Golden Chariot Train in India: A Royal Journey Through the Soul of South India

We are going to share details in form of frequently asked questions I came across in last few years and hopefully that will help understanding how the Golden Chariot train looks like, what it offers and what not. Who runs these luxury trains in India and how these trains are different from other trains run by Indian Railways? These are Indian railway trains converted with better infrastructure by keeping the experience in mind. As we share more, you will realise that these are completely transformed trains.

There is something deeply romantic about train journeys in India.

Not the hurried overnight rides between cities. Not the crowded suburban networks that pulse like arteries through urban chaos. But the slower journeys. The kind where landscapes unfold gradually, where stations smell of chai and wet earth, where conversations linger longer than expected, and where the rhythm of the tracks almost becomes meditative.

We have shared quite a lot about 8 days trip with one of the India's luxury train Golden Chariot but in this post we are going to focus only on the train. What makes this train so special if we forget about great travel experiences to some of the gems of Karnataka State in India. In this post, I am going to answer some of the most obvious questions I have been asked in last few years and hope this will help many who are looking to find about Golden Chariot, services available onboard, along with details on how everything is done very professionally when you are on a 8 days journey with Golden Chariot. Let's get started and know more about the train.

The Golden Chariot belongs to a completely different world within Indian Railways.

This is not merely transportation. It is theatre on rails.

Among the most fascinating luxury trains in the world, the Golden Chariot offers something that many international luxury rail experiences cannot replicate — an immersive cultural passage through living civilizations. South India is not frozen in nostalgia. Temples are still active. Markets still chaotic. Rituals still deeply woven into daily life. And from the windows of this elegant train, you watch layers of history coexist with modern India.

Do you get a full coupe for yourself on Golden Chariot Train? So on Golden Chariot you can assume a coupe as a resort room. Configurations of these rooms are different. Double bed rooms, rooms with 2 single beds etc. So you get your private space with good interiors. In one coach of the Golden Chariot train, there are 3 coupes/rooms like the one you see in above photograph.

The first glimpse of the train itself feels cinematic. Polished exteriors gleam under station lights. Attendants dressed with old-world elegance welcome guests with folded hands. Inside, carved motifs inspired by Karnataka’s dynasties decorate corridors. Soft lighting reflects on polished wood panels. Somewhere in the background, instrumental Carnatic music quietly fills the air.

How is washroom quality on the Golden Chariot Train? Every room on the Golden Chariot train has attached toilet and bathroom with appropriate fittings and essentials. Room along with washroom is cleaned on daily basis and you can ask for service in between.

Winter is perhaps the best time to experience the Golden Chariot. The weather across Karnataka, Goa, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and surrounding regions becomes gentle enough for exploration without exhaustion. Morning mist lingers over plantations. Temple stones glow warmly during golden hour. Coastal sunsets become softer and more photogenic.

It is important to note that the cost of traveling on the Golden Chariot train is all-inclusive, which means that it includes accommodation, meals, sightseeing, and guided tours. The train also offers various facilities such as a spa, gym, conference car, and lounge bar, which are all included in the cost of the journey.

And if you are a photographer, this train journey is a moving visual feast.

Above photograph shows Ruchi Restaurant on the Golden Chariot train. There are 4 seater tables on side and 2 seater table on other side with walking space in the middle. On other side this coach is dedicated for kitchen and on other side, it's connected to 'Madira' coach, which is bar on the Golden Chariot Train.

Why Visit the Golden Chariot?

One of the Most Unique Luxury Trains in the World

Many luxury trains focus primarily on opulence. The Golden Chariot certainly delivers comfort, but what makes it memorable is the depth of experiences outside the train.

This journey combines:

  • UNESCO World Heritage Sites
  • Ancient temple architecture
  • Wildlife reserves
  • South Indian cuisine
  • Coastal landscapes
  • Spiritual traditions
  • Royal heritage
  • Slow travel experiences

Is there any provision for serving alcohol on Golden Chariot Train? "Madira" coach is the bar room on the Golden Chariot. The photograph above shows the bar on the Golden Chariot train. Seating arrangement is similar to the restaurant but there are low chairs with tables in the middle. 4 seater arrangements on one side and 2 seater on the other side. Arrangement is the bar is changed on the basis of various activities they do during 8 days trip. Most of the common activities take place in the bar coach.

Unlike conventional luxury vacations where guests remain isolated inside resorts, the Golden Chariot constantly pushes you into interaction with living cultures.

You wake up in a different landscape almost every day.

Is there any doctor onboard Golden Chariot Train? I am not sure if there is any doctor on the Golden Chariot train or not. When I travelled. There were multiple doctor families on the train. This is worth checking before making booking, if this is important aspect for you. During days most of the times you will be out of the train where doctor access will be available. During night train is mostly parked in one of the stations in Karnataka, so there should be doctors nearby. I am just trying to guess the situation. Are all stops for Golden Chariot single day or multi-day? Are these stops only during the day or night as well? There is no place on the way where the Golden Chariot stop for more than a day. Detailed and day-wise information can be checked here. So everyday you are exploring new place. During one of the nights, train is parked in Mysuru railway station and guests stay in Kabini River resort. Most of the other days, train is parked and you sleep in your room on the Golden Chariot train with one exception. Train is on the move on the night when it has to reach Goa. It's an overnight journey and some of the guests had problem sleeping because of the train sound/movement. I was able to sleep well. Is there enough security on Golden Chariot Train? The space feels safe and staff ensures all guests are taken care well. If you mean by security in terms of police/security-person deployment, I didn't see any. I will try to find more about safety & security protocols on the Golden Chariot Train and will update this section.

One morning begins with temple bells in Tamil Nadu. Another starts near spice plantations in Karnataka. By evening, you may be photographing Portuguese-era streets in Goa.

The Jewels of South route is one of the two routes covered by the Golden Chariot train and covers destinations in both Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. The route is designed to showcase the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty of South India. Some of the popular destinations covered by the Jewels of South route are:

That variety makes the journey emotionally rich rather than merely luxurious.

Do they have laundry facilities on Golden Chariot train? I am not sure about it, so need to figure out. Somehow I feel that they must have some arrangement for laundry. In terms of hygiene and cleanness, Golden Chariot staff takes good care when moving out from the train and coming from day tours. Above photograph shows sanitiser and cold towels being served when guests are coming back from their tour. Action during Registration for Golden Chariot Journey : Taj WestEnd

Historical and Cultural Significance

Inspired by Karnataka’s Royal Heritage

The Golden Chariot derives its identity from the royal dynasties of South India, especially the Hoysalas, Chalukyas, and Vijayanagara Empire.

The train’s name itself references the famous Stone Chariot at Vitthala Temple in Hampi — one of India’s most photographed architectural icons.

Inside the train, each coach is named after historic kingdoms and dynasties. Decorative details borrow heavily from temple architecture, sandalwood carving traditions, Mysore aesthetics, and Dravidian motifs.

What makes the experience culturally meaningful is that these references are not superficial decorations. The destinations themselves reinforce the narrative.

You are not simply seeing monuments.

You are tracing the geography of South Indian empires.

My Personal Experience Aboard the Golden Chariot

The journey began at Yesvantpur Junction Railway Station in Bengaluru.

Passengers on the Pride of Karnataka route also get to experience local culture and traditions through various activities and experiences, such as a traditional dance performance in Mysore, a visit to a silk factory in Srirangapatna, and a heritage walk in Hampi.

Luxury train departures in India still carry traces of colonial-era ceremony. There was live classical music at the platform. Fresh flower garlands. Warm smiles. Elderly travelers adjusting cameras around their necks. Couples celebrating anniversaries. International guests quietly absorbing the atmosphere.

Bengaluru - The capital city of Karnataka, Bengaluru is known for its beautiful parks, gardens, and IT industry. Some popular attractions in Bengaluru include Lalbagh Botanical Garden, Cubbon Park, and Bangalore Palace.

And then there was that unmistakable railway emotion.

Bandipur National Park - One of the most popular national parks in South India, Bandipur National Park is known for its diverse flora and fauna. The park is home to tigers, elephants, and a variety of bird species.

The feeling that something meaningful is about to begin.

Hampi - Another destination covered by the Pride of Karnataka route, Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its ancient temples, ruins, and monuments. The Virupaksha Temple, Vittala Temple, and Lotus Mahal are must-visit attractions in Hampi.

As the train slowly moved out of Bengaluru after sunset, city lights blurred into distant amber streaks. Dinner was served shortly after. Soft appams. Peppery stew. Delicate desserts plated with precision.

Badami - Known for its rock-cut cave temples and sandstone temples, Badami is a popular tourist destination in Karnataka. The Badami Cave Temples, Bhutanatha Temple, and Badami Fort are popular attractions in Badami.

Later that night, I stood near the vestibule between coaches watching darkness swallow the tracks behind us. Occasionally, small stations appeared briefly — illuminated tea stalls, sleepy porters, passengers waiting under fluorescent lights.

Hassan - Located in the heart of the Malnad region, Hassan is known for its rich cultural heritage and ancient temples. The Hoysaleswara Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a must-visit attraction in Hassan.

Luxury existed inside the train.

But India remained gloriously alive outside it.

That contrast stayed with me throughout the journey.

The Pride of Karnataka route covered by the Golden Chariot train covers some of the most popular destinations in the state of Karnataka, each with its own unique cultural and natural attractions. A journey on the Golden Chariot train is a perfect way to explore these destinations in style and comfort.

Exploring the Golden Chariot Routes

The Golden Chariot operates multiple itineraries covering parts of:

  • Karnataka
  • Goa
  • Kerala
  • Tamil Nadu
  • Puducherry

Some of the most remarkable stops include:

Hampi - A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hampi is known for its ancient temples, ruins, and monuments. The Virupaksha Temple, Vittala Temple, and Lotus Mahal are must-visit attractions in Hampi.

Hampi: The Kingdom of Ruins

Hampi feels unreal.

Massive boulders balance dramatically across the landscape as though giants abandoned them centuries ago. Temple ruins emerge unexpectedly between banana plantations and dusty roads.

During the journey on the Pride of Karnataka route, passengers get to explore some of the most popular tourist destinations in Karnataka, including Mysore, Hampi, and Badami. The train also stops at Bandipur National Park, where passengers can enjoy a wildlife safari and spot tigers, elephants, and other wildlife.

The best photography happens early morning.

Before tourist groups arrive, the ruins carry extraordinary silence. The first rays of winter sunlight strike temple pillars with warm golden tones that photographers dream about.

The journey on the Pride of Karnataka route is designed to showcase the rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and wildlife of Karnataka. The train offers a luxurious and comfortable experience, with modern amenities and facilities such as air-conditioned cabins, Wi-Fi, spa, gym, and restaurants serving a variety of cuisines.

A local guide once told me a fascinating legend — that the strange boulder formations were remnants of monkey warriors from the Ramayana era. Mythology and geology coexist naturally here.

The Pride of Karnataka route covered by the Golden Chariot train offers a week-long journey through some of the most popular tourist destinations in Karnataka. The journey provides an opportunity to explore the rich culture, natural beauty, and wildlife of Karnataka in style and comfort.

Photography Perspective

  • Best Time: Sunrise to 8:00 AM
  • Lens Recommendation: Wide-angle for landscapes; 70-200mm for temple carvings
  • Ideal Spot: Matanga Hill during dawn
  • Winter Advantage: Softer light and cleaner skies

A journey on the Golden Chariot train is a unique way to explore the rich heritage, culture, and natural beauty of South India. The train offers a luxurious and comfortable experience, with modern amenities and facilities that provide a royal touch to the journey. The two routes covered by the Golden Chariot train - Pride of Karnataka and Jewels of South - cover some of the most popular tourist destinations in the region and offer a range of experiences and activities for passengers. Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or simply looking to travel in style, a journey on the Golden Chariot train is an unforgettable experience that showcases the best of South India.

Mysuru: Royal Grandeur and Slow Evenings

Mysore Palace remains one of the grandest royal residences in India.

Mysore - As mentioned earlier, Mysore is known as the City of Palaces and is famous for its beautiful palaces, gardens, and silk sarees. The Mysore Palace, Brindavan Gardens, and Chamundi Hill are popular attractions in Mysore.

But what fascinated me most was not the palace alone.

Mysore - Known as the City of Palaces, Mysore is famous for its beautiful palaces, gardens, and silk sarees. The Mysore Palace, Brindavan Gardens, and Chamundi Hill are popular attractions in Mysore.

It was the city’s pace.

Here you see one of the caves in Badami. This is called as 3rd cave and the biggest one. There are 4 such caves in Badami and all of these are carved out of one huge mountain. You have to climb few stairs to reach first cave and then keep moving to explore all 4. 4th one is the topmost cave in Badami and probably the smallest of all. You can compare the size of man sitting in front of the cave and then the size of this mountain. And this was probably 10-15% of the mountain vertically. The Badami cave temples represent some of the earliest known examples of Hindu temples. UNESCO has described the designs of the Badami cave temples and those in Aihole, as having transformed the Malaprabha River valley into a cradle of temple architecture that defined the components of later Hindu temples elsewhere in India.

Mysuru moves slower than Bengaluru. Elderly men still gather near tea stalls discussing politics. Flower vendors arrange jasmine garlands patiently. Incense drifts through market streets.

Mahabalipuram - Located near Chennai, Mahabalipuram is known for its ancient temples and rock-cut sculptures. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Shore Temple is a must-visit attraction in Mahabalipuram.

The Devaraja Market is especially rewarding for photographers. Turmeric heaps, rose petals, sandalwood oils, and colorful powders create compositions that feel almost painterly.

Chennai - The capital city of Tamil Nadu, Chennai is known for its beautiful beaches, rich cultural heritage, and delicious food. Some popular attractions in Chennai include the Marina Beach, Fort St. George, and Kapaleeswarar Temple.

Goa Beyond Beaches

Luxury train itineraries often introduce travelers to a quieter side of Goa.

During recent visit, I visited 'The Fisherman's Wharf' and supposedly I was supposed to know about such place :). It seems 'The Fisherman's Wharf' is a chain of restaurants in different cities of India which are known for serving food sea-food. Now all that knowledge I gained when I was on my way to the restaurant and certainly it was all about perceived brand of 'The Fisherman's Wharf'. In this post, I will share my viewpoint about food quality, variety, service, drinks, ambience, pricing etc and most of it on the basis of my personal first-hand experience. After coming back I also researched a bit about it and will also break some myths/hypes about the place. Ok so let's start with ambience and setup, as that's you encounter when entering into the space. It certainly has a special vibe, as the restaurant is in a typical goa style house with slanted roof and I loved the room where they have kept lot of old styled agricultural equipments from the past. Lot of them were made up of bamboo and some of the brass utensils etc. Somehow I clicked only one photograph at 'The Fisherman's Wharf' in Panjim but you can see a lot more photographs on Google to get a feel about the place. As we grabbed our seats, we were offered the drinks menu with some showcasing of Goa wines. Interestingly none of us ordered wine. So in first order, lot of Margarita's were ordered along with some beers and scotch. Now it was time to order snacks. They bring fish and crabs of different size & type to you. You are supposed to chose from the offered options of fresh fish etc and order how you want to get them prepared. Some of us who wanted to have sea-food, especially because we were in Goa, ordered 2 kinds of fish and ordered 3 kinds of different fish snacks. Also ordered some prawn snacks. Some of us ordered Chicken and other vegetarian snacks. In the meantime, our table had discussion about artisan water. This was first time I learnt about the drinking water industry a little more than Bisleris and Kinleys of the world. It was quite insightful and suddenly I reached my village where we may have much better stream water which can be branded and sold as some expensive water :). Anyways, I didn't do anything about that thought. Soon food arrived on our tables and most of the stuff was pretty good but was it out of the world or something which I never had - no. Especially about seafood - the food was good but not very special which will take me back to 'The Fisherman's Wharf' only. Whenever I share such views about food, I also share the disclaimer that I am not really a foodie and usually my preference of food is simpler version. So recall value of food is defined by how simply it's cooked, plated and served. So may be I was a wrong person at 'The Fisherman's Wharf' because the place has very good name when people talk in context of seafood. btw, I can suggest some crazy places to have seafood. I recall one place on Candolim and the other in Baga. Not very fancy places but pretty good and flavourful food, which has a recall value in my head as 'Goan Seafood'. May be there is a bias because those were some of the first places I visited to have seafood in Goa. The staff was reasonably good at 'The Fisherman's Wharf' . Now I have a parameter to evaluate service. Usually servers are super excited when you have place an order or you have just arrived. Server interest is in you throughout but it goes down with time you spend at a place. That's exactly what happened with us. We have had some hukkahs and usually those need some assistance time to time. It was hard for us to get hold of the expert who could help us. When I say all this, I don't mean to say it was a bad experience fro service standpoint but I will not say it was an impressive experience. It was what it's needed and in some cases, may be little better Consistency in service throughout is important. Price-wise 'The Fisherman's Wharf' is good and worth the money you spend at this place. I didn't pay anything for this dinner as it was planned by my office but I had a look at the menu and prices looked reasonable for food as well as drinks. Overall it was a good experience but will I feel like going to 'The Fisherman's Wharf' if they open an outlet in Delhi? - may be not. or maybe once with Vibha to try it again :). If you have been to 'The Fisherman's Wharf' in Goa or any other city in India, please share in comments section about your experience.

Instead of only beach nightlife, the Golden Chariot experience highlights:

  • Latin quarters
  • Portuguese churches
  • Heritage mansions
  • Traditional Goan cuisine
  • Spice farms

When I was blogging about the recent trip to Goa, I realised that I never shared about Zuri White Sands resort on Varca beach of South Goa. This is a place worth mentioning on the blog because of multiple reasons and we shall talk about all that in this blogpost. Why one should consider this resort to stay in Goa and why not as well. This is not a sponsored blogpost and all viewpoints are personal on the basis of my own experience there. Related Blogpost - Bay15 on rocky Beach Odxel of Goa - An interesting place for food and fun, but not sure about staying here

In winter mornings, Fontainhas becomes magical for photography. Soft light reflects beautifully on faded pastel walls. Locals cycle through narrow lanes carrying bread baskets. Laundry lines create naturally layered frames.

Then we came across this beautiful yellow building which looked like a small apartments kind of setup, where a few families must be living. We are not sure what exactly this building was but there is a bright blue building in front of this one, which is school of Fountainhas. Interesting we saw a few more schools in Panjim and all of them had same blue color but different names. So we were wondering if these is any color scheme for Schools, Hospitals, Libraries etc.

This is the Goa many tourists completely miss.

India is also referred to as 'God's Own Country'. Kerala is a coastal state in India and has rich traditions, culture and lush unspoiled tropical beauty with unmatchable landscapes. Kerala is popularly known for its landscapes, backwaters, food, elephants, Theyyam & various types of spices. Kerala is perfect destination for folks visiting India and even for Indians who want to spend some time at peace & slow pace of life. Kerala has options for different types for tourists and travellers. This post lists some of the popular places to explore and things to do in Kerala state of India. Munnar - Usually I hate to do comparisons of places because it's usually unfair, as every place is unique. But I would like to call out that Munnar is popularly known as Kashmir of South India. Munnar is one of the key destination in Kerala which attracts lot of domestic and foreigner tourists to Kerala. It's a beautiful hill station which has lush green tea estates apart from spice plantations.Some of the popular places to explore in Munnar are Eravikulam National Park, Indo Swiss Dairy Farm, Chinnar Wild Life Sanctuary, Anamudi, Tata Tea Museum, Idukki Arch Dam.Thekkady - Thekkady is one of the most important tourist destinations in Kerala state of South India. Thekkady is located in the famous Periyar National Park. The Periyar National Park is home to a large number of Indian elephants, lion-tailed Macaques, Nilgiri Langurs, Indian bison and Bengal Tigers. Mullaperiyar Dam around the area on the Periyar River and formed an artificial lake for Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.Kovalam Light house beach in Kovalam is must visit place. And I am sure that you must have seen some exceptional photographs of lighthouse beach. Just notice the lighthouse in above photograph and you would be able to recall other photographs from same place and beach. Kovalam is also known as beach town of Kerala. It is also known as the paradise of the south and beaches of KOvalam are considered some of the best beaches in India. Kovalam means a grove of coconut trees and true to its name the village offers an endless sight of coconut trees. Alleppey - Alappuzha is an important backwater tourist destination in Kerala. Alleppey is one of the most preferred place for tourists, which attracts several thousands of foreign tourists each year. If you have ever watched boat races, Alleppy is the place to host these events. Apart from boat races Alleppy is also popularly known for beaches, marine products and coir industry. Allapuza Backwaters is a must experience thing in Kerala.Some of the other interesting other places around Alleppy include Statue Of Karumadikuttan, Mannarasala Sri Nagaraja Temple and Revi Karuna Karan (RKK) Memorial Museum.Wayanad - Wayanad is north Kerala and popular for it's tea & coffee plantations. Hilly region of Kerala which has plenty of natural things to explores. Lakes, Waterfalls, caves, tea estates, adventure activities, home stays, wildlife and lot more. Kalpetta, Pookot Lake , Edakkal Caves , Pakshipathalam, Lakkidi, Sulthan Bathery, Banasura Sagar , Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Neelimala view point , Meenmutty falls and Curuva Island are some of the popular places to explore in Wayanad. On our blog, we have shared about some of the best home-stays in Wayanad and incredible experience of Bamboo village. Check out more on the blog and I am sure that you would definitely plan for this region of Kerala.Vagamon hill station is located on Idukki - Kottayam border area. A best place to spend time during summers of Kerala. Vagamon is immensely beautiful with many points of tourist interest, which offer great landscapes. The meadows, forests and hills surrounded by fog/clouds make this place more interesting. ( Cochin ) / Ernakulam - If you are taking flight to south Kerala, most likely you would be hitting Kochi first. Kochi is located in Ernakulam district of Kerela, which was earlier known as Cochin. Kochi is also an important seaport in India. Ernakulam is popular for shopping options in Kerala. I haven't really done shopping in Kerala but this is well known fact about Ernakulam. Some of the popular places to explore around Cochin include Jewish Synagogue, Cherai Beach, Marine Drive, Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica, Fort kochi & Chinese Fishing Nets, Mattancherry Palace, Kodanad Elephant Sanctuary, Ezhattumugham Nature Village and Athirappally Falls. Thiruvananthapuram - Poovar is a small village in the Southern tip of Trivendrum. Around Poovar beach you can explore mangroves, floating restaurants, varieties of birds and biodiversity. The beach is pristine with golden sand with no or less people. Solitude’s comfort, you see! Fisherman waiting to trap the fishes in their giant nets at one corner and eagles and crows waiting for the fishes to be their fodder. Nature, oh nature, vicious circle, it is Some of the interesting places to explore around Thiruvanantpuram are Priyadarshini Planetarium, Vizhinjam Rock Cut Temple, Kuthiramalika, Kanakakunnu Palace. A photograph of Coffee plants from Kerala state of India. some of the old temples. Some of the temples around Kannur celebrate Theyyam festival and lot of foreigner tourists visit Kannur for Theyyam. Thottada beach is one of the popular and isolated beach in Kannur. Riding around these beaches and backwaters can be interesting.Kumarakom Houseboats Kumarakom is most popular tourist spot located near the Kottayam city and famous for its houseboats in backwaters of Vembanad Lake. Vembanad Lake is the largest freshwater lake of Kerala and longest lake in India. Kumarakom is a famous Bird Sanctuary and home to a wide variety of local and migratory birds.One of the most important recommendation is to try Kerala food when you are in Kerala, but be careful about the quantity you order. Usually lot of curries are served, so it's recommended to order the minimum portion from menu and then decide, if you need more.

Kerala Backwaters and Silence

One of the most calming moments of the journey came near the backwaters of Kerala.

After days of architectural grandeur and urban heritage, Kerala introduces stillness.

After spending some time around Lakshmi Narsimha Temple, we walked around the beautiful hill with huge rocks and ancient temples. Above is one of the views from this hill and Virupaksha temple is exactly opposite to this place.

Palm reflections shimmer on quiet canals. Fishermen move slowly through morning mist. Coconut trees lean lazily toward the water.

Luxury travel often becomes exhausting because itineraries are overdesigned.

Kerala restores balance.

As you enter into these caves at Badami, you would notice these beautifully carved statues. Badami Caves 1 to 4 are on a hill in soft Badami sandstone formation. In Cave 1, among various sculptures of Hindu divinities and themes, a prominent carving is of the Tandava Shiva as Nataraja. The very first photograph of this post is clicked outside the first cave in Badami. Above photograph shows Vishnu in cave-3 at Badami.

Hidden Gems and Lesser-Known Insights

The Railway Staff Stories

One of the most memorable aspects of the Golden Chariot is interacting with onboard staff.

Many attendants come from railway families spanning generations. Some grew up near railway colonies. Others previously worked on conventional Indian Railways routes before transitioning into luxury tourism.

On the road near Virupaksha Temple, there is road surrounded by ancient market where pearls, gold, diamond trading used to happen in Vijayanagara kingdom. This is huge one and I really wanted to spend some time around this space.

During late-night tea conversations, I heard stories about monsoon routes, forgotten stations, and how train culture in India has evolved.

Here is another view of Virupaksha Temple from one of the surrounding hills. This is one of the most interesting places in Hampi to closely experience gigantic rocks, monolithic structures and beautiful views. I am sure sunset would look much better from this place as it gives great views in all directions.

Those human moments made the experience feel less commercial and more personal.

Temple Stone Colors Change Through the Day

Photographers will notice something extraordinary in South Indian temples.

We boarded the bus and then stopped around Lotus Mahal, Elephant’s Stable, Ranga Temple and Zanana enclosure.

Granite structures dramatically change color depending on the light.

  • Dawn: Cool grey-blue
  • Midday: Neutral stone textures
  • Golden Hour: Warm honey tones
  • Post-rain: Deep charcoal contrast

Winter sunlight enhances these tonal transitions beautifully.

Above photograph shows Elephant’s Stable at Hampi.

Smaller Stations Reveal Real India

Luxury trains often stop briefly at lesser-known railway stations.

Step outside for even five minutes and observe carefully.

Most of the structures of Vajayanagara were made up of sandal wood, which don’t exist now and so only stone structures can be seen, which were usually the base of any palace or watchtower.

Children wave enthusiastically. Tea vendors balance steel kettles skillfully. Elderly passengers stare curiously at the polished luxury coaches.

These fleeting interactions reveal the emotional relationship Indians still have with trains.

This was just the beginning. Hampi had lot of surprises for us. These huge rocks look so amazing around the hills of Hampi. There are various monolithic structures around this place and few of the structures were unimaginably huge. Just look at above photograph and see the size of people standing in comparison to the rocks on right side.


Best Photography Spots During the Golden Chariot Journey

DestinationBest SpotBest TimePhotography Style
HampiMatanga HillSunriseLandscape
MysuruDevaraja MarketEarly MorningStreet Photography
GoaFontainhasMorningArchitecture
KeralaBackwatersSunriseReflection Photography
MahabalipuramShore TempleGolden HourHeritage
BadamiCave TemplesLate AfternoonTexture & Shadows

This morning, we had to pack some clothes and essentials as the night stay was planned in KSTDC Kabini River Lodges (Jungle Lodges).

Photography Tips for the Golden Chariot

Carry Flexible Gear

A heavy photography setup becomes tiring during train journeys.

Ideal setup:

  • One mirrorless body
  • 24-70mm lens
  • Compact telephoto
  • Lightweight tripod

After breakfast, we boarded the bus and headed towards Mysore Palace.

Wake Up Early

The best moments happen before breakfast.

Morning fog, empty monuments, local routines, and softer light create stronger visual storytelling opportunities.

I couldn’t believe that I saw one tiger cub and 2 leopards with an hour in the forest. Isn’t that awesome ?

Photograph Train Interiors Carefully

The train interiors contain warm artificial lighting. Use:

  • Higher ISO
  • Fast prime lens
  • White balance adjustments

After quick snacks, we headed towards Halebidu Temples. It took 30 minutes from Bellur to Halebidu. These temples are surrounded by beautiful lawns and trees. Shiva temple of Halebidu has brilliant carving work on outer walls. The Halebidu temple complex comprises two Hindu temples, the Hoysaleshwara and Kedareshwara temples and two Jain basadi.

Avoid excessive flash photography inside heritage-inspired interiors.

Capture Human Details

Do not only photograph monuments.

Here is another view of the statue of Bahubali at Shravanabelagola. This was clicked from outside the main temple but from same hill.

Photograph:

  • Hands making dosa batter
  • Temple priests arranging flowers
  • Porters lifting luggage
  • Reflections on train windows
  • Railway signage

These details create emotional depth.

The train has two restaurants - Nala and Ruchi - that serve a variety of cuisines, including Indian, Continental, and Chinese. The chefs on the train use locally sourced ingredients to prepare the dishes and offer a unique culinary experience to the passengers. The train also has a lounge bar called Madira, where passengers can relax and enjoy a drink or two.

Local Food Experiences on the Golden Chariot

Food becomes one of the defining memories of this journey.

Unlike many international luxury trains that maintain largely continental menus, the Golden Chariot celebrates regional cuisines aggressively.

Do they host parities on Golden Chariot Train? Yes, there is one night when DJ kind of setup is arranged with some snacks. You can order your drinks from the bar on the Golden Chariot. It's hard to plan for most of the days as schedule is usually packed and guests prefer taking rest. You can plan your own party by ordering your snacks, drinks in Madira coach of the Golden Chariot. During one of the evenings the Chief Chef of the train demonstrates his recipe of Kundapur Kolisaaru (Kundapur Chicken Curry). It was super delicious. Is there wifi available on Golden Chariot Train? Yes, wifi is available on Golden Chariot but only in Restaurant and Bar area. This is nothing but a dongle which means bandwidth will be what you will get on your phone hotspots. 5th Day on the Golden Chariot - The Luxury Train through Hampi in Karnataka State of India Are there televisions in rooms on Golden Chariot train? I didn't have TV in my room and not sure if there is any TV on Golden Chariot train. Most probably not.

Memorable Dishes

So overall food is pretty good on this luxury train in India called Golden Chariot.

Karnataka

  • Bisi Bele Bath
  • Mysore Pak
  • Ragi Mudde

Above photograph shows Exotic Fruit Tart over Makai Jhajharia. Another Dinner menu included - crispy coleslaw, creme du barry, grilled fish, coq-au-vin, gosht nilgiri korma, murgh kundan waliya, palak aloo, panchras dal, tawa paratha, jeera rice, tomato raita, tiramisu and sheer korma. This was about the non-veg menu and I didn’t check the veg menu, so sorry for that ignorance. 2nd Day on Golden Chariot - The Luxury Train offering Tiger & Leopard sighting in Kabini

Goa

  • Prawn Balchão
  • Bebinca
  • Fish Curry Rice

The food menu is different on different days of the journey and with appropriate choices. On first day, in dinner we were served Grilled pineapple & prunes salad, followed with Mulligatawny Soup. In main course, there were two options - Thali or Cajun Grilled Fish with Supreme of Chicken in Black Olive sauce. Thali comprised of Men MilGU, Manguluru Chicken Curry, Dharwadi Bendekai, Mysuru Brinjal Curry, Drumstick Ulli Sambr, Tawa Chapati, fluffy steamed rice & Khajur, kale ka raitha. In desserts, there were 2 options - Tender Coconut Souffe or Gulab Jamun. I used to spend good amount of time in restaurant on Golden Chariot train to enjoy great food served by a fantastic team of chefs.

Tamil Nadu

  • Chettinad Chicken
  • Filter Coffee
  • Kothu Parotta

Everyday during the 8 days trip, menus for Breakfast, lunch and dinner are different. Usually there are different options you can chose from. On certain days meals are served in hotels where you are staying and a dinner is planned in one of the popular hotels in Mysuru - Lalitha Palace.

Kerala

  • Appam with Stew
  • Karimeen Pollichathu
  • Banana Chips fried in coconut oil

Breakfast menu on one of the days on Golden Chariot train included cut fruit, Mango/Pineapple/Orange juices, cornflakes, wheat flakes, Muesli, oatmeal, cheese, eggs accompanied by ham, bacon, chicken sausages, grilled potatoes, masala dosa, aloo parantha, fresh breads and beverages. As I mentioned earlier, breakfast menu is different on different days in a journey with great variety. Along with that fresh ingredients are procured on the way through reliable vendors, especially for meat, vegetables and diary products.

The chefs often explain ingredients and regional influences personally, which makes dining feel educational rather than transactional.

Dinner Menu for one of the other days on the Golden Chariot Train included Beetroot & Horseradish salad, Creme Broccoli, Penne Marinara, Roast Lamb, Murgh Masala, Khubani Kofta, Bhawaan Shimla Mirch, Methi Malai Mutter, Palak dal, Parti Parantha, Badami Pulao, Burrani Raita, Exotic Fruit Tart and Makai Jhajharia.

Human Stories Along the Journey

In Mysuru, I met an elderly craftsman selling sandalwood miniatures near the palace area.

He spoke softly about how tourism changed after smartphones and social media. Earlier, travelers spent more time observing. Now, many visitors only rush for quick photographs.

After reaching Golden Chariot train, ladies assembled at the bar for heena as some local heena artists were on the train. Heena artists were on board till 8:40pm as train had to start for the next destination.

His comment stayed with me.

Luxury travel today often risks becoming performative. But train journeys slow people down again.

After dinner, it was time to socialize in Madira bar of Golden Chariot. Chef Deepak, GM Verma, Jagga ji and Mr Rathore used to sit late in the bar/restaurant. It was the time to know more about the train and their unique experiences of this journey with Golden Chariot. Kudos to this team for bringing together such a brilliant experience. This night train was moving and I was eagerly waiting for the next day in Hampi. Stay tuned to know about Hampi, Badami and Goa experience with Golden Chariot.

You notice conversations more carefully aboard trains.

We saw few pelicans, bitterns, herons, egrets, storks, ducks, geese, hawks, kites, eagles, pheasants, cranes, cormorants, pigeons, woodpeckers, hornbills babblers & sparrows.

You look outside windows longer.

You sit quietly without feeling guilty.

The Golden Chariot creates rare pauses in modern travel.

After that we planned to visit Tipu’s tomb. That’s the place where Tipu, his father & mother’s tombs are.

Best Time to Visit

Winter (November to February) is Ideal

This is unquestionably the best season for the Golden Chariot journey.

Here is the grand ballroom of Lalitha Palace, which is now restaurant on the ground floor. This was the place where we had our dinner and then headed back to the Golden Chariot.

Why Winter Works Best

  • Comfortable exploration weather
  • Better photography light
  • Lower humidity
  • Pleasant train journeys
  • Clearer skies
  • Easier monument visits

There are dance performance planned at Lalitha Palace. Kanchana Shree performed Lord Shiva-kriti written by Dayananda Saraswati and Beluru composed by D V Gundappa. She also performed Godess Chamundeshwari, composed by Vasudevacharya.

Temperatures remain manageable across South India compared to intense summer heat.

I love clicking beautiful roofs and this one is clicked at Lalitha Palace in Mysore. This was the roof of restaurant at Lalitha Palace.

How to Reach the Golden Chariot Departure Points

Most itineraries begin from Bengaluru.

By Air

Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru connects with major international and domestic cities.

By Train

Bengaluru is well connected to:

  • Chennai
  • Hyderabad
  • Mumbai
  • Delhi
  • Kochi

By Road

Luxury travelers often combine the train journey with:

  • Coorg road trips
  • Kabini safaris
  • Kerala backwater stays

India is also referred to as 'God's Own Country'. Kerala is a coastal state in India and has rich traditions, culture and lush unspoiled tropical beauty with unmatchable landscapes. Kerala is popularly known for its landscapes, backwaters, food, elephants, Theyyam & various types of spices. Kerala is perfect destination for folks visiting India and even for Indians who want to spend some time at peace & slow pace of life. Kerala has options for different types for tourists and travellers. This post lists some of the popular places to explore and things to do in Kerala state of India. Munnar - Usually I hate to do comparisons of places because it's usually unfair, as every place is unique. But I would like to call out that Munnar is popularly known as Kashmir of South India. Munnar is one of the key destination in Kerala which attracts lot of domestic and foreigner tourists to Kerala. It's a beautiful hill station which has lush green tea estates apart from spice plantations.Some of the popular places to explore in Munnar are Eravikulam National Park, Indo Swiss Dairy Farm, Chinnar Wild Life Sanctuary, Anamudi, Tata Tea Museum, Idukki Arch Dam.Thekkady - Thekkady is one of the most important tourist destinations in Kerala state of South India. Thekkady is located in the famous Periyar National Park. The Periyar National Park is home to a large number of Indian elephants, lion-tailed Macaques, Nilgiri Langurs, Indian bison and Bengal Tigers. Mullaperiyar Dam around the area on the Periyar River and formed an artificial lake for Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.Kovalam Light house beach in Kovalam is must visit place. And I am sure that you must have seen some exceptional photographs of lighthouse beach. Just notice the lighthouse in above photograph and you would be able to recall other photographs from same place and beach. Kovalam is also known as beach town of Kerala. It is also known as the paradise of the south and beaches of KOvalam are considered some of the best beaches in India. Kovalam means a grove of coconut trees and true to its name the village offers an endless sight of coconut trees. Alleppey - Alappuzha is an important backwater tourist destination in Kerala. Alleppey is one of the most preferred place for tourists, which attracts several thousands of foreign tourists each year. If you have ever watched boat races, Alleppy is the place to host these events. Apart from boat races Alleppy is also popularly known for beaches, marine products and coir industry. Allapuza Backwaters is a must experience thing in Kerala.Some of the other interesting other places around Alleppy include Statue Of Karumadikuttan, Mannarasala Sri Nagaraja Temple and Revi Karuna Karan (RKK) Memorial Museum.Wayanad - Wayanad is north Kerala and popular for it's tea & coffee plantations. Hilly region of Kerala which has plenty of natural things to explores. Lakes, Waterfalls, caves, tea estates, adventure activities, home stays, wildlife and lot more. Kalpetta, Pookot Lake , Edakkal Caves , Pakshipathalam, Lakkidi, Sulthan Bathery, Banasura Sagar , Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Neelimala view point , Meenmutty falls and Curuva Island are some of the popular places to explore in Wayanad. On our blog, we have shared about some of the best home-stays in Wayanad and incredible experience of Bamboo village. Check out more on the blog and I am sure that you would definitely plan for this region of Kerala.Vagamon hill station is located on Idukki - Kottayam border area. A best place to spend time during summers of Kerala. Vagamon is immensely beautiful with many points of tourist interest, which offer great landscapes. The meadows, forests and hills surrounded by fog/clouds make this place more interesting. ( Cochin ) / Ernakulam - If you are taking flight to south Kerala, most likely you would be hitting Kochi first. Kochi is located in Ernakulam district of Kerela, which was earlier known as Cochin. Kochi is also an important seaport in India. Ernakulam is popular for shopping options in Kerala. I haven't really done shopping in Kerala but this is well known fact about Ernakulam. Some of the popular places to explore around Cochin include Jewish Synagogue, Cherai Beach, Marine Drive, Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica, Fort kochi & Chinese Fishing Nets, Mattancherry Palace, Kodanad Elephant Sanctuary, Ezhattumugham Nature Village and Athirappally Falls. Thiruvananthapuram - Poovar is a small village in the Southern tip of Trivendrum. Around Poovar beach you can explore mangroves, floating restaurants, varieties of birds and biodiversity. The beach is pristine with golden sand with no or less people. Solitude’s comfort, you see! Fisherman waiting to trap the fishes in their giant nets at one corner and eagles and crows waiting for the fishes to be their fodder. Nature, oh nature, vicious circle, it is Some of the interesting places to explore around Thiruvanantpuram are Priyadarshini Planetarium, Vizhinjam Rock Cut Temple, Kuthiramalika, Kanakakunnu Palace. A photograph of Coffee plants from Kerala state of India. some of the old temples. Some of the temples around Kannur celebrate Theyyam festival and lot of foreigner tourists visit Kannur for Theyyam. Thottada beach is one of the popular and isolated beach in Kannur. Riding around these beaches and backwaters can be interesting.Kumarakom Houseboats Kumarakom is most popular tourist spot located near the Kottayam city and famous for its houseboats in backwaters of Vembanad Lake. Vembanad Lake is the largest freshwater lake of Kerala and longest lake in India. Kumarakom is a famous Bird Sanctuary and home to a wide variety of local and migratory birds.One of the most important recommendation is to try Kerala food when you are in Kerala, but be careful about the quantity you order. Usually lot of curries are served, so it's recommended to order the minimum portion from menu and then decide, if you need more.

Where to Stay Before or After the Journey

Luxury travelers usually spend 1–3 extra nights before boarding.

Recommended Cities for Extended Stay

Bengaluru

  • Heritage hotels
  • Boutique stays
  • Modern luxury properties
India is also referred to as 'God's Own Country'. Kerala is a coastal state in India and has rich traditions, culture and lush unspoiled tropical beauty with unmatchable landscapes. Kerala is popularly known for its landscapes, backwaters, food, elephants, Theyyam & various types of spices. Kerala is perfect destination for folks visiting India and even for Indians who want to spend some time at peace & slow pace of life. Kerala has options for different types for tourists and travellers. This post lists some of the popular places to explore and things to do in Kerala state of India. Munnar - Usually I hate to do comparisons of places because it's usually unfair, as every place is unique. But I would like to call out that Munnar is popularly known as Kashmir of South India. Munnar is one of the key destination in Kerala which attracts lot of domestic and foreigner tourists to Kerala. It's a beautiful hill station which has lush green tea estates apart from spice plantations.Some of the popular places to explore in Munnar are Eravikulam National Park, Indo Swiss Dairy Farm, Chinnar Wild Life Sanctuary, Anamudi, Tata Tea Museum, Idukki Arch Dam.Thekkady - Thekkady is one of the most important tourist destinations in Kerala state of South India. Thekkady is located in the famous Periyar National Park. The Periyar National Park is home to a large number of Indian elephants, lion-tailed Macaques, Nilgiri Langurs, Indian bison and Bengal Tigers. Mullaperiyar Dam around the area on the Periyar River and formed an artificial lake for Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.Kovalam Light house beach in Kovalam is must visit place. And I am sure that you must have seen some exceptional photographs of lighthouse beach. Just notice the lighthouse in above photograph and you would be able to recall other photographs from same place and beach. Kovalam is also known as beach town of Kerala. It is also known as the paradise of the south and beaches of KOvalam are considered some of the best beaches in India. Kovalam means a grove of coconut trees and true to its name the village offers an endless sight of coconut trees. Alleppey - Alappuzha is an important backwater tourist destination in Kerala. Alleppey is one of the most preferred place for tourists, which attracts several thousands of foreign tourists each year. If you have ever watched boat races, Alleppy is the place to host these events. Apart from boat races Alleppy is also popularly known for beaches, marine products and coir industry. Allapuza Backwaters is a must experience thing in Kerala.Some of the other interesting other places around Alleppy include Statue Of Karumadikuttan, Mannarasala Sri Nagaraja Temple and Revi Karuna Karan (RKK) Memorial Museum.Wayanad - Wayanad is north Kerala and popular for it's tea & coffee plantations. Hilly region of Kerala which has plenty of natural things to explores. Lakes, Waterfalls, caves, tea estates, adventure activities, home stays, wildlife and lot more. Kalpetta, Pookot Lake , Edakkal Caves , Pakshipathalam, Lakkidi, Sulthan Bathery, Banasura Sagar , Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Neelimala view point , Meenmutty falls and Curuva Island are some of the popular places to explore in Wayanad. On our blog, we have shared about some of the best home-stays in Wayanad and incredible experience of Bamboo village. Check out more on the blog and I am sure that you would definitely plan for this region of Kerala.Vagamon hill station is located on Idukki - Kottayam border area. A best place to spend time during summers of Kerala. Vagamon is immensely beautiful with many points of tourist interest, which offer great landscapes. The meadows, forests and hills surrounded by fog/clouds make this place more interesting. ( Cochin ) / Ernakulam - If you are taking flight to south Kerala, most likely you would be hitting Kochi first. Kochi is located in Ernakulam district of Kerela, which was earlier known as Cochin. Kochi is also an important seaport in India. Ernakulam is popular for shopping options in Kerala. I haven't really done shopping in Kerala but this is well known fact about Ernakulam. Some of the popular places to explore around Cochin include Jewish Synagogue, Cherai Beach, Marine Drive, Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica, Fort kochi & Chinese Fishing Nets, Mattancherry Palace, Kodanad Elephant Sanctuary, Ezhattumugham Nature Village and Athirappally Falls. Thiruvananthapuram - Poovar is a small village in the Southern tip of Trivendrum. Around Poovar beach you can explore mangroves, floating restaurants, varieties of birds and biodiversity. The beach is pristine with golden sand with no or less people. Solitude’s comfort, you see! Fisherman waiting to trap the fishes in their giant nets at one corner and eagles and crows waiting for the fishes to be their fodder. Nature, oh nature, vicious circle, it is Some of the interesting places to explore around Thiruvanantpuram are Priyadarshini Planetarium, Vizhinjam Rock Cut Temple, Kuthiramalika, Kanakakunnu Palace. A photograph of Coffee plants from Kerala state of India. some of the old temples. Some of the temples around Kannur celebrate Theyyam festival and lot of foreigner tourists visit Kannur for Theyyam. Thottada beach is one of the popular and isolated beach in Kannur. Riding around these beaches and backwaters can be interesting.Kumarakom Houseboats Kumarakom is most popular tourist spot located near the Kottayam city and famous for its houseboats in backwaters of Vembanad Lake. Vembanad Lake is the largest freshwater lake of Kerala and longest lake in India. Kumarakom is a famous Bird Sanctuary and home to a wide variety of local and migratory birds.One of the most important recommendation is to try Kerala food when you are in Kerala, but be careful about the quantity you order. Usually lot of curries are served, so it's recommended to order the minimum portion from menu and then decide, if you need more.

Mysuru

  • Palace-view heritage hotels
  • Quiet luxury resorts

Hampi

  • Riverside boutique retreats
  • Heritage-inspired stays

It was time to head back to the Golden Chariot and plan was to reach Hassan Railway station by morning for exploring our next destinations Belur Temples, Halebidu Temples and Shravanbelagola. Check out this place for more about Golden Chariot Journey.

Budget Tips for Luxury Travelers

The Golden Chariot is expensive, but value improves with strategic planning.

Smart Booking Suggestions

  • Travel during shoulder winter weeks
  • Book early for cabin selection
  • Combine with airline offers
  • Use extended itineraries for better value-per-day
India is also referred to as 'God's Own Country'. Kerala is a coastal state in India and has rich traditions, culture and lush unspoiled tropical beauty with unmatchable landscapes. Kerala is popularly known for its landscapes, backwaters, food, elephants, Theyyam & various types of spices. Kerala is perfect destination for folks visiting India and even for Indians who want to spend some time at peace & slow pace of life. Kerala has options for different types for tourists and travellers. This post lists some of the popular places to explore and things to do in Kerala state of India. Munnar - Usually I hate to do comparisons of places because it's usually unfair, as every place is unique. But I would like to call out that Munnar is popularly known as Kashmir of South India. Munnar is one of the key destination in Kerala which attracts lot of domestic and foreigner tourists to Kerala. It's a beautiful hill station which has lush green tea estates apart from spice plantations.Some of the popular places to explore in Munnar are Eravikulam National Park, Indo Swiss Dairy Farm, Chinnar Wild Life Sanctuary, Anamudi, Tata Tea Museum, Idukki Arch Dam.Thekkady - Thekkady is one of the most important tourist destinations in Kerala state of South India. Thekkady is located in the famous Periyar National Park. The Periyar National Park is home to a large number of Indian elephants, lion-tailed Macaques, Nilgiri Langurs, Indian bison and Bengal Tigers. Mullaperiyar Dam around the area on the Periyar River and formed an artificial lake for Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.Kovalam Light house beach in Kovalam is must visit place. And I am sure that you must have seen some exceptional photographs of lighthouse beach. Just notice the lighthouse in above photograph and you would be able to recall other photographs from same place and beach. Kovalam is also known as beach town of Kerala. It is also known as the paradise of the south and beaches of KOvalam are considered some of the best beaches in India. Kovalam means a grove of coconut trees and true to its name the village offers an endless sight of coconut trees. Alleppey - Alappuzha is an important backwater tourist destination in Kerala. Alleppey is one of the most preferred place for tourists, which attracts several thousands of foreign tourists each year. If you have ever watched boat races, Alleppy is the place to host these events. Apart from boat races Alleppy is also popularly known for beaches, marine products and coir industry. Allapuza Backwaters is a must experience thing in Kerala.Some of the other interesting other places around Alleppy include Statue Of Karumadikuttan, Mannarasala Sri Nagaraja Temple and Revi Karuna Karan (RKK) Memorial Museum.Wayanad - Wayanad is north Kerala and popular for it's tea & coffee plantations. Hilly region of Kerala which has plenty of natural things to explores. Lakes, Waterfalls, caves, tea estates, adventure activities, home stays, wildlife and lot more. Kalpetta, Pookot Lake , Edakkal Caves , Pakshipathalam, Lakkidi, Sulthan Bathery, Banasura Sagar , Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Neelimala view point , Meenmutty falls and Curuva Island are some of the popular places to explore in Wayanad. On our blog, we have shared about some of the best home-stays in Wayanad and incredible experience of Bamboo village. Check out more on the blog and I am sure that you would definitely plan for this region of Kerala.Vagamon hill station is located on Idukki - Kottayam border area. A best place to spend time during summers of Kerala. Vagamon is immensely beautiful with many points of tourist interest, which offer great landscapes. The meadows, forests and hills surrounded by fog/clouds make this place more interesting. ( Cochin ) / Ernakulam - If you are taking flight to south Kerala, most likely you would be hitting Kochi first. Kochi is located in Ernakulam district of Kerela, which was earlier known as Cochin. Kochi is also an important seaport in India. Ernakulam is popular for shopping options in Kerala. I haven't really done shopping in Kerala but this is well known fact about Ernakulam. Some of the popular places to explore around Cochin include Jewish Synagogue, Cherai Beach, Marine Drive, Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica, Fort kochi & Chinese Fishing Nets, Mattancherry Palace, Kodanad Elephant Sanctuary, Ezhattumugham Nature Village and Athirappally Falls. Thiruvananthapuram - Poovar is a small village in the Southern tip of Trivendrum. Around Poovar beach you can explore mangroves, floating restaurants, varieties of birds and biodiversity. The beach is pristine with golden sand with no or less people. Solitude’s comfort, you see! Fisherman waiting to trap the fishes in their giant nets at one corner and eagles and crows waiting for the fishes to be their fodder. Nature, oh nature, vicious circle, it is Some of the interesting places to explore around Thiruvanantpuram are Priyadarshini Planetarium, Vizhinjam Rock Cut Temple, Kuthiramalika, Kanakakunnu Palace. A photograph of Coffee plants from Kerala state of India. some of the old temples. Some of the temples around Kannur celebrate Theyyam festival and lot of foreigner tourists visit Kannur for Theyyam. Thottada beach is one of the popular and isolated beach in Kannur. Riding around these beaches and backwaters can be interesting.Kumarakom Houseboats Kumarakom is most popular tourist spot located near the Kottayam city and famous for its houseboats in backwaters of Vembanad Lake. Vembanad Lake is the largest freshwater lake of Kerala and longest lake in India. Kumarakom is a famous Bird Sanctuary and home to a wide variety of local and migratory birds.One of the most important recommendation is to try Kerala food when you are in Kerala, but be careful about the quantity you order. Usually lot of curries are served, so it's recommended to order the minimum portion from menu and then decide, if you need more.

Luxury train travel becomes more meaningful when treated as a slow cultural journey rather than a checklist vacation.

The Golden Chariot train also offers a range of experiences and activities for its passengers. The train has a spa and a gym, where passengers can unwind and rejuvenate themselves. The train also has a conference car that can accommodate up to 25 people and is equipped with modern audio-visual equipment. The train also offers guided tours of the destinations covered by the train, where passengers can explore the rich heritage and culture of South India.

Suggested 7-Day Itinerary

DayDestinationExperience
Day 1BengaluruBoarding & Welcome Dinner
Day 2MysuruPalace & Markets
Day 3KabiniWildlife Safari
Day 4HampiRuins & Sunset
Day 5BadamiCave Temples
Day 6GoaHeritage Walks
Day 7BengaluruReturn & Departure

The Golden Chariot train is a unique way to explore the heritage and culture of South India. The train offers a luxurious and comfortable experience and provides an opportunity to explore some of the most famous tourist destinations in the region. The train is a perfect choice for those who want to travel in style and experience the grandeur of the erstwhile kingdoms of South India.

Responsible Travel Tips

  • Dress respectfully at temples
  • Avoid drone usage at protected monuments
  • Support local artisans directly
  • Minimize plastic waste onboard
  • Ask before photographing people
  • Respect silence in spiritual spaces

Luxury travel should never disconnect travelers from local realities.

Above photograph shows Pushkarni, which is a stepwell inside Chennakeshava temple of Belur. It was closed and hence there was not a good place to view it properly. This is certainly huge, which I guess by looking at the wall around it. You would find a water body in almost all temples in South India or even other regions of the country. These were mainly for cleaning the temple and devotees would clean their hadns/feet before entering into the temple. That's why Pushkarni is just next to the entry gate of Chennakeshava temple.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overpacking

Train cabins are comfortable but compact.

Ignoring Early Mornings

Late risers miss the best photography opportunities.

Treating Stops Like Checklists

Slow down. Observe details. Sit quietly sometimes.

Focusing Only on Interiors

The real magic lies outside the train.

Many times when tourists search best or top Indian States to explore, Karnataka doesn't come or comes at the bottom of these lists. And even in those lists, not much in Karnataka is highlighted. Hampi takes out all the spotlights in Karnataka and then places like Mysore. But when I spent a week in the Karnataka state on a fast paced tour, I realized that there is a lot to explore in Karnataka state of India and I need to visit the state few times to know it better. During one of my visits to the state, I spent some time around Belur and in this post we are trying to share some relevant details around how to reach Belur, how to do local commute, where to stay and what all can be explored w.r.t. time available.

FAQs About the Golden Chariot

Is the Golden Chariot among the best luxury trains in the world?

Yes. The Golden Chariot is considered one of the premier luxury trains in the world because it combines heritage travel, cultural immersion, fine dining, and curated South Indian experiences.

What is the best season for the Golden Chariot?

Winter, especially from November to February, offers the most comfortable weather and best photography conditions.

How expensive is the Golden Chariot?

Prices vary depending on itinerary, cabin type, and season. It is positioned as a premium luxury travel experience.

Is photography allowed everywhere?

Photography is generally allowed, but some temples and heritage interiors restrict cameras.

What kind of travelers enjoy the Golden Chariot most?

  • Heritage lovers
  • Luxury travelers
  • Slow travelers
  • Cultural explorers
  • Photographers
  • Culinary travelers

How many days is the journey?

Most itineraries range from 3 to 7 nights.

India is also referred to as 'God's Own Country'. Kerala is a coastal state in India and has rich traditions, culture and lush unspoiled tropical beauty with unmatchable landscapes. Kerala is popularly known for its landscapes, backwaters, food, elephants, Theyyam & various types of spices. Kerala is perfect destination for folks visiting India and even for Indians who want to spend some time at peace & slow pace of life. Kerala has options for different types for tourists and travellers. This post lists some of the popular places to explore and things to do in Kerala state of India. Munnar - Usually I hate to do comparisons of places because it's usually unfair, as every place is unique. But I would like to call out that Munnar is popularly known as Kashmir of South India. Munnar is one of the key destination in Kerala which attracts lot of domestic and foreigner tourists to Kerala. It's a beautiful hill station which has lush green tea estates apart from spice plantations.Some of the popular places to explore in Munnar are Eravikulam National Park, Indo Swiss Dairy Farm, Chinnar Wild Life Sanctuary, Anamudi, Tata Tea Museum, Idukki Arch Dam.Thekkady - Thekkady is one of the most important tourist destinations in Kerala state of South India. Thekkady is located in the famous Periyar National Park. The Periyar National Park is home to a large number of Indian elephants, lion-tailed Macaques, Nilgiri Langurs, Indian bison and Bengal Tigers. Mullaperiyar Dam around the area on the Periyar River and formed an artificial lake for Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.Kovalam Light house beach in Kovalam is must visit place. And I am sure that you must have seen some exceptional photographs of lighthouse beach. Just notice the lighthouse in above photograph and you would be able to recall other photographs from same place and beach. Kovalam is also known as beach town of Kerala. It is also known as the paradise of the south and beaches of KOvalam are considered some of the best beaches in India. Kovalam means a grove of coconut trees and true to its name the village offers an endless sight of coconut trees. Alleppey - Alappuzha is an important backwater tourist destination in Kerala. Alleppey is one of the most preferred place for tourists, which attracts several thousands of foreign tourists each year. If you have ever watched boat races, Alleppy is the place to host these events. Apart from boat races Alleppy is also popularly known for beaches, marine products and coir industry. Allapuza Backwaters is a must experience thing in Kerala.Some of the other interesting other places around Alleppy include Statue Of Karumadikuttan, Mannarasala Sri Nagaraja Temple and Revi Karuna Karan (RKK) Memorial Museum.Wayanad - Wayanad is north Kerala and popular for it's tea & coffee plantations. Hilly region of Kerala which has plenty of natural things to explores. Lakes, Waterfalls, caves, tea estates, adventure activities, home stays, wildlife and lot more. Kalpetta, Pookot Lake , Edakkal Caves , Pakshipathalam, Lakkidi, Sulthan Bathery, Banasura Sagar , Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Neelimala view point , Meenmutty falls and Curuva Island are some of the popular places to explore in Wayanad. On our blog, we have shared about some of the best home-stays in Wayanad and incredible experience of Bamboo village. Check out more on the blog and I am sure that you would definitely plan for this region of Kerala.Vagamon hill station is located on Idukki - Kottayam border area. A best place to spend time during summers of Kerala. Vagamon is immensely beautiful with many points of tourist interest, which offer great landscapes. The meadows, forests and hills surrounded by fog/clouds make this place more interesting. ( Cochin ) / Ernakulam - If you are taking flight to south Kerala, most likely you would be hitting Kochi first. Kochi is located in Ernakulam district of Kerela, which was earlier known as Cochin. Kochi is also an important seaport in India. Ernakulam is popular for shopping options in Kerala. I haven't really done shopping in Kerala but this is well known fact about Ernakulam. Some of the popular places to explore around Cochin include Jewish Synagogue, Cherai Beach, Marine Drive, Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica, Fort kochi & Chinese Fishing Nets, Mattancherry Palace, Kodanad Elephant Sanctuary, Ezhattumugham Nature Village and Athirappally Falls. Thiruvananthapuram - Poovar is a small village in the Southern tip of Trivendrum. Around Poovar beach you can explore mangroves, floating restaurants, varieties of birds and biodiversity. The beach is pristine with golden sand with no or less people. Solitude’s comfort, you see! Fisherman waiting to trap the fishes in their giant nets at one corner and eagles and crows waiting for the fishes to be their fodder. Nature, oh nature, vicious circle, it is Some of the interesting places to explore around Thiruvanantpuram are Priyadarshini Planetarium, Vizhinjam Rock Cut Temple, Kuthiramalika, Kanakakunnu Palace. A photograph of Coffee plants from Kerala state of India. some of the old temples. Some of the temples around Kannur celebrate Theyyam festival and lot of foreigner tourists visit Kannur for Theyyam. Thottada beach is one of the popular and isolated beach in Kannur. Riding around these beaches and backwaters can be interesting.Kumarakom Houseboats Kumarakom is most popular tourist spot located near the Kottayam city and famous for its houseboats in backwaters of Vembanad Lake. Vembanad Lake is the largest freshwater lake of Kerala and longest lake in India. Kumarakom is a famous Bird Sanctuary and home to a wide variety of local and migratory birds.One of the most important recommendation is to try Kerala food when you are in Kerala, but be careful about the quantity you order. Usually lot of curries are served, so it's recommended to order the minimum portion from menu and then decide, if you need more.

Final Thoughts

Among all luxury trains in the world, the Golden Chariot stands apart because it feels deeply rooted in place.

Many luxury experiences could exist anywhere.

But this train could only exist in India.

Only India can offer landscapes where ruined empires, sacred rituals, bustling stations, spice-laden cuisine, ancient myths, and modern railway romance coexist so naturally.

The Golden Chariot is not merely about luxury cabins or curated dining.

It is about rediscovering the beauty of gradual movement.

It reminds travelers that journeys become meaningful not when we move fastest, but when we finally learn how to slow down.

And perhaps that is why train travel continues to feel timeless.

Related Blogposts - 

During recent trip to Pong Dam in Himachal Pradesh, we also thought of visiting Ellora of Himachal Pradesh - Masroor Rockcut Temple. This was approximately 12 kilometers from Nagrota Suriyan and comes on the way to Dharmshala. Let's have a quick Photo Journey to Masroor Temple in Kangra Region of Himachal Pradesh, India.Here is first view of Masroor Temple we get from the neighboring road.Masrur is 32 kilometers from Kangra on Nagrota Surian link road and is famous for remarkable group of rock cut temples. They form a group of 15 monolithic rock cut temples in the Indo-Aryan style and amazingly carved. These awesomely ornamented cave temples are the only rock shrines in the northern part of India.The main shrine contains three stone images of Ram laxman and Sita but the presence of the figure of Shiva in the center of the lintel affords a strong presumption that the temple was originally dedicated to Mahadeva.Here is the what we exactly see after climbing up few stairs from the road. Masroor Temple is on left side, which is surrounded by gated boundary. After 100 steps, there is an entry gate for this temple. Archaeological Survey of India maintains this site and a ticket of 5 Rs is applicable for each entry inside the Temple.Masroor Rock Temple being located in a sanctuary area of Pong Dam, it's away from ecological threats, but now the focus is on developing a tourism and conservation mechanism that protects it from increase in tourist inflow. In recent times Himachal Pradesh Tourism Department has been successful in making this place visible on various travel maps of India. Now people know this place and plan in their itinerary during any trip to Mcleodganj, Dharmshala, Palampur or Kangr Few days back Light shows were organized during evenings at Masroor Rockcut Temple and Himchal's Chief Minister Mr. Prem Kumar Dhumal was also preset with other important folks of the state. This shows genuine interest of State Government to conserve this place and make it accessible for Tourists in Himachal Pradesh. State Government is regularly meeting with Archaeological Survey of India to better plan the growth of this placeBuses are frequent from Kangra/Dharmshala to Nagrota Suriyan and Masroor is just 3 kilometers away from this route. We exactly need to get down at Peer Bindli station. From here Masroor Temple is just 3 kilometers, which is a decent walk in hills. If not interested in walking, taxis are also available around the place. Few buses go till temple but need to wait. In Morning there is a bus around 9:10 am, 10:15 am and 11:30 am etc.. Since gap is of approximately 1 hour, one can easily walk till temple and reach in 30 minutes. If you walk, you will see lot of colorful birds on the way. There is a special mention about Masroor Rockcut temples on Himachal Tourism Website - Unforgettable Himachal !!! As of now, nearest place to stay is Kangra or Nagrota Suriyan. There are lot of lots available in Kangra, as it's a decent town around this place and Nagrota has a HPPWD Guest-House. State Government is trying to work with local folks to think about Home Stay Options. Himvani talks about some plans of government to promote Tourism in Masroor and Pong region - HerMasroor Temple is located on a Hill top from where marvelous view of Dhauladhar Mountain Ranges can be seen. We visited this place twice during two days and will share some sunset photographs from this place. Snow Capped hills of Dhauladhar Himalayas look amazing in Sunset colors. Mountains look pinkish as if all of them are colored for this special moment.Here is a Photograph showing reflection of few of the temples in this campus. There is a water pond in front of Masroor Rockcut Temples. During day time, clear reflection of Masroor Monolithic temple can be seen in this water pond. Here is a another Photograph with water reflection of Masroor Rockcut Temple in Kangra District of Himachal Pradesh, India. Local panchayat of Masoor viallge is situated on left side of this location and there is Government school on the right. As of now this School is in Temple's campus area and ASI has requested State Government to move this school to another location as any construction within 100 meters of this historical temple is not allowedThere is a temple in the middle of this campus which is dedicated to Ram, Seeta and Lakshman. Above Photograph shows the same temple in Masroor Monolithic structure with one of the employee on the right. Two employees at any point of time are deputed on this location, which means 24 Hrs duty throughout the year. There are approximately 8 employees to take care of this place and all are appointed by Archaeological Survey of India.These temples are mainly double storey and the roof is accessible through add sized staircases. Height of each staircase is more than usual stairs. Some of the portions on top are bound with iron rods. It seems that water is harmful for these rocks as they seem soft and some of the parts have severe cracks and colors around those cracks made us believe that temples need more care in rainy seasoHere is a photograph of students of Government school in Masroor which is located in temple area only. This Photograph is clicked from roof top of the monolithic temples. Calm and peaceful environment around this place makes it a perfect place for school and studiesHere is a Photograph clicked from surrounding hill and shows approximately whole Temple area with Water pond in front of it. In fact, all these temples seems to be made up of a huge hill in MasrooIn India, the rock-cut style started in the reign of the Pallava king Narsingha varman I Mahamalla (630-668 A.D.) during the first half of the seventh century . It reached its climax in the Kailasha temples at Ellora which were taken in hand during the reign of the Rashtrakuta King Dantidurga (753- 756 A.D.) and finished during that of Krishna I (758-773 A.D.). Though rock-cut caves are common in South India, yet temples cut out of freestanding rocks, known to archaeologists and art critics, are only four in number-'Rathas of Mammalapuram', 'Kailashas at Ellora', 'temple-complex at Masrur in Kangra' and the 'Dharmnatha temple at Dhamnar', 65 miles to the South-East of Jhalra Patan in Rajasthan. The Rathas and the Kailashas are built in the Dravidian style, whereas the Masrur and Dhamnar ones are in the Nagara style. Masrur beats its Nagara rival in situation, size and execution. The Masrur complex has 15 temples, the Dhamnar has only 8. At Masrur temples not separate from it surround the central shrine, buat Dhamnar the smaller ones are entirely separate from the main one. Carvings and ornamentation at Masrur are of a much superior order than at Dhamnar and the length of the latter is one- third of the former. The Dhamnar group has been built in a pit-like hollow, whereas the Masrur group is on top of a 2500 feet high hill range. One looks below, the other looks up. One depresses, the other elates. In point of situation, Masrur beats the other two also. Ellora Kailasha are built in a pit a hundred feet. However, Kailasha at Ellora is a supreme creation, one of the wonders of the world. (Courtesy - http://123himachal.com/temple/masroor.htmA view of Masrur Monolithic Temples from a short-cut path which connects temple with Masrur village on a hill below it.Rockcut style is much more difficult than the structural one. In Structural, the artist shapes the materiahttp://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=1036234607292296397l as s/he likes, whereas in the former the Material determines the way the artist should move, which must be a case of Masrur temples. The limitation makes an artist creation out of a rock a most difficult task and the ability with which the remote artist of seventh and eighth centuries carried out their purpose is superhuman. Only a few of the original shikharas stand and some of the most beautifully carved panels are now in the state museum, Shimla. The main shrine dominates the center. Although the remote location of these temples protected them from the invading army of Mahmud Ghazni and their stone construction prevented severe damage in the 1905 earthquake. This earthquake had some severe impact in Kangra region of Himalayan StateA small room is built on the entry of Masrur Temple, probably for ticket distribution. It's not in use and tickets are available on main entry gate of this temple.Ellora of Himachal Pradesh maintained by Archaeological Survey of India - Masroor Rockcut Temple || A Monolithic Temple in Kangra Region of Himalayan State, India


On the very first day of our stay in Wayanad, our host suggested us to trek to Edakkal Caves. 'Trekking' word did the magic and we decided to go there next day only. This Photo Journey shares some of the photographs and information around the trek & caves.We requested Sunil (our host at Treasure Trove to arrange an auto for the day. We left in the morning after breakfast and Edakkal is 15 kilometers from Meenangadi, the place where we were staying.We drove through some beautiful landscapes and beautiful sights. The mountain in above photograph looked beautiful and was shot from moving auto only. Later we realized that Edakkal caves offer another great view of the mountain from the hill top.We took some breaks on the way and soon we came a cross a diversion which lead us to 4 kilometers climb in auto, till the parking of Edakkal Caves. There is a small market at the base, where all vehicles need to be parked and then the trek starts for Edakkal Caves.The trek is concrete, but quite steep. Initially we were in hurry but realized that we should go slow. We enjoyed trekking to Edakkal caves and took some breaks on the way.After walking for 30 minutes we reached a counter where we had to buy entry tickets for the caves. Ticket costed 20 Rs per person and 30 Rs for camera. Please do read message in above photograph. One needs to deposit 20 rs if you want to take water bottle beyond this point. They paste a sticker on the bottle and you can get back the money when you come back. This model really works in Kerala and they have implemented it in most of the tourist destinations in Kerala.These stickers are pasted on the bottles. People bring back their empty bottles to the counter and get back the deposited money.These stairs start from the ticket counter till main caves of Edakkal.There are various shops on the way to have some snacks or buy stuff for home. Lot of Kerala products are sold in these shops - tea, coffee, spices, coconut products, herbal soaps etc.There are good number of stairs from ticket counter till caves. The main cave is on the top of this hill and one needs to trek through other smaller caves. There are folks around this hill who ensure smooth movement of crowd. This is quite a crowded place and discipline is important. Mostly people walk in queue and ensure that things happen smoothly.This is the entry to first cave at Edakkal. Above photograph is clicked from the cave. It was good to see a disciplined movement of folks and of-course credit goes to the local administration for appropriate arrangements in terms of marking & people to help.Now the trek continued through caves and few more steep climbs till we hit the final cave. Steel stairs are installed inside these caves. Edakkal caves lie at around 1200 metres above sea level on Ambukutty Mala, beside an ancient trade route connecting the high mountains of Mysore to the ports of the Malabar coast .Kids expressions in above photograph shows the level of next climb :). Yes, it was getting steeper. Next few climbs exposed everyone to some of the beautiful sights of Wayanad.Finally we hit the main cave which has varied designs carved on all the rocks. Edakkal Caves are two natural caves which are approximately 24 kilometers from Kalpetta in the Wayanad district of Kerala. This lies around India Western Ghats.Inside the caves are pictorial writings. These signs are believed to date to at least 6000 BC, from theNeolithic man, indicating the presence of a prehistoric civilization or settlement in this region. The Stone Age carvings of Edakkal are rare and are the only known examples from south India.Check out wikipedia to know more about Edakkal caves.These are the stairs to come down on the back journey from Edakkal caves to the base. It was a nice experience to be there at Edakkal caves and enjoyed some of the amazing views from the top of this hill. It's a proper tourist spot so it's always crowded.A Daunting Trek to Edakkal Caves in Wayanad || Kerala Diaries





During our road-trip from Noida to Rameshwaram, we took a stop at Belum Caves and it was worth taking the detour through not so good roads like main highways. Unfortunately, rains were happening during that time and hence roads were not in their best shape, but still landscapes on the way were quite interesting. Belum caves are beautiful and worth exploring. Through this blogpost we shall share more about Belum caves, timings, ticket price, guide charges, length of the caves and other details like if it's worth going till the end of the Belum caves. Let's get started.Belum Caves in Andhra Pradesh - The second largest cave system in Indian subcontinent




When we shared our Travel Guide for Borra Caves, we briefly talked about how it's related to the faith of local tribes in this region of Andhra Pradesh state of India. There are various legends related to Borra caves but like many other places in India, there is a common theme about Faith in every legend.Borra Caves and the Faith - An interesting experience from Andhra Pradesh state of India




Nestled in the heart of Bhubaneswar, the capital city of Odisha, lies a historical treasure waiting to be discovered. Udayagiri, which translates to "Sunrise Hill," is a complex of rock-cut caves that transports visitors to a bygone era of spirituality, artistry, and architectural brilliance. As the sun rises and casts its warm embrace over these ancient structures, one can't help but feel a deep connection to the rich history that dwells within.Unveiling Udayagiri: A Journey into Ancient Marvels in Bhubaneswar, Odisha






During my visit to Cherrapunji, the place I loved the most was Mawsmai Caves. It's not like there are not other beautiful places in Cherrapunji but these caves are certainly out of the world and this blogpost would share why do I say that. Sawsmai caves of Cherrapunji are very popular amongst tourists visiting Meghalaya state of North-East India.Mawsmai Caves - A awesome tourist-spot with unbelievable surprises at each step in Cherrapunji, Meghalaya (India)




Creative Ceilings are one of the favourites of Travellingcamera and we have been sharing some posts specially dedicated to such creativity. In this blogpost we are sharing about carved Ceilings we saw at Badami Cave temples in Karnataka state of India. Most of these are influenced by religious faith and beliefs. We loved the Brahma on Hamsa in cave-3 on the ceiling but not just that.Amazing Stories of Creative Ceilings of Badami Cave Temples in Karnataka ( One state Many Worlds)

















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