Ever since I read The Great Railway Bazaar in January this year, it is safe to say that I have been romanticizing about train travel. The author – Paul Theroux, explains in vivid detail, the grandeur of the Trans-Siberian express: the plush interiors and High Victorian compartments, and I have been secretly daydreaming of a luxury train travel. Consequently, to my great surprise, wishes do come true. When I got to experience royalty aboard the Golden Chariot train – it was more than I could have wished for.
About Golden Chariot train
In the same lines as Palace on wheels of Rajasthan, the Golden Chariot is an award-winning and the only luxury train in South India. It is a joint venture between Karnataka State Tourism and Development Corporation (KSTDC) and the Indian Railways. Consequently, the Golden Chariot derives its name from the famous stone structure in the Vitthala Temple at Hampi. It started operating in 2008 and usually runs from October through March. Mapple Group handles the hospitality services on the train. The train consists of eleven air-conditioned passenger cars, two restaurant cars, a bar, a gym car, a staff car and finally two cars to power everything including Internet and television.
It is a 7-night, 8-day journey covering the various locations of South India offering an insight into the rich heritage and culture of the Southern part of India.
Additionally, Golden Chariot offers two train routes.
One is The Southern Splendour covering Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Pondicherry.
Location highlights: one of the oldest towns in India – Madurai, former French Colony of Pondicherry, beaches, and backwaters of Kerala, and UNESCO World Heritage site of Brihadeeswara Temple.
Pride of south, on the other hand, covers Karnataka and Goa.
Location Highlights: Mysore Palace, Kabini Tiger Reserve, UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hampi and Badami cave sculptures, and the party beaches of Goa.
For each of the route mentioned above, Golden Chariot luxury train departs from Yeshwantpur railway station in Bangalore on a Monday night and reaches Bangalore the next Monday morning taking you through a week of the cultural extravaganza with dance performances, culinary delights, thousand-year-old temples and houseboat cruises while living in the comforts of a luxury train.
Additional Read: Wine tasting near Bangalore
Tour Suggestions: If you are a foreigner, and visiting Bangalore for the first time, then I would also suggest you try out Half Day Cultural Tour of Bangalore to better get acquainted with the city.
Dining cars on the Golden Chariot Train
With 2 dining cars called Nalapaka and Ruchi, and a Cigar Bar lounge called Madira – the train comes fully equipped. While, Nalapaka and Ruchi are inspired by the royal aesthetics of Hampi and Halebidu temples, the ostentatious display of Madira, on the other hand, is modeled after the early 20th century Mysore Palace.
Stay coaches on the Golden Chariot Train
The rooms are cozy and comfortable with attached bathrooms. Either, twin bedrooms or double bedrooms are available. The rooms and bathrooms are well-maintained and equipped with 5-star luxury amenities. Only when I step into one of these corridors, this realization dawns on me that it is all inside a moving train and not some swanky hotel.
Culinary experience on the Golden Chariot Train
All the dishes served for breakfast or dinner are prepared in-house(in-train) in a tiny kitchen. With wide-spread varieties of delicious dishes to choose from – you will be spoilt for choices. Mostly, serving continental and Indian dishes and customised as desired.
Service
The service and the staff of the Golden chariot are just exemplary. The bar is open 24/7 as per the request of the guests. From the General manager of the train, the friendly chef to the entire staff makes sure the experience in the train is just extraordinary and a truly memorable one.
Gym and Spa rooms
As if this wasn’t enough, it also offers gym and spa facilities for the guests. It has two massage rooms for traditional Ayurvedic massages. And, gyms have cardio equipment. Of course, it is necessary when you are gorging on lip-smacking food day after day!
Sightseeing
Did you know? Two luxury air-conditioned coaches accompany the train throughout the journey for sightseeing of the guests(!!) The train stops at the nearby station, and then you board the bus which will take you to sightseeing locations. Also, local English-speaking guides join in at respective locations. And, detail the glorious history and cultural significance at each of these places.
It offers full-fledged amenities, the flexibility of getting in and out at any station, international airports at each drop-points and without the hassle of packing and unpacking. Additionally, it offers the wholesome and relaxing experience of a South India tour. And interestingly, mostly comprised of foreigners in the age group of 60-80.
Till now, The Golden Chariot train has hosted a slew of reputed brands like NatGeo, NDTV, BBC and also hosted fashion shows inside the train.
I was part of the Southern Splendor journey and what a joy ride it was! The train is an epitome of luxury and elegance and I am lucky to have experienced it. And yes, wishes do come true, after all! Never before did the journey so outshine the destination!!
Find more information on the Golden Chariot train here.
Tour Suggestions: If you are a foreigner, and visiting Bangalore for the first time, then I would also suggest you try out Half Day Cultural Tour of Bangalore to better get acquainted with the city.
Disclaimer – This post is written as part of the Golden Chariot tour with KSTDC. Needless to say, all opinions listed here are entirely my own 🙂
So, have you ever been on the Golden Chariot train or any of the luxury trains in India? And how was your experience like? Let me know in the comments below.
