The Golden Chariot is South India’s luxury train, inspired by the royal heritage of Karnataka and the Vijayanagara Empire. Its 11 carriages feature teak-panelled interiors, two restaurants — Nalapaka and Ruchi — a bar, a gym and a spa.
Choose from two journeys: Pride of the South, which links Mysuru, Hampi and Goa, and Jewels of the South, which adds Mahabalipuram, Thanjavur and the Kerala backwaters.
Bengaluru – Kabini – Mysuru – Hampi – Badami – Pattadakal – Goa – Bengaluru
A journey through Karnataka’s wildlife, palaces and ancient ruins, ending on the beaches of Goa.
Welcome at Bengaluru’s Yeshwantpur station with traditional hospitality, followed by an introduction to your cabin and the train. The Golden Chariot departs in the evening for Kabini.
Early morning jungle safari in the Nagarhole–Kabini forest, with a chance to see elephants, deer and sometimes leopard. Time for a boat ride on the Kabini river before returning to the train.
Explore the glittering Mysore Palace and Chamundi Hill with its giant Nandi statue. Spend the afternoon at Devaraja Market or the Brindavan Gardens, then return to the train.
Spend a full day among the ruins of the Vijayanagara Empire at Hampi: the Virupaksha Temple, the Vittala Temple with its famous stone chariot and the Lotus Mahal.
Visit the rock-cut cave temples of Badami and the UNESCO World Heritage temples of Pattadakal, early Chalukyan monuments mixing northern and southern temple styles.
Arrive in Goa for Old Goa’s churches, a drive through Panjim and time at a beach — ideal for a relaxed afternoon after a busy week.
Breakfast onboard as the train returns to Bengaluru, where the journey concludes.
Bengaluru – Mysuru – Hampi – Mahabalipuram – Thanjavur – Kochi
A journey through Karnataka and Tamil Nadu’s temples, palaces and heritage, ending in Kerala.
Welcome ceremony at Bengaluru, introduction to the train and dinner onboard as it departs for Mysuru.
Tour the Mysore Palace, Chamundi Hill and the local silk and sandalwood markets.
Full-day sightseeing among the Vijayanagara ruins — Vittala Temple, Virupaksha Temple and the royal enclosure.
Visit the UNESCO-listed Shore Temple, the Pancha Rathas monolithic temples and Arjuna’s Penance on the Coromandel coast.
Visit the Brihadeeswarar Temple (UNESCO), the grand Chola temple, and the Thanjavur Royal Palace and art gallery.
Explore Fort Cochin: the Chinese fishing nets, St Francis Church, Mattancherry Palace and the Jewish Quarter. Enjoy a Kathakali performance in the evening.
The journey ends in Kochi after breakfast, with onward transfers.
Golden Chariot’s interiors are inspired by the Karnataka Gandabherunda emblem and Mysuru’s royal heritage. The train offers two restaurants (Nalapaka and Ruchi), a bar (Madira), a lounge, a spa and a fitness area. Cabins are air-conditioned with en-suite bathrooms.
Itineraries are indicative and may vary with the train operator’s season schedule; the final day-wise programme is confirmed at the time of booking.