Golden Chariot

Palace Tours - Luxury Tours Collection 20 Wall Street, Princeton, New Jersey 08540 USA Telephone: +1-800-724- 5120 Call Us 1-800-724-5120

Golden Chariot - Bangalore to Goa The Golden Chariot of Karnataka awaits you… World class train accommodations are ready to carry you on a Maharaja's journey through time in Karnataka, a magnificent Indian state bordered by the lush southwestern coast of the Arabian Sea. Steeped in historical and architectural significance, yet shimmering with vibrant contemporary culture, Karnataka is a land endowed by some of the most powerful empires of ancient India, whose enduring traditions in artistic, cultural, and literary excellence are mirrored in modern-day cultural and social trends and amenities.

The Golden Chariot's luxuriously appointed sleeping cabins, dining rooms, and relaxation facilities provide royal comfort, security and elegance with a perfect combination of old-world ambience and 21st century convenience. For the traveler seeking a profound, exciting, and unsurpassed tour experience, we offer a unique confluence of past and present. Karnataka bears witness to some of India's most glorious ancient civilizations; it is a land of magnificent palaces and temples, monolithic hand-carved sculptures, and national parks with waterfalls and wildlife sanctuaries. It also offers abundant delights in the modern-day pleasures of touring historic architectural masterpieces, shopping, sampling local culinary specialties, strolling gardens and marketplaces, and becoming acquainted with local cultural life.

Step onto the Golden Chariot in Bangalore, Karnataka's glorious capital city, to begin an incredible voyage of 7 days and 6 nights. Each day is a magical ride to a new place, including Mysore, the Imperial City of Palaces; Kabini, home of Nagarhole National Park; Hassan, an ancient center of worship with magnificent rock-carved temples in Shravanabelagola, Belur and Halebidu; Hampi, the seat of India's great 14th century Vijayanagara Empire, known for its military and cultural achievements; Badami and Pattadakal, a comprehensive setting for the myriad architectural forms and styles of temples built between the 6th and 8th centuries; and Goa, the gorgeous golden beach town along the Arabian Sea, to repose and refresh the traveler's soul at your journey's end. Itinerary The Golden Chariot departs from Bangalore on Mondays. Day 1 - Garden city of the future Arrive and check-in for your Southern Splendor tour at the Taj West End where high tea is served before your briefing for the Golden Chariot tour. Depart to visit Chitrakala Parishad Art Gallery where a unique collection of traditional paintings, leather puppets and artifacts of Karnataka is found. The gallery has a graphic studio, sculpture studio and an open-air theatre displaying many works of the Parishat students. Enjoy a cultural show in the evening before the drive to Yeshwantpur Station. You are welcomed on board the Golden Chariot, where you can enjoy dinner and begin your journey through South India’s glorious past.

Day 2 - Nature's sanctuary This morning after breakfast, arrive in Mysore, pack your overnight bag and embark on a scenic drive to Jungle Lodges and Resorts. Enjoy a nature walk or relaxing boat safari after lunch, where you may see elephant, gaur, sambar, chital, wild boar, or perhaps one of the more elusive predators such as leopard or tiger. Following the safari, return to the resort for a wildlife film viewing, dinner and an overnight stay.

Golden Chariot - Bangalore to Goa(© www.palacetours.com) 1/9 Day 3 - A world of royalty Enjoy breakfast at the resort in Kabini and depart for Mysore. After lunch on board the Golden Chariot, tour the beautiful Mysore Palace followed by a visit to Srirangapatna, the island fortress of the legendary warrior king Tipu Sultan. It is home to Daria Daulat Bagh, the king's summer palace and favorite retreat. Later in the afternoon, you are driven to Lalitha Mahal Palace Hotel for a cultural show and then whisked away to a hotel for a delicious dinner. Return to the Golden Chariot later this evening and spend the night on board.

Day 4 - Temple marvels After the Golden Chariot makes its early morning departure to Hassan, travel to the Jain pilgrim center of Shravanabelagola to see Asia's largest monolithic statue, a towering 58 ft depiction of Lord Gomateswara overlooking the Vindhyagiri Hills. (Please note that you would have to climb approximately 700 steps to experience this architectural marvel, and guests must be in good health in order to undertake the climb. Alternately, palanquins are available at no extra cost for guests who cannot take the climb by themselves).

Return to the train for lunch and depart on a scenic drive to Halebid for a tour of its richly-carved temples which depict an endless array of Hindu deities, sages, and friezes depicting the lives of Hoysala kings. From here, it's a quick hop over to Belur to experience the magnificent Hoysala Temple Complex. After enjoying this town of temples among the hills and ponds, return to the train for a sumptuous dinner on board.

Day 5 - An empire cast in stone

Explore Hampi throughout the morning, walking among the ruins of fabulous stone statues, carved pillars, and magnificent palace of the Sacred Center's Virupaksha Temple Complex. Marvel at the Queen's bath, elephant stables, Royal Center, Hazara Rama Temple and later, stroll through a local crafts bazaar, where works by many different regional artisans are on display. After lunch on the Golden Chariot, enjoy a visit to the Vittala Temple Complex with its famous Stone Chariot shrine. Return to the Golden Chariot for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 6 - A crown of temples Today begins with an early morning departure to Badami with breakfast served on board. Tour the World Heritage Site of Pattadakal, with its beautifully chiseled temples bearing testimony to the richness of the Chalukyan architecture, located on the banks of the Malaprabha River. Later, feast your eyes on the magnificent rock-cut cave temples of Badami which date back to the 3rd century. Return to the Golden Chariot for lunch as the train prepares for its departure to Goa. Spend the rest of your day relaxing on board, enjoying the scenic views that pass by your window, socializing with fellow passengers in the bar car, or perhaps taking advantage of the onboard spa or gym facilities.

Day 7 - Disembark the train in Goa Arrive refreshed this morning in Goa, a glorious and casual beach resort on India's west coast.

The following services in Goa are available at an additional cost (Please contact us for details): Spend the morning visiting the famous churches of Old Goa, with its Portugese-influenced architecture. Enjoy tea, cookies and shopping at Solar Souto Maior, an old Portugese mansion which was built in 1585 and has since been renovated. Reach the beach resort for lunch followed by your afternoon at leisure, where you may visit the casino, take a dip in the pool or ocean, or enjoy an Ayurvedic massage (extra charges as applicable) before your tour comes to an end.

Destination Information Badami

Golden Chariot - Bangalore to Goa(© www.palacetours.com) 2/9 Badami is a beautiful, deceptively quiet village picturesquely situated at the mouth of a ravine at the foot of a rugged, sandstone outcrop surrounding Agastya lake. It cradles four mysterious and magnificent rock-cut cave temples, which were constructed between the 6th and 8th centuries. The exquisite sculptures within the caves within the rust red sandstone cliffs tell many tales of yore; the first sculptural embellishment to dazzle the eye is the 18-armed Nataraja striking 81 dance poses. Largest, and most ornamental, is the third cave temple dedicated to Vishnu. Overlooking the cave temples is a reservoir dotted with smaller temples dedicated to Vishnu and Shiva. Also notable are the Bhutanatha temples that lend their name to the lake beneath the cave temples.

Bangalore Bangalore is the capital of the state of Karnataka. Known as the Garden City for its lush landscape, lakes and temperate climate, it aptly represents India's marriage of past and present, standing at the very helm of the future. Founded by a feudal lord in the middle ages, this pastoral city serves as a natural stage for the marvelous confluence of the best of the world's architectural, cultural and technological achievements. The Lalbagh Botanical Gardens, considered to be one of the most richly diverse oases in south Asia, and Bangalore Palace, modeled on Windsor Castle, complete with fortified towers and turreted parapets, are two such examples. Likewise, the State Archaeological Museum and the Vishweshwariah Industrial and Technological Museum are home, respectively, to premier examples of Indian miniature paintings and other artifacts, and the latest technologic and scientific innovations. Numerous temples and shrines repose in the the landscape, sharing the limelight with dozens of cinemas and theaters, also very popular national pleasures. For recreation, Bangalore has many delightful shopping arenas, featuring exquisite silks, art and craftwork, sandalwood oil and carved treasures; the wonderful Bannerghatta National Park, with many wildlife attractions, including crocodiles, a serpentarium and a lion's safari; and the Bangalore Race Course, one of the finest in India, and with the biggest field stakes in the land. For the epicure, there are superb dining opportunities, featuring sumptuous regional cuisines in lovely settings by day or night; and Bangalore's calendar boasts nearly two dozen annual festivals; many religious and cultural traditions are celebrated seasonally and with great exuberance. Against this lovely historic and cultural mosaic, and propelled to the forefront of the high-tech industry by its liberal approach to global achievement and innovation, Bangalore is known worldwide as a cosmopolitan city, appealing alike to young professionals seeking opportunities, and sophisticated travelers seeking knowledge of India's soul.

Belur Belur is a city famous for its magnificent Hoysala Temple Complex. A small town located on the banks of River Yagachi, it is very popular for its marvelous temples which are among the best studies in temple architecture. They are a visual delight and one can spend days drinking in their beauty. The major attraction, Chennakesava Temple, was built by Hoysala Vishnuvardhana to commemorate his religious conversion, as legend has it. The facade of the temple is a succession of intricately carved sculptures from bottom to top. Nearby is Halebidu, home to the Hoysaleswara Temple, a sculptural extravaganza in architecture whose walls are covered with an endless variety of depictions from Hindu mythology, animals, birds and Shilabalikas, or dancing figures. Also well worth visiting is an archeological museum in the Temple Complex. A short distance from Belur is Shravanabelagola, a Jain pilgrim center, which is as much a town of ponds as of temples. The foundation of this holy centre was laid around 'bili-gola' (white pond) apparently a natural pond either on the Small Hill or in the valley. It is here that Asia's largest statue resides, that of Lord Gomateswara, towering some 58 feet high upon the Vindyagiri Hill.

Goa Contemporary history places Goa, a West Coast beach town on the Arabian Sea, as a favorite alternative escape destination for the Occidental counterculture set of the 1960s. Prior to then, in the distant past, Goa was ruled by the Portugese, who dominated the way of life here for some four and a half centuries, their influence visible still in the architecture and culture of this sleepy town. Though popularly known as the holiday capital of South Asia, it is also a charming place with a unique international history. Serving as a welcoming entry point in India for artists and writers, Goa has also become an attractive destination for tourists and pilgrims visiting both Catholic and Hindu shrines, and for new generations seeking alternative sites for seminars, workshops, and medical treatments.

Hampi

Golden Chariot - Bangalore to Goa(© www.palacetours.com) 3/9 Hampi was the medieval capital of the Hindu empire Vijayanagara (the City of Victory), reknowned for its military, artistic, and cultural achievements. Spanning three states, including Karnataka, in its heyday Hampi was a model of international commerce, establishing diplomatic trade links with China, Persia, Portugal, Italy and Russia before it was destroyed suddenly and shockingly by marauders in the 14th century. Underscoring the haunting landscape of the city today, the majestic architecture and highly ornamental paintings and carvings are patently evident in the remains of hundreds of temples and palaces; stony reminders of mankind's great and equal capacity for reverent creation and near-heretical destruction. Exploring the city and the ruins will reveal fabulous stone statues, carved pillars, and magnificent palace and temple complexes, most notably the Sacred Center. Recommended sites are the Royal Center and the Vittala Temple Complex, with the famous Stone Chariot, a shrine depicting an elephant pulling the chariot, and the Queen's Bath, an enormous swimming pool, surrounded by arched corridors and protected balconies overlooking lotus-shaped fountains that once spouted perfumed waters. A stroll through the craft bazaar is an excellent opportunity to find many examples of regional arts and crafts.

Kabini Kabini is best known for the Rajiv Gandhi Nagarhole National Park, the singularly spectacular wildlife sanctuary in South India. Here, home to the largest single population of elephants throughout Asia, the Asiatic Elephant reigns over many other forms of wildlife, from crocodile and leopard to more than 300 species of birds; it is also one of the best tiger habitats in all of India. The Kabini River Lodge, a paradise vacation spot for nature-lovers, is on the fringe of the Nagarhole National Park, and offers breathtaking views of the Kabini River and Park forests, and often whole herds of elephants at a time. Once the hunting lodge of the Maharaja of Mysore, the Kabini River Lodge is rated among the top wildlife resort destinations in the world.

Mysore Mysore, the second biggest City in the state of Karnataka, and known as the "Imperial City of Palaces", was the seat of the Mysore Maharajas, who ruled Mysore State from this royal city. It is known for the production of the highest quality silks, sandalwood oils and carved artifacts, and for the spirited celebration of religious, national and cultural festivals. It is a vibrant, modern city with dozens of cinemas and theaters and many excellent restaurants featuring the best regional cuisines, yet it also retains the quaint charm of a bygone era. Nearby is Srirangapatna's Daria Daulat Bagh, the Summer Palace and the island fortress of the legendary warrior king Tipu Sultan. Made of teak, this Indo-Saracenic structure has ornate and beautiful frescoes, and a colorful colonial history. In the surrounding Chamundi Hills resides the resplendent Mysore Palace, which was also built in Indo-Saracenic style, with domes, turrets, arches and colonnades - a treasure house of exquisite carvings and works of art from all over the world. The magnificent jewel- studded golden throne of the Wodeyars is displayed here during the Dasara festival.

Price Chart All Rates in US$ per person without any taxes and surcharges Group Tour Rates Class Dates Single Rate Double Rate Triple Rate State Room For departures October 19,2015 US$ 4,583 US$ 3,376 US$ 2,866 through December 7,2015 For departure December 28,2015 US$ 5,044 US$ 3,715 US$ 3,153 For departures January 18,2016 through US$ 4,583 US$ 3,376 US$ 2,866 March 14,2016

Departures

Golden Chariot - Bangalore to Goa(© www.palacetours.com) 4/9 Oct 2015 19 Nov 2015 9 Dec 2015 7,28 Jan 2016 18 Feb 2016 15 Mar 2016 14 Above Tariff is subject to change without notice. Children between 5 and 12 years of age enjoy 50% tariff.

Your tour cost includes: 06 Nights accommodation on board The Golden Chariot All meals daily (breakfast, lunch, dinner) Coach sightseeing tours conducted by an English-speaking guide Entrance fees at monuments, parks and palaces as per the itinerary Cultural programs as per the itinerary Applicable taxes 10% Surcharge on tours during Christmas and New Year's Day Your tour cost does not include: International or domestic airfare or train fare Airport departure taxes Travel insurance or visa fees Beverages, liquor, laundry, gratuities, telephone calls, or items of a personal nature Video camera fees at monuments Spa car and Business car facilities Any hotel accommodation or transfers in Bangalore or Goa Any items not specifically mentioned as included The tour culminates in the morning at the train station in Goa. If you choose to undertake the day program in Goa (including lunch), an additional charge is applicable. Please inform Palace Tours at the time of booking if you wish to book this option.

No show/ En route termination of tour/amendment: • No Show - In case of no-show / non-arrival of the guest, no refund or adjustment in future travel will be possible. The whole amount shall be treated as forfeited. • En route termination of tour - In case of termination of tour by the guest, for any reasons, no refund or adjustment for future travel will be possible. The amount for unused portion of the tour shall be treated as forfeited. • Amendment - Is only possible under the circumstances like natural disaster / natural calamity or serious health problems (this needs to be supported by doctor's certificate) and is subject to availability. No refunds are possible and every case will be decided on merits on a case by case basis. Travel Tips & FAQ's What are the passport/visa requirements for travel to India? A passport with validity at least six months beyond your departure from India is required. Also, visas must be obtained prior to arrival in India. Please note that Palace Tours cannot provide visas. If you are a US citizen, please visit https://www.indian-visa.com/ for details on obtaining an Indian Visa. For non-US citizens, please visit www.mea.gov.in, click on "Welcome" and then under "MEA Links" at the right, click on "Missions and Posts Abroad" and then click "Consulate Generals". You can then select your appropriate Consulate General office and link directly to its website, where detailed visa information and application forms can be found. Please budget at least 14 days to receive it from the consulate.

What type of clothing is recommended? The best outfit, especially during the summers, is a tee-shirt worn with loose cotton trousers. We advise that women avoid wearing tank tops or short skirts/shorts. Adventurous ladies can try wearing the comfortable and free-sized Indian 'salwar-kameez'. There is no official dress code on board the train.

What type of cuisine is served? The food served on board the Golden Chariot is both Continental and Indian, specifically various South Indian specialties. Beef and pork are not served in many parts of India, but good quality vegetarian food is easily available. Curd or yogurt is served with most meals, as it is a natural aid to digestion and helps temper the spicy food. We

Golden Chariot - Bangalore to Goa(© www.palacetours.com) 5/9 highly recommend that you drink only bottled water, which is provided free of charge. Please advise upon booking if you have allergies or special dietary requests.

Please describe the rooms on board The Golden Chariot. There are 11 passenger coaches, each containing 4 suites and a lounge. Each cabin is fully equipped with wi-fi internet access, plasma TV, reading desk, ensuite restroom with toilet and shower facilities, cupboard and under-bed storage for luggage. The restroom is stocked with a hairdryer and several toiletries. The suites measure approximately 2.35m x 2.85 m (7'8'' x 9'4'') and the restrooms measure approximately 1.04m x 1.93m (3'5'' x 6'4'').

What are the amenities on board the train? The Golden Chariot luxury train contains a spa, Ayurveda center and state of the art gymnasium complete with treadmill, cycle, stair-stepper and steam room. There are two restaurant cars, a business center, and bar/lounge car that is stocked with the finest wines and spirits. There are also laundry facilities on board; please ask your cabin attendant for details.

Is the train accessible to those with physical challenges? There is one cabin on board which has been specially designed with larger doorways to accommodate wheelchair- bound clients. Please advise upon booking if you will require this cabin.

What should I expect during the sightseeing tours? Certain temples have dress codes, such as covering your head or going barefoot and/or do not permit any leather articles at all on their premises; please check with your guide beforehand so that you do not unwittingly give offence. Vehicles utilized for the sightseeing transport are typically 30-35 seater air-conditioned coaches.

Where is smoking permitted throughout the tour? Smoking is not allowed in the individual cabins or restaurants; however smoking is permitted in designated areas on the train such as the lounges and bar car.

What is the recommended gratuity? In hotels, porters and room service attendants are normally tipped at the end of the stay, though an early tip is likely to get you better service. Standard gratuity for restaurants is around 10%. Tipping of taxi drivers is not customary.

What type of currency is recommended? U.S. Dollars and Indian Rupees are commonly accepted, as well as Thomas Cook or American Express travelers' checks. In cities you can change major foreign currencies and any brands of travelers' checks. Most big cities have ATMs which accept Visa and MasterCard as well as American Express. The ATM network is ever expanding and in some states, you can find them even in some smaller towns.

What are the standard practices for shopping? Try to shop in government handicraft shops and a few other private shops, as their prices are fixed and the quality is certified. You may also visit some shops run by craftsmen/artisans in the smaller towns, where bargaining is a standard practice and is enjoyed by all.

What are your guidelines on local customs or social interaction? If you are confronted by beggars, do not them hassle you and do not encourage them by giving them money. If you are taking a taxi or rickshaw, insist on seeing the latest rate card and pay accordingly, as the fares are constantly changing and do not always conform to readings on the meters.

What are the health precautions and recommendations?

- Always drink bottled water - Clean your teeth using bottled water for the first few days - Always wash fruit well before eating, or eat fruits that you can peel - Wash your hands before and after eating. - If you do catch a bug, do not panic; it will go away in a few days - but try the following tips to keep it at bay: o Drink lassi, a yogurt drink which will help tone down the bacteria o Eat plain rice or khichdi, an easily digestible mixture of rice and lentils o Drink coconut water – it is cooling and naturally sterile o Drink plenty of fluids and take electrolyte salts if the bug persists - Always keep a tube of mosquito repellent with you.

Golden Chariot - Bangalore to Goa(© www.palacetours.com) 6/9 - Always carry a kit of the basic emergency medicines you might need for diarrhea, fever, etc. Also, band-aids and an antiseptic ointment. - Make sure you bring sun protection, such as a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen - Remember to drink plenty of water and other fluids

1 . Do I need a Visa for India? All visitors to India need a Visa

2 . Do you help with getting a Visa

Unfortunately, we don't offer Visa assistance but we can provide you with all the information that you need for getting a visa to India

Terms & Conditions PAYMENT TERMS: 20% of total tour cost due at the time of booking 80% or balance no later than 65 days prior to tour departure date

CANCELLATION FEES*: (i) 5% of the total tour value if cancelled more than 60 days prior to date of first service sold by TRAVBUZZ / PALACE TOURS (ii) 20% of the total tour value if cancelled 59-30 days prior to date of first service sold by TRAVBUZZ / PALACE TOURS (iii) 50% of the total tour value if cancelled 29-15 days prior to date of first service sold by TRAVBUZZ / PALACE TOURS (iv) 100% of the total tour value if cancelled 14-0 days prior to date of first service sold by TRAVBUZZ / PALACE TOURS * There will be a 10% processing and handling fee charged in case of cancellation

We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to cover the losses incurred in case of cancellation. For information on available plans or to purchase travel insurance, please visit www.palacetours.com/insurance.

If at any time you have questions, concerns or feedback, please do not hesitate to contact us via any of the below methods:

On the Web: www.palacetours.com

By e-mail: [email protected]

By phone: 1-800-724-5120

USA: Princeton, NJ: 609-580-1372 New York, NY: 212-920-2543 Houston, TX: 832-446-2709

International: Spain : +34 912919229 United Kingdom: 800-8456-201 Hong Kong: (852) 30518159 South Africa : (+27)11-46133299 Australia: 1800-156-671 New Zealand: 0800-442-510

By FAX: 1-609-683-9772

By postal mail: Palace Tours Ltd. 20 Wall Street Princeton, New Jersey 08540 USA

DIRECTIONS TO OUR CORPORATE OFFICE Please call ahead for hours and appointments!

By Car:

From Princeton area: Our office is located on the north side of Route 206 in Princeton, New Jersey. We are in the Research Park office complex, directly opposite from the Princeton Airport.

From points North: Via Route 1: Take Route 1 South towards Trenton. After you pass Forrestal Village Campus, you will begin to see signs for “Downtown Princeton & Shopping”. Turn right on Washington Road. Follow Washington Road for approximately 1.5 miles. Turn left on Nassau Street (Route 27). Turn right on Stockton Street (Route 206 North) & follow for approximately 4 miles. Turn right onto Wall Street.

Via Route 287: Take Route 287 South towards Somerville. Take exit 17 for Route 206 South (Somerville). You will pass through a traffic circle – follow signs for Route 206 South. Follow Route 206 South for approximately 12 miles. Turn left onto Wall Street.

From points South: Via the Garden State Parkway: Take the Parkway North/South to exit 98 for Route 138 West toward Trenton. Route 138 West becomes Route 195 West. Follow 195 West for approximately 17 miles. Merge onto Route 295 North toward Trenton. Follow directions below.

Via Route 95/ 295: Take Route 95 North until it becomes Route 295 North toward Trenton. Take exit 67A and merge onto Route 1 North. Follow Route 1 North for approximately 5 miles. Take the exit for Washington Road.

Golden Chariot - Bangalore to Goa(© www.palacetours.com) 8/9 Turn right on Washington Road. Follow Washington Road for approximately 1.5 miles. Turn left on Nassau Street (Route 27). Turn right on Stockton Street (Route 206 North) & follow for approximately 4 miles. Turn right onto Wall Street.

By train: Princeton Junction is the main train station along the Northeast Corridor for Amtrak and New Jersey Transit. Visitors can take a cab from here to Princeton or transfer to a one-car train to Princeton called the "Dinky". The train ride takes about 5 minutes, and drops you at University Place across from McCarter Theatre. If you choose this option, be sure to purchase a rail ticket to “Princeton” for presentation upon boarding the Dinky.

Our office is a 10-minute cab ride from Princeton station (approx. 4.5 miles).

By bus: Several buses arrive and depart daily from Princeton Research Park (i.e., New Jersey Transit’s 605 Montgomery Line). From the bus station, walk into the Research Park office complex. We are located at #20 Wall Street.

For emergencies while traveling within India, you may contact our Jaipur office. Details will be provided in your travel vouchers, which are issued upon full payment.