Destinations

2 itineraries offered by the operators of the Golden Chariot train covers some of the most prominent tourist destinations in 3 South Indian states – Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala – along with the Union Territory of Pondicherry. Detail of the attractions included in the destinations covered during the luxury train tour along with a brief introduction to acquaint you with the history and significance of the destinations are mentioned below.

:: Pride Of The South

The Golden Chariot offers an attractive sojourn across Karnataka, aptly christened as the Pride of the South. Commencing on Monday from Bangalore and concluding back in Bangalore, the following Monday, the Pride of the South tour offers to its visitors an 8 day itinerary of pure fun. Capture the essence of Karnataka through this journey and carry back fond memories to remember for long. The itinerary for the luxury travel has been given below. The day-wise program will help you to plan your schedule in a hassle free manner.

Bangalore is one of the best cosmopolitan cities in India and the capital city of the state of Karnataka. It is one of the very popular destinations in the country and guests visiting South India definitely make it a point to visit Bangalore to explore its various tourist attractions. Bangalore was founded by Kempe Gouda I in the year 1537. However, traces of the inhabitants living here hint towards the fact that people have been living here since ages. The different dynasties that ruled over this place have left behind several monumental wonders feast and marvel at their originality and vision. Although the present name of this city is Bengaluru, it is nevertheless still popular by its previous name.

Mysore is the second largest city in the state of Karnataka and located just about 150 km from the capital city of Bangalore. The history of Mysore can be traced back to the ancient times when it was under the rule of the demon king, Mahishasura. It is after the name of the king Mahishasura that the city has come to be known by, although there have been several alterations and revisions regarding the same. Mysore is more fondly known as the cultural capital of Karnataka, owing to the number of culture centers and art marvels that are scattered across the place.

Guests interested in learning about the architectural heritage of India could never afford to miss a trip to Hampi in Karnataka. Located in the northern part of the state, Hampi is a small village that once housed the capital of the erstwhile Vijayanagara Empire. Today it houses the magnificent ruins of the yesteryears and the Virupaksha temple is the most popular and the most sacred religious site in the place.

Halebidu and Belur are famous temple destinations in the country, located in Karnataka. Belur is visited by thousands of devotees and visitors throughout the year who come here to offer their prayers as well as marvel at the architectural brilliance of the temples. Owing to this fact, the town is fondly referred to as the Southern Benaras. Belur is an ancient town, its origination dating back to the Hoysala rule during the eleventh and twelfth centuries.

Kabini is a popular tourist destination in Karnataka and a foremost destination offering abundant wildlife in the country. Located at about 80 km from the city of Mysore, Kabini is a lush green habitat for the animals, especially Elephants. Besides elephants, the Kabini Wildlife Sanctuary is also home to a large variety of birds and deer too. So if you were looking forward to a wildlife holiday here in Karnataka and most specifically an encounter with the mighty tuskers, you know now where to be. 

Goa is a land of the Sun, the beaches, the adventure activities and the quaint ambience and also of distinct traditions and customs. all in the same breath. Guests visiting Goa quintessentially return back home wanting for more. The charisma and charm that accompanies the place almost casts a magic spell on anyone who comes to this place. Be it the history of the place or the geography, the language or the customs. Goa entices one and all. On a sojourn of this place, the traveler is treated to traditional Indian hospitality in the most unique way. The festivals and carnivals that are held here throughout the year offer one a better understanding of the lives of the Goans. Located in the Konkan region of India, its proximity to the Arabian Sea attracted many merchant communities to come and settle here, thus paving the way for several faiths and cultures to come and exist here.

:: Southern Splender

Southern Splender is another grand way of traversing across the colorful and culturally vibrant southern regions of India. Extensively traveling through the length and breadth of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, this luxury train offers 8-day sojourn to its guests. A property of Golden Chariot, a luxury train in India that has so far introduced the various cities of Karnataka to a thousand guests in a never before way, Southern Splender promises to be no less spectacular and fascinating. Come board this enchanting sojourn and relive the glory of India, yet another time…

The capital city of Karnataka, Bangalore is a melting point of traditions and modernity. While on one hand it is known as the Silicon Valley of India, it, on the other hand also boasts of a colorful historical past remnants of which can still be seen throughout the city. Bangalore is located on the Deccan Plateau and flaunts a tropical climate with wet and dry seasons.

Chennai was earlier known as Madras and is the capital city of the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Nestled cozily on the Coromandel Coast, Chennai is one of the major metropolitan cities in the country that is home to several historical monuments, pristine beaches, ancient temples and luxury hotels.

Traditionally known as Mahabalipuram, Mamallapuram is one of the most popular destinations in Tamil Nadu, renowned for its architectural wonders. Once a medieval port city (the town dates back to the 7th century), today, Mamallapuram is fondly visited by devotees and tourists alike who come here to worship in the ancient temples that are housed here.

Tiruchirapalli is located on the banks of the Cauvery River and is one of the largest cities in Tamil Nadu. The very fertile lands of this place are home to several attractions such as the Rock Fort, the Sriranganathaswamy temple, and the Trichy Museum. While here, do make sure that you relish on the delectable local cuisine that is painstakingly prepared and tastefully served across all restaurants housed here.

Thanjavur is an ancient seat of art and architecture and still manages to woo the spectators through its world heritage monuments that are located in and around the city. An ancient city in Tamil Nadu, Thanjavur offers a number of sightseeing attractions and excursion options to the nearby areas including the Brahadeeshwarar temple, a magnificent palace, and the Schwartz Church.

Popularly known as the temple town of India, Madurai is located in Tamil Nadu and is the oldest inhabited city in the country. It was once an important political and commercial seat of ancient Indian civilization especially of South India. Madurai boasts of a historical past that is more than 2500 years old.

The capital city of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram is an enchanting base for all sojourns across the state. Housing a number of temples, renowned educational institutions and a host of science and technology centers; Thiruvananthapuram is a tropical city that is built on seven hills.

Located not very far away from the Kerala - Tamil Nadu border is the quaint and sleepy village of Poovar. Although small, the place nevertheless boasts of magnificent natural beauty fitted with rivers, lakes, fine silvery beaches, and a host of activities that wait to enthrall the guests on vacation here.

The colonial name for the place was Cochin that is nestled comfortably on the south-western banks of India. Owing to its strategic location and the role it has played in shaping the history of the place, Kochi is also fondly referred to as the Gateway to Kerala.

One of the most enchanting Indian lands is the Kerala backwaters. The tranquility and serenity of the place almost demarcates its non-existent boundaries making it a world on its own. Located in the Malabar Coast, the mesmerizing locations of the Kerala backwaters include areas such as Kollam, Alappuzha, Kumarakom, Kasargod, Kozhikode, and Kuttanad.