Jewels of South (The Golden Chariot)
Bengaluru – Mysore – Hampi - Mahabalipuram – Thanjavur, and Chettinad Kumarakom – Cochin – Bengaluru
The Golden Chariot
The first
and only luxury train in India offering tours to Southern region, the Golden
Chariot is an award winning luxury train offering 2 itineraries across some of
the most prominent destinations in South India. Designed to recreate the
aesthetics of Dravidian cultural ethos, this Indian luxury train comes equipped
with state of the art amenities to offer unique travel experiences in India in
unparalleled élan and luxury.
All inclusive tariff, gracious hospitality and impeccable service along with a host of cultural interactions translating into unique guest experiences will leave you enthralled and spell bound as you come across the mesmerizing sights and sounds of India's most vibrant region during your Golden Chariot train tour. Rediscover the charm of elegant traveling as you hop aboard the Golden Chariot to discover many worlds rolled together into two luxury train journeys.
Overview
The 6 Nights and 7 Days tour Jewels of South allows travelers to explore the cultural heritage and natural beauty in different cities in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala while experiencing a luxury train journey. The journey commences in Bangalore and takes you to Mysore where you explore the majestic Mysore Palace before heading to the UNESCO world heritage site of Hampi. Then you will reach Tamil Nadu to explore the beautiful temples and mansions in Mahabalipuram, Thanjavur, and Chettinad. As your train reaches Kerala, you can explore colonial city Fort Kochi and enjoy cruising on Kerala backwater in Kumarakom.
The tour starts on Sunday in Garden City Bangalore and ends the following Saturday again in Bangalore. With excellent hospitality and comfortable interiors equipped with modern amenities, you can enjoy a hassle-free journey while traveling from one famous destination to another. Go through the detailed itinerary below to plan a hassle-free journey.
Highlights
- Mysore Palace - This is one of the largest places in India famous for beautiful architecture and great history designed by British architect Henry Irwin dynasty.
- Hampi - This UNESCO world heritage site and ancient capital of the Vijaynagar offers excellent rock-carved monolithic sculptures and monuments.
- Shore Temple in Mahabalipuram - The temple overlooking the shore of the Arabian Sea is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The beautiful 8th-century temple is built with blocks of granite.
- Brihadeshvara Temple in Thanjavur - This beautiful temple on the bank of the Kaveri River is a UNESCO world heritage site. It is one of the largest temples in South India dedicated to Lord Shiva and showcasing the excellence of Dravidian architecture.
- Chettinad - This historical place reflects the glory of the Pandya dynasty is famous for its cuisine, temples, and mansions.
- Fort Kochi - This colonial site in Cochin is home to many ancient historical monuments, churches, museums, and streets. This is the best place to explore the Chinese fishing nets.
- Kerala Backwater - Sailing on the serene Kerala Backwater offers heavenly charm when you cruise through the charming villages, paddy fields, colorful birds, etc.
Outline Itinerary
Day 01:
Bengaluru to Mysore
The luxury journey starts in Bangalore the capital of Karnataka at around 09:00 AM. After receiving a warm welcome at the Yeshwantpur Railway Station complete the registration and board the train. After the briefing session, have your lunch as the train moves towards Mysore. Reach Mysore at around 3:00 PM and visit the Mysore Palace. After exploration, return to the train and complete dinner as you proceed to Hampi.
- Receive a warm welcome at Yesvantpur Railway Station at around 09:00 AM.
- Complete registration and briefing sessions on the train.
- Enjoy delectable Lunch onboard.
- De board the train at Mysore.
- Visit Mysore palace at around 3:00 PM.
- After the excursion return to the train.
- Complete your dinner on board.
- Continue an overnight journey to reach Hampi.
Day 02:
Hampi
After enjoying the breakfast on the train, go for exploring the UNESCO World Heritage site in Hampi. Admire the craftsmanship of the Vijaynagara kingdom by visiting the ruins of temples and palaces. Then return to train for lunch. In the evening, take an optional visit to Anegundi a charming village on the bank of Tungabhadra. Then, return to the train and complete dinner as you proceed to Mahabalipuram.
- Enjoy a delectable breakfast onboard.
- De board the train at Hampi.
- Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Explore the ruins of sculptures and monuments.
- Return to the train and have lunch.
- In the evening, go for an optional excursion to Anegundi.
- Complete your dinner on board.
- Continue an overnight journey to reach Mahabalipuram.
Day 03:
Mahabalipuram
Have your breakfast and proceed to visit the Shore Temple in Mahabalipuram as the train enters Chengalpattu Railway Station. This UNESCO World Heritage site is named so because the temple overlooks the shore of the Arabian Sea. The temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu was constructed by the Pallavas with great architectural brilliance. After the excursion, have your lunch at one of the best places and return to the train. In the evening, complete dinner as you proceed to Thanjavur.
- Have your delicious breakfast on board.
- De board the train to reach Mahabalipuram.
- Visit the Shore Temple a UNESCO World Heritage site
- Enjoy your lunch at an exclusive venue
- Complete your dinner on board.
- Continue an overnight journey to reach Thanjavur.
Day 04:
Thanjavur and Chettinad
Have your breakfast and proceed to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Brihadeshvara Temple. This is one of the biggest temples in South India dedicated to Lord Shiva. Admire the architectural excellence of the Dravidian style and back to the train for lunch. The train proceeds to Chettinad and in the evening, visit the Athnagudi tile factory and Chettinadu mansions. Complete the dinner onboard as the train proceeds to Cochin.
- Munch your breakfast on board.
- Visit the Brihadeshvara Temple in Thanjavur.
- Return to train and enjoy your lunch.
- Proceed to Chettinad.
- Visit the Athnagudi tile factory and Chettinadu mansions.
- Complete your dinner on board.
- Continue an overnight journey to reach Cochin.
Day 05:
Cochin
Have your breakfast on the train and proceed to explore the Mattancherry Palace in Fort Kochi. Then go to witness some traditional dance forms of Kerala at an exclusive venue. Return to the train and have your lunch. In the evening, take an optional excursion to Chinese Fishing Nets and St. Francis Church. Complete the dinner onboard as the train proceeds to Kumarakom.
- Enjoy your delicious breakfast on board..
- Explore Mattancherry Palace in Fort Kochi.
- Witness traditional dance forms of Kerala at an exclusive venue.
- Return to train and have your lunch .
- In the evening, go for an optional visit to Chinese Fishing Nets and St. Francis Church.
- Complete your dinner on board.
- Continue an overnight journey to reach Kumarakom.
Day 06: Kumarakom
After having onboard breakfast, proceed for a houseboat cruising on the backwaters. Then, enjoy your lunch at an exclusive venue. In the evening, return to the train and have your dinner as it proceeds to Bengaluru.
- Enjoy your delicious breakfast on board.
- Proceed for a houseboat cruising on the backwaters.
- Have your lunch at one of the best places.
- Complete your dinner on board.
- Continue an overnight journey to reach Bengaluru.
Day 07:
Bengaluru
Enjoy your breakfast on board as the train arrives at Yeshwantpur
Railway Station in Bangalore. Bid farewell to your co-passengers and deboard
the train as your Jewels of South tour ends offering you pure delight for the
last 07 days.
- Enjoy the breakfast.
- Reach Yeshwanthpur Railway station as this magical journey ends in Bangalore.
