ON THE GOLDEN CHARIOT AND THE OOTY TRAIN

WITH ROBERT KINGSFORD SMITH 16 DAYS: 14 FEBRUARY – 1 MARCH 2017

• OOTY • • • • • TRIVVY • TRICHY • COCHIN • OVERVIEW

Taste the life of luxury train travel as you traverse the wonders of ’s southern states. The railways of India are the arteries of the nation and its trains are an intrinsic part of the culture. Starring the luxury Golden Chariot train, a veritable hotel on wheels, this extraordinary journey also features an express train trip in Shatabdi executive class, and the Ooty Train, a World Heritage-listed steam powered mountain rack railway to the old British hill station of Ooty.

These journeys spanning some 2,000 kilometres across four states connect some of India’s most famous sites including World Heritage listed Mahabalipuram Group of Temples and the Great Living Chola Temples. When not on board, you will dine and stay in luxury hotels and restaurants and you will be expertly guided around the vibrant cites and bustling markets.

The little steam train to Ooty was named a World Heritage Site in 2005 marking its recognition as of one of the world’s great train journeys. In this epic adventure we combine this Indian Railway icon with another, the Golden Chariot, for a rail cruise like no other. Your home away from home for five nights features fine dining, spacious lounge cars, an onboard spa, business centre and shop. Experience a new destination each day without having to pack the bags is the bonus of an onboard holiday.

IN A NUTSHELL

• 5 nights aboard the luxury Golden Chariot • 10 nights in premier five-star hotels • Visits to three World Heritage Sites • Executive class train travel to Chennai on the legendary Ooty Train • All meals, tipping and transfers i ncluded • Expert local English-speaking guides • Palaces, temples, colonial outposts, vibrant cities, museums, galleries and bustling markets

YOUR TOUR LEADER

In the 1960s, Robert Kingsford-Smith expanded a childhood passion for railways and began a quest to record on film the world’s disappearing steam locomotives. His often adventurous travels have taken him to over forty countries. The resulting photographs and articles have appeared in Australian and overseas publications. Robert has led groups of like-minded enthusiasts on tours to places as diverse as South America, Pakistan and South Africa and more recently has been the celebrated tour leader on many Railway Adventure tours through Outback Queensland and also India. A passion for history and wildlife is well served on his travels and he combines his many interests with regular and extensive train travel. Cairns is of special signifcance for Robert as his great- great-grandfather, R. A. Kingsford, was its frst mayor. Day 1 • Tuesday 14 February: Arrive Coimbatore

After a late evening arrival at the Coimbatore International Airport and completing the customs formalities, we will transfer to the hotel, Vivanta by Taj Surya, and check in. Coimbatore situated on the banks of the river Noyyal is the textile capital of South India. Located in the shadow of the Western Ghats, Coimbatore enjoys a very pleasant climate the year round, aided by the fresh breeze that flows in through the 25 kms long Palakkad gap.

Overnight: Vivanta by Taj Surya, Coimbatore

Day 2 • Wednesday 15 February: Coimbatore

The morning is at leisure to sleep in, relax by the pool or partake of the facilities at the spa. Later we enjoy an orientation tour of Coimbatore including a visit to some of the fnest temple trails starting from the oldest temple dating back to 1500 A.D. – Eachanri Vivnayagar Temple followed by marveling 800 year old Marudhamalai Shri Murugan Temple. Later we will have an excursion to Palakkad where we will have lovely lunch at a heritage home followed by visit to the Brahmin area. We will also see and participate in basket weaving. Alternatively - In the afternoon, you are offered an optional round of golf at Coimbatore golf club set in the foothills of Western Ghats. This course has the unique distinction of being the frst “Private” course to be built in the country after World War II

Overnight: Vivanta by Taj Surya, Coimbatore (B, L)

Day 3 • Thursday 16 February: Coimbatore—Mettupalayam—Ooty

Post breakfast, transfer for an hour to Mettupalayam railway station to experience the which began running in 1899. Continue. The steam hauled rack railway climbs 2,000 meters to the mountains at Ooty. Accorded with a UNESCO World Heritage tag, the leisurely train journey meanders along 208 curves, charming valleys, hills, tunnels and viaducts. The train ride is something special but just one among the thousands of things you can do here, in the beautiful Blue Mountains. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel and check –in; the rest of your day is at leisure Nestled in the Nilgiris, Ooty speckled with colonial bungalows was once the lofty domain of wild beasts and ancient tribes like the Todas, Badagas, and Kurumbas. Today it is carpeted with rolling tea plantations.

Overnight: Taj Savoy, Ooty (B, L, D)

Day 4 • Friday 17 February: Ooty

After a scrumptious buffet breakfast at the hotel, we will enjoy a city tour of Ooty, getting a chance to see the beautiful Botanical Gardens, Ooty Lake and Dodabetta Peak. We will then all have lunch together at the hotel. The afternoon is free to enjoy the facilities of the hotel, explore the town or join Scott for a high tea at the Ooty Club. We will regroup for dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight: Taj Savoy, Ooty (B, L, D)

Day 5 • Saturday 18 February: Ooty—Mysore

Enjoy a leisurely morning with a buffet breakfast at the hotel and then we will journey down the mountains past numerous waterfalls and through Badipur national Park to the garden city of Mysore. On arrival, we will check into the Hotel Regaalis and freshen up for lunch at the hotel. Followiong lunch, it is a short drive to the gates of the well-curated Railway Museum in Mysore. It is the earliest railway museum to be established in India and has on display the ‘Maharani’s saloon’ carriage with the royal toilet that dates back to 1899. Also at the Railway Museum is the Chamundi Gallery which shows the growth of the through photographs and paintings. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure but we will regroup for dinner at the hotel later in the evening.

Overnight: Hotel Regaalis, Mysore (B, L, D) D ay 6 • Sunday 19 February: Mysore

Today we will take a guided tour of the city of Mysore starting with the spectacular Mysore Palace. The tour continues to the Chamundi Hill, named after the royal family’s deity. Halfway up the hill is the Nandi Bull, a 4.8-metre monolith. Right on top is the Chamundeswari Temple dedicated to Goddess Durga. After the tour we will head back to the hotel for lunch. You are welcome to explore the city on your own in the afternoon, lounge by the pool or join Scott for a special shopping trip to the local markets. In the evening, a buffet dinner will be presented at the hotel.

Overnight: Hotel Regaalis, Mysore (B, L, D)

D ay 7 • Monday 20 February: Mysore—Chennai

Enjoy a morning at leisure to relax by the pool, at the spa or around the city and just after 12 noon we will head to the Mysore Railway Station to board the to Chennai. Lunch and dinner will be provided on board as well as a hamper box provided by the hotel. The 480-kilometre is covered by the fast express, averaging 125km/hour on a journey whisking us through , Jolarpettai and Katpadi and many other interesting cities, towns and interesting landscapes. On arrival we are met at the station and transfer to our hotel, the Taj Connemara, located in the heart of the commercial and business district. The origin of Chennai is still a mystery with very little historical background. Originally, Madras consisted of several small villages and temple towns. Once a part of the ancient kingdom of Thondaimandalam and ruled as an independent empire it was slowly united by the administrators. Chennai was the frst city established by the East India Company (375 years ago) and was the colonial capital of southern India. Today, it is the fourth largest metropolitan city in India.

Overnight: Taj Connemara, Chennai (B, L, D)

D ay 8 • Tuesday 21 February: Chennai

In the morning take a walking tour of Mylapore markets as your guide peels back the layers of living history revealing a repository of culture and heritage. We sample all kinds of South Indian delicacies over a brew of South Indian Coffee for morning tea. Our sightseeing tour of Chennai continues with a visit the first British outpost in India—Fort St. George, including the fort’s Museum and Wellesley House. We then head to the famous Kapaleeswarar Temple, as well as the San Thome Cathedral and the astounding Parthasarathy Temple built in the 8th century. The tour ends at the Government State Museum and the National Art Gallery and you are free to continue or return to the hotel for a relaxing evening.

Overnight: Taj Connemara, Chennai (B, L, D)

D ay 9 • Wednesday 22 February: Pondicherry—Trichy

After breakfast drive for 200kms to Pondicherry; enroute we will visit Mahabalipuram. Once the major port city for the 7th century Pallava dynasty -Mahabalipuram is now a home to over 500 stone carvers and is known for its rock-cut caves and monolithic shrines called Rathas. We will see fne examples of stone carvings at the Shore Temples and also see ‘The Ganges’, a 20 ft high and 90 ft long bass relief sculpture depicting the descent of India’s sacred river. Before arrival at Pondicherry city we will stop by at Auroville for sight seeing, lunch and then onto check into the train. Later we Visit Aurobindo Ashram and then enjoy a stroll through 19th Century built cobbled streets called the Latin quarter, built by former French Colonial rulers. You can also take a stroll on Promenade Beach. Back on board the luxurious Golden Chariot join Scott and fellow guests in the lounge car for a well-earned welcome drink followed by dinner on board our hotel-on-wheels as it departs into the evening for Trichy.

Overnight: Golden Chariot (B, L, D) Day 10 • Thursday 23 February: Trichy—

Our train will arrive at Trichy, or Tiruchirapalli, in the morning, a beautiful town built around the historic Rock Fort. The most famous landmarks are the Rock Fort Temple, Mathrubhuteshwar Shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, and the Ucchi Pillayar koil. We will also join a sightseeing tour of World Heritage-listed Brihadeshwara Temple in Tanjore built during the 10th and 14th centuries.

Overnight: Golden Chariot (B, L, D)

Day 11: Friday 24 February:

We will arrive in Madurai at 8 am and, following breakfast, take a tour of the busy city which is described as animated, packed with pilgrims, vendors, business people, bullock carts and legions of under-employed rickshaw pullers. Madurai is one of Southern India’s oldest cities. We will visit the Meenakshi Temple, the fabulous Thirumalai Nayak Palace and Thiruparankundram Temple. Back on board our train, dinner will be well underway as we glide into the night toward India’s southernmost point.

Overnight: Golden Chariot (B, L, D)

Day 12 • Saturday 25 February: Kanyakumari

The tour begins in the morning with sunrise at Kanyakumari which is the southernmost district of state. We then return to the train and later in the morning g visit wander through the intricate architecture of the all wooden palace of Padmanabhapuam. After lunch, served on board, we will visit Kovalam Beach for a beach stroll, swim and high tea. In the evening there will be a Gala Dinner and Cultural Show at the Leela Kovalam resort.

Overnight: Golden Chariot (B, L, D)

Day 13 • Sunday 26 February: Backwaters

After breakfast we will say good bye to our train and the crew who have been looking after us along the way. ASfter a short bus trip and a visit to the spice market we will arrive at the gateway to the famous Kerala Backwater- Alleppey. In the late morning we board the traditional kettuvalam (houseboat) for the backwater experience. The best way to glimpse village life and the scenery along the lushed lined backwaters of Kerala is to ply the region’s intricate web of rivers, lagoons, canals, and lakes in a kettuvallam - traditional Keralan houseboat. These slender vessels constructed from jackfruit wood beams with thatched roof have for centuries been the primary means of transporting cargo—mainly Kerala’s staple crops of rice and coconuts. We cruise through the fabled backwaters - the undisputed highlight of the region. You’ll pass the backwaters, as well as tiny, colourful towns that typically export coconut-husk products, and fshing villages, while being surrounded by tall coconut trees. Lunch is onboard the houseboat while we glide along on our way to our lakeside resort hotel where later in the evening we enjoy a traditional Kerala banquet.

Overnight: Kumarakom Lake Resort, Luxury Pavilion room (B, L, D) Day 14 • Monday 27th February: —

After leisurely breakfast we leave for Cochin. Also known as Kochi, Cochin is an attractive town with a rich history and culture. It has been a trading port since at least Roman times when it was on the main trade route between Europe and China, and is still orientated around the bay whose neck is lined with the enormous cantilevered cheenavalas (Chinese fshing nets) The town has had a Jewish community since at least the 6th century, and has been occupied by the Portuguese, Dutch and British before independence. Upon arrival, check into the hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. You may wish to take the optional scenic boat cruise around the harbour departing from the hotel at sunset.

Overnight: Vivanta by Taj, Kochi (B, L, D)

Day 15 • Tuesday 28th February: Kochi

After breakfast we drive to Fort Cochin for a guided heritage walking tour of Fort Cochin that is home to several historic sites, including Jewish Synagogues, St Francis Church and the Portuguese built Mattancherry Palace. In the evening enjoy a Kathakali dance performance, a stylized classical Indian dance-drama originated in 17th century and is noted for the attractive make-up of characters, elaborate costumes, detailed gestures and well-defned body movements presented in tune with the anchor playback music and complementary percussion. Dinner at an outside venue

Overnight: Vivanta by Taj , Kochi (B, D)

Day 16 • Wednesday 1th March: Departures

Our tour concludes after breakfast. Farewell to our tour leader and fellow travellers and happy travels for those who may be staying on for adventures further down the line.

Tour Prices

Per person twin share $11,785 Single supplement $2,275 Deposit (per person) $1,000 Final payment due by 14/12/2017

*Single travellers may request to share. Please advise at time of booking. INCLUSIONS

• 11 nights’ accommodation in centrally located 5-star hotels with daily breakfast • 4 nights on the Golden Chariot including all meals • All lunches and dinners at either hotel or quality local and western restaurants or on trains. • Transfers on arrival and departure gratuities and tipping included • Comprehensive sightseeing with expert local guides • Comfortable air-conditioned coach transport when not on trains • Entrance fees at all monuments, museums and galleries • Hotel porterage

EXCLUSIONS

• Flights • Drinks with meals (except for welcome and farewell dinners) • Items of a personal nature eg. telephone, laundry, minibar • Travel Insurance

Your Train: The Golden Chariot

Accommodation on the train is in twin-bed or double- bed compartments with private en-suite bathroom. Every cabin is equipped with LCD TV, air conditioning, vanity and writing desk, wardrobe and luxury toiletries.

There are two fine-dining restaurants on the train, as well as a lounge car with bar, a gym and spa, and a business centre on board.

And don’t forget the personal butler on hand for your every need! DETAILS SUBJECT TO CHANGE We endeavour to have all the details of our tours correct at the time of printing however sometimes factors beyond our control such as movements in foreign exchange rates, the availability of requested hotels, the operation of trains and other services may change and affect the fnal inclusions and price. Therefore items mentioned in the brochure such as quoted prices, hotels and inclusions are subject to change. Please check with us at the time of booking.

ADDITIONAL TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS We can assist you with your international flights, pre- and post-travel including extended stays in Europe, visas and travel insurance. Call our office on 1300 733 323 if you would like to discuss options.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS For more information on factors that may affect your ability to participate in the tour such as ftness levels, fees and charges, payment schedules, passport validity and liabilities please refer to the Terms and Conditions that accompany the booking form. Terms and Conditions can also be requested at any time.

This tour is operated by Guidepost Tours, a division of SCT Travel Group in conjunction with Scott McGregor’s Railway Adventures T/A Lic. No. 2TA5895