Exploring Southern India was never more tempting than when the state of Karnataka launched its ultra luxurious rail travel with The Golden Chariot tourist train. Even the difficult to access UNESCO-acclaimed World Heritage Sites like Hampi, Pattadakal and Aihole were now made more approachable in the most attractive way. The growing popularity of The Golden Chariot gave it room for greater expansion to newer itineraries for explorations of the popular destinations of the Kerala coast and Tamil Nadu state.
The beauty of travelling by The Golden Chariot is that you get to travel not only in great luxury but also in greater privacy–a treasured privilege on an Indian train for sure! Your suite on the train is beautifully appointed with a private bathroom and plasma TV. A liveried valet, who serves as a personal attendant for each guest coach, is at your beck and call on board. The on board gym keeps your fitness routine in place and the serene spa pampers you with traditional massages. The two restaurants on board offer a delectable range of Indian and international culinary specials to tempt even the fussiest palate. The ever-popular Madira bar buoys up the mood of patrons by lubricating parched throats with its super collection of the finest wines, beers and spirits.
The regal purple and golden toned train features carriages which accommodate four (67.5 sq ft) cabins apiece with a mix of twins and doubles. Guest cabins are a mix of 13 Double Bed Cabins, 30 Twin Bed Cabins and 1 Cabin for the specially abled. The décor and names of the suites are inspired by Karnataka’s various erstwhile ruling dynasties.
The Pride Of Karnataka itinerary kicking off from Bengaluru covers a slew of exotic, must-visit destinations–Bandipur, Mysore, Halebidu, Chikamgaluru, Hampi, Pattadakal and Aihole, Goa–Bengaluru, over five nights and six days. Some highlights include a jeep safari at Bandipur, a viewing of that glorious architectural masterpiece–the Mysore Palace; explorations of the fabulous ruins of Hampi–erstwhile capital of the legendary Vijayanagar Empire. Your time spent in the Badami Caves and temple sites of Pattadakal and Aihole offers insights into the very ancient traditions of southern India’s religious rock architecture and artisanal skills. In Goa, you get to discover the wonderments of Portuguese culture captured in the beautiful centuries-old churches.
If you are pressed for time, you can opt for the Glimpses of Karnataka itinerary which over three nights and four days covers Bandipur, Mysore and Hampi. The journey kicks off and ends at Bangalore.
The Jewels of the South itinerary features exotic destinations such as Mysore, Hampi, Mahabalipuram, Thanjavur and Chettinad, Cochin and Kumarakom over six nights and seven days. The journey begins from and ends at Bangalore.
Just keep in mind that at the time of booking one should check the latest updates on destinations on offer and duration of the tours as they can vary according to the season.
Prepare yourself for a lot of pampering on the plush Golden Chariot. An unmissable royal journey of the best hotspots of the south this grand luxury train, having won many accolades for its services, is truly ‘the Pride of the South’. When you are travelling to India next, don’t just invest your holiday break in the ‘backwaters of Kerala ‘–On the Golden Chariot you get that– plus many more memorable experiences of this culture and heritage rich region of India.