Golden Chariot - Splendor of the South

Overeview

The journey, spanning over 7 nights and 8 days, covers three truly magnificent states of South India - Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Each state has a different world to offer to the guests. From exotic natural locations to tempting cuisines, the momentum amplifies as you cross boundaries. Travel to through exotic locales starting from the garden city of Bangalore passing through ancient temple towns of Tamil Nadu, explore natural beauty and glory of the backwaters of Kerala before finally concluding the expedition in the coastal city of Kochi. In short, it's an experience that captures the romance of a by-gone era making your sojourn an unforgettable one.

Highlights

• Vitit to the beautiful temples of Mammallapuram & Tiruchirapalli & the celebrated Meenakshi Temple in Madurai.
• Light & Sound Show at The Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal, Madurai.
• Sunset at the confluence of three ocean bodies - the Bay of Bengal, the Indian Ocean, and the Arabian Sea in Kanyakumari.
• Leisure evening at Kovalam beach.
• Ride on a Houseboat to explore the fascinating beauty of the Kerala backwaters.

Day 01 Monday

Arrival: 15:00 hrs
Place: Taj West End Hotel, Bangalore
Assemble at The Taj West End Hotel by for check-in formalities followed by high tea & a brief presentation on the train. Proceed for visiting Chitrakala Parishad / Art gallery, and enjoy a cultural programme. Reach Yeshwantpur Railway Station, by 2000 hours and get a grand welcome by the train crew who escort you to your respective cabins. Dinner to be served on board. Train departs by 2100 hours for Chennai.

Alternate itinerary In case you do not wish to go for the original itinerary that includes check-in at Taj and sightseeing of Bangalore city, here's an alternate itinerary, especially suited for people fond of eco tourism.

Arrival: 15:00 hrs
Place: Our Native Village
Check-in at Our Native village, followed by a grand lunch. Know the train, do's & don'ts and safety & security measures while being on the train through a brief presentation by the train staff. At around 1500 hours, get an eco resort tour, and the Revivalist movement - an art & culture tour. Proceed on for an exciting pottery session, village games and bullock cart rides. Depart to Yeshwantpur Railway Station for a grand welcome session and dinner onboard as the train starts rolling towards Chennai at around 2100 hours.

Day 02 Tuesday

Arrival: 06:00 hrs
Place: Chennai - Mammallapuram, Tamil Nadu
As your reach the bustling metropolis of Chennai in the wee hours, get ready for an exhilarating expedition to Mammallapuram located at around 58 km from Chennai. Visit the beautifully crafted and age-old temples, including the temple of Rathas, the Penance of Bhagirath, and most importantly the Shore Temple. Overlooking the Bay of Bengal, Shore Temple is a five-storied structural Hindu temple with a pyramidal structure that is 60 ft high.

Have a lavish lunch at Mahabalipuram and move ahead a sightseeing excursion to Chennai. The prime attractions here include St. Mary's Church, Saint Thomas Cathedral, and the Fort St. George, the Kapaleeshwarar Temple, the National Art Gallery and Museum among others. Dinner and overnight stay aboard as the train proceeds towards Pondicherry

Day 03 Wednesday

Arrival: 08:00
Place: Pondicherry, Tamil Nadu
On the third day, the train enters Pondicherry that still exudes a Mediterranean aura for it was a French colony once. Post-breakfast, embark on a sightseeing expedition through the cobbled streets and the vast French styled mansions that are scattered around the city. It is almost like a sojourn of France, rather than India. Pay visit to the prime attractions in the city including Auroville and Sri Aurobindo Ashram after enjoying a flavorsome lunch on board the train. Stroll on the beach and enjoy shopping in the city.

Post-lunch, return to the train and proceed towards your next destination - Tiruchirapalli (also known as Trichy), the heart of Tamil Nadu. Overnight stay on the train as it leaves for Trichy at around 2200 hours.

Day 04 Thursday

Arrival: 06:00 hrs
Place: Tiruchirapalli - Tanjore, Tamil Nadu
As the train crisscrosses through pictorial locations and you enjoy a tranquil breakfast on board, you reach Tiruchirapalli, also known as Trichy. Disembark the train to visit the Rock Fort temple, Mathrubhuteshwar Shrine, and the Ucchi Pillayar Koil that are housed here.

Later, proceed towards Tanjore - the rice bowl of Tamil Nadu, which is most significantly known for its prehistoric temples and marvelous paintings. Get fascinated by the splendid Brihadeshwara temple - a World Heritage Site, Alangudi temple, Chandra Bagawan temple, and the Schwartz Church. Lunch is arranged at Sangam Hotel in Tanjore. Dinner and overnight stay on the train.

Day 05 Friday

Arrival: 05:15 hrs
Place: Madurai, Tamil Nadu
As the dawn breaks, you reach Madurai - the temple city. Adorned with some of the greatest architectural sites, Madurai is home to the celebrated Meenakshi Temple located on the southern banks of river Vaigai. Post breakfast on board, you pay visit to this famed temple. The temple forms the heart and lifeline of the 2500-year-old city and its complex houses 14 gateway towers called gopurams, ranging from 45-50m in height. Enjoy a hearty lunch on board and thereafter get ready for a pleasurable Light & Sound Show at The Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal. A classic fusion of Dravidian and Islamic styles, the palace dates back to 17th century AD.

Enjoy the dinner with live Classical Music at the Heritage - a 17-acre grand resort in Madurai. Return on board to continue your journey towards Nagercoil in Kanyakumari.

Day 06 Saturday

Arrival: 03:45 hrs
Place: Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu and Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
The train will arrive at the Nagercoil station in Kanyakumari even as you sleep comfortably in your respective cabins. Though there are several places of tourist-interest here, Kanyakumari is especially popular for its spectacular and unique sunrise and sunset. The confluence of three ocean bodies - the Bay of Bengal, the Indian Ocean, and the Arabian Sea - makes the sunrise and sunset even more special, alluring and truly magical. Witness the spectacular sunrise and return to the train for breakfast. Visit the famous Padmanabha Palace (Wooden Palace), located inside an old granite fortress around 4 km long.

Return to the comforts of the train for lunch as the train starts rolling towards Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala.

Popularly known as God's own country, Kerala is famous for its enchanting backwaters, it pristine and unadulterated beaches and roaring waterfalls. Arrive at Thiruvananthapuram Station (Kuchuvelli Station) at around 1500 hours and drive to the unspoiled Kovalam beach. Enjoy your tea as you witness the high waves merging into each other and the blue waters playing a hide and seek game with you. This is followed by a Cultural Show and dinner at The Taj Green Cove Kovalam.

Return to the train for overnight stay on board as the wheels start rolling towards you next destination in Kerala - the backwaters of Alleppey.

Day 07 Sunday

Arrival: 05:00 hrs
Place: Alleppey, Kerala
With the first breeze of the early morning, experience peace and tranquility as you arrive to Alleppey. Mirror still lagoons, pictorial lakesides, palm fringed canals, shores bustling with glimpses from day to day life in the country side - all welcome you with open hands.

Post breakfast on board, get ready for an amazing ride on a Kettuvallom/Houseboat - a fabulous way to explore the fascinating beauty of the Kerala backwaters. As you get mesmerized with the beauty of the deep blue waters around you, savour the local delectable cuisines of Kerala on the houseboat itself. This is followed by a drive to Kochi and a visit to the Church, Chinese Fishing nets and a walk around Jew Town.

Board the Golden Chariot for dinner and overnight stay as it departs for Bangalore after a memorable week.

Day 08 Monday

Arrival: 08:00 hrs
Place: Yeshwanthpura Railway Station Bangalore
Bid farewell to the Golden Chariot after enjoying a leisurely breakfast on board.

SPLENDOR OF THE SOUTH SCHEDULE

Departures for Season beginning October 2014 - March 2015
28 November 2016
26 December, 2016
9 January, 2017
20 February, 2017

SPLENDOR OF THE SOUTH FARE

October 2016 - March 2017 (For Indian only)

October 2016 - March 2017 (For International Travelers only)

Booking Policy

• Half fare for children between 5 and 12 years.
• 10% Surcharge shall be levied on departures during Christmas / New Year.
• Service tax @3.65% shall be levied on the prevalent tariff of The Golden Chariot as per Govt. of India norms.

Inclusions

• Accommodation on board The Golden Chariot and other resorts.
• All meals, soft beverages, house brands of Indian wines, beer and spirits.
• Butler service, complimentary tea, coffee and mineral water on board.
• Guided off train tours as included in the journeys inclusive of entrance fees, still camera fee, transport and services of a guide.
• Porter charges at stations.

Exclusions

• Any optional tours as mentioned in the itinerary.
• Taxes, insurance, gratuities, telephone calls, laundry.
• Alcoholic beverages (apart from the house brands).
• Video, film and professional still camera fees and arrival and departure transfers.
• International and domestic air tickets.
• Pre and post tour accommodation.
• Any tour extensions unless specifically mentioned as part of the journeys.