Golden Chariot

One of India's most prestigious rail journeys, the Golden Chariot Luxury Train offers travellers a captivating journey they will cherish for life. The royal rail journey transforms your holiday into an extraordinary voyage where elegance and exploration come together at every mile. With utmost comfort, cultural immersion, historical legacy, and heartfelt hospitality, you can look forward to a seamless experience you will never forget.

This award-winning luxury train combines elegant accommodation, fine dining, curated excursions, and personalised service into one seamless travel experience.

Hailed as one of India’s most luxurious rail journeys, the Golden Chariot sweeps travellers off their feet. The finest offerings stand as a testament to the fact that riding the Golden Chariot is an experience that will linger in your heart forever.

A Golden Chariot Train Journey offers you a memorable way to experience some of India’s most iconic travel destinations, whether you have a fondness for coastal beauty, architectural wonders, wildlife encounters, or cultural landmarks. 

Reserve your place aboard and embark on a sensational journey that few will ever have the privilege to enjoy.

Overview of the Train

Operated in collaborative association with the Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) and the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), the Golden Chariot is the grandest way to experience royalty in its truest form. Inspired by the splendour of South India’s imperial dynasties, the train includes gorgeously designed cabins, a lounge bar, wellness facilities, gourmet restaurants, and personalised onboard service. 

Explore diverse destinations without feeling anxious about arranging transportation, changing hotels, or even managing intricate itineraries on a train journey aboard the Golden Chariot India. At Cholan Tours, we carefully plan every aspect of your voyage for unmatched comfort, utmost convenience, and immersive cultural experiences.

History and Launch

Launched in 2008, the Golden Chariot is truly magnificent in every sense of the word, and it was introduced to promote luxury tourism in South India and showcase its mind-boggling cultural and historical treasures. Over the years, it rapidly established itself as one of India’s top-tier luxury travel experiences.

The Golden Chariot, named after the architecturally significant stone chariot at Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, pays tribute to Karnataka’s rich heritage while connecting tourists to some of South India’s most enchanting destinations. Consistent upgrades and service improvements have fortified its reputation among domestic and international travellers.

Why Is Golden Chariot India's Ultra-Luxurious Train

The Golden Chariot Luxury Train is often celebrated as one of India's ultra-luxurious trains because of its unparalleled attention to detail and guest experience.

Listed below are some key features that make it stand out:

• Exquisitely designed cabins and suites
• Customised butler service
• Gourmet dining restaurants serving world-class cuisines
• Exclusive lounge and bar facilities
• Wellness and rejuvenation amenities
• Guided sightseeing tours
• Seamless hospitality experience

The moment a guest steps aboard, they are introduced to comfort, sophistication, and grand hospitality.

Awards and Global Recognition

The Golden Chariot Luxury Train has achieved international acclaim for its exceptional quality in luxury tourism. It has received endless accolades for hospitality and travel, and is constantly featured among India’s unmatched luxury rail journeys.

It's a mélange of cultural immersion, first-rate accommodation, curated adventures, and matchless service, which captures travellers’ attention from across the globe. As a result, the Golden Chariot Train Journey is one of the most sought-after experiences for travellers who desire the very best. 

Itineraries and Routes of the Golden Chariot Luxury Train

As an IRCTC’s authorised agent, Cholan Tours offers you the following itineraries and routes expertly curated on the Golden Chariot’s official website.

Package Name	Duration	Destinations Covered	Major Attractions
Pride of Karnataka	5 Nights/6 Days	Bengaluru – Nanjangud – Mysore – Halebidu – Chikmagaluru – Hospet – Goa – Bengaluru	Bandipur Wildlife Sanctuary, Evening Safari, Mysore Palace, Coffee Plantation, Hampi ruins, North Goa churches
Glimpses of Karnataka	3 Nights/4 Days	Bengaluru – Nanjangud – Mysore – Hospet – Bengaluru	Evening Safari, Mysore Palace, Hampi ruins
Jewels Of South	5 Nights/6 Days	Bengaluru – Mysore – Kanchipuram – Mahabalipuram – Thanjavur – Chettinad/Karaikudi – Cochin – Chertala/Mararikulam – Bengaluru	Mysore Palace, Mahabalipuram Monuments, Athangudi tile factory and Chettinad mansions, Mattancherry Palace in Fort Cochin, Dance performances of Kerala, and more.

Pride of Karnataka (5 Nights/6 Days)

Takes you on a fascinating journey, with Bengaluru serving as both the departure and arrival point, and covering other major places of interest.

Day 1: Saturday (Bengaluru to Mysore)

• Registration and check-in at the Yashwantpur Railway Station from 08:30 hrs onwards.
• Departure from YPR(09:45 hrs).
• Lunch onboard as the train arrives in Mysore (14:15 hrs).
• Proceed to Visit Mysore Palace at 15:00 hrs.
• Return to train as train proceeds to Chengalpattu (CGL).
• Dinner onboard.

Day 2: Sunday (Kanchipuram-Mahabalipuram)

• Breakfast on board as the train arrives at the Chengalpattu Railway Station.
• Forenoon optional excursion to Kanchipuram.
• Lunch onboard.
• Visit to Mahabalipuram Monuments.
• Dinner at a beachfront hotel.
• Return to the train and proceed to Thanjavur.

Day 3: Monday (Thanjavur-Chettinad/Karaikudi)

• Breakfast on board.
• Deboard at 09:00.
• Lunch onboard as the train proceeds to Chettinad.
• Visit the Athnagudi tile factory and Chettinad mansions.
• Return on the train for dinner on board.
• The train proceeds to Cochin.

Day 4: Tuesday (Cochin)

• Breakfast on board as the train arrives at the Cochin Harbour Terminus.
• Visit Matancherry Palace in Fort Cochin, followed by Kerala's dance performances.
• Return to train for Lunch.
• Deboard for optional activities to the Chinese Fishing Nets and St. Francis Church.
• Dinner onboard and train proceeds to Kumarakom.

Day 5: Wednesday (Chertala/Maraikulam)

• Enjoy breakfast on board.
• Houseboat cruise with lunch at an exclusive venue.
• Return to the train by evening.
• Dinner on board.

Day 6: Thursday (Bengaluru)

• Breakfast on board.
• Deboard at Bengaluru (YPR).

Glimpses of Karnataka (3 Nights/4 Days)

Experience Karnataka like never before, aboard a luxury train, truly magnificent in the truest sense.

Day 1: Saturday (Bengaluru to Nanjangud)

• Registration and check-in from 08:30 hrs onwards
• Morning departure from YPR (09:45 hrs).
• Lunch on board as the train arrives in Nanjangud. (13:30 hrs)
• Evening Safari (16:30 hrs to 18:30 hrs).
• Return to the train by 20:15 hrs. Dinner on board as the train proceeds to Mysore.
• Overnight on the train at Mysore.

Day 2: Sunday (Mysore)

• Breakfast on board.
• Proceed to visit Mysore Palace.
• Return to train for lunch, after which an optional visit to Srirangapatnam.
• Dinner onboard as the train proceeds to Hospet (20:00 hrs), watering and fuelling.

Day 3: Monday (Hospet)

• Breakfast on board.
• Visit the Hampi ruins.
• Lunch onboard.
• Evening free.
• Dinner onboard.
• The train proceeds to Bengaluru.

Day 4: Tuesday (Bengaluru)

• Enjoy breakfast on board.
• Deboard at Bengaluru (YPR)

Jewels Of South (5 Nights/6 Days)

Karnataka is a vibrant potpourri of contemporary influences with centuries-old traditions. No trip to the state is complete without experiencing the best of both worlds.

Day 1: Saturday (Bengaluru to Mysore)

• Registration and check-in at Yashwantpur Railway Station from 08:30 hrs onwards
• Departure from YPR(09:45 hrs).
• Lunch onboard as the train arrives in Mysore (14:15 hrs).
• Proceed to Visit Mysore Palace at 15:00 hrs.
• Return to train as train proceeds to Chengalpattu (CGL).
• Dinner onboard

Day 2: Sunday (Kanchipuram-Mahabalipuram)

• Breakfast on board as the train arrives at the Chengalpattu Railway Station.
• Forenoon optional excursion to Kanchipuram.
• Lunch onboard.
• Visit to Mahabalipuram Monuments.
• Dinner at a beachfront hotel.
• Return to the train and proceed to Thanjavur.

Day 3: Monday (Thanjavur-Chettinad/Karaikudi)

• Breakfast on board.
• Deboard at 09:00.
• Lunch onboard as the train proceeds to Chettinad.
• Visit the Athnagudi tile factory and Chettinad mansions.
• Return on the train for dinner on board.
• The train proceeds to Cochin.

Day 4: Tuesday (Cochin)

• Breakfast on board as the train arrives at Cochin Harbour Terminus.
• Visit Matancherry Palace in Fort Cochin, followed by Kerala's dance performances.
• Return to train for Lunch.
• Deboard for optional activities to the Chinese Fishing Nets and St. Francis Church.
• Dinner onboard and train proceeds to Kumarakom.

Day 5: Wednesday (Chertala/Maraikulam)

• Onboard breakfast.
• Houseboat cruise with lunch at an exclusive venue.
• Return to the train by evening.
• Dinner onboard.

Day 6: Thursday (Bengaluru)

• Breakfast on board.
• Deboard at Bengaluru (YPR).

Kindly note:

• Destinations, itinerary, and scheduled departures may change without prior notice.
• Please reach out to your Guest Relations Executive for more details on prices and bookings of optional activities.

Departure Dates

Departure Dates for Season 2026-27

2026-27	Glimpses of Karnataka (3 Nights/4 Days)	Pride of Karnataka (5 Nights/6 Days)	Jewels of South (5 Nights/6 Days)
Month/Day	Saturday	Saturday	Saturday
Oct. 2026	31	24	–
Nov. 2026	–	14	28
Dec. 2026	19	26	–
Jan. 2027	–	30, 2	–
Feb. 2027	6	27	20
Mar. 2027	–	13	27
Trips	3	7	3

Departure Dates for Season 2027-28

2027-28	Glimpses of Karnataka (3 Nights/4 Days)	Pride of Karnataka (5 Nights/6 Days)	Jewels of South (5 Nights/6 Days)
Month/Day	Monday	Monday	Monday
Oct. 2027	8 (FRI)	18	25
Nov. 2027	8	15	29
Dec. 2027	20	27	13
Jan. 2028	17	24	10
Feb. 2028	7	21	28
Mar. 2028	13	20	6
Trips	6	6	6

Accommodation on Golden Chariot

Accommodation aboard the Golden Chariot Luxury Train has been systematically organised to offer the best in comfort of a swanky hotel, while journeying through South India’s most incredible landscapes.

Every cabin category comprises stylish interiors, contemporary conveniences, and personalised service for discerning travellers.

Deluxe Cabin

The Deluxe Cabin offers just what you need – the right balance of comfort and elegance for travellers looking for no more than an amenity-rich rail experience.

Size

About 90 square feet.

Facilities

• Comfy and spacious twin or double beds
• Private spa-style bathroom
• Air-conditioning
• LCD television
• Wi-Fi connectivity
• Personal wardrobe
• Writing desk
• Luxury toiletries
• Dedicated attendant

Suitable for

• Romantic couples
• Solo travellers
• Friends travelling together
• First-timers on a luxury train 

Junior Suite

The Junior Suite offers additional space and maximum comfort for guests seeking a fantastic rail experience.

Features included in this suite:

• Charming interiors
• En-suite bathroom
• Roomy sleeping area
• Optimal seating arrangement
• Personalised service
• Modern recreational facilities

An ideal accommodation for guests looking for a spacious room and utmost comfort during their rail journey.

Suite

The Suite offers elegance, magnificence, and privacy – all aboard. With roomy living spaces and carefully organised furnishings, take sheer pleasure in an unrivalled experience, on the rails.

Features:

• Separate seating area
• First-rate furnishings
• Improved privacy
• Spacious bathroom
• Luxury amenities
• Personalised butler service

The Suite is perfectly suited to discerning travellers seeking a superb rail holiday.

Presidential Suite

Nothing short of extraordinary! As the name suggests, live life king-size in the Presidential Suite aboard the Golden Chariot Train. It fits the "crème de la crème" description perfectly.

Look forward to enjoying:

• The exceptionally spacious accommodation 
• Appealing interiors
• The best in furnishings
• Private lounge area
• Improved customised services
• The best in comfort and privacy

This category is perfect for travellers seeking the ultimate luxury rail experience in South India.

Luxury Facilities & Experiences Aboard

A journey aboard the Golden Chariot India surpasses every expectation. It’s no less than a swanky hotel in motion, taking you by surprise with its outstanding facilities and memorable experiences.

A pleasurable journey aboard the Golden Chariot India transcends expectations.

Fine Dining Restaurants

The train comprises the finest restaurants serving a wide variety of Indian and international cuisines.

Savour the flavour of:

• Scrumptious South Indian & North Indian cuisines.
• Meals expertly prepared by experienced chefs.
• Thoughtful dining experiences.

Every meal is prepared on board with premium ingredients. Admire the impeccable presentation! 

Butler Service

Individualised butler service is one of the unmatched features of the Golden Chariot Luxury Train.

The butler team helps guests with:

• Cabin requirements
• Dining arrangements
• Excursion coordination
• Special requests
• Travel assistance

When you choose the Golden Chariot India, you can enjoy complete peace of mind, knowing that every aspect of your rail journey has been meticulously planned. 

Safari Bar

Look forward to enjoying a stylish setting in a Safari Bar for rejuvenation and mingling with like-minded travellers.

Guests can enjoy:

• Finest beverages
• Hallmark cocktails
• Best wines
• Light refreshments
• Comfy seating

After a day of a guided heritage walk, the coolest bar offers an ideal atmosphere to loosen up and relive the day’s experiences.

Rajah Club Lounge

Get the most out of the Rajah Club Lounge, the Golden Chariot Train’s social and recreational hub.

What to expect:

• Artistically designed décor
• Comfy seating
• Reading facilities
• Conversation areas
• Relaxing ambience

Initiate a dialogue with fellow passengers on board or simply relax between voyages in the lounge. Enjoy wonderful moments with like-minded guests and share your experiences.

Medical and Safety Facilities

We place great emphasis on our guests' safety and well-being throughout the Golden Chariot Train Journey.

Facilities include:

• Onboard medical support
• Highly trained staff assistance
• Secure travel environment
• First-aid equipment
• Safety monitoring systems

These preventive measures assure guests of complete peace of mind while travelling across South India.

Destinations Covered by Golden Chariot

Explore some of South India's most prominent cultural, historical, natural, and coastal destinations through the Golden Chariot Luxury Train.

Bengaluru

The vibrant capital of Karnataka, it blends modern innovation with cultural landmarks, dense gardens, palaces, museums, and buzzing markets.

Mysore

Famous for regal heritage, magnificent palaces, multi-coloured traditions, striking architecture, lively markets, and ancient cultural treasures.

Bandipur National Park

An acclaimed wildlife reserve that offers exciting safaris through dense forests populated by deer, leopards, elephants, tigers, and many bird species.

Halebidu

Famous for delicately carved Hoysala temples showcasing unmatched craftsmanship, rich heritage, cultural artistry, and architectural wonders.

Chikmangalur

Nestled amidst coffee plantations and misty hills, take delight in gorgeous landscapes, mild weather, and serene surroundings.

Hampi

A UNESCO World Heritage Site! It includes ancient temples, timeless ruins, stone monuments, and the remarkable chariot that symbolises Karnataka's enduring heritage.

Badami

Renowned for dilapidated cave temples engraved into sandstone cliffs, Badami offers you an alluring insight into early history.

Pattadakal

This UNESCO-listed site showcases phenomenal temple architecture, demonstrating a fine blend of India’s northern and southern styles.

Aihole

Often regarded as the origin of Indian temple architecture, Aihole includes several hundred historic sites and archaeological gems.

Goa

A charming coastal destination acclaimed for sunny beaches, sparkling nightlife, stunning landscapes, and culinary encounters.

Mahabalipuram

A coastal heritage town well-known for stone-carved temples, bygone sculptures, seaside monuments, and splendid Pallava architecture.

Thanjavur

The cultural heartland of Tamil Nadu! Thanjavur is famous for classical arts, grand temples, and rich Chola heritage.

Kumarakom

A serene backwater destination including peaceful waterways, dense greenery, conventional houseboats, and plentiful birdlife.

Kochi

A charming port town merging colonial-era charm, nautical legacy, cultural richness, heritage-lined streets, and contemporary urban essence.

Why Choose Golden Chariot?

Opting for the Golden Chariot Luxury Train signifies enjoying the best of South India in exceptional comfort and style.

Advantages:

• Many destinations in a single journey
• First-rate dining & accommodation 
• Carefully crafted sightseeing excursions
• Customised hospitality
• Seamless travel plans
• Unparalleled comfort throughout your rail journey

The train allows travellers to take a plunge into South India's rich heritage while enjoying luxury found nowhere else.

Who Should Travel on Golden Chariot?

Luxury Travellers

An ideal travel experience for travellers seeking maximum comfort, customised service, and top-notch amenities.

Honeymoon Couples

A fantastic journey for honeymooners – intimate settings, luxurious accommodations, and the finest destinations to make memories to cherish.

Senior Travellers

Comfortable travel, well-planned excursions, and responsive butler assistance make the journey highly pleasurable.

Cultural Explorers

Perfect for travellers with a keen interest in architecture, history, regional heritage, and traditions.

Photography Enthusiasts

The Golden Chariot Train enables passionate photographers to capture age-old temples, charming landscapes, and wildlife reserves through their skills. 

International Visitors

A glimpse into South India’s lasting culture, heritage, and natural beauty.

Bucket-List Travellers

A one-of-a-kind experience, the Golden Chariot Train Journey undoubtedly deserves a place on every traveller’s bucket list.

How to Book Golden Chariot with Cholan Tours

As an authorised agent in collaboration with IRCTC, we help you choose the best package after carefully evaluating your travel needs and preferences, allowing you to look forward to the journey of a lifetime.

To book your package, follow these steps:

• Phone Call: Reach out to us at +91 96773 5555 to book your chosen package. We are here to help.
• Email: Drop us an email at enquiry@cholantours.com with the required information about your selected package. Our representative will be happy to assist you.
• WhatsApp: Use WhatsApp on your device to book the package. 
• Online Form: Fill in your basic details, such as Name, Email address, Phone Number, and additional information using our online form. Then click the submit enquiry button.