Golden Chariot - India

Tour highlights (Jan 09 - 28)

See and experience....5000 years of history, timeless historical heritage sites, ancient temples, erotic caves, the golden beaches of Goa, and much more....all aboard the luxurious Golden Chariot. Discover Mumbai's Gateway to India and visit a Bollywood Film Studio. The famous temples of Varanasi and a boat ride on the River Ganges, Full day excursion to Agra by train to visit the Taj Mahal. Take in the Republic Day celebrations in Delhi....
Tour itinerary

Day 1 - Day of departure

Depart on your overnight flight to Bangalore (make your own arrangements).
Day 2 - Bangalore

Arrival in Bangalore and transfer to your hotel.
Day 3 - Bangalore (Board the Golden Chariot)

Leisurely breakfast at your hotel. Lunch will be at the Blue Ginger Taj Westend Hotel. After lunch, depart on a sightseeing tour to Vidhana Soudha, Lal Bagh and St. Mark's Cathedral. There will also be some free time for shopping at MG Road. After the tour, depart for Yeshwantpur Railway Station for checking into the Golden Chariot. Dinner will be on board.
Day 4 - Mysore

Breakfast on board, followed by a morning sightseeing tour to Srirangapatna and Daria Daulat Fort by coach. Lunch will be at Regaalis. In the afternoon, visit Chamundi Hills and Mysore Palace. Afternoon tea will be served on board. In the evening there will be a trip to Rangayana Kala Mandir for a Cultural Show. Dinner and overnight will be on board.
Day 5 - Kabini

Breakfast on board followed by a sightseeing tour of Kabini by coach. There will be a 1-hour boat ride, followed by lunch at Kabini. In the afternoon, enjoy a peaceful nature walk and a jungle safari (in jeeps). Rajiv Gandhi National Park, Nagarhole (Kabini), the hunting retreat of the Mysore Maharajas, is definitely the perfect destination for wildlife lovers in South India. The excitement starts with a safari into the heart of the park, where you are sure to spot wild animals in their natural habitat. Some of the popular sightings are elephant, gaur, sambar, chital, wild boar and the more exclusive predators like tigers and leopards. A bird watcher's paradise, the park is home to over 300 species of birds, many of which are endemic to these jungles. Return to the Golden Chariot for dinner and the night.
Day 6 - Hassan

After breakfast, depart Halebid by coach. It has one of the finest Hoysala temples. The Hoysaleswara Temple, perched on a star-shaped base amidst lawns, is a sculptural extravaganza. Its walls are richly carved with an endless variety of Hindu deities, sages, stylized animals, birds and friezes depicting the life of the Hoysala Kings. Drive to Belur, for a sightseeing tour. Belur is famous for its magnificent Hoysala Temple Complex. The Chennakesava Temple is the major attraction, built by Hoysala Vishnuvardhana, to commemorate his victory over the Cholas. The facade of the temple is filled with intricate sculptures with no portion left blank. It is the only Hoysala Temple still in use for worshipping today. Return to the Golden chariot for lunch. Afternoon departure for Shravanabelagola, an important Jain pilgrim centre. It is home to Asia's largest monolithic statue (Lord Gomateswara) which towers 58 ft., looming atop the picturesque Vindhyagiri Hill. Dinner and overnight will be on board.
Day 7 - Hospet

Breakfast followed by a trip to Hampi, a World Heritage Center and one of the major tourist destinations in India. Hampi was the seat of the famed Vijayanagara empire, the largest empire in post-moghul India, covering several states. Although in ruins today, this capital city once boasted riches known far beyond the shores of India. Hampi is a sojourn into the past. Most of the important structures and ruins are located in two areas, which are generally referred to as the Royal Centre and the Sacred Centre. Your sightseeing tour will show you Mustard Seed Ganesha, Virupaksha Temple, Krishna Bazaar, Linga, the Queen's Bath and the fort. After lunch on board, drive to Hampi again to see the Hazama Temple, Lotus Fort and the elephant stable. After a coffee/tea break at KSTDC guest house, drive to Vittala temple complex for a cultural show. There will also be a Sound and Light Show inside the temple complex. Return to the Golden Chariot for dinner and the night.
Day 8 - Gadag (Aihole) / Pattadakal / Badami

After breakfast, drive to Badami, picturesquely situated at the mouth of a ravine between two rocky hills. The exquisite sculptures and the rust red sandstone cliffs of Badami tell many a tale of yore. Continue to Aihole for sightseeing. Aihole is acclaimed as the "Cradle of Hindu Temple Architecture". Aihole has over a hundred temples scattered around the village. Continue to Pattadakal for sightseeing. Pattadakal, with its beautifully chiseled temples is a World Heritage Site located on the banks of the Malaprabha River. It bears testimony to the richness of the Chalukyan architecture. Pattadakal reached its pinnacle of glory under the Chalukyan Kings and was once used as a ceremonial center where kings were crowned. After the tour, transfer to the Badami Court Hotel for lunch. In the afternoon, drive to the Badami Caves. Return to the Golden Chariot for dinner and the night.
Day 9 - Goa

This morning, you will arrive at Vasco Railway Station in Goa. Depart for the Taj Holiday Village Hotel by coach. On arrival, you will check-in. In the afternoon there will be a half day sightseeing tour of some of Goa's churches and the museum. The magnificent scenic beauty and the architectural splendors of its temples, churches and old houses have made Goa a favorite with travelers around the world. But then, Goa is much more than just beaches and sea. It has a soul which goes deep into a unique history, rich culture, and some of the most beautiful natural scenery that India has to offer. Travellers to Goa will also love the laid-back, peaceful, warm and friendly nature of the Goan people. Return to the Taj Holiday Village for dinner and the night.
Day 10 - Goa / Mumbai

After breakfast, depart for the airport in order to take your flight to Mumbai. On arrival, there will be a half day tour of Mumbai to include Gateway of India, Chowpatty beach, and the Prince of Wales Museum. Dinner and overnight will be at your hotel in Mumbai.
Day 11 - Mumbai

Buffet breakfast, followed by a full day tour to a Bollywood Film Studio. Dinner and overnight will be at your hotel.
Day 12 - Mumbai / Varanasi

After breakfast, transfer to the airport in order to take your flight to Varanasi. On arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. Evening tour of the temples and Ghats of Varanasi and sunset boat ride on the Ganges River. Dinner and overnight at your hotel.
Day 13 - Varanasi

After breakfast, depart for the Golden Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, and the Durga Temple dedicated to the Goddess Durga. This temple is also known as Monkey Temple, due to the large number of monkeys found in the temple premises. In the afternoon, visit other attractions in Varanasi. Dinner and overnight will be at your hotel.
Day 14 - Varanasi / Kajuraho

After breakfast, transfer to the airport in order to take your flight to Kajuraho. On arrival, transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon, there will be a visit to Khajuraho's historical caves. Dinner and overnight will be at your hotel.
Day 15 - Kajuraho

After breakfast, depart on a full day tour of Kajuraho, which will start with a visit to the Archaeological Museum, with its collection of stone sculptures from the Chandela Dynasty. You will also visit the Easter group of temples and the Jain temples of Parsvanath, Adinath and Shanti Nath. In the afternoon, visit the temples of Vamana and Brahma/Hanuman. Return to your hotel for dinner and the night.
Day 16 - Kajuraho / Delhi

This morning, depart for Delhi. On arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon, visit the Cottage Industries for some shopping, before proceeding on a guided tour of Old Delhi. This former center of Mughal power offers ancient monuments, narrow streets and bustling bazaars. Visit the Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India, completed in 1658 by Sha Jahan, who also built the Taj Mahal. You will also visit the magnificent Red Fort and Raj Ghat (Mahatma Gandhi’s Memorial). Dinner and overnight will be at your hotel.
Day 17 - Delhi (Optional excursion to Agra)

Today, is a free day for optional activities. We recommend an optional excursion to Agra by train, to see the famous TAJ MAHAL. Dinner and overnight will be at your hotel.
Day 18 - Delhi

Buffet breakfast at your hotel. The Republic day Celebrations take place today. Dinner and overnight will be at your hotel.
Day 19 - Delhi

Breakfast followed by a half day guided tour of New Delhi to include: Rashtrapati Bhawan (the one-time imperial residence of the British Viceroys), India Gate, Qutab Minar, and the lotus-shaped Bahai Temple. Dinner will be at the hotel. Late evening transfer to the airport.
Day 20 - Day of Return

Depart on your early morning flight home (own arrangements).
Contact Touringhouse

Our Tour Escorts are personable and knowledgeable. Contact us for more information on any of the travel experiences we offer.

Tour costs include:

Transfers between the airports/train station and the hotels (including baggage handling at the hotels)
17-night accommodations in Deluxe and Heritage hotels (standard rooms), based on double occupancy:

- 1 night in Bangalore
- 6 nights on board the Golden Chariot Train
- 1 night in Goa
- 2 nights in Mumbai
- 2 nights in Varanasi
- 2 nights in Kajuraho
- 3 nights in Delhi

Domestic flights (in India) as follows:

- Goa to Mumbai
- Mumbai to Varanasi
- Varanasi to Kajuraho
- Kajuraho to Delhi

Buffet breakfast and dinner at the hotels every day (including mineral water with dinner)
All meals, entertainment and excursions while on board the Golden Chariot Train
Guided sightseeing tours and excursions as per the itinerary (including entrance fees):

- Half day Goa
- Half day Mumbai
- Full day Bollywood Film Studio in Mumbai
- Evening tour and sunset boat ride on the Ganges (Varanasi)
- Full day Varanasi
- Visit to Kajuraho's caves
- Full day tour of the temples in Khajurajo
- Half day Old Delhi and shopping
- Half day New Delhi

Services of a Touringhouse representative throughout the tour (for a minimum of 20 paying passengers)
All service charges and taxes

Cost per person:

Tour costs

Land Package	$8,289.00
Gratuities applicable before departure	$200.00
Optional package tour insurance	$463.00

Costs are per person and in Canadian dollars.

Costs do not include lunches (except while on the Golden Chariot), drinks with meals (except mineral water), the optional full day excursion to Agra, or the cost of obtaining an Indian Visa.

The insurance rate is for passengers who are 59 years of age and under. Passengers over 59 years of age are requested to call for their applicable rate.