Bangalore - Chennai - Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry - Thanjavur – Trichy - Madurai – Kanyakumari – Kovalam - Alleppey - Kochi - Bangalore
Splendour of the South is a remarkable journey of 8 days, offering you a vacation across some of the most popular destinations in southern region of the country. Go on-board the uber-luxurious Golden Chariot to enjoy a royal hospitality by courteous staff, have a fine dining experience and have a comfortable stay amidst all the modern facilities and amenities. The journey begins from and ends in Bangalore. The popular destinations of South India that you visit are Chennai, Mahabalipuram, Pondicherry, Thanjavur, Madurai, Thiruvananthapuram, Alleppey and Kochi. Visit the architectural marvels of these places. Treat your eyes to the lush, rugged and exciting landscape of this region during the rail ride. It is going to be an unforgettable affair.
Rating 4
The memorable Splendour of the South journey starts from the capital city of Karnataka, Bangalore. Arrive at the Taj West End at 03:00 PM. Enjoy a heritage walk in the verdant gardens of the hotel. Enjoy tea around 05:00 PM, followed by a presentation about the train. Special cultural dance has been organized for you. Thereafter, visit the ISKCON Temple for Darshan. Head to the Yeshwanthpur Railway Station at 08:15 PM and enjoy a grand traditional welcome by the team. Complete the check-in. Go aboard the train and settle in your cabins. Dinner is served. The journey for the first destination starts.
Stay overnight.
On day 2, the train enters Chennai Railway Station at 06:00 AM. After breakfast, disembark from the train to explore the wonderful attractions of Mamallapuram, also known as Mahabalipuram. Group of monuments at Mahabalipuram are listed under UNESCO World Heritage Site and are known for splendid stone carvings. Visit the site and explore the Krishna's Butter Ball, Arjuna's Penance, Ganesha Temple, Caves, Five Rathas Temple. Head to a luxury hotel for relishing special lunch. Continue sightseeing and visit the Shore Shiva Temples. Back aboard the Golden Chariot for dinner.
Overnight stay.
The train arrives in Pondicherry in the morning. Now known as Pudducherry, Pondicherry is an erstwhile French colony. After breakfast on-board, get ready for exploring this beautiful and peaceful place. Proceed to Auroville Ashram where you visit the wonderful city along with attractions Like Matra Mandir. Lunch a luxury hotel in Pondicherry. Next visit is to the Aurbindo Ashram and Ganesha temple. Partake in shopping and go for a leisure walk on the scenic Promenade beach. Back on-board the train. Enjoy the facilities provided in the train. Dinner is served on- board. Around 11:30 PM, train commences its journey for Thanjavur.
Overnight stay in Golden Chariot.
On the 4th day, arrival at the Tanjavur Railway Station. Enjoy the outside views as you relish hot breakfast. Thereafter, disembark the train for paying reverence at the Brihadeshwara Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Next, head to the emporium for shopping. After this, visit the Thanjavur Maratha Palace Complex, known called Aranmanai. It is the official residence of the Bhonsle family who ruled the Tanjore region from 1674 to 1855. Enjoy lunch at a riverside luxury hotel. Post lunch, move to Trichy by road. On reaching, visit Sri Rangam temple- one of the largest temple complexes in India, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. In the evening, back to the Trichy railway station for board the Golden Chariot. Enjoy tasty dinner. The train departs to Madurai.
Overnight stay on-board.
Today, the train arrives at the Madurai Railway station. Tasty breakfast is served on-board. Disembark from the train for darshan at the magnificent Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple. Next you visit the1000 pillared temple and the well-stocked city museum. Return to the Indian luxury train for lunch. The afternoon is free, you can either indulge in shopping or can take some rest on the train. Around 06:00 PM, continue sightseeing and proceed to the Thirumalai Nayakar palace for attending sound & light show. Back to the train for delicious dinner. At 11:15 PM, the luxury Golden Chariot train departs to Nagercoil.
Stay overnight.
On the 6th day, Golden Chariot has come to Nagarcoil railway station. In the wee hours of the morning, get down from the train and proceed to Kanyakumari, by road. Admire the stunning sunrise views from the seashore. Return to the train for scrumptious breakfast. Thereafter around 09:30 continue sightseeing in Kanyakumari and visit the wonderful Padmanabhapuram Wooden Palace. Get back to the Golden Chariot to enjoy lunch. The train starts moving and arrives at the Kochuveli station. Around 04:30 PM, travel to Kovalam, by road. At the beach, enjoy a leisure walk as the cool breeze brushes past your face. Treat your eyes to the wonderful views of sunset. Guests are served tea and refreshments at the beach. Proceed to a luxury resort for special cultural performance, followed by an elaborate dinner. Return back to the train. The journey for Kochi on-board the Golden Chariot has started.
Overnight stay on-board.
On the 7th day of the tour, the train has arrived at the destination. At 08:00 AM, enjoy breakfast. Now, get ready for proceeding to Alleppey Jetty. As you reach, get on-board a houseboat, locally known as Ketuvallam. Enjoy a cruise on Punnamada Lake while riding a well-equipped houseboat. Lunch has been planned at a special lake resort. In the afternoon, Drive to Fort Kochi, by road and explore the prime attractions. Have a look at the Chinese fishing Nets, and indulge in shopping at Mattancherry and the Jews Town. Around 06.00 pm, back to the luxury train of India, which is stationed at Ernakulum South railway Station. Dinner is served on-board.
Stay overnight.
Early morning arrival in Bangalore. Treat your taste buds with tasty breakfast served on-board. Get down, complete the check-out formalities, and receive a warm farewell from crew.
| Occupancy | Per Person Per Night | Per Person Per Journey |
|---|---|---|
| Single Occupancy | GBP 705 | GBP 4920 |
| Twin Sharing | GBP 535 | GBP 3740 |
| 02 CHILDREN (SEPARATE CABIN) | GBP 465 | GBP 3235 |
Given below are the inclusions, exclusions and other details of the Golden Chariot - Pride of the South.
The tariff of this luxury train includes accommodation on board, the meals, the sightseeing trips, and the entrance fees (while entering monuments, parks, palaces and other sightseeing locations).
The fare of the Golden Chariot does not comprise of tips, phone calls, and camera fees in the sightseeing locations, SPA car and Business car facilities, liquor as well as laundry.
No show/ En route termination of tour/amendment:
In case of No Show / Non-arrival of the guest, no refund or adjustment in future travel will be possible. The whole amount shall be treated as forfeited.
Cancellation PolicyCancelation policies as mentioned in the tariff (FIT) are as:
Cancelation policies as mentioned in the tariff (for Groups) are as:
In case of termination of tour by the guest, for any reasons, no refund or adjustment for future travel will be possible. The amount for unused portion of the tour shall be treated as forfeited.
AmendmentIs only possible under the circumstances like Natural Disaster / Natural Calamity or Serious Health Problem's (this needs to be supported by doctor's certificate) and is subject to availability. No refunds are possible and every case be decided on merits on a case to case basis.
The reservation policies of the Pride of the South tariff (FIT) are as follows:
The reservation policies of the Pride of the South tariff (for Groups) are as follows:
