Luxury Golden Chariot Train – Splendor of the South 9 nts / 10 days

OVERVIEW
DESTINATION INFO

This Journey takes you on a ride of the historical Temple and cities of Mamallapuram, Kanchipuram, Tiruchirapalli, Thanjavur and Madurai. The beaches of Kovalam await you with their sandy shores. You will glide by boat through the palm fringed and silent canals of the Backwaters to Kochi, the lively port city on the Arabian Sea

Fixed Departure Dates for Train Journey – The Golden Chariot Splendors of South (Arrival Date in Bangalore Should be as follows)

For 2016 – 03 January, 24 January, 07 February, 21 February, 27 November, 25 December
For 2017 – 08 January, 19 February

Day 01 (Sunday) Arrive Bangalore

Upon arrival in Bangalore International Airport you are met and transferred to your pre booked Hotel
Overnight Stay at the Hotel in Bangalore

Day 02 (Monday) Bangalore – Chennai

Morning Free
At 15:00 Hrs report to Taj West End Lobby to proceed for the check-in formalities at the hotel followed by the Hi-Tea at Banquet Hall at 1600 Hrs.
17:00: Proceed for the presentation on do’s and dont’s for The Golden Chariot tour followed by a visit to Chitrakala Parishad / Art gallery. Conclude the tour with a cultural show.
20:00: Arrive at Yeshwantpur railway station to a traditional Aarti and Tikka with floral garlands.
21:00: Departure time for The Golden Chariot train, dinner will be served on board.
Meal summary: Dinner is included and will be served in the restaurant car

Day 03 (Tuesday) Chennai – Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry

05:30: Arrive Chennai.
08:00: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast on board.
09:30: Drive through Marine Beach to Mamallapuram World Heritage Site known for its ancient temples and stone carvings inspired by the Pallava art followed by the lunch at GRT Temple Bay.
16:00 : Drive to Pondicherry railway station to board the Golden Chariot.
18:30 : Arrive Pondicherry and stroll through the Pristine Beach at Pondicherry. Pondicherry has a rich French cultural heritage, having been the capital of the French colonies in India since the 17th century. The French legacy is visible in the well-planned town, neatly laid roads, wide and vibrant beaches, beautiful promenades, architecturally imposing churches and public buildings and the statues. Split into two parts, Pondicherry is, on one hand a bustling Indian Market town, and on the other hand, towards the sea, the streets are emptier, cleaner and decidedly European.
20:00 : inner onboard The Golden Chariot.
23:30 : Overnight at The Golden Chariot train at Pondicherry.
Meal summary: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner is included, as per the Golden Chariot package

Day 04 (Wednesday) Pondicherry

08:00 : Breakfast on board Golden Chariot.
09:30 : Morning, visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram, located on Rue de la Marine, is the most popular attraction in Pondicherry The Ashram was founded by Sri Aurobindo Ghose in 1926. Sri Aurobindo, the poet philosopher founded the Ashram to help man reach the zenith of his evolution through spiritual exercises and yoga, combined with physical activity and productive work.
13:30 : Lunch will be served on board The Golden Chariot
17:30 : Evening, stroll around French town / beach.
19:30 : Dinner will be served in a local restaurant.
22:00 : Transfer back to Golden Chariot.
23:30 : Departure time for The Golden Chariot train.
Meal summary: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner is included, as per the Golden Chariot package.

Day 05 (Thursday) Trichy – Tanjore

08:00 : Breakfast on board Golden Chariot.
09:00 : Visit Trichy situated on the banks of the river Cauvery is the fourth largest city in Tamil Nadu. It was a citadel of the early Cholas, which later fell to the Pallavas. Trichy is a fine blend of tradition and modernity built around the Rock Fort. Apart from the Fort, there are several Churches, Colleges and Missions dating back to the 1760s. The town and its fort, now in Trichy were built by the Nayaks of Madurai.
Visit the Rock Fort, which is a landmark of Trichy. The rock is one of the oldest in the world-approximately 3.800 million years, which makes it as old as the rocks of Greenland and older than the Himalayas. A climb of 434 steps leads to the ancient temple of Ganapati on top and a further climb to a Shiva Temple. You will visit Sri Rangan Temple.
11:00 : Visit to Brihadeeshwara Temple, built in the 10th century by Raja Chola. It is considered to be artistically the most perfect of Dravida temples.
13:00 : Lunch will be served at Hotel Sangam, Tanjore.
15:00 : Visit the Tanjore artifacts and Paintings workshop.
17:00 : Transfer back to Golden Chariot to relax and enjoy on-board facilities.
20:00 : Dinner on board The Golden Chariot.
00:15 : Departure time for The Golden Chariot train.
Meal summary: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner is included, as per the Golden Chariot package.

Day 06 (Friday) Madurai

08:00 : Breakfast on board Golden Chariot.
One of the oldest cities in South India, Madurai has been the centre of learning and pilgrimage for centuries. Spread along the rocky banks of the river Vaigai in the state of Tamil Nadu, this modern industrial city is today famous as a temple town.
09:30 : The temple town is unique in that all its temples are living temples and it remains a major religious centre attracting pilgrims the year round. Madurai’s main attraction is the famous Meenakshi temples in the heart of the old town, a riotously baroque example of Dravidian architecture with Gopurams (towers) covered from top to bottom with a breathless profusion of multi-colored images of gods, goddesses, animals and mythical figures. The temple complex is a city within a city and one can spend days exploring its labyrinthine corridors and halls.
13:00 : Lunch on board Golden Chariot.
18:00 : Enjoy light and sound show at Tirumalai Nayak Palace.
20:00 : Enjoy the live classical music at Heritage Madurai followed by dinner.
22:00 : Board Golden Chariot.
23:15 : Departure time for The Golden Chariot train.
Meal summary: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner is included, as per the Golden Chariot package.

Day 07 (Saturday) Nagercoil – Kanyakumrai – Kovalam

05:00 :From 0345 Hrs : Golden Chariot arrives at Nagercoil station.
05:15 : Drive to Kanyakumari to enjoy sunrise Kanyakumari, at the tip of peninsular India, offers a panorama of the confluence of the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean.
07:30 : Transfer to Golden Chariot and breakfast on board.
09:30 : Visit the famous Padmanabha Palace also known as Wooden Palace. Once the official residence of the erstwhile Travancore dynasty Padmanabhapuram palace complex is regarded as Asia’s largest wooden palace the palace has fourteen structures spread over an area of six acres. The palace is also noted for its rich mural collection tracing back to the 17th and 18th century. The earliest of structures here is believed to have been constructed in 1335. Pointed gables, dormer windows and long corridors are specimens to the tradition architecture of Kerala.
11:00 : Transfer back to Golden Chariot.
13:00 : Lunch will be served on board train.
13:30 : Train departs to Thiruvanathapuram.
15:00 : Arrive Thiruvanathapuram station.
17:30 : Evening stroll through the famous Kovalam Beach.
19:30 : Enjoy the cultural show followed by the dinner at Taj Green Cove Kovalam.
22:00 : Departure time for The Golden Chariot train.
Meal summary: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner is included, as per the Golden Chariot package.

Day 08 (Sunday) Kovalam – Alleppey – Cochin

05:00 : Depart to Alleppey.
07:00 : Breakfast on board Golden Chariot.
08:30 : Arrive Alleppey and de-board the train Golden Chariot.
09:30 : Proceed for half day houseboat cruise (beer, coffee/snacks served onboard the cruise) with traditional lunch at Punnamada Resort in Alleppey.
15:00 : Arrive Cochin.
15:30 : Visit the Church, Chinese Fishing nets and then take a walk around Jew Town.
18:30 : Transfer back to Golden Chariot.
19:30 : Departure time for The Golden Chariot train.
Meal summary: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner is included, as per the Golden Chariot package.

Day 09 (Monday) Cochin – Bangalore

08:00: Breakfast on board Golden Chariot.
10:30 : Arrive Bangalore and de-board the train Golden Chariot.
Upon arrival in Bangalore Railway Station you are met and transferred to your pre booked Hotel
Overnight stay at Hotel in Bangalore

Day 10 (Tuesday) Leave Bangalore

Today you are transferred to Bangalore International Airport to board flight for Onward Journey

Fixed Departure Dates for Train Journey – The Golden Chariot Splendors of South (Arrival Date in Bangalore Should be as follows)

For 2016 – 03 January, 24 January, 07 February, 21 February, 27 November, 25 December
For 2017 – 08 January, 19 February

For the price of the Tour kindly fill out the Price Request Form and submit it to us.

Our Expert Team will get back to you within 12 – 24 Hours with the complete day to day detailed itinerary, tour price, tour Inclusions and a full accommodation list.

Alternatively, you may call us on 01753 577330 and we would be happy to assist you with any further enquiries you may have.

Our holiday itineraries are planned with utmost care. In case you wish to modify any part of the Itinerary, our experts will help you to meet your requirements.

Tailormade Journey is a Specialist for Private Individual Holidays. All our Holidays are Fully Protected Under ATOL 9967.

All the tours are tailored as per our clients requirements and you may choose your own date of departure from the United Kingdom, your own choice of hotels and your own duration of travel.

Kindly Fill the Price Request Form and do mention all your requirements e.g type of hotels ( 3 , 4 , 5 Star ) , Departure Airport , etc in the Comment Box in the form and Submit.

Please do not forget to give us your correct e-mail address and your contact telephone number.

The Lalit Ashok Bangalore

The Lalit Ashok offers elegant non-smoking/smoking accommodation that overlooks the swimming pool or golf course. This property boasts 4 dining options and a variety of fitness facilities. Fitted with large windows, stylish rooms come with modern interiors and classic wooden flooring. Each well-appointed room has a flat-screen TV, cosy seating area and an attached bathroom. Indulge in Ayurvedic body treatments at Rejuve Spa, play a game of tennis, or simply relax in the sauna. Airport shuttle and ticketing arrangements can be made at the tour desk. Baluchi offers fine dining options, serving traditional Indian dishes, while Asian and Japanese food are served at OKO. Guests can also visit the stylish Sutra lounge bar or 24/7, a multi-cuisine restaurant. Ashok Lalit is a 10-minute drive from Bangalore City Railway Station and a 40-minute drive from Bangalore International Airport. Hotel offers 184 Rooms

The Leela Palace Bangalore

The Leela Palace Bangalore features décor reflecting the grandeur of the bygone era and boasts of facilities such as an outdoor swimming pool, a spa and wellness centre and 4 dining options. Free private parking is provided. Rooms at Leela Palace Bangalore are elegantly designed and feature an LCD TV with DVD player, minibar and tea/coffee maker. 24-hour room service is available. The Leela Palace's spa offers wide selection of treatments and massages. The spa also features a fitness centre, sauna, steam room and hot tub. Guests can head to Citrus, an all day dining restaurant, to relish Asian, Mediterranean, European and Indian cuisine or to Jamvar, a fine dining restaurant, to enjoy Indian delicacies. Japanese, Chinese, Korean and Thai cuisines are offered at the Pan Asia speciality restaurant while French and Italian dishes can be relished at Le Cirque Signature. Wide array of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages can be enjoyed at Library Bar. Hotel offers 357 Rooms

The Oberoi Bangalore

The Oberoi Bangalore, a 5-star property on the prestigious Mahatma Gandhi Road. Pampering spa treatments, an outdoor pool and a gym are provided. Personal butlers and room service are available 24 hours. Luxurious and elegant, all the air-conditioned guestrooms enjoy beautiful garden views. A flat-screen TV, minibar and personal safe are included. En suite bathrooms come with hot-water showers and Ayurvedic toiletries. The Oberoi Bangalore is within 2 km from M.G. Road, Brigade Road and Commercial Street. It is a 30-minute drive from Cantonment Railway Station and a 1-hour, 30-minute drive from Bangalore Airport. The well-equipped business centre and helpful concierge desk are open 24 hours. A beauty salon and babysitting services are also available. Daily newspapers and luggage storage are available at the 24-hour front desk. Le Jardin offers daily buffet meals, Rin Naam serves authentic Thai food, while Chinese cuisine can be enjoyed at Szechwan Court. Brewed coffee and tea, as well as cocktails, are available at Polo Club.

The Golden Chariot, Bangalore

Welcome aboard The Golden Chariot. Whet your appetite for the very best of art and architecture. Not to mention, pristine beaches, thick jungles with its rich wildlife and waterfalls that stand tall. Travel like royalty. And relive the glory of the past. Aboard your very own kingdom – The Golden Chariot. Each one of the 18 thematic coaches onboard The Golden Chariot is designed to be your very own personal kingdom. The 44 cabins, fully equipped with modern amenities, are inspired by the Mysore and Belur-Halebeedu schools of art and architecture. Sink into your bed of royalty, replete with silk bedspreads hand-woven by local artisans. Indulge your taste-buds at the two specialty restaurants onboard The Golden Chariot. Any Maharaja would agree, they are fit to please a royal palate. Every day, a menu that is unique and authentic to the destination is on offer. And the sumptuous Indian menu is well complemented by the continental spread. The kings of yore perhaps drank in search of the poet or the painter within. At Madira, the Lounge Bar onboard The Golden Chariot, you could do the same. Unravel your soul to fine spirits, as you enjoy performances by local artisans. And drink in the truly magnificent ambience. Work away the weariness of the world. And discover the elixir of good life at Arogya The Spa and Gym. Like many a king did, once upon a time.

Taj West End Bangalore

Spread over 20 acres of landscaped gardens, this city retreat is located in central Bangalore next to Bangalore Golf Club. The luxurious Taj West End presents an outdoor pool, 24-hour butler services and tennis courts. Hotel Offers 117 Rooms. Designed with warm-coloured fabrics and textures, open and bright rooms overlook the beautiful gardens and water features. Each comes with a flat-screen TV, minibar and private balcony or veranda. Taj West End is just across the road from Bangalore Turf Club and about 2.2 km from the city centre. It is 34 km from Bangalore Domestic and International Airports. Guests can exercise at the fitness centre, or arrange day trips and car rentals at the tour desk. The 24-hour front desk provides helpful services like daily newspapers and luggage storage. Mynt restaurant offers international all-day dining, while Blue Ginger impresses with modern Asian cuisine. Blue Bar provides a relaxed country club atmosphere to enjoy drinks in.


Golden Chariot Splendor of the South – TJ – IN TR 07