|
|
|
| |
Golden Chariot >> SPLENDOR OF THE SOUTH |
|
|
At a Glance
A spectacular journey spread over 7 days/8 nights across some of the choicest of destinations across South India. Southern Splendor links some of the most unique and exciting destinations in several Southern States. Each of these destinations is unique for their cultural, historical, architectural and natural significance. The Golden Chariot chugs along from garden city Bangalore to Chennai, Puducherry, temple town of Thanjavur and Madurai and from there to ‘god’s own country’ Kerala to verdant Thiruvananthapuram, backwater paradise Alappuzha to scenic coasts of Kochi and back to Bangalore. Enjoy a fascinating voyage across enchanting landscapes of South India weaving their own spell of magic over your mind and soul.
Relive a magical journey in a timeless era of beauty and romance as you savor each moment you spent on board and off train during your week long voyage.
About The Train
Splendor of the South is fitted with several facilities and services that guests can take delight in. The standard amenities that serve the guests aboard the Golden Chariot also wait to welcome guests here.
AccommodationReturn to the cozy comforts of your luxury cabins to unwind completely after a tiring day of travel and sightseeing.
Facilities you can explore in any of the 19 cabin coaches are: |
 |
Centrally air conditioned interiors |
|
Traditional essence of the place displayed in the interiors |
|
LCD television |
|
Satellite connection |
DiningDine in style while traveling aboard the Splendor of the South! The two restaurants housed within this luxury train are Nala and Ruchi and the in house lounge bar is Madira. The taste of the delectables and spirits served here will linger on in your hearts forever.
BusinessSplendor of the South facilities also includes a host of services in the corporate and business genre. Take care of all your business endeavors even while traveling with the conference coach, internet access facilities, and LCD TV all intact. |
|
Recreational
Add wonders to your luxury sojourn by exploring the recreational facilities housed within the train. The recreational coach will simply live you excited and thrilled! The train houses a Gym coach, an Ayurveda spa center, and a Lounge area for relaxation. |
| |
Detailed Itinerary
 |
Duration : |
7 Nights / 8 Days |
 |
Places to See : |
Bangalore - Chennai - Mamallapuram - Pondicherry - Tiruchirapalli & |
| |
|
Thanjavur - Madurai - Kanyakumari - Thiruvananthapuram - Backwaters & Kochi / Allepey – Bangalore |
|
| |
| Day 1 |
| Bangalore – Chennai(Monday) |
|
At 12.00 hrs meet at the Leela Palace in Bangalore and have lunch. After lunch you can go for sightseeing in the cyber city of Bangalore. Also known as the Garden City due to its pleasant climate and abundance of greens, Bangalore is perched 3,250 feet above sea level. Explore the business hotspots of India's very own Silicon Valley.
In the evening you will be taken to the Bangalore Railway Station to board the train Golden Chariot.
Departure for Chennai at: 22:00 hrs.
|
| |
|
The train will arrive in Chennai at 0600 hours on the 2nd day of the trip.
On this day guests will get a chance to visit the attractions of Mamallapuram. Nestled comfortably at a distance of about 58 km from Chennai, Mamallapuram is best visited for its temples. The temple of Rathas, the Penance of Bhagirath, and the Shore Temple are a few of the most significant attractions housed here. Guests can relish on some very interesting culinary delights of the place for lunch before they move back to Chennai.
Chennai city attractions that you can visit include a trip to the St. Mary’s Church, Saint Thomas Cathedral, Fort St. George, the Kapaleeshwarar Temple, and the National Art Gallery and Museum.
Enjoy a lavish dinner served to you aboard the train while you proceed towards Pondicherry.
|
| |
| Day 3 |
| Pondicherry (Wednesday) |
|
At 08:00 hrs arrive at Pondicherry, the Union Territory of India, situated towards the north of Tamil Nadu. Due to the influence of French colonies in the past, Pondicherry has quite a few specimens of French heritage as well. Till today, French is commonly spoken and even the roadways have signposts written in French. Visit the Auroville village, founded by the great revolutionary Indian philosopher Aurobindo around 1920, is based on the concept of peace. The Aurobindo Ashram here is a yoga and meditation centre.
Have lunch at a restaurant in Pondicherry. Post all the sightseeing all passengers are expected to return to the Golden Chariot.
Post dinner, at 22:00 pm the train leaves for Tiruchirapalli
|
| |
| Day 4 - Thursday - Tiruchirapalli&Thanjavur |
| Arrival in Tiruchirapalli early in the morning. |
|
Trichy (Tiruchirapalli) - Situated on the banks of the River Kaveri, just 320 kms from Chennai, Trichy was a Chola Citadel during the Sangam Age when the Pandyas and Pallavas held sway over this region for short periods. The Nayaks of Madurai built the town and the historic Rock Fort, which played a vital role in the Carnatic wars in the 18th century. The most famous landmark is 'The Rock Fort Temple', a spectacular monument perched on a rock outcrop which rises abruptly from the plain to tower over the old city. At the first level are the remnants of a huge hall blasted into ruins in 1772. The next storey is the Mathrubhuteshwar Shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. Finally at the top of the hill, is the UcchiPillayarKoil - A Lord Ganesh Temple, offering a commanding view of the city.
Proceed for a sightseeing tour of Tanjore where you will visit temples built during the 10th and 14th centuries. These later became a part of the Vijaynagar Kingdom, which subsequently passed into the hands of the Marathas and finally to the British. The most famous landmark is the Brihadeshwaratemple , which is now a world heritage site.
|
|
| At 08:00 hrs arrive at Madurai on the Golden Chariot train. An important pilgrimage spot and a major seat of learning for ages, this city has many attractions that deserve more than just one visit. After breakfast, visit the Meenakshi temple of Madurai. One of the finest works of art of Dravidian architecture, this temple is special for the heavenly beauty of the main Hall standing on a thousand pillars. It will also be interesting to explore the ThirumalaiNayak Palace &Thiruparangundram Temple. |
| |
|
|
| Day 6 |
| Thiruvananthapuram - Poovar |
|
On the 6th day of the sojourn, you will arrive in the enchanting lands of Kerala, leaving Tamil Nadu behind. Thiruvananthapuram is the capital city and the first destination you will land in, in the state. Sightseeing trip to the Padmanabhaswamy temple, the Napier Museum, and the Sri Chitra Art Gallery will keep you busy throughout the day.
The next destination that you will arrive at is the Poovar Island. Post-lunch exploration of the beaches here would be a good idea. The leisure moments and solitude here will refresh your mind completely.
Take delight in the Gala dinner and the music and dance performances by local artists that will be especially arranged for you.
|
| |
|
By 0900 hours on the 7th day guests will reach at the backwaters region of Kerala. Alleppey is where you will reach; the mesmerizing locations of which will simply take your breath away. Enjoy the gorgeous sights of the backwaters locales. A sumptuous lunch at Kumarakom will set the ambiance for you after which you will proceed towards Kochi. Kochi is your last destination in the circuit. Primarily a sea port, Kochi houses attractions such as the Dutch Palace, the Jewish Synagogue, and the St. Francis Church.
To complete your trip, a Kathakali dance performance will be especially be arranged for you.
Enjoy a leisurely dinner before you proceed towards Bangalore to mark the end of the journey.
|
| |
|
You will arrive in Bangalore in the wee hours of the morning. Enjoy a sumptuous breakfast aboard the train before you will be transferred to the airport to board the flight back home…
|
| |
|
Splendor of The South Schedule
|
Southern Splendor Departure Dates for Season 2016 - 17 |
| MONTH |
DEPARTURE DATES |
| Nov-16 |
28 |
| Dec-16 |
26 |
| Jan-17 |
9 |
| Feb-17 |
20 |
|
Southern Splendor Tariff For Season 2016 - 17
(Price in INR For Indian Travellers)
| OCCUPANCY TYPE |
SINGLE OCCUPANCY |
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY |
TRIPLE OCCUPANCY |
| Per Person Per Night |
INR 31000 |
INR 25000 |
INR 20000 |
| Total(7 Nights) |
INR 217000 |
INR 175000 |
INR 140000 |
(For International travellers)
| OCCUPANCY TYPE |
SINGLE OCCUPANCY |
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY |
TRIPLE OCCUPANCY |
| Per person per night |
USD 875 |
USD 665 |
USD 575 |
| Total(7 Nights) |
USD 6125 |
USD 4655 |
USD 4025 |
INCLUSIONS : |
|
Accommodation in double / twin bedded cabins with attached bathrooms |
|
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 |
NOTE : |
|
The above mentioned tariff is valid for October 2016 - March 2017 departures. |
|
The above cost is exclusive of 4.50% service tax that will be charged extra . |
|
|
|
