discover the world of an ancient civilization with golden chariot

www.classicrailjourneys.com

“Welcome to Classic Rail Journeys, India’s premium rail operator of exclusive heritage trains. CRJ is all about personalized travel through fully ushered rail tours, transporting one to the days of yore. It offers an exceptional opportunity to visit India’s most incredible places in private suites of classic heritage trains. Under the aegis of SDU Travels Pvt. Ltd., CRJ comprises a specialist group which knows exactly what it takes to design and accomplish a memorable rail journey. ”Signal of uncompromised journeys



SDU Travels Pvt. Ltd.October 10th, 2010 was a significant day in the life of nine friends who had built a career in the travel industry. On this day, they came together to realize a collective vision of providing personalized, quality travel through ethical business practices; and so was born SDU Travels Pvt. Ltd., a travel company whose founders themselves are avid travelers.This passion, led to the finding of interesting destinations with unique local experiences; discovering new points of interest, new things to do and a considerable knowledge about hotel quality. Having experienced the culture of the places visited they brought back a wealth of experiences - some, off the beaten track, but all in all truly enriching. This knowledge has enabled the founders to equip the company for customized travel experiences along with professional and reliable services. Specializing in inbound travel, SDU Travels Pvt. Ltd. has built its business ethically, this being the reason for most clients having patronized it for years.Since 2010, SDU Travels Pvt. Ltd. has grown immensely, both geographically and in terms of the services it provides. With its roots in India, it has a presence in Delhi, Varanasi, Kochi and Chennai; in neighboring countries like Nepal (Kathmandu), Bhutan (Thimphu) and Sri Lanka and overseas offices at UK, Germany, Japan, Korea, China, Italy, Spain, Brazil and the U.A.E.Having won many awards, SDU Travels Pvt. Ltd. today, is synonymous with quality. The 150 member happy crew steers this ship with the utmost care and confidence. All in all, the journey of these nine friends has been a truly successful one which started with a certain vision and successfully culminated into their mission. The journey continues, the passion remains and SDU Travels Pvt. Ltd. moves from strength to strength each passing year.Affiliations: Having a global presence, SDU Travels Pvt. Ltd. has affiliations with the Department of Tourism, Government of India, certifications from IATA, PATA, USTOA, IATO, TAAI, FICCI and ASTA.• Awards:• Winner of Asia’s Leading Inbound Tour Company Award in 2012• Winner of National Tourism Awards in Category III in 2012• Winner of National Tourism Awards in Category II in 2013• Winner of World Tourism Award in 2014

OUR STORY


The Golden Chariot is run by Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC), a Government of Karnataka undertaking, a luxury train appointed with the finest luxury facilities that takes you on a journey truly unique and memorable.

It has successfully completed 6 years of operations and with the introduction of “Southern Splendor” itinerary in 2010, and has become the first and only luxury train in Karnataka & entire South India.


GOLDEN CHARIOT-CABINS

Each one of the 18 thematic coaches onboard The Golden Chariot is designed to be your very own personal kingdom Each Coach of the “The Golden Chariot - Pride of The South” has been named after the dynasties that ruled Karnataka - Kadamba, Hoysala, Rastrakota, Ganga, Chalukya, Bhahamani, Adhilshahi, Sangama, Shathavashna, Yudukula and Vijayanagar.

The 44 cabins, fully equipped with modern amenities, are inspired by the Mysore and Belur- Halebeedu schools of art and architecture. Sink into your bed of royalty, replete with silk bedspreads hand-woven by local artisans.


Nala and Ruchi - Two Restaurants

A Nala named after a king and legendary chef from the times of the Mahabharata. Ruchi, a name that means fine taste in Sanskrit.

The two restaurants serve a spread of vegetarian and non-vegetarian culinary delights.

• Interiors inspired by the timeless aesthetics of Hampi and Halebid.• 4-seater and 2-seater dining cabins with comfortable sofas and chairs.

CULINARY TOUR OF FINE TASTE


The kings of yore perhaps drank in search of the poet or the painter within. At Madira, the Lounge Bar onboard The Golden Chariot, you could do the same. Unravel your soul to fine spirits, as you enjoy performances by local artisans. And drink in the truly magnificent ambience.

THE BAR-MADIRA



At Arogya, the Spa and gym on The Golden Chariot, discover age old traditions and cures to modern day stress.

• Two massage rooms for an out of this world rejuvenation experience.• For those who prefer a local flavor - Ayurveda massages are provided.• Fully equipped gymnasium.

SPA & GYMNASIUM


PRIDE OF THE SOUTH ITINERARY

THE JOURNEY

Destinations Covered: Bangalore, Mysore, Kabini, Hassan, Hospet, Badami, Goa, BangaloreDuration: 7 Nights/ 8 Days


THE ROUTE MAP

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Destinations Covered: Bangalore, Mysore, Kabini, Hassan, Hospet, Badami, Goa, BangaloreDuration: 7 Nights/ 8 Days

1

KARNATAKA

BANGALORE

KERALA

GOA

BADAMI

HOSEPET

HASSAN

KABINI

MYSORE 2

3

4

5

6

7


THE JOURNEY

BANGALORE

• 1600hrs: Self report and Registration at Taj West End • 1630hrs: Nature walk in the heritage gardens of the Taj• 1730hrs: Hi-Tea• 1800hrs: Presentation and Orientation on The Golden Chariot tour• 1830hrs: Cultural dance• 1900hrs:Depart to Yeshwanthpur Railway Station to board The Golden

Chariot• 2015hrs: Traditional welcome at Yeshwanthpur railway station and board The

Golden Chariot• 2100hrs: Train departs to Mysore

PRIDE OF THE SOUTH ITIENARY


DAY

01


THE JOURNEY

MYSORE & KABINI

• 0800hrs: Breakfast on board• 1000hrs: Visit the famous Amba Vilas Mysore Palace• 1130hrs: Depart for Kabini in coach• 1330hrs: Reach Kabini jungle lodges resort• Lunch at the resort• 1530hrs: Tea / Coffee• 1600hrs: Jungle Safari • 1940hrs: Screening of wildlife film• 2030hrs: Dinner and stay overnight at jungle lodges resort



DAY

02


THE JOURNEY

MYSORE & KABINI

• 0530hrs: Wake up Call• 0630hrs: Boat ride for bird safari on Kabini

river• 0800hrs: Breakfast at the Jungle Lodges Resort• 0930hrs: Depart for Mysore in coach• 1130hrs: Back on board The Golden Chariot• 1300hrs: Lunch on board • 1500hrs: Srirangapatanam sightseeing – Dariya

Daulat, Tipu mausoleum and drive through the fort

• 1800hrs: Shopping at CIE• 1900hrs: Cultural dance and dinner at partner

hotel • 2200hrs: Back on board The Golden Chariot



DAY

03


THE JOURNEY

HASSAN

• 0500hrs: Depart from Mysore to Hassan• 0730hrs: Breakfast on board• 0900hrs: Depart for sightseeing to

Shravanabelagola• (Please note that you would have to climb

close to 700 steps to experience the architectural marvel. Only those who can undertake this are advised to do so. Guests unwilling to climb can stay back on board The Golden Chariot)

• 1300hrs: Back on board The Golden Chariot followed by lunch

• 1500hrs: Depart for Belur and Halebidu to visit the magnificent temple complexes

• 1915hrs: Back on board The Golden Chariot• 2000hrs: Dinner on board and depart to

Hospet by 2040 hrs



DAY

04


PRIDE OF THE SOUTH ITIENARYTHE JOURNEY

• 0600hrs: Arrive at Hospet• 0700hrs: Breakfast on board• 0830hrs: Depart for sightseeing to Hampi:

Hema kuta hill, Virupaksha temple, Queens Bath, Elephant stables, Royal enclosure, Hazara Rama Temple

• 1300hrs: Back on board The Golden Chariot followed by lunch

• 1530hrs: Visit to the Vijaya Vittala temple complex and the marvel stone chariot

• 1630hrs: Site visit of the famous Vijaya Vittala Temple complex

• 1900hrs: Back at the Hospet railway station

• 2000hrs: Dinner on board The Golden Chariot

HOSPET & HAMPI


DAY

05


THE JOURNEY

BADAMI

• 0400hrs: Depart from Hospet to Badami• 0730hrs: Breakfast on board• 0830hrs: Arrive at Badami• 0900hrs: Depart for sightseeing: Pattadakkal and

Badami cave temples• 1320hrs: Return to The Golden Chariot • 1330hrs: Lunch on board and depart for Goa• Free time to relax and enjoy the facilities on board

- Spa, Gym, Movies, etc• 2000hrs: Dinner on board The Golden Chariot.

Reach Goa past midnight



DAY

06


THE JOURNEY

GOA

• 0800hrs: Breakfast on board The Golden Chariot

• 1000hrs: Depart for sightseeing• 1100hrs: Visit the famous churches of old Goa• 0015hrs: Visit old Portuguese house now an

emporium for shopping and refreshments • 1400hrs: Lunch at the luxury resort in Goa

followed by beach stroll and Hi-Tea • 1600hrs: Depart from the resort• 1800hrs: Return to Vasco railway station and

board The Golden Chariot• 1910hrs: Depart for Bangalore• 2000hrs: Dinner on board The Golden Chariot



DAY

07


THE JOURNEY

• 0800hrs: Breakfast on board The Golden Chariot

• 1130hrs: Reach Yeshwanthpur Railway Station and Farewell by the entire crew



DAY

08

BANGALORE


SOUTHERN SPLENDOUR ITINERARY

THE JOURNEY

Destinations Covered: Bangalore, Chennai, Mahabalipuram, Pondicherry, Thanjavur & Trichy, Madurai, Kanyakumari & Kovalam, Alleppey, BangaloreDuration: 7 Nights/ 8 Days


THE ROUTE MAP

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Destinations Covered: Bangalore, Chennai, Mahabalipuram, Pondicherry, Thanjavur & Trichy, Madurai, Kanyakumari & Kovalam, Alleppey, BangaloreDuration: 7 Nights/ 8 Days

CHENNAI

1

KARNATAKA

TAMIL NADU

KERALA

PUDUCHERRY

KUMBAKONAM

TANJAVUR

MADURAI

NAGARCOIL

KANYAKUMARI

TRHIRUVANANTHAPURAM

ALLEPPEY

COCHIN

BANGALORE

2

3MAHABALIPURAM

TRICHY

4

10

9

6

75

8

11

12

13


THE JOURNEY

• 1600 hrs: Self report and Registration at Taj West End

• 1630 hrs: Nature walk in the heritage gardens of the Taj

• 1730 hrs: Hi-Tea• 1800 hrs: Presentation and

Orientation on The Golden Chariot tour

• 1830 hrs: Cultural dance• 1930 hrs: Depart to Yeshwantpur

railway station• 2015 hrs: Traditional Welcome at

Yeshwantpur railway station and board The Golden Chariot

• 2245 hrs: Train departs to Chennai

BANGALORE



DAY

01


SOUTHERN SPLENDOUR ITINERARYTHE JOURNEY

• 0800 hrs: Breakfast on board The Golden Chariot• 0945 hrs: Arrive at Chennai Egmore railway station • 1000 hrs: Depart to Mahabalipuram by coach• 1130 hrs: Visit the famous St. Thome Church• 1300 hrs: Lunch at luxury resort in Mahabalipuram • 1430 hrs: Sightseeing of Krishna’s butter ball, Monolithic Ganesha temple,

Arjuna’s penance area, Five Ratha’s temple and Shiva Shore Temple • 1730 hrs: Drive to Pondicherry railway station by coach• 1930 hrs: Arrive at Pondicherry to board The Golden Chariot and refresh• 2000 hrs: Dinner on board The Golden Chariot. Train stable at Pondicherry

railway station

CHENNAI & MAHABALIPURAM


DAY

02


THE JOURNEY

PONDICHERRY

• 0800 hrs: Breakfast on board The Golden Chariot• 1000 hrs: Depart for sightseeing of Auroville –

Ashram and Matri mandir• 1300 hrs: Lunch at a luxury partner hotel in

Pondicherry• 1430 hrs: Return to the station to board The

Golden Chariot and rest for while• 1630 hrs: A visit to the Aurobindo ashram in the

French town, Ganesha temple, shopping and stroll on the pristine Promenade beach

• 1830 hrs: Return to the Pondicherry railway station to board The Golden Chariot and refresh

• 2000 hrs: Dinner on board • 2245 hrs: Depart to Tanjavur



DAY

03


THE JOURNEY SOUTHERN SPLENDOUR ITINERARY

• 0730 hrs: Arrive at Thanjavur railway station• 0800 hrs: Breakfast on board The Golden

Chariot• 1000 hrs: Visit to Brihadeeswarar Temple, a

UNESCO World Heritage Site• 1130 hrs: Visit to the famous Serfoji Museum• 0015 hrs: Shopping at CIE• 1330 hrs: Lunch at a riverside luxury resort• 1500 hrs: Drive to Trichy by coach• 1700 hrs: Visit Sri Rangam temple in Trichy –

India’s largest temple complex dedicated to Lord Vishnu

• 1900 hrs: Return to Trichy railway station to board The Golden Chariot and refresh

• 2000 hrs: Dinner on board • 0200 hrs: Depart to Madurai

THANJAVUR & TRICHY


DAY

04


THE JOURNEY

MADURAI

• 0515 hrs: Arrive at Madurai railway station• 0800 hrs: Breakfast on board The Golden

Chariot• 1000 hrs: Visit the famous Meenakshi

Amman Temple• 1300 hrs: Lunch on board The Golden

Chariot• 1800 hrs: Visit the Tirumalai Nayakar palace

for sound & light show • 2000 hrs: Dinner on board The Golden

Chariot• 2230 hrs: Depart to Nagercoil



DAY

05


THE JOURNEY

• 0400 hrs: Arrive at Nagercoil Railway Station • 0515 hrs: Depart to Kanya kumari by coach• 0730 hrs: Return back to The Golden Chariot for

breakfast after viewing sunrise• 0930 hrs: Depart to visit the Padmanabhapura

wooden palace • 1300 hrs: Return back to The Golden Chariot for

lunch on board • 1400 hrs: Depart to Kocchiveli • 1600 hrs: Arrive at Kocchiveli Railway Station• 1630 hrs: Drive to Kovalam beach by coach to

view sunset and stroll by the beach • (Tea/Coffee, biscuits served by the beach)• 1930 hrs: Cultural performance followed by dinner

at a 5 star luxury resort, Kovalam• 2200 hrs: Back on board The Golden Chariot.

KANYAKUMARI & KOVALAM



DAY

06



• 0430 hrs: Depart to Alleppey• 0800 hrs: Breakfast on board The

Golden Chariot• 0930 hrs: Arrive at Alleppey railway

station• 1000 hrs: Depart for Houseboat cruise

on the Vembanad backwaters with Lunch on houseboat

• 1500 hrs: Depart to Kochi by road• 1600 hrs: Visit the Chinese Fishing

nets and a walk around the Jew town for shopping

• 1830 hrs: Return to Ernakulum railway station to board The Golden Chariot

• 1910 hrs: Depart to Bangalore• 2000 hrs: Dinner on board The Golden

Chariot

ALLEPPEY


DAY

07



• 0800 hrs: Breakfast on board The Golden Chariot

• 1100 hrs: Arrive at Yeshwantpur railway station and farewell by the entire crew

BANGALORE


DAY

08


Classic Rail JourneysM/s. SDU Travels Pvt. Ltd.

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Phone: +91-7838388090 | Email: [email protected]

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