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Luxury · Train · Luxury

Golden Chariot

South India's UNESCO temples and wildlife—five nights through Karnataka's Vijayanagara Empire capitals and Western Ghats tigers.

IRCTC + KSTDC

Rate
₹2.5L–₹4.8L per person (5 nights, twin sharing)
Duration
5 nights / 6 days
Best months
Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Host destination
Bengaluru →

Why this matters

Golden Chariot, a collaboration between IRCTC and Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) with hospitality by The Maple Group, launched in 2008. The 18-coach train carries 88 guests in twin and double occupancy cabins (plus one accessible cabin). The 'Pride of Karnataka with Goa' itinerary (5 nights/6 days) departs Bengaluru, loops through Bandipur (tiger reserve), Mysore, Halebidu (Hoysala temples), Hampi (Vijayanagara UNESCO site), Pattadakal, and Goa, returning Bengaluru. All meals (two on-train restaurants: Ruchi and Nalapaka serving Indian and international), butler service, soft drinks, guided tours, and entrance fees included. Onboard spa (Arogya) and fitness centre. Cabins feature purple and gold art-deco interiors. Peak season (October–March) deluxe cabin costs ₹3.2L–₹4.8L per person twin-sharing for the 5N/6D journey; lean season rates drop to ₹2.5L–₹3.5L. Payment: deposit due at booking, balance 50 days prior. A shorter, more accessible alternative to Palace on Wheels—ideal for first-time luxury train travelers wanting South India's imperial temples and coffee-country landscapes.

The moment you came for

Dawn jeep safari through Bandipur National Park's sal forests, tracking tigers and wild elephants within 20 km of the train, followed by a private guided tour of Hampi's Virupaksha Temple—a 16th-century granite sanctuary with carved pillars and underground passages.

Day by day

  1. D01
    Bengaluru
    Boarding at Bengaluru City Railway Station; orientation and dinner on board
  2. D02
    Bandipur
    Early morning jeep safari at Bandipur National Park (tigers, elephants, bison); afternoon train journey to Mysore
  3. D03
    Mysore
    Amba Vilas Palace (Wodeyar dynasty seat, 1897), Chamundi Hill Temple, silk weaving factory tour
  4. D04
    Hampi & Pattadakal
    Hampi's Virupaksha Temple, Kings Bath, Hazara Rama Temple, Elephant Stables (UNESCO Vijayanagara Empire site); Pattadakal cave temples
  5. D05
    Goa
    Basilica of Bom Jesus, Se Cathedral (UNESCO sites), Old Goa Portuguese heritage district, beach time
  6. D06
    Bengaluru
    Return journey to Bengaluru; arrival and departure

What's included

  • ·All meals on board (two restaurants: Ruchi and Nalapaka)
  • ·Soft drinks and non-alcoholic beverages
  • ·Butler service
  • ·All guided off-train excursions
  • ·Entrance fees to temples, palaces, and monuments
  • ·Jeep safari at Bandipur National Park
  • ·Accommodation on train
  • ·Spa and fitness centre access

Book direct with the operator

IRCTC + KSTDC →

Rate bands are operator-published ranges, verified at publication. Confirm current rates before booking. NakshIQ does not handle reservations.

Sources