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| The Golden Chariot |
Well Indian Railways has come up with the answer; the Indian luxury trains. The Golden Chariot with its two tastefully crafted itineraries – Pride of the South and Splendor of the South – offers whirlwind tours across some of the most culturally and visually illuminating destinations in South India. Luxury rail tours in India offer the solution to perennial tourist dilemma of where to go, what to see and that too without any strings attached.
As soon as you arrive to board the train you are stunned (well you should be because you weren’t expecting that!). The train is spotless and service impeccable. It is so very different from the stereotype of train travel in India that it leaves the guest astounded. A red carpet welcome with drinks even as your luggage is checked in, marks the beginning of the tour on board the Golden Chariot – just savor the welcome.
As you enter to check in the cabin you enter and step into a more gracious age of traveling. A world so very different from what is usually associated with rail journeys and something akin to a different world altogether (remember The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe). Soon the shock wears off and you realize that you will be living a dream onboard this palace on wheels. The exquisitely carved interiors, palette of soft hues and the quaint décor of the coaches reflect the majesty and the rich heritage of erstwhile Maharajas of the bygone era of the South Indian kingdoms. Each coach is named after a different dynasty that ruled in a bygone era and reverberates with their rich artworks and culture.
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| Cabin of the Golden Chariot |
Well that’s the interior for you. Even the Golden Chariot facilities are at par with the best in the world. Each coach of this fully air-conditioned train comes with individual climate control. The gracefully appointed cabins are minimally but elegantly furnished keeping in mind the space and comfort for the guest (jeez! it’s a train coach after all). The train has two dining hall which serves both à la carte and table d’hôte meals to pamper the taste buds of the guest. A well stocked lounge bar serves the best labels of wine and spirits in laid back ambience. For the fitness enthusiasts there’s a gym as well as a health spa to spend time in and rejuvenate. Last but not the least, there’s a conference coach for the high fliers who like to do business with panache.
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| Valet on board the Golden Chariot |
The itinerary on board the Golden Chariot will leave you with a content feeling. The whirlwind journey across the heritage sites of Karnataka including Halebid (Hoysala hotbed), Hampi (a World Heritage Site), Badami and the fortresses and palaces of the Mysore kings along with the serene beaches of Goa and the wildlife reserve at Kabini will leave you mesmerized. Cherish the memories of the varied landscape spool by through this magnificent ride on board this luxury train in India. This royal chug will ensure you leave with a memory for life time…Live the dream for the times to come. For more information on the train you may like to visit the website of the Golden Chariot. Visit the flickr stream of the Indian Luxury Trains to check out the photos of the Pride of the South Journey.
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