The Golden Chariot is a luxury tourist train operating between October and March that connects important tourist spots in southern Indian states. It has 19 coaches painted purple and gold and offers cabin accommodations. A 7-night itinerary takes passengers from Bangalore to destinations like Chennai, Pondicherry, Thanjavur, Madurai, Thiruvananthapuram, Alleppey, Kochi, and back to Bangalore, with activities like sightseeing, meals, and overnight stays at destinations along the route.

1. The Golden Chariot
The Golden Chariot is a luxury tourist train that connects the important tourist
spots in the Indian states of Karnataka, Goa, Kerala & Tamil Nadu as well as
Pondicherry, depending on the selected itinerary. It is named after the Stone
Chariot in the Vitthala Temple at Hampi. The 19 coaches on the train are coloured
purple and gold, and sport the logo of a mythological animal with the head of an
elephant and a body of a lion. The Golden Chariot is operating between the months
of October–March for 2015/16 season with a departure every week, on Monday
and had its maiden commercial run on 10 March 2008.
TARIFF 2016 - 2017
Cost per Cabin for 7 Nights Pride of South Golden Chariot Train Tour-Per Cabin
Occupancy
Type
No of Persons
Per Cabin
US$ Tariff-
For ForeignPassport
Holders
INR Tariff-
Only for Indian National
Single One US$ 5530 Rs 1,82,,000/-
Double Two US$ 8260 Rs 3,08,000/-
Triple Three US$10,500 Rs 3,36,,000/-
NOTE :
Add Govt. Taxes Extra ,as applicable on date of journey
Children < 12 years charged 50% of adult rate
Children below 5 years are complimentary(but no bed)
Option to bookfor MINIMUM Three nights part journey & pay accordingly
Train tour will operate ,subject to MINIMUM 20 Passengers OR advance received will
be refunded (with no further liability)

2. Tour Duration 7 Nights / 8 Days
DESTINATIONS COVERE
Bangalore – Chennai – Pondicherry –
Thanjavur – Madurai –
Thiruvananthapuram – Alleppey – Kochi
– Bangalore
SEASON Oct to Apr
DEPARTURE DATES FOR SEASON 2016-17 & 2017-
18
7 Nights Golden Chariot Train -Pride of South Depart Dates ex Bangalore.
Month Dates
Oct 2016 10
Nov 2016 07
Dec 2016 05
Jan 2017 16
Feb 2017 13
March 2017 13
HISTORY
When the success ofPalace on Wheels reached the corridors of the Karnataka State
Tourism and Development Corporation (KSTDC), it resulted in the signing of
MOU between the state tourism board and the Indian Railways in 2002. Later the

3. Integral Coach Factory (ICF) was assigned with the task to give shape to this
luxury train. Around 900 layouts were prepared by the engineers before finalizing
the design. Architect Kusum Pendse along with 200 carpenters inexorably worked
hard to complete the designs of these railway coaches. The process took around 4
months. Finally on 23 January 2008, Golden Chariot was unveiled on the tracks
veneered in classic colors of purple and gold symbolizing elegance and golden
jubilee celebration of Karnataka. An inauguration ceremony was organized at the
Yeshwanthpur Railway Station wherein president Pratibha Devi Singh flagged off
the train. Finally on 10 March 2008, Golden Chariot chugged on its maiden
journey from Bangalore to Goa.
COACHES
Your chambers are steeped in history. Chambers in which, you will retire under a
sky of craftsmanship that narrate timeless tales. Sink into a bed of royalty,
reminiscent of the Mysore Maharajas, admire the intricate carvings on the ceiling,
the wall panels and furniture inspired by Mysore and Hoysala architecture.
Each Coach of the “The Golden Chariot” has been named after the dynasties that
ruled Karnataka - Kadamba, Hoysala, Rastrakota, Ganga, Chalukya, Bhahamani,
Adhilshahi, Sangama, Shathavashna, Yudukula and Vijayanagar.
• Fully air-conditioned cabins.
• 26 twin beds, 17 double bed cabins and 1 cabin for the physically challenged.
• Every cabin is equipped with Wi-Fi, LCD television, DVD with 6 satellite
channels, wardrobe, vanity/writing desk and private bathroom with luxurious
amenities and accessories.

4. FACILITIES
Passenger Saloons Gym Facility
Restaurant Coaches
Conference Car
Lounge Bar Coach Spa

5. ITINERARY
Day1 Bangalore
The city of Bangalore, the capital of Karnataka, is a splendid neo-metro that lets
measures of modernity and age old culture mingle in equal parts. While here,
enthrall your senses with a traditional art exhibition and folk dance performance at
the Chithrakala Parishad. Or check-in at Our Native Village for a quick overview
of village life in India. Furthermore, get acquainted with just what’s in store for
you, aboard The Golden Chariot.
 1500 hrs : Self report and Registration at Taj West End
 1600 hrs : Nature walk in the heritage gardens of the Taj
 1700 hrs : Hi-Tea
 1730 hrs: Presentation and Orientation on The Golden Chariot tour
 1800 hrs : Cultural dance
 1845 hrs : Visit the ISKCON Temple (The International Society for Krishna
Consciousness)
 2015 hrs : Traditional welcome at Yeshwanthpur railway station and board The
Golden Chariot
Day 2 Chennai/ Mahabalipuram
India’s fourth largest city and its original metro of the South, Chennai boasts both
specimens of Chola bronzes and Raj architecture. Not too far from here is the
seaside town of Mamallapuram, where the rhythms of chisels chipping granite
resound its stone-carving tradition.
 0730 hrs : Arrive at Chennai central railway station
 0800 hrs : Breakfast on board The Golden Chariot
 10.00 am : Departure to Mamallapuram
 11.30 am : Arrive at Mamallapuram
 Sight Seeing – Krishna’s Butter Ball, Arjuna’s Penance, Ganesha Temple and
Caves and Five Rathas Temple
 1.30 pm : Lunch at RadissonBlu Temple Bay Hotel
 4.00 pm : PostHi-Tea, Sight Seeing
 Sight Seeing – Shore Shiva Temple
 5.00 pm : Departure to Puducherry

6.  6.30 pm :Arrival at Puducherry, back on board The Golden Chariot Dinner on
board The Golden Chariot
Day 3 Puducherry
The former capital of French India, then called Pondicherry, prides in its fair share
of leafy boulevards and petanque pitches. Sunny beaches and bakeries that smell of
cinnamon and garlic add to the authenticity of it all, as you stroll down tropical
streets that are still called by French names.
 0800 hrs : Breakfast on board The Golden Chariot
 10.00 am : Departure to Auroville Ashram
 Sight Seeing – Screening on Auroville Ashram, tour of Auroville Asharam, Matra
Mandir and shopping in the Ashram
 1.30 pm : Lunch at The Sarovar Promenade Hotel
 3.00 pm : Back on board The Golden Chariot
 5.00 pm : Visit the Aurobindo Ashram and Ganesha Temple
 7.00 pm : Back on board The Golden Chariot
 Dinner on board The Golden Chariot
Day 4 Tanjavur/ Trichy
Tanjavur, a short coach trip away from the town of Kumbakonam,is the home of
the world’s finest Chola bronze collection. As many as ninety temples have
survived the ravages of time in this majestic town. Among them is the breathtaking
Brihadishwara Temple, Tamil Nadu's most notable Chola monument.
 0730 hrs :Arrive at Tanjavur railway station
 0800 hrs: Breakfast on board The Golden Chariot
 10.00 am : Visit the famous Brihadeshwara Temple (UNESCO World Heritage
site)
 Shopping at the emporium
 2.00 pm : Lunch at Ideal River View Resort
 4.00 pm :Departure to Trichy
 6.00 pm : Visit the famous Sri Rangam Temple in Trichy
 7.30 pm : Back on board The Golden Chariot in Trichy
 Dinner on board The Golden Chariot

7. Day 5 Madurai
One of the oldest cities in South India, Madurai was once famous for its silks,
pearls and spices. It was this lucrative trade that let its Pandyan kings erect the
mighty Meenakshi-Sundareshwar temple. While at Madurai, savour the history and
culture of Tamil Nadu at the light and sound show and the folk arts performance.
 0800 hrs :Breakfast on board The Golden Chariot
 10.00 am : Visit the famous Madurai Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple
 11.30 am : Visit the 1000 pillar temple and the museum
 1.00 pm : Back on board The Golden Chariot
 Lunch on board The Golden Chariot
 3.00 pm : Visit the Gandhi Museum (Rani Mangammal Palace)
 4.00 pm : Return back to The Golden Chariot
 Rest and Relax on board The Golden Chariot
 6.00 pm : Visit the Thirumalai Nayak Palace for sound and light show
 7.30 pm : Back on board The Golden Chariot
Day 6 Kanyakumari/ Kovalam
Watch the sun rise and set at Kanyakumari, the meeting place of the Bay of
Bengal, Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea. A short distance away from here is
Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala, famous for its narrow backstreets and
red-tiled gabled houses. Just 14km south of Thiruvananthapuram lies the coastal
village of Kovalam, with its quintessential coconut palms and delectable sea food.
 5.00 am : Departure to Kanyakumari for Sunrise view
 7.30 am : Back on board Te Golden Chariot
 Breakfast on board
 9.30 am : Depart to Padmanabhapuram WoodenPalace
 1.00 pm :Return on board The Golden Chariot
 Lunch on board
 3.30 pm :Reach Kocchuveli station
 4.00 pm :Depart to Vivanta by Taj, Kovalam
 Hi-Tea by the beach, Cultural show followed by dinner at the hotel
 10.30 pm : Back on board The Golden Chariot

8. Day 7 Kochi/ Alappuzha
Further north lies Alappuzha (formerly Aleppey), one of the best known ports
along the Malabar coast. The interconnecting canals make way for the many house
boats that ply these waters. And set the right atmosphere to relax and enjoy the fine
cuisine served in these parts. The city of Kochi is yet another attraction with its
exotic spice markets, Chinese fishing nets, Synagogue and the Portuguese Palace.
 0800 hrs :Breakfast on board The Golden Chariot
 10.00 am :Depart to Alleppey Jetty and board House Boat
 Cruise on Punnamada Lake
 1.00 pm : Reach Punnamada Lake Resortfor Lunch
 2.30 pm : Depart to fort Kochi
 3.30 pm : Arrival in fort Kochi
 Sight Seeing – Chinese fishing Nets, Shopping in Mattancherry
 Shopping in Jews Town
 6.00 pm :Depart to board The Golden Chariot at Ernakulum South railway
Station
 7.30 pm :Departure to Bangalore
Day 8 Bangalore
The overnight return journey to Bangalore is the time for quiet contemplation. As
the warm sea breeze gives way to the cool night, prepare yourself to celebrate the
end of a journey well travelled. In luxury. Aboard The Golden Chariot.
 0800 hrs : Breakfast on board The Golden Chariot
 10.00 am : Arrive at Yeshwanthpur Railway Station, Bangalore