
		1100 Hrs	Visit the famous churches of Old Goa
		1215 Hrs	Visit an Old Portuguese house: Sola Souto Maior for Tea/Coffee and cookies and shopping at the emporium
		1400 Hrs	Reach Sahakari Spice Plantation, Ponda for lunch and tour of spice farm
		1500 Hrs	Depart for Utorda Beach
		1630 Hrs	Reach to The Golden Chariot (Guests can make use of the facilities: towels, shower, and toilet)
		1915 Hrs	Return to The Golden Chariot and dinner onboard
		2100 Hrs	Depart for Bangalore
Day 8	Bangalore	0800 Hrs	Breakfast onboard The Golden Chariot
		1100 Hrs	Arrival at Yeshwanthpur station…

The Golden Chariot - Tour Tariff
April 2009 to 30th August 2009: (The train will be running on the last week of june july and august 09 as under)
29th June to 6th July 09
27th July to 3rd Aug 09
24th Aug to 31st Aug 09

Occupancy Type	(Per person per night) (INR)	Total for 7 nights (per person) (INR)
Single occupancy	15,520	1,08,640
Double occupancy	11,200	78,400
Triple occupancy	9,120	63,840

1st September 2009 to March 2010

Occupancy Type	(Per person per night) (USD)	Total for 7 nights (per person) (USD)
Single occupancy	485	3395
Double occupancy	350	2450
Triple occupancy	285	1995

(Half fare for children between 5 and 12 years)
10% Surcharge shall be levied on departures during Christmas / New Year.
Service Tax @ 2.575% 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 include
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.