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Travelogy India · Luxury train journey

Jewels of South (The Golden Chariot)

Seven-day luxury train through South India's temples and backwaters

Illustration of Jewels of South (The Golden Chariot)

Travelogy India's Jewels of South is a 6-night, 7-day luxury train journey aboard The Golden Chariot that explores the cultural heritage of South India. The route departs from Bengaluru and travels south and southwest through Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala, visiting four UNESCO World Heritage sites: the ruined city of Hampi with its monolithic sculptures, Mahabalipuram's Shore Temple, Thanjavur's Brihadeshvara Temple, and the colonial architecture of Fort Cochin. Between days, the train carries you while you sleep, so you wake at each new destination ready for guided excursions. You visit Mysore Palace, tour the Chettinadu tile factories and mansions, and cruise on Kerala's backwaters at Kumarakom. All meals are served onboard, and local guides lead you through temples, palaces, and heritage sites. This journey suits luxury seekers, history enthusiasts, and rail travellers who want the romance of sleeping aboard a luxury train without the chore of packing and unpacking multiple hotels. The pace is relaxed, with full days of guided exploration balanced by onboard time to rest and enjoy the landscape passing your cabin window.

What to know before you look closer

  • All six nights are spent aboard The Golden Chariot; you do not stay in hotels at any destination.
  • Two excursions are optional and not included in the base package: Anegundi near Hampi and the Chinese Fishing Nets and St. Francis Church in Cochin.
  • The itinerary description does not specify single-occupancy pricing; contact Travelogy India for supplement rates.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: The Golden Chariot (onboard)

    Bengaluru to Mysore

    Arrive at Yeshwantpur Railway Station around 09:00 AM. Proceed to Mysore after welcome and registration. Lunch served onboard. Visit the Mysore Palace around 3:00 PM. Return to the train for dinner as it proceeds to Hampi.

  2. Day 2railovernight: The Golden Chariot (onboard)

    Hampi

    After onboard breakfast, visit Hampi, capital of the Vijayanagara kingdom and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Return to the train for lunch. Evening optional excursion to Anegundi. Dinner onboard as the train proceeds to Mahabalipuram.

  3. Day 3railovernight: The Golden Chariot (onboard)

    Mahabalipuram

    Relaxed breakfast onboard as the train arrives at Chengalpattu Railway Station. Visit the Shore Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, followed by lunch at an exclusive venue. Return to the train for dinner as it proceeds to Thanjavur.

  4. Day 4railovernight: The Golden Chariot (onboard)

    Thanjavur and Chettinad

    Visit the Brihadeshvara Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Lunch served onboard as the train proceeds to Chettinad. In the evening, visit the Athnagudi tile factory and Chettinadu mansions. Dinner onboard as the train proceeds to Cochin.

  5. Day 5railovernight: The Golden Chariot (onboard)

    Cochin

    After onboard breakfast, visit the Matancherry Palace in the Fort Cochin area and witness Kerala dance forms at an exclusive venue. Return to the train for lunch. Optional excursion to the Chinese Fishing Nets and St. Francis Church. India Evening onboard followed by dinner as it proceeds to Kumarakom.

  6. Day 6railovernight: The Golden Chariot (onboard)

    Kumarakom

    After onboard breakfast, cruise on the backwaters followed by lunch at an exclusive venue. Return to the train as it proceeds to Bengaluru. Dinner served onboard.

  7. Day 7rail

    Bengaluru

    Breakfast served onboard as the train arrives in Bengaluru.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Welcome ceremony at Bengaluru's Yeshwantpur Railway Station followed by an afternoon visit to Mysore Palace.
  • Day 2Guided tour of Hampi, the UNESCO World Heritage capital of the Vijayanagara kingdom, including its rock-carved sculptures and monuments.
  • Day 3Visit to the Shore Temple in Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage site overlooking the coast.
  • Day 5Tour of Fort Cochin's Matancherry Palace and exclusive viewing of Kerala dance forms.
  • Day 6Backwater cruise on Kerala's serene Kumarakom waterways.

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. The entire journey is aboard The Golden Chariot, a luxury train. All onboard meals and guided excursions at each stop are included in the from-price of USD 4,740 per person.
Is this an escorted or independent tour?
It is escorted. Travelogy India provides guided tours at each destination, including Mysore Palace, Hampi, Mahabalipuram's Shore Temple, Thanjavur's temples, Fort Cochin, and the Kerala backwaters.
How many nights are spent on the train?
Six nights. You board at Bengaluru on day 1 and disembark on the morning of day 7. All accommodation is onboard The Golden Chariot.
What are the main stops?
The route covers Mysore, Hampi, Mahabalipuram, Thanjavur, Chettinat, Cochin, and Kumarakom before returning to Bengaluru.
How much walking is involved?
Each day includes guided tours of temples, palaces, and heritage sites that require moderate walking. No strenuous hikes are part of the itinerary.
Are there optional activities?
Yes. Optional excursions include Anegundi near Hampi and a visit to the Chinese Fishing Nets and St. Francis Church in Cochin; these are at additional cost.

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