Golden Chariot Tour With Kabini: Call Of The Jungle

For the travelers, wanting to explore the natural and architectural richness of South India, the Golden Chariot is one of the simplest and luxurious ways to travel around. This is one of the successful luxury trains of India running on two different routes covering different destinations of South India. This train is a thriving joint initiative of KSTDC (Karnataka State Tourism and Development Corporation) and IRCTC (Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation). 

The train gets its name from the very popular Stone Chariot in Hampi. During the initial years, the luxury train started earning accolades for introducing contemporary refinement and traditional Indian hospitality. The train is also recognized amidst the World’s 7 best luxury train journeys by Vanity Fair Magazine.

Pride Of The South:

This is one of the journeys offered by the Golden Chariot. The destinations of this journey are tastefully selected. Thus, the guests onboard are provided with the glimpses of wildlife, heritage cultural heritage of India that also reflects the richness of Dravidian culture in the South.

·         Duration: 7 Nights / 8 Days

·         Destinations: Bangalore - Kabini - Srirangapatnam - Mysore - Shravanabelagola - Belur - Halebid - Hampi - Badami - Pattadakal - Goa

Kabini: Call Of The Jungle

Kabini is one of the major destinations included in the journey of Pride Of The South - Golden Chariot. The Day 2 is dedicated for excursion in Kabini, and explore the exotic wildlife of Kabini/Bandipur. Kabini is situated at a distance of 80 km from Mysore and is popular for abundant in wildlife variety. The guests onboard reach Kabini early in the morning and detrain to reach the jungle lodge. After taking rest for some time, the guests could enjoy jungle safari all around the national park. Thereafter the guests return to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

Kabini Wildlife Sanctuary

The Kabini Wildlife Sanctuary is popular for providing shelter to the huge population of birds, deer and elephants. For wildlife lovers, this is probably the best destination to explore. Erstwhile, this destination was the popular hunting spot for the Royals of Mysore. Nagarholre is also worth visiting tourist attraction near Kabini.

The Golden Charitor makes an excursion to Kabini Wildlife Sanctuary possible in the most lavish way. Thus, guests could spot various animals and birds in their natural habitat and performing their normal activities. Kabini Wildlife Sanctuary is also a paradise for bird lovers as they could spot multicolored and beautiful native as well as migratory birds.

The guests willing to explore the Kabini and rich wildlife, it is suggested to book the tickets today. As the Golden Chariot is one of the world’s acclaimed trains, there are guests from all across the globe booking the tickets.  

You may make the online bookings or contact tour operators and agents who are involved in providing confirmed booking of the tickets. The schedule of this Indian luxury train journey is already out and you

may check the dates accordingly and make the bookings today to avoid last minute disappointment.

Contributed by:- Neelam Talreja

The Golden Chariot Train : Best Rail Journeys

Golden Chariot is the first disabled friendly luxury tourist train in India. The train offers accommodation in terms of 44 luxuriously appointed cabins which include 25 twin bed cabins, 18 double bed cabins and 1 cabin for physically handicapped. Each of the 44 cabins creates a flattering juxtaposition of traditional and contemporary evident in its ethnic décor and state of the art amenities.the Golden Chariot unveils empires and treasures, unravels secrets and takes you to lost kingdoms, all in resplendent and luxurious surrounds. The epitome of travelling in style, this is the perfect way to explore Southern India.

This train offers the following two itineraries.

Pride of the South :
Duration : 8 Days / 7 Nights
Destinations : Bangalore, Kabini/Bandipur, Mysore, Hassan, Hospet, Badami, Goa, Bangalore

Splendor of the South

Duration : 8 Days / 7 Nights
Destinations : Bangalore, Chennai, Mamallapuram, Pondicherry, Tiruchirapalli & Thanjavur, Madurai, Kanyakumari, Thiruvananthapuram, Backwaters & Kochi / Allepey,  Bangalore.

Come board this enchanting sojourn and relive the glory of India, yet another time.

Restaurants :

Nala and Ruchi :Golden Chariot features two multi-cuisine restaurants—Nala and Ruchi—serving a buffet spread of vegetarian and non-vegetarian cuisines.

Madira : Madira is a beautifully designed bar on The Golden Chariot train. As per Hindu, mythology, Madira happens to be a divine drink of the gods. This Madira bar thus serves a number of premium spirits bound to rejuvenate the self. Simultaneously, the passenger tourists also get to watch the performances of local artists.

Conference Coach : Where modern day royalty does business. Golden Chariot Conference Coach can seat up to 30 people and gives you lessons in history and leaves with a vision for the future. Here one gets a summary of the place’s history.

Cabin Coaches

26 twin beds
17 double bed cabins
Fully air-conditioned cabins
Vanity / Writing desk
1 cabin for the physically challenged
Every cabin is equipped with Wi-Fi, LCD television, DVD with 6 satellite channels, wardrobe, vanity/writing desk and private bathroom with luxurious amenities and accessories.

Best Discount Offer On All Journeys Of The Golden Chariot

If you are planning to board The Golden Chariot Luxury Train, Now it is the right time to book the tickets, now there are best offers available on all Journeys of The Golden Chariot, it valid till 31th August, 2013,

The Golden Chariot is a luxury tourist train that connects the important tourist spots in the Indian states of Karnataka and Goa. It's offers accommodation in 44 cabins in 11 coaches It also has two restaurants, a lounge bar, and conference, gym and spa facilities.It has onboard Wi-Fi connectivity, and satellite antennae providing live television service in the cabins.Golden Chariot features two multi-cuisine restaurants—Nala and Ruchi—serving a buffet spread of vegetarian and non-vegetarian cuisines.

The Golden Chariot features two itineraries-Prides of the South and Splendor of the South.

Prides of the South destinations are  : Bangalore, Kabini - Bandipur, Mysore, Hassan, Hospet, Badami, Goa, Bangalore (return)

South and Splendor destinations are : Bangalore - Chennai, Chennai - Mamallapuram,  Pondicherry, Tiruchirapalli - Thanjavur, Madurai, Thiruvananthapuram - Poovar,  Backwaters - Kochi, Bangalore (return)


The Golden Chariot is functional under IRCTC (Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation) and KSTDC (Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation), and promoted by The Golden Chariot, a providential venture by Indian Holiday Pvt. Ltd., one of the excellent tour facilitators of India.

Why is Chennai Such a Favorite Golden Chariot Destination?

The Golden Chariot is one of the luxury tourist trains in India.Chennai is a one of the major destinations travelled onboard the Golden Chariot.

Golden Chariot Luxury Train

Chennai is the capital city of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Located on the Coromandel Coast off the Bay of Bengal, it is a major commercial, cultural, economic and educational center in South India.It is the place where mini India can be felt with various cultures mix where the great Temples are built, famous Bharathanattiyam Dance is practised, great libraries with treasure of ancient books connected with modern technology, eateries of different Indian cuisine, world's second longest beach.

There are many tourist attractions in Chennai. There are some beautiful beach resorts. Marina Beach is the pride of Chennai. Visit the historical Fort St. George and travel back into time.It also has many spiritual centers, Temples and Churches. The Parthsarthy Temple and Kapaleeshwar Temple were constructed in the 13th century are the example of the Dravidians architectural skills.

Places to See in Chennai

1. Parthasarathy Temple
The Parthasarathy Temple is an 8th-century Hindu Vaishnavite temple dedicated to the god Krishna, located at Triplicane, Chennai, India. The temple is glorified in the Divya Prabandha, the early medieval Tamil literature canon of the Alvar saints from the 6th–9th centuries CE and is classified as among the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Vishnu. The name 'Parthasarathy', in Sanskrit, means the 'charioteer of Arjuna', referring to Krishna's role as a charioteer to Arjuna in the epic Mahabaratha.The Temple has impressions of significant historic dynasties like Vijaynagar, Pallavas and Cholas.

2. Ashtalakshmi Temple
The Ashtalakshmi Kovil is a Hindu temple, which lies on the shorelines near the Elliot's beach, in Chennai, India.The temple is constructed with Ashtanga Vimana in the tower in the Omkara design. The shadow of the tower does not fall on the ground. The design is similar to the Big Temple in Thanjavur.

3. Kapaleeswarar Temple
This Temple Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is one of the most visited temples in Chennai. Located in Mylapore, the temple is an illustration of Dravidian culture.

4. Thousand Lights Mosque Chennai
Thousand Lights Mosque, a multi-domed mosque in Anna Salai in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, is one of the largest mosques in the country and is a revered place of worship for Muslims.The mosque encloses a beautiful library, a burial ground and convenient guesthouses. This multi-domed mosque, with sayings from the Holy Koran painted on its walls, attracts many visitors and comes alive during the annual Moharram festival. This is a very important religious place for Muslims. Lots of tourists visit this Mosque to offer prayers as well as to see the amazing minarets and illumination.

5. Dash-N-Splash
Dash-N-Splash is an exclusive water park spread over 21 acres of land in the Mevallur Kuppam Village.The park has surplus of water pools and shaded areas that provides a wholesome family entertainment. The water slides are the best things to go for at Dash-N-Splash. The Wave Slide, Free-Fall Slide and Spiral slide provide awesome pleasure and excitement.

6. Arignar Anna Zoological Park
Arignar Anna Zoological Park, also known as the Vandalur Zoo, is a zoological garden located in Vandalur, a suburb in the southwestern part of Chennai, India, about 31 kilometers from the city center and 15 kilometers from Chennai Airport. one of the modern and scientifically managed zoos. Might need a full day long visit if you wish to cover the whole place. Electric vehicles are available for old age and people who cannot walk the long roads. Don't miss the Lion and Tiger Safari in the electric vehicles. The only chance for these lions and tigers to enjoying seeing

7. Marina Beach
This expansive beach is Chennai's most famous tourist attraction, though the undercurrent is too strong for all but the strongest swimmers.Marina Beach is supposed to be the 2nd longest beach in the world. And it is quite beautiful.

8. Government Museum
The museum is located in what is known as the Pantheon complex, or "public assembly rooms." It is located on the Pantheon Road in Egmore. The road on which the museum is located too takes its name from the complex.. It has the largest collection of Roman antiquities outside Europe. Many of the buildings within the Museum campus are over 100 years old. Among them, the colossal Museum Theatre is one of the most impressive.The National Art Gallery is also present in the museum premises.

Collection of memorable moment photos on board Golden Chairot Luxury Train

Golden Chariot Train

Luxury Train

Welcome to Golden Chariot Luxury Train

Golden Chariot Train

Golden Chariot train cabin

Golden Chariot Train Facilities 

Golden Chariot sitting area

Golden Chariot Luxury Train Restaurants

Golden Chariot Conference Car

Golden Chariot Lounge Bar

Fashion show

Luxury Trains of India : How to See India by Rail

It will be no exaggeration to call India, one of the most well-known holiday destinations, all across the world.By going on-board on any of these trains, you have an unforgettable experience. Travelling on-board these trains is becoming extremely popular from past few years. In a luxurious setting, you avail every world-class facility. Here is a list of the luxury trains of India

Palace on Wheels

Palace on wheels has redefined style and grandeur. It has marked the importance of luxury trains in India tourism and since then, many luxury trains have developed in the country covering its topmost tourist attractions. You do not only enjoy exploring the interesting destinations on your itinerary but also have a great time while traveling on this luxury train. Here are the five things that you should know before going on your Palace on wheels tour.

Royal Rajasthan on Wheels  

Royal Rajasthan on Wheels, one of the Luxury Trains in India, showcases the perfect mix of modern luxuries and traditions. The itinerary of the train is of 7 nights and 8 days, covering some of the major destinations like Delhi, Jodhpur, Udaipur/Chittorgarh, and so on. The royal interior decoration of the train prompts the traveler of the impressive abodes of the erstwhile royal facets of Rajasthan. Elements like sylvan furnishing, wall to wall carpeting, silk and velvet bedspreads and draperies, etc., reflect the overall luxury. There are 14 tastefully done cabins with state-of-the-art facilities and services like channel music, room safe, WI-FI internet access, temperature control facility, etc., together with a sitting lounge, spa, bar and restaurant.

Deccan Odyssey

Deccan Odyssey is a special luxury train, designed to provide splendid tour in the regions of Maharashtra and Goa. This train is a joint initiative by the Tourism department of Maharashtra, MTDC (Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation) and the Indian Railways. The team of professionals from Taj Group of Hotels manages the onboard services.

The MTDC handles the off board sightseeing and logistics. The itinerary of this luxury trains makes you travel through Mumbai to Sindhudurg, Goa, Kolhapur, Daulatabad, Ajanta Caves, Nashik and disembark at Mumbai.

Out of the 21 luxuriously appointed coaches, the train has 11 coaches for the accommodation of guests. The elements like theme decorated cabins, 4 twin-bedded cabins, CD/MP3 player, cabins with attached bathrooms, and services for disabled guests are also available to make the journey blissful for the passengers. Restaurants, namely, ‘Peshwa I’ and ‘Peshwa II’, serve both Indian as well as continental cuisines. At bar ‘Mumbai Hi’ host of beverage selections such as wines, spirits, and several non-alcoholic drinks are available.

The Golden Chariot Luxury Train

The Golden Chariot is treasured for showcasing the perfect mix of world-class luxuries with the rich traditions. The itinerary of both the journeys is about 8 days and 7 nights, covering the major destinations like Bangalore, Mysore, Hampi, Belur, Kabini, Badami, Goa, Chennai, Mahabalipuram, and so on. The royal interior makes the luxury train a real competition to various other popular luxury trains of Asia.

                                                                                                      

Maharajas' Express

Thus, tastefully done cabins equipped with modern facilities make the guests enjoy the taste of regality of the erstwhile Kings in India. The sitting lounge, conference car, multi-cuisine dining facilities, health spa, bar, etc., are some of the boasted attributes of The Golden Chariot. The guests could enjoy the royal journey through Indian luxury train golden chariot

Maharajas' Express offers a kingly journey right from the moment one boards the train and the perfect addition to the fleet of Indian luxury trains, adds a flavor of royalty and grandness to your entire jaunt when you are on a tour to India. Every single aspect of the train from the gracious services, art facilities, courteous staff and gourmet dining is tailored to provide an unobserved pampering to the guests.It is the only luxury train in India offering 5 pan-Indian journeys along with two golden triangle tours. The names of the four classified journeys include the Heritage of India, The Indian Splendor, Heritage of India, Treasures of India and Gems of India

The Golden Chariot Train :Best Rail Journeys

The Golden Chariot train is a luxury tourist train journeying some of the most significant destinations in South India, offering two distinct itineraries to acquaint you with the fascinating aspects of South India.

Golden Chairot Luxury Train

18 thematically designed coaches, 44 cabins fully equipped with modern amenities, all molded in the past. These cabins are inspired and draw heavily from the Mysore and Belur-Halebidu schools of art and architecture. The bedspreads are handwoven by artisans who have carried tradition down the ages. Sink into a bed of royalty, reminiscent of the Mysore Maharajas, or walk past doors that take you to a world of Hoysala architecture.

The train has a state -of-the -art gym with the latest equipment, a changing room, a steam bath, two shower rooms and boasts of creating a new you. At the spa, expert hands caress and rejuvenate your body with the elixir of eternal youth.

Other spots this magical journey takes the visitor is to Badami, a place famous for its caves and picturesquely situated at the mouth of a ravine. Finally Pattadakal, where early rulers came from all over the country for their coronation. Also known as ‘red town’ due to the red sandstone found in abundance here.

With luxury cabins fitted with LCD TV, 24/7 attendant/butler service and multi-lingual handheld devices, stepping abode this wonderful luxury train makes the journey itself the destination!

Adjacent to the palace is the Jewish Synagogue and nearby is the St. Francis Church, where Vasco Da-Gama’s remains were buried in its courtyard before being shifted to Portugal.  From Kochi, the luxury train heads back to Bangalore, thus ending a remarkable and memorable journey that would have few or no parallels in terms of hospitality, comfort and places to visit. It is little wonder then, that The Golden Chariot luxury train tour has been rated by Vanity Fair of the United Kingdom as a top seven journeys in the world

Travellers Tips - Luxury Train Journeys

Find out all you need to know before you travel on the Luxury Train.

Luxury Train Restaurant 

WHAT Languages do staff on board the train Speak?

English, French, and Italian are spoken by most stewards on board The Luxury train.

Is smoking allowed on the train?

As per the Indian law smoking in public places is prohibited. Please contact your coach attendant for any further assistance.

Which facilities can one expect on board of all Indian Luxury Train? 

Interior designing of the various coaches of the train depict Indian design sensibilities. The coaches have been named after royal dynasties such as Hoysala, Ganga, Kadamba, and Chalukya

There are a total of 44 guest cabins which include 26 twin beds cabins, 17 double bed cabins and 1 disabled friendly cabin. 

Luxury Train Cabin

Dining & Cuisines

The tasteful décor of these restaurants is inspired from the architectural aesthetics of Halebid and Hampi. A delectable spread of fresh and aromatic vegetarian and non-vegetarian cuisines is served for the platter of the guests.

Lounge Bar
The décor of this lounge is simply elegant and exhibit the design aesthetics of Mysore Palace. Unwind your spirits as local artisans and lilting music add to the nonchalance of a languorous evening.
Recreational Coach, Conference Car

Time
Everything in India takes time - longer than in most places. So always give yourself extra time for whatever you may have to do - even it is just a visit to the Post Office or changing money.
Indians joke about the concept of "Indian Stretchable Time" (IST). Certainly, if you're a super-punctual sort, India can be frustrating. Make allowances for this.

Tipping 
In hotels and restaurants, tips are not normally included in the bill.
Some hotels include service charges on their bills. In such cases tipping is not necessary.

In hotels, porters and room service attendants are normally tipped at the end of the stay, though an early tip is likely to get you better service.
Tipping of taxi drivers is not customary.
         
What is the booking process?  
You may book online for your tickets onboard the Luxury Train, just at the click of the mouse!

Luxury train has come up with some exciting offer especially for the season of 2013-2014. As per the offer, if you book Luxury Train before 15th, August 2013, you can avail a discount of up to 10% on any journey of season 2013-2014. This special discount is available for both Indian and foreign nationals.