The Golden Chariot: A Luxury Train Tour Through South India’s Heritage

Golden Chariot: Exclusive Luxury Train Travel in South India

Experiencing Golden Chariot, one of the 5 luxury trains of India was a dream come true as I explored new destinations. The Golden Chariot train, recognized as 'Asia's leading luxury train' at the World Travel Awards, granted me the wish of embarking on an unforgettable journey through Southern India. The immense thrill of boarding the train and making it my home for a week-long journey filled me with excitement, a prospect that never crossed my mind when I embraced a nomadic lifestyle a year ago. For years, I have been living independently, tending to all my needs. Occasionally, I yearn for a taste of luxury, where everything is handled for me, and all I have to do is unwind. The Golden Chariot came into my life at just the right time.
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Golden Chariot is named after 'Stone Chariot' The UNESCO World Heritage site in Hampi, Karnataka. Golden Chariot's exteriors shine with royal colours of purple and golden. The train is owned by Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation and is run by Mapple Hotels and Resorts as hospitality partner. Golden Chariot train routes starting from Bangalore, show the best heritage, wildlife and cultural destinations of the Southern India in 7 days:
1. Pride of South route - Karnataka and Goa
2. Southern Splendour route - Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Pondicherry and Kerala.

Golden Chariot - the only Luxury Train in South India

​Royal Welcome to a Royal Journey on the Golden Chariot

I had expected to receive royal treatment on the train. However, the team went above and beyond by giving us a grand welcome for our royal journey. Yeshwantpur Railway Station in Bangalore had prepared a red carpet reception for us. They greeted us with live traditional South Indian music and garlands and lifted our spirits even before we laid eyes on the Golden Chariot.

Royal Welcome on the Golden Chariot - the luxury train of India

​Bar in the Golden Chariot Luxury Train

"Madira" serves as the bar's coach and serves as the gateway to the Golden Chariot. The bar remains open until the final drink is poured. The team pleasantly surprised us with unexpected "Happy Hours" and DJ nights at the bar. The bar's interior exudes a royal atmosphere, enhancing the thrill of sipping drinks on a train in motion, keeping us eagerly anticipating the next day's destination. The bar boasted a welcoming ambiance where I could relax in the evenings alongside fellow travelers from various parts of the world.

​Bar in the Golden Chariot Luxury Train

​Restaurants in the Golden Chariot Luxury Train

Golden Chariot features two restaurant coaches, Nalapaka and Ruchi, serving breakfast and dinner. Lunch is typically arranged at affiliated resorts at the daily destination. I developed a habit of enjoying leisurely breakfasts in the morning at the restaurants. It was during this time that I could admire the varied landscapes of Southern India, savoring delicious dishes freshly prepared in the kitchen as I sipped my morning tea.

​Restaurants in the Golden Chariot Luxury Train

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​Coaches in the Golden Chariot Luxury Train

The Golden Chariot is equipped with 11 accommodation coaches, each featuring 4 cabins with attached washrooms. These cabins are designed to accommodate 2 people, with a few cabins capable of accommodating 3 people with a pull-down bed, similar to those found on regular trains. The coaches are adorned with luxurious carpeting and the windows are covered with rich linen. The lavish decor of the Golden Chariot left me spellbound, evoking a sense of residing in a palace, despite the limited space.

​ ​Coaches in the Golden Chariot Luxury Train

​In case you experience claustrophobia within the cabins, each coach is equipped with a lounge/sitting area. The Golden Chariot ensures that all needs are catered to.

​ ​Coaches in the Golden Chariot Luxury Train

​The design of each coach is distinct, reflecting the dynasties that once held power in Southern India. These coaches are known as Hoysala, Sangama, Ganga, Kadamba, Shathavahana, Rashtrakuta, Chalukya, Vijayanagara, Yadukula, Adil Shahi, and Bahamani. The lounge area offers a brief history of the dynasties linked to each coach, allowing passengers to delve into the history and heritage of South India during their journey.

​ ​Coaches in the Golden Chariot Luxury Train

​Rooms in the Golden Chariot Luxury Train

The Golden Chariot's cabin style rooms are personalized with your name on the name plate outside the cabin. The cabins feature a sliding door and offer the choice of twin or double beds. The interiors are designed to reflect the specific dynasty of the coach. A large window provides stunning views of the landscapes. There is limited space to move around the beds to access the washroom. While the beds are comfortable, the train ride can be a bit shaky, like any other train.

​Rooms in the Golden Chariot Luxury Train

​Despite their small size, the washrooms in the Golden Chariot cabins are kept clean and organized. Each bathroom is stocked with necessary amenities like towels, bathroom slippers, and toiletries that adhere to the luxurious standards of a 5-star facility.

​Rooms in the Golden Chariot Luxury Train

​Spa in the Golden Chariot Luxury Train

The Golden Chariot provides a unique experience with its Aarogya coach, exclusively dedicated to wellness facilities. Passengers can enjoy a spa, steam room, mini gym, and a business center while traveling to new destinations every day.

​Spa in the Golden Chariot Luxury Train

​​Gym in the Golden Chariot Luxury Train

A mini gym is available on the Golden Chariot, complete with basic exercise equipment like a treadmill, stepper, and air bike, ideal for your basic workout needs. It was quite an unusual experience to work out on a moving train.

​​Gym in the Golden Chariot Luxury Train

​​Food in the Golden Chariot Luxury Train

​The cuisine on the Golden Chariot is truly exceptional. Mr. Deepak Kumar Chaubey, the executive chef of Mapple Hotels and Resorts and the first employee of Golden Chariot, ensures that the food leaves a lasting impression. He has skillfully incorporated his own creations into the South Indian menu, leaving passengers craving for more even after the journey concludes. I found myself putting on 3-4 kilograms during the trip, a testament to the irresistible dishes. It was a pleasure to witness Mr. Deepak and his team efficiently manage the kitchen, which operates solely on electricity. Mr. Deepak also personally engages with guests to gather feedback and attend to their individual culinary preferences.

​​Food in the Golden Chariot Luxury Train

The Indian and Continental menus offer a variety of options for all meals, with choices available for both vegetarian and non-vegetarian preferences. Additionally, the menu changes daily for each meal. Here is an example of the dinner menu:
Soup and breads - broccoli almond soup, tomato soup, carrot soup, mushroom soup, Mulligatawny soup..
Salads - grilled pineapple and prunes salad, apple walnut salad, crunchy russian salad, greek salad with feta cheese..
Indian Platter - a starter, South-Indian style curries, North-Indian style curries, Dal / Rasam, Different style of paratha/roti, papadum, salad, and pickle.
An example of Indian menu for a day: Manguluru Chicken/Paneer Masala,  Dharwadi Bendekai, Mysuru Brinjal Curry, Drunstick Ulli Sambar, Khojur Kele ka Raita accompanied with rice and paratha.
Desserts - 2 dessert dishes everyday - Tender coconut Souffle, Gulab Jamun, Walnut brownies, Chocolate mousse, baked cheese cake..

​​Indian Food in the Golden Chariot Luxury Train

Continental - Shepherd's Pie, Roast Chicken, Fettuccine in creamy sauce, Pomodoro pasta, Grilled Fish, Bouqueterie of Vegetables and Herbed Potatoes, Lasagne..

​​Continental Food in the Golden Chariot Luxury Train

​Breakfast - The breakfast menu also had choices of continental, South Indian and North Indian dishes. Eggs to order, cereals, fruits, toasts, rawa idli, dosa, uttapam, poori bhaji, chole bhature, aloo paratha, choice of breads, muffins, choice of tea and coffee.
The bakes were some of the freshest and the best I've ever had.

Breakfast in the Golden Chariot Luxury Train

​Luxury Service in the Golden Chariot Luxury Train

A standout feature of the royal services provided to passengers aboard Golden Chariot is the arrangement of special permissions for the train to stop at designated stations exclusively for our boarding. These stations were selected based on our convenience, allowing for a hassle-free journey. Furthermore, our day trip coaches (KSTDC Volvo buses) were positioned at the most convenient locations for our ease of access. Keep an eye out for my upcoming blog post where I will discuss the destinations and day trips in more detail.

​Luxury Service in the Golden Chariot Luxury Train. Image credits : Raina Writes

​After a exhausting day, we were warmly received by the staff at Golden Chariot with smiles, wet-napkins, and juices, brightening up the evening.

​Luxury Service in the Golden Chariot Luxury Train

​In every coach, there is a dedicated cabin attendant or butler who is available 24/7 to assist with any requirements. They tidy the rooms while we are out and also leave tea cakes and cookies in the room. They provide wake-up calls and bed teas upon request. By the end of the journey, each of us had formed a bond with the entire crew on board.

Butler service in golden chariot luxury train of india

​Mr. Abhijay Verma, General Manager of Mapple Hotels and Resorts, accompanies every trip on the Golden Chariot to ensure seamless coordination throughout the journey. From adjusting train schedules at stations to coordinating with the coaches and local guides, he meticulously oversees every detail to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for guests.

Mr. Mahendra Singh Rathore, F&B and Tour Manager of Mapple Resorts, has been involved with the Golden Chariot since its inception and treats the train as his own. Having been on every journey since day one, he leads by example, demonstrating professionalism to the train staff and ensuring passengers' needs are met with comfort and care throughout the journey.

GM at Golden Chariot luxury train of India

Tour Manager at Golden Chariot luxury train of India

​Journey of a lifetime on the Golden Chariot Luxury Train

Before embarking on my journey aboard the Golden Chariot, I was captivated by the allure of the destinations awaiting me. However, as the journey progressed, the experience of living and traveling in luxury on the train became even more significant. I savored every moment spent on board – from the thrill of traveling in opulence, to the indulgence of luxury and pampering, to the friendships forged along the way. I relished the delectable treats, engaging conversations with Mapple Hotels and Resorts professionals, the daily excitement of waking up to a new destination, and the serene beauty of India's diverse landscapes passing by. As the journey came to an end, I found myself reluctant to disembark; the Golden Chariot had truly become a home during those 8 unforgettable days.
​I had the journey of a lifetime on the Golden Chariot!

​Journey of a lifetime on the Golden Chariot Luxury Train

​Best time to travel on Golden Chariot Luxury Train

The train is seasonal and operates from October to March, which is the best time to travel in South.

​Tariff and Bookings for Golden Chariot Luxury Train

The train schedule and the latest tariff are published on the official website of Golden Chariot.
One great feature of the Golden Chariot is that you can opt for a single day experience on the train if you prefer not to commit to the full 7 nights / 8 days journey. However, I highly recommend spending all 7 nights / 8 days on the train to fully immerse yourself in the entire experience.
For those traveling to India for the first time, the concern about how safe is it to travel to India can be overwhelming. This handpicked experience will ensure your comfort and provide guidance as you begin to explore other areas of the country.

Full video of Golden Chariot - the only luxury train of Southern India. This video shows everything you wanted to know about the train.
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I was invited by Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation for this journey on Golden Chariot.