I thought of taking a tour of the Southern part of India, when a friend suggested that doing it by going on-board the Golden Chariot was the best way out of the available options. Now after the journey, I am happy that I took his advice.

Golden Chariot Train

This Indian luxury train in India is a joint venture of the Karnataka State Tourism and Development Corporation and the Indian Railways. This luxurious train is a perfect blend of traditionalism and modernity in everything. It took its maiden journey 4 years ago in the month of March, 2008 with its journey being a successful one. I got a chance to discover the best of the South.

Tourists in The Golden Chariot were given a warm welcome on their arrival in.

This train offers two journeys- Splendor of the South and Pride of the South.  Both the journeys take you through some of the most sought-after destinations of South India but I choose, the Pride of the South. In the journey of 7 nights and 8 days, the train covered places such as Bangalore, Chennai, Pondicherry, Thanjavur, Madurai, Thiruvnanthapuram, Alleppey and Kochi.

There were a total of 19 coaches out of which 11 were guest coaches, named after the erstwhile princely states of South India , Kadamba, Hoyasala, Rastrakota, Ganga, Chalukya, Bhahamani, Adilshahi, Sangama, Shathavashna, Yudukula and Vijayanagar. The train cabins were classified into 26 twin bed cabins, 17 double bed  cabins and 1 cabin  for physically challenged. Every cabin, oozed out magnificence, had rich furniture and was well-equipped too.

A view of Rooms inside the Golden Chariot Train arriving at the Egmore

There were various facilities on-board like attached bathroom, LCD TV, AC with individual climate control, writing desk, wardrobes, DVD player, direct dial telephone, electronic safety box, medical assistance and more. There was also a gym, Nirvana, the wellness spa, and a well-equipped business center too.

Lounge Bar

The Golden Chariot also had 2 restaurants, Ruchi and Nala, which served both, vegetarian and non-vegetarian delicacies.  One of the most amazing things was Madira, a well-stocked bar, which had the finest collection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.