Indian Railway’s Luxurious Train – Golden Chariot Train runs ✅ two luxurious routes known as Pride of the South Circuit and Southern Splendour. The tariff/ fare for the same is given for Indian nationals in INR and International travellers / foreign tourists in INR. There is a difference in price on the basis of occupancy onboard the luxury train India. Details are here.
It’s named after the famous stone chariot in Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A journey on the Golden Chariot lets you travel back in time and see how the Maharajas of the bygone eras lived in luxury. It takes you through routes that are a mix of the heritage, tradition and vibrant culture of South India.
Golden Chariot Train
- Golden Chariot: News Updates
- Golden Chariot Train Details
- Reservations/Cancellation on The Golden Chariot Train
- Terms and Conditions of Golden Chariot Train
- Golden Chariot Train Fee Details
Golden Chariot : News Updates
Relaxation On Booking for seasons 2020-21, 2021-22 & 2022-23 ~ Details
Some relaxation in booking for GC seasons 2020-21, 2021-22 & 2022-23
- The name change is allowed 45 days prior to departure subject to mail received directly from any of the booked guests with proper reason and who is definitely travelling. Two times name change is allowed for seasons 2020-21, 2021-22 & 2022-23, if requested directly by the guests to IRCTC (goldenchariot@irctc.com).
- The date change is allowed 45 days prior to departure subject to availability and mail received from the guests (direct booking). The difference arising in the change of itinerary to be collected or refunded back accordingly. Two times date change is allowed for seasons 2020-21, 2021-22 & 2022-23. If a guest goes for the date change and further change of mind due to panic condition and wants a full refund, IRCTC will process a full refund, if canceled 45 days prior to the departure.
- Name change or date change will be allowed subject to the submission of passports copy and full payment before 45 days prior to departure (original booking).
- Rest all the terms and conditions as per the policy.
- The above relaxation is valid for seasons 2020-21, 2021-22 & 2022-23.
- Management reserves its right to call back the offers and relaxation terms at any moment.
NOTICE
In line with government guidelines for safety & welfare of our guests, IRCTC has decided to cancel the last 3 departures of previous season 2019-20 and 12 departures from October to December 2020 of current season 2020-21 of Golden Chariot. The guests have an option to reschedule their trips to next seasons: 2020-21, 2021-22 and 2022-23 or ask for a full refund without any cancellation charges. This cancellation is to mitigate the spread of the Covid-19 . For any further clarifications, you may contact us: Mobile No: +91 8595931021 Email: goldenchariot@irctc.com.
✅ Golden Chariot : News Updates ~ 14.03.2021
Now, travel like a king across the South Indian states as IRCTC is all set to host you in its luxury trains Golden Chariot that resumed services from 14.03.2021.
On Sunday, the first train started from Yesvantpur Bengaluru Railway Station for the six nights-seven day tour – The Pride of Karnataka. The package will cover the Bandipur national park, Mysuru, Halebidu, Chikkamagaluru, and Goa. The trip will also include visits to Unesco world heritage sites of Badami Caves, Pattadakal temples, and Hampi palace ruins and will end in Bengaluru.
The guests will be taken around the sites in AC-buses, and while on the train, they will be treated with the finest meals and the choicest wine. Apart from Pride of Karnataka, the online ticket booking arm of the Indian Railways has also planned another tour package – The Jewels of South India, which will commence its first journey next Sunday. The three nights-four days tour will cover Mysuru, Tamil Nadu, Mahabalipuram, Thanjavur, Chettinad, and Kerala. The trip will include visits to the Hampi palace ruins, Fort Kochi, and Kerala backwaters.
Golden Chariot : News Updates ~ 26.10.2020
Indian Railway announced the Golden Chariot Luxury Train of IRCTC arm of Indian Railways along with KarnatakaWorld will run connecting historical, architectural, mystique and scenic destinations in three itineraries from Bangalore in royal style carriages to give lifetime experience in New Normal.
For tourist experience, par excellence, state of art Amenities & World Class Cuisines, Tourists may avail any of its 3 Itineraries across South India & Goa. For bookings call 8287931654.
GOLDEN CHARIOT LUXURY TRAIN on THE WHEELS AGAIN
Having already carved a niche for itself in luxury train tourism, IRCTC, the travel, tourism and hospitality arm of Ministry of Railways has added another luxury train ‘Golden Chariot’ to its fleet. Owned by Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC), the Golden Chariot train, which commenced in 2008 was taken over by IRCTC for operation, management and marketing through a recently executed agreement between the two corporations. The Golden Chariot is again going to hit the tracks in a new look and feel on an exciting week long itinerary.
IRCTC has planned three trips of Golden Chariot on Pride of Karnataka itinerary 22nd March, 29th March and 12th April 2020. The 6 Nights/7 Days itinerary shall commence from Yeshwantpur Railway Station in the morning shall visit Bandipur National Park, Mysore, Halebidu, Chikmangalur, Hampi, Badami-Pattadakal-Aihole, Goa before returning to Bengaluru.
The train has undergone a makeover befitting taste of international train travel enthusiasts. To add to the guests’ comforts, the train now boasts of several new features including newly upholstered furniture, elegant drapery, renovated rooms and bathrooms, crockery and cutlery of reputed international brands and fresh linen. For providing wholesome in-room entertainment, Smart TVs with variety of wifi enabled subscriptions including Netflix, Amazon, Hotstar etc have been installed. CCTV Cameras and Fire Alarm System have been added for more safety.
Experienced chefs have created menus presenting an eclectic mix of mouth watering international as well as domestic fare. The Package includes variety of cuisines and homemade beverages. The guests can continue to enjoy relaxing spa therapies at the onboard spa which has also been provided with modern workout machines for the fitness enthusiasts.
The luxury train tour package Cost is inclusive of all onboard meals and homemade beverages, guided excursions in air-conditioned buses, monument entry fee and meals at outside venues as per the itinerary.
While a lot has changed, what has not changed is the warmth and pleasing demeanour of the staff, which shall strive to make this experience memorable for the guests.
As part of Government of India initiative to promote tourism within the country, urging citizens to visit at least 15 tourist destinations in the country, various incentive schemes for Indian Citizens have been announced on the Golden Chariot Luxury Tourist Train including Companion Offer, Pre or Post Hotel Accommodation Offer and many more.
Golden Chariot Train Details
Here are the two routes of The Golden Chariot:
Golden Chariot Train : Pride of The South
This journey covers Karnataka and Goa. The royal train has 19 coaches in purple and gold, with two restaurants serving inter-continental and local cuisines, a lounge bar, conference room, world-class spa and gym.
Detailed Itinerary
Itinerary: Bangalore – Kabini/Bandipur – Mysore – Hassan – Hospet – Badami – Goa – Bangalore
Day 1 : Bangalore
Bangalore is the starting point of this epic journey. This technological capital of India is known for its wildlife reserves around it and the vibrant nightlife in the city.
Details: You start with registering yourself at Taj Westend hotel in Bangalore. After a cultural welcome, you are taken to visit ISKON in Bangalore. You then leave for the Yeshwanthpur railway station, and enjoy another traditional welcome before boarding your train. You are then off to Mysore.
Meals: High-tea at Taj Westend, dinner on the train.
Timings: Registration at 4pm, ISKON at 6.45pm, to the railway station at 8pm, train departs at 9.15pm.
Day 2 : Mysore
On day two you visit Mysore and Kabini. Mysore is one of South India’s most enchanting cities, a city fit for a maharaja. It has palaces famous all over the world for its architecture and design, and the city is rooted deep within its tradition and culture. After sightseeing in Mysore, you depart for Kabini. Kabini River is a prominent river in Karnataka with rich flora and fauna surrounding it. The jungle reserves around Kabini are a treasure trove for witnessing the deadly beasts of the forests.
Sights Covered: Amba Vilas Mysore Palace and Kabini Jungle Safari
Meals: Breakfast on board, lunch and dinner at Kabini Jungle Resort.
Timings: Mysore Palace at 10am, Kabini at 1pm, jungle safari at 3.45pm and overnight stay at the resort.
Golden Chariot Pride of the South Journey – Day 2 requires guests to LODGE OFF -BOARD IN JUNGLE @ Kabini & Excursion to Kabini Tiger Reserve. (Fee Included in Package Cost).
Day 3 : Srirangapatna
Early morning on day three you go for a boat ride on the Kabini River for a ‘bird safari’. This trip is especially curated to spot the variety of birds in and around the rover. After that you leave for Srirangapatnam, a city of religious, cultural and historic significance. It was the de facto capital of Karnataka at the time of Tipu Sultan. It has many temples. You will visit Dariya Daulat and the Tipu mausoleum. Dariya Daulat is a summer palace and a beautiful example of architectural marvels of that era. The Tipu Mausoleum houses the remains of Tipu Sultan, his father Hyder Ali and mother Fatima Begum and has beautifully manicured gardens.
Sights Covered: Bird safari on a boat at Kabini, Srirangapatnam – Dariya Daulat and Tipu Mausoleum, Cottage Industries Emporium
Meals: Breakfast at Kabini Jungle Resort, lunch on board, dinner at a five- star hotel
Timings: Safari at 6.30am, Srirangapatnam sightseeing at 3.30pm, shopping at 6pm, cultural performance followed by dinner at 7pm
Day 4 : Hassan
Day four brings you to the town of Hassan, a pit stop to visit three very interesting places of Karnataka – Shravanabelagola, Belur and Halebidu. Shravanabelagola has Asia’s tallest monolithic stone statue (18m high) of Gomateshwara, and is a prominent Jain pilgrimage centre. Belur and Halebidu are important Hindu temples of the Hoysala period.
Sights Covered: Shravanabelagola, Belur and Halebidu
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner on board
Timings: 9am Shravanabelagola, 2.45pm Belur and Halebidu
Day 5 : Hampi
Day five the train travels to Hospet, the station you de-board at to visit Hampi. Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a place to truly understand and appreciate the ancient architecture and art of the Southern Indian rulers. The capital of Vijaywada Dynasty, Hampi currently is one of the most popular destinations to visit. It is identified by a humongous stone chariot, in the verandah of Vijaya Vittala temple complex. This is also the stone chariot after which the train was named.
Sights Covered: Hampi sightseeing – Hema Kuta Hill, Virupaksha temple, Queens Bath, elephant stables, royal enclosure, Hazara Rama Temple, Vijaya Vittala temple complex, and Tungabhadra river.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner on board.
Timings: 8.30am for Hampi sightseeing, 3.30 pm for Vijaya Vittala temple complex and 5pm at Tungabhadra river.
Day 6 : Badami
On day six we travel onwards to Badami, the regal capital of the Badami Chalukyas, a town widely popular for its complex cave temples. In these caves are Hindu, Jain and Buddhist temples. The first cave has the idol of Shiva as Nataraja; the second cave and third caves have idols of Vishnu carved everywhere; the fourth cave is known to house the Jain Tirthankars and the fifth cave is believed to be a place of worship for the followers of Buddhism.
Sights Covered: Pattadakal and Badami cave temples
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner on board
Timings: 8.30am for cave exploration.
After sightseeing in Badami, the rest of the afternoon is free to relax and enjoy the facilities on board.
Day 7 : Goa
The last day of the journey bring you to Goa. This coastal city is so much more than the parties it is infamous for. And that is exactly what you’ll witness. You’ll be visiting some of the famous old Portuguese houses and Catholic churches of Old Goa, with the day ending with a casual stroll at a quiet beach. This city is a kaleidoscopic blend of Indian and Portuguese cultures, with the best seafood in the country.
Sights Covered: Famous churches of old Goa, an old Portuguese house now converted into an emporium for shopping and refreshments, evening on the beach.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner on board. Lunch and hi-tea at a five-star resort in Goa.
Timings: Goa sightseeing starts at 10am, hi-tea and beach time from 4pm.
Day 8 : Yeshwantpur Railway Station Bus Stop
This is the day you deboard from ‘The Golden Chariot’ and after one last breakfast, reach Bangalore around 11.30am.
Fares of Golden Chariot
Golden Chariot Pride Of the South Tour (7 Nights)
The fares of Golden Chariot mentioned here is applicable for season 2019 – 2020
| CABIN | Per Person Per Night | Per Person Per Journey |
|---|---|---|
| SINGLE OCCUPANCY | INR 50560 | INR 353920 |
| TWIN SHARING | INR 37760 | INR 264320 |
Golden Chariot Train : Splendor of The South
This journey covers famous sights of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. The train has 19 coaches, two restaurants, a lounge bar, a conference coach and gym and spa facilities.
Detailed Itinerary
Itinerary: Bangalore – Chennai & Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry – Thanjavur & Trichy – Madurai – Kanyakumari & Kovalam – Alleppey – Bangalore
Day 1 : Bangalore
Bangalore serves as the starting point of this epic journey. India’s technological capital, Bangalore is also known for the wildlife reserves around it and the vibrant nightlife in the city.
Details: You start with registration at the Taj Westend in Bangalore. After a cultural welcome and orientation of the tour, you are taken to visit ISKON in Bangalore. You then leave for the Yeshwanthpur Railway Station, and enjoy another traditional welcome before boarding your train. You are then off to Chennai.
Meals: High-tea at Taj Westend, dinner on the train.
Timings: Registration at 4pm, ISKON at 6.45pm, to the railway station at 8pm, train departs at 9.15pm
Day 2 : Mahabalipuram
On day two you arrive in Chennai and then leave for Mahabalipuram by coach. Mahabalipuram is known for its temples and monuments built by the Pallava dynasty in the 7th and 8th centuries. Krishna’s butter ball is a huge boulder balanced on a small hill and a truly spectacular sight. After sightseeing and lunch in Mahabalipuram, you depart for Puducherry. The evening is spent on board the train.
Sights covered: Mahabalipuram sightseeing – Krishna’s butter ball, Monolithic Ganesha temple, Arjuna’s penance area, Five Rathas Temple and the caves, Shore Shiva Temple
Meals: Breakfast and dinner on board. Lunch at luxury resort in Mahabalipuram
Timings: Mahabalipuram sightseeing at 10am, Shiva shore temple at 3pm.
Day 3 : Pondicherry
On day three you wake up in Puducherry and post breakfast, depart for Auroville, an experimental society, in Pondicherry. This coastal town is famous for its French quarters, local and international cuisine and the beautiful beaches. It’s a place where you can enjoy the cultural diversity of France and South India, discover pristine beaches to just chill at and relax, and rejuvenate with some yoga and meditation.
Sights covered: Auroville, Aurobindo Ashram in the French town, Ganesha temple, shopping and stroll on the pristine Promenade beach.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner on board. Lunch at a luxury resort in Pondicherry.
Timings: Auroville at 10am, Aurbindo ashram and other sightseeing at 3.45pm.
Day 4 : Thanjavur
On day four you stop at Thanjavur. Locally known as Thanjavur, this city is a prominent centre of South Indian religion, art and architecture. This is the centre of the most remarkable civilisation of Dravidian history, the Chola empire. After sightseeing in Thanjavur, we leave for Trichy. Trichy or locally known as Tiruchirappalli, is a city with a strong character and long history. It is pretty much the geographical centre of the state of Tamil Nadu. It’s a huge city that mixes up culture, religion and business and one can only experience it by actually being there.
Sights covered: Brihadeshwara Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Maratha Palace, Sri Rangam Temple in Trichy (India’s largest temple complex dedicated to Lord Vishnu).
Meals: Breakfast and dinner on board. Lunch at a riverside luxury resort enroute Trichy from Thanjavur.
Timings: Brihadeshwara Temple at 10am, Maratha Palace at 11.30am, Sri Rangam Temple at 4pm.
Day 5 : Madurai
Day five you arrive at Madurai. Lovingly called the ‘Athens of the east’, Madurai is a city, the skyline of which is defined by the 14 colourful gopurams (gateway towers) of Meenakshi Amman Temple, making it a true centre of religion and spirituality.
Sights covered: Meenakshi Amman Temple, Thirumalai Nayakar Palace for sound & light show.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner on board.
Timings: Meenakshi Amman Temple at 10am, Thirumalai Nayakar Palace for sound & light show at 6pm.
During the afternoon you can either stay and relax on the train or go out to shop.
Day 6 : Kanyakumari
Day six is when you leave from Tamil Nadu and enter Kerala. Today you visit the last stop in Tamil Nadu – Kanyakumari. Kanyakumari is a beautiful coastal town, surrounded by majestic hills and bordered by colourful sea-shores. Fringed by paddy fields and coconut trees, it may feel like a small sleepy town, but it has unmatched beauty. If Kanyakumari is the beach queen of south-eastern India, Kovalam takes the crown for the south-western part of the country. Our entry point into Kerala, this once calm fishing village has now risen to the spot of one of the most luxurious beaches in Kerala. It’s a happening beachside town with amazing restaurants and markets to shop at.
Sights covered: Sunrise in Kanyakumari, Padmanabhapuram Wooden Palace, Sunset at Kovalam Beach.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch on board. Dinner at a five-star luxury resort in Kovalam.
Timings: Sunrise in Kanyakumari at 5.30am, Padmanabhapuram Wooden Palace at 9.30am, Sunset at Kovalam beach at 4.30.
Day 7 : Alleppey
The last day you visit Alleppey, world-famous for its backwaters. Lovingly called the ‘Venice of the East’, Alleppey is beautiful and charming. It is a greenery-fringed town, disappearing into a watery world of villages. A houseboat cruise is one of, not only Kerala’s, but India’s mesmerisingly beautiful and relaxing experiences.
Sights covered: Houseboat cruise on the Vembanad backwaters, Chinese fishing nets and a walk around the Jew town for shopping in Kochi.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner on board. Lunch at a backwaters luxury resort.
Timings: Houseboat cruise at 9am, Kochi at 3.45pm.
Day 8 : Yeshwantpur Railway Station Bus Stop
Today is the last morning on board ‘The Golden Chariot’. After breakfast at 8am, you will reach Bangalore around 9.30 am, with a million memories and countless reasons to come back.
Golden Chariot Splendor of the South Tour
VALID FROM 2018, 2019 – 2020
| Cabin | Per Person Per Night | Per Person Per Journey |
| Single Occupancy | INR 50560 | INR 353920 |
| Twin Sharing | INR 37760 | INR 264320 |
Golden Chariot Train Fee Details
Fee Inclusions:
- Exclusive AC Sleeping Chambers with private washrooms.
- 3 daily meals of variety of Veg & Non – Vegetarian Cuisine
- Hygienic Packaged Drinking Water
- Group sightseeing tours
- AC Buses with English speaking Guides
- Complimentary onboard gymnasium
- Wi-Fi Connection Is Restricted To Public Areas
- Cultural Programs
- Still Camera Fees
- Entry Fee at itinerary included sites like monuments & wildlife parks
Fee Exclusions:
- Video Camera Fees/ Professional cam fee at Sights in Itinerary including Forts & Monuments
- Alcoholic & Non Alcoholic Beverages
- Business Car Facility /Spa
- Porter Fee/ Tips
- Telephone Calls
- Room Service
- Laundry
- Other Personnel Expenses
Terms and Conditions of Golden Chariot Train
Tariff applicable for Foreign Passport Holders & Indian Nationals (Both in INR only). Foreign Nationals may make the equivalent payment as per prevailing Foreign Exchange rate.
- Additional Taxes Extra applicable on journey date.
- Holiday Surcharge Extra @ 10% for December 25 Journey departure.
- Kids below 12 years of age are charged @ 50% of Adult Cost. They are provided bunker bed (sharing parents cabin)
- Kids below 12 years of age travel on Complimentary Basis. No bed sharing /bunker.
- Journey Duration – 7 Nights
- Embarkation @ Bangalore
- Disembark @ Bangalore
- The train tour will only operate if there are a minimum of Eleven (11) travellers. If not, ticket advance will be refunded.
Reservations/Cancellation on the The Golden Chariot Train
Passenger reservations/cancellation on the The Golden Chariot may be done as per the following terms and conditions :
Reservation Policy :
- 20% of ticket value at the time of confirming the booking.
- Remaining 80% of ticket value 45 days prior to departure.
Cancellation Policy :
- Cancellation must be advised by Fax/E-mail/Letter. On cancellation, a refund will be made. A certain amount of the ticket value will be deducted as follows.
- 5% of the Ticket Value if the cancellation request is received before 60 days from the scheduled date of departure.
- 20% of Ticket Value if a cancellation request is received within a period of 30-59 days from the scheduled date of departure.
- 50% of the ticket value if the cancellation request is received within the period of 15-29 days from the scheduled date of departure.
- 100% of the ticket value if the cancellation request is received within the period of 14 days or before the scheduled date of departure.
- No refund or adjustment will be made in the event of interruption of a journey by a tourist on his own after the commencement of the tour.
Further Details are here : – Golden Chariot