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The Golden Chariot (Departure dates available from October to March)

Indian Rail Tours

Bengaluru - Bandipur - Mysore - Halebidu - Chikamgaluru - Hampi - Badami - Goa - Bengaluru
0 booked

Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights
Language: English
Tour type: Indian Rail Tours
Transport: Luxury Train, Air-Conditioned Coaches & Safari Vehicles
Accommodation: Luxury Train Cabin
Meals: 6 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 6 Dinners (All meals onboard/during excursions included)
Group size: 1 to 39 people

Rich Cultural Activities

Cuisine

Sightseeing

Itinerary

Day 01: Bangalore – Bandipur

Arrive at Yeshwanthpur Railway Station in Bangalore by 08:45 hrs for a traditional welcome before boarding your royal cabin. Enjoy high tea, a tour briefing, and lunch onboard as the train moves toward Nanjangud. De-board at 14:00 hrs for a drive to Bandipur National Park to experience an evening game safari from 16:30 to 18:30 hrs before returning to the train as it proceeds to Mysore for an overnight stay.

Day 02: Mysore

After breakfast onboard, de-board at Mysore Railway Station to visit the grand Amba Vilas Mysore Palace of the Wodeyar Dynasty. Return to the train for lunch, then take an optional excursion to Srirangapatnam to explore Tipu Sultan’s mausoleum and fort, followed by time for shopping in Mysore for famous silk, sandalwood, and handicrafts.

Day 03: Halebid and Chikkamagaluru

Arrive at Banavar Railway Station at 08:00 hrs and proceed to Halebidu to admire its 10th-century Hoysala temple architecture. Return to the train by 11:00 hrs, enjoy lunch, and arrive at Chikkamagaluru station at 15:00 hrs for an immersive coffee plantation tour and dinner before traveling overnight toward Hampi.

Day 04: Hampi

Arrive in Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage site and former capital of the Vijayanagara Empire. Tour key monuments including Hemakuta Hill, Virupaksha Temple, Queen’s Bath, Elephant Stables, Royal Enclosure, and Hazara Rama Temple, returning to the train for lunch, relaxation, and a delectable dinner onboard.

Day 05: Badami

Arrive at Badami and de-board to explore the famous Badami Caves (optional). Return to the train for lunch, and de-board again at 14:15 hrs for a guided sightseeing excursion to the historic temples of Pattadakal and Aihole before returning onboard for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 06: Goa

Arrive in Goa after breakfast for a day of cultural sightseeing. Tour UNESCO World Heritage churches in Old Goa, explore local museums, and walk through an authentic Old Portuguese emporium. Enjoy lunch onboard, followed by a special Bollywood evening and hotel dinner before returning to the train by 21:45 hrs as it heads back to Bengaluru.

Day 07: Bangalore

Relish a final breakfast onboard before arriving at Yeshwanthpur Railway Station in Bangalore around 11:00 hrs, concluding your memorable journey aboard The Golden Chariot.

Discover the rich heritage and scenic landscapes of South India aboard The Golden Chariot, traveling from the cosmopolitan hub of Bengaluru through ancient royal capitals, wildlife reserves, temple complexes, coffee plantations, and sunny coastal shores. Guests enjoy exceptional hospitality, guided excursions to iconic UNESCO World Heritage sites, and refined luxury throughout their journey.

Explore: Visit UNESCO World Heritage sites including the ancient ruins of Hampi, historical monuments in Pattadakal, Hoysala temples in Halebidu, and elegant Portuguese churches in Old Goa.
Experience: Embark on an exciting evening jungle safari in Bandipur National Park, tour lush coffee plantations in Chikkamagaluru, explore royal palaces in Mysore, and experience lively cultural and entertainment evenings.
Enjoy: Relax in plush luxury train cabins complete with gourmet onboard dining, seamless coach transfers, guided sightseeing, and attentive service throughout South India.

Price includes

A guided tour of important places.
A two-person English-speaking Travel Director and Driver team with you for the duration of your journey.
Beautifully illustrated souvenir map.
Current Hotel Taxes and Service Charges.
Entrance tickets to monuments and museums mentioned on the itinerary.
Sightseeing and activities as described in your itinerary.
All accommodations – First class or best available hotels in the area based on the hotel price category booked.
Breakfast daily and some evening meals as described in your trip itinerary.
Meals, unless expressly states.
Observation and participation in allowed activities.
Professionally guided tour.
Arrival and Departure Airport transfers.
Transport to and from hotel listed on itinerary
Bottled water.

Price does not include

All hotel tips, charges, and local taxes.
Departure Taxes.
Visa processing arrangements.
Extra pre and / or post hotel nights for before and after your trip. These can be booked through Lotus of India and or your Travel Agent and be added during the booking process.
Handling fees.
Excess baggage charge.
Increases in airfares or Government imposed taxes.
International Air, unless expressly paid for.
Medical Travel insurance and emergency insurance.
Visas and Travel Insurance.
Other International and domestic flights not mentioned on the itinerary.
Personal expenses.
Porterage for a maximum of two bags per person.
All porterage and restaurant gratuities.
Services not specifically stated in the itinerary.
Tips to guide and driver.
Optional Experiences. Optional Experiences are additional add-on experiences unique to the destination that are booked and paid for (credit card or cash) when you are on your tour. As Optional Experiences are pre-bookable, this allows you the flexibility to pick and choose what you feel like when you’re on your trip.
Any taxi fares or personal spending money including for non-included items, meals.

Level of Physical fitness required for the Lotus of India tour?

A moderate amount of walking is involved at both attractions.
Check recommended level for travelers with back problems or any other issues.
Check the dress codes for proper vestments for religious sites or county customs.
Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, comfortable clothes and hiking or tennis shoes.

Guidelines for Different Religious Sites

Typical Dress Code for Churches and Cathedrals

Churches, particularly in Europe, often require covered shoulders and knees. Bringing a scarf or shawl can be handy if you need to cover up quickly.

Dress Codes in Mosques

Mosques typically require women to cover their hair with a scarf or hijab and both men and women to wear long pants or skirts. Some mosques provide appropriate attire at the entrance.
Typical Dress Code for Temples and Shrines.
In Hindu and Buddhist temples, it is respectful to wear long sleeves and long skirts or pants. Removing shoes is often mandatory, and wearing socks might be required in some places.

Tips for Respectful Attire

Removing Hats or Headwear
While head coverings may be required in some religious sites, hats and caps are generally considered disrespectful and should be removed before entering.

Layering for Comfort and Respect

Bringing a lightweight layer, like a cardigan or shawl, allows you to adapt your outfit as needed. This is especially useful when transitioning from a hot climate outside to a cool interior within religious buildings.

Understanding Local Customs

Researching or asking about local customs before visiting can prevent unintentional disrespect. Each religious site may have unique expectations regarding dress code.

Additional Information

Confirmation will be received at time of booking and payment
Tours can be customized, by request with a multi-lingual guides option: (English, Spanish, French, Italian, German and Portuguese).
Daily Tours departures times will be announced by your guide a day prior to the tour date.
The tour starts times ranges based on the activity booked.
Waiver will need to be signed attesting to good health conditions

Cancellation and Refunds Policies

For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours after booking payment.
In the event of cancellation, Traveler should notify Lotus of India in writing at – least 60 days prior to travel.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made after paid booking before the experience’s start date / time will be subject to modification fees.
If the experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
This experience requires a minimum number of travelers ( 2 ). If it’s canceled because the minimum wasn’t met, you’ll be offered options and recalculated prices.
A cancellation fee will be charged by Lotus of India for all cancelled bookings, as per the following cancellation terms.

Land Portions Refund Datelines: ( Hotels, Tours services, Sightseeing tours )

Number of days prior to Departure	Cost of Cancellation (Minimum Cancellation after booking)
120 days or more	15% of the total tour cost
119 to 60 days	25% of the total tour cost
59 to 30 days	50% of the total tour cost
Below 30 days	100% of the total tour cost

Map

Frequently Asked Questions - Deposits, Payments & Customers:

How Much Walking Is Involved?
Foreign travelers often worry about physical strain, especially seniors and couples. Physical comfort is managed proactively rather than reactively. Private tours control walking distances. Vehicles drop travelers close to sites, and visits are planned during less crowded hours.
Is Indian Food Safe for Foreign Tourists?
Food concerns are extremely common. Travelers worry about hygiene, food spice levels, and digestive issues. Private tours ensure meals are taken in reputable restaurants and hotels where hygiene standards are controlled. Spice levels are adjusted, and dietary needs are respected. Most food-related problems occur when travelers eat randomly or without guidance.
What Happens If Something Goes Wrong?
Travel anxiety often peaks around “what if” scenarios. Delays, illness, missed connections, or fatigue worry travelers before booking. Private tours include contingency handling. Drivers, guides and operators respond immediately to changes without traveler involvement. This safety net is one of the strongest reasons foreign travelers choose private tours.
Will the Tour Feel Too Rushed?
Fear of rushed itineraries is common, especially among travelers who have seen aggressive group tour schedules. Private tours are paced according to traveler energy, not preset checklists. Days are balanced, and sightseeing is spread logically. Foreign travelers often say they see less but understand more, which improves satisfaction.
How Much Planning Is Actually Needed?
India requires more planning than many destinations because of its scale and diversity. Foreign travelers often underestimate travel times, climate differences, and regional variations. Private tour planning absorbs this complexity. Routes are optimized, rest is built in, and seasonal factors are considered. Good planning reduces surprises, which is essential for confidence.
Are Private Tours Only for Luxury Travelers?
There is a misconception that private tours are only for ultra-luxury travelers. Private tours exist across comfort levels. The defining feature is personalization, not price. Even mid-range private tours offer better control and ease than budget independent travel. Luxury private tours simply enhance comfort further through premium hotels and experiences. Foreign travelers choose private tours not to show wealth, but to avoid friction.

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From

From 1 April 2026 to 27 March 2027

Desde el 1 de Abril 2026 al 27 de Marzo 2027