About Splendor of The South
Meandering through pictorial glens and glades of the Indian countryside in one of the luxury trains, while being treated with royal hospitality, is not too less a temptation indeed! Traveling in the Indian luxury trains help you traverse the royal terrains filled with legends and romantic sagas to have you enthralled till no end and plunge into the magic of the journey completely. There are several options of such trains in India and recently launched Splendor of the South - The Golden Chariot offers a true fairy tale experience to transport you to the wonderland of dreams and luxury.
A joint venture of State Government of Karnataka & Ministry of Railways, The Golden Chariot helps you delve into the trove of immense archaeological wealth, rich natural bounty and an interesting mix of culture. You can just choose to lie back & loosen up amid opulence and luxury as the picturesque vista unfurls outside your cabin window. Christened after the legendary Stone Chariot in Hampi, a world heritage site in Karnataka, the Golden Chariot travels through the ageless heritage sites, splendid palaces, varied cultural avenues and gorgeous backwaters.
Providing world class amenities, majestic ambience, royal cuisine and imperial hospitality, Splendor of the South - The Golden Chariot in Karnataka takes you through its 7 Nights / 8 Days journey starting every Monday from Bangalore and traveling through Bangalore, Chennai, Mamallapuram, Pondicherry, Tiruchirapalli & Thanjavur, Madurai, Thiruvananthapuram & Poovar, and Kochi Backwaters. The entire tour lets you discover the mesmerizing beauty and grandeur of awe-inspiring historical monuments, plush palaces, natural flora, and emerald backwaters in India.
Coaches on Splendor of the South
The Golden Chariot train offers 19 majestically designed coaches. Each coach is named after one of the various dynasties that ruled Karnataka at various points of time in history - Kadamba, Rastrakota, Hoysala, Ganga, Bhahamani, Chalukya, Sangama, Shathavashna, Yudukula, Adhilshahi and Vijayanagar. 11 of these are passenger coaches and each chamber lets you lose yourself in timeless tales of the yore as you retire under the royal craftsmanship and sink into the cradle of luxury. Reminisce the royal living of the Maharaja of Mysore as you marvel at the elaborate carvings on the walls and the ceiling, and furniture exuding the essence of Mysore and Hoysala architecture.
The amenities provided on board include:
- Air-conditioned chambers
- 26 twin beds, 17 double bed cabins and 1 cabin for the physically challenged.
- Writing desk
- Wi-Fi
- LCD television
- DVD with 6 satellite channels
- Wardrobe
- Private bathroom with lavish accessories
The other coaches include two restaurant cars, Nala and Ruchi; a lounge bar coach, the Madira; a conference saloon; two massage rooms and a gymnasium.
Dining on Splendor of the South
You get to experience royal dining on The Golden Chariot as you choose to have your meals at any of its two restaurants - 'Nala' and 'Ruchi'. 'Nala' restaurant got its name the famous king and distinguished chef from the age of the Mahabharata and 'Ruchi' indicates fine taste in Sanskrit.
Serving mouth watering vegetarian as well as non vegetarian dishes, these dining chambers have plush interiors, inspired from the undying artistry of the famous temple villages of Halebid and Hampi. There are four as well as two-seater dining chambers with comfortable sofas and chairs.
Taste your choice of drink amid posh interiors decked with plush and classy bar stools and seating at the well stocked bar, called 'Madira' on the Golden Chariot train, designed after the famous Mysore Palace. Serving a huge array of finest drinks to relax and rejuvenate your own self, the lounge bar coach also offers colorful performances by local artists. According to Hindu mythology, Madira is the drink of the gods.
Conference Coach
If you want not to miss out on your important business meeting while you travel in the royal Golden Chariot, you need not worry. The Conference Coach here easily accommodates as many as 30 people. The various conference facilities available include:
- Comfortable seats for 25-30 people
- High-speed internet
- 42 inch LCD TV
Gym Coach / Ayurveda Center / Spa
Recreation is at its best when you work out at the gym on the Golden Chariot go for a massage or spa session at the Ayurveda centre and health spa. These rejuvenating techniques ensure respite from daily stress and worries.
