{"id":6472,"date":"2017-03-20T20:56:50","date_gmt":"2017-03-20T20:56:50","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/?p=6472"},"modified":"2017-03-20T20:56:50","modified_gmt":"2017-03-20T20:56:50","slug":"golden-chariot-the-only-luxury-train-of-south-india-find-out-what-its-like","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/golden-chariot-the-only-luxury-train-of-south-india-find-out-what-its-like\/","title":{"rendered":"GOLDEN CHARIOT: THE ONLY LUXURY TRAIN OF SOUTH INDIA. FIND OUT WHAT IT\u2019S LIKE."},"content":{"rendered":"
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The Golden Chariot, luxury train of South India<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

THE SOUTHERN SPLENDOUR ROUTE OF GOLDEN CHARIOT, the luxury train of South India<\/strong> is irresistible. It covers the best of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala<\/strong> and Pondicherry<\/strong> in 7 nights and 8 days<\/strong>. The Southern Splendour of Golden Chariot starts from Bengaluru and covers destinations such as Chennai, Mahabalipuram<\/strong> aka Mammallapuram, Puducherry<\/strong> aka Pondicherry, Thanjavur, Trichy, Madurai, Kanyakumari, Kovalam, Alleypey and Kochi<\/a><\/strong>. When the Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation<\/a> (KSTDC) invited me on a Media Trip to Golden Chariot, I instantly said yes. This was also the trip when I started traveling again after a break of few months because I was tired of traveling<\/strong>. <\/a>I knew it would take something special to make me fall in love with travel again. I am glad I boarded the right train, the Golden Chariot. It is now one of my finest travel memories.<\/p>\n

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View of a sleeper class from Golden Chariot, the only luxury train of South India. I love both!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Indian Railways has been my choice number one when it comes to the mode of transport. Trains are close to my heart. In some way or the other, trains have been a part of more than 90 % of my journeys. However, it was the first time I was traveling in a luxury train. I am a hotel management (IHM Lucknow) pass-out. During my industrial training in the palatial Taj Palace Hotel<\/strong> in New Delhi, I was awed by the Orient Express<\/strong> restaurant.<\/p>\n

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The Bar Madira at Golden Chariot, the luxury train.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The theme of the restaurant was the famous luxury train of Europe. I would stare at it, mouth agape, imagining how the real Orient Express must have been like. Experiencing the Orient Express is a false dream since it has been discontinued. However, India has many luxury trains<\/strong> with impeccable service, food and delightful destinations to choose from. Southern Splendour of Golden Chariot is a clear winner<\/strong> because of the variety it offers in such short span of time. The train derives its name from the famous Stone Chariot in Hampi, a world heritage site in Karnataka.<\/p>\n

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Indian and foreign guests at the Golden Chariot, luxury train.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

We were welcomed with much fanfare at Hotel Taj West End, Bangalore. We were registered at a desk followed up by a high tea and power point presentation by Mr. Abhijay Verma, general manager. The evening was closed with a wonderful performance by trained classical dancers. The Thanjavur doll dance won my heart. It actually seemed like that the dolls and not humans were dancing.<\/p>\n

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Dancers performing Thanjavur doll dance at Taj West End Bangalore. It was the opening ceremony of the Golden Chariot, luxury train.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

As soon as we arrived at the Yeshwantpur Railway Station in Bengaluru, the music makers welcomed us with aplomb. Wearing impeccably white shirts and lungi<\/em><\/strong> (sarong), they passionately played the thavil<\/em><\/strong>, a drum hanging from their shoulder with a cloth locally called nadai<\/em><\/strong>.<\/em> Their fingers were covered with thimble like finger caps. Made of rice flour or maida flour, the caps are called Koodu<\/em><\/strong>.The other man played Nadaswaram<\/em><\/strong>, a metallic pipe which flares up at the bottom like a bell.<\/p>\n

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The bar Madira. Golden Chariot, luxury train of South India.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Both Thavil<\/em> and Nadaswaram<\/em> are ancient musical instruments of South India. These are widely used in weddings, temples and carnatic music. The women garlanded us as the curious crowd jumped from across the barrier to get a glimpse of the train interiors and its occupants. The theme of curious onlookers continued for the entire journey. People would get curious and excited every time the train passed through a destination or was parked at a station. On one of the day, I saw the railway attendants of another train requesting to catch a glimpse of the interiors of the Golden Chariot. Moments like these made me grateful<\/strong> that such an opportunity came my way. Moments like these gave me the epiphany that we are in the midst of something special and exclusive. <\/strong><\/p>\n

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MY FIRST REACTION: THE ENTRY TO THE GOLDEN CHARIOT VIA MADIRA BAR <\/strong><\/p>\n

I vividly remember my reaction as soon as I entered the Golden Chariot. We made our first entry in the Golden Chariot through the only bar of the train called Madira<\/em><\/strong> (Meaning alcohol). \u201cWow\u201d,<\/strong> that was all I could manage as soon as I entered the bar Madira in the Golden Chariot. It took me a while to accept that the luxurious furnishings and the well stocked bar was indeed inside an Indian train. As if to calm our nerves we were served complimentary red wine and white wine.<\/p>\n

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Me in the bar of Golden Chariot. Luxury Train Of South India. Pic by Ami Bhat<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

I couldn\u2019t help but minutely notice each and every detail of the bar, smile never leaving my lips. It was something which I had never experienced before despite having traveled across more than 150 destinations in India and beyond since 2008<\/strong>. For the entire trip, Madira bar was our exit point for everyday sightseeing. The entire Golden Chariot train,. We discovered was nothing less than a palace. Be it the furniture, the furnishings, the carpeting, the food, the service or the facilities, everything matched the level of any 5 star property.<\/p>\n

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Me in my room in the Golden Chariot, the luxury train.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

ROOMS OF GOLDEN CHARIOT, THE LUXURY TRAIN OF SOUTH INDIA! <\/strong><\/p>\n

I was curious to see the rooms. Each room had either twin beds or double beds. Interestingly, the d\u00e9cor of each coach of the Golden Chariot is designed differently. Christened after the famed dynasties of South India, viz. Yadukula, Hoysala,<\/strong> Adilshahi, Ganga, Chalukya, Vijayanagara<\/strong>, the d\u00e9cor of each room and coach reflected the architectural style of the respective era. The luxury train is managed by Mapple hotels. There are total 18 coaches with 11 passenger coaches boasting of well equipped private cabins (Rooms). Each room was appointed with a television.<\/p>\n

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Madira bar, The Golden Chariot, luxury train.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Since cable TV is not possible due to the movement, we were given a choice of watching films on demand. Not a TV person, I used my leisure time reading the books on Karnataka and Mysore which were thoughtfully kept on the table near my bed. Some of the rooms had foldable berths which you can pull down if required; just like in regular trains. This means that upto 3 individuals can accommodate in some of the rooms.<\/p>\n

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Views from my room in Golden Chariot, luxury train of South India<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Since I had the room to myself, the child in me would hop on to the either of the twin beds. If the train moved in day, I would sit by the bed on the window side and admire the change in the beautiful sceneries of South India<\/strong>. Palm fringed landscapes, huge water bodies, charming huts, and mountains dominated the views from the train window. Scores of wind mills (at Aralvaymoli station near Kanyakumari) caught my attention. This is my favourite pastime every time I am in an Indian Train. However, doing it in a private room in an air conditioned luxurious train is something I will not forget in a lifetime.<\/strong> Most of the movement of train was during the night. On only few occasions did we get to see moving sceneries since most of the day was spent in sightseeing.<\/p>\n

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My Room in the Yadukula Coach of the Golden Chariot, the luxury train of South India.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Attached washroom in Golden Chariot, luxury train.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The washrooms are appointed with shaving kit, dental care, soaps, shampoo, conditioner, bath gel, moisturizer and slippers. Despite the tiny size of the washroom, space management has ensured that the rack to keep toileteries, shower area, W.C. and the washbasin are compartmentalized making the movement easy and swift. It was a weird feeling for me to have a hot shower in a moving train.<\/strong> The room has two large mirrors; one is in the washroom above washbasin and the other one is on the washroom door, towards the room side.<\/p>\n

FACILITIES OF THE GOLDEN CHARIOT, LUXURY TRAIN:<\/strong><\/p>\n

A personalized room attendant<\/strong> is appointed in each coach. All one has to do is press the buzzer and the attendant will appear on your door, ready to serve you with a smile. Not much of a fussy traveler, I never used this facility but it\u2019s a great idea to appoint each room with an attendant. It helps especially the elderly for anything they might need. The attendants sleep near the entrance of their respective coaches. Each coach is also appointed with a well stocked pantry<\/strong>. This is important because due to the layout of the linear palace, it takes time to reach the other coaches or restaurants and bar. Even luxury has its limitations! Also, I wished there was an individual temperature control panel in the room. In case a guest wanted to increase or decrease the temperature, he\/she was required to use the buzzer and instruct the room attendant.<\/p>\n

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Me with the room attendant of Yadukula coach. The Golden Chariot, luxury train of South India.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Me at the sit out area, Golden Chariot. Luxury Train.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Some space is left at one end of each coach for a sit out area<\/strong>. 4 chairs and 2 tables are placed next to the door windows. The walls of the sit out area are decorated with South Indian elements such as dance themed face masks. The tables are stocked with fresh <\/strong>newspaper<\/strong>. Every day, there are announcements done in the train. The announcement reaches each corner of the train including rooms, washrooms and spa etc. There is a well appointed business centre as well. Laundry facility is available with a same day return policy. Besides a readily available first aid kit, a doctor on call is also available at each station. All coaches are open, not locked. All 4 doors have only one top latch provided for a quick escape during any emergency. All the services at the spa are chargeable. There are many therapies to choose from.They have a menu card for the same.<\/p>\n

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The Golden Chariot, luxury train of South India halts at Aralvaymoli near Kanyakumari. Scores of wind mills dotted the landscape.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Madira Bar of The Golden Chariot:<\/strong> The bar at Golden Chariot is grand. Thanks to its well planned layout, rich furnishings and a lively ambiance, it was the most preferred place for all the passengers to have a conversation, sip wine, read books or socialize. Interactive events like live South Indian cooking demo<\/strong> was held in this area. The women also flocked to the bar to get their palms painted with Mehandi\/Heena<\/strong> during an event. The best part: There is no closing time for the bar. The bar stays open till the last drink is ordered. The consumables at the bars are chargeable separately. But oh, there are happy hours as well.<\/p>\n

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Chess and other pastimes at Madira Bar. The Golden Chariot, luxury train of South India.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

THE RESTAURANTS AND FOOD AT THE GOLDEN CHARIOT, LUXURY TRAIN
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There are 2 restaurants in the Golden Chariot. The food in Golden Chariot is so tasteful that I used to wait for my next meal every day. In fact the food and service in Golden Chariot is one of its highlights. Mr. Mahender Singh Rathore, food and beverage manager has been the part of the management ever since its inception. He personally takes care of the need of each guest. I talked to some foreign guests from Canada, Fiji and Ireland<\/strong> and they seemed delighted with the quality<\/strong> of the European cuisine and service on board. Every day, the breakfast and dinner was aboard the Golden Chariot Train. The lunch was served in the luxury hotels of the cities we visited. The breakfast aboard the Golden Chariot comprised of fresh fruits, juices and a choice of continental and Indian meals. I was impressed with the freshness of the food despite the change in its city every day. The executive chef Deepak Chaubey told me, \u201cWe source fresh ingredients every day. We have our tie ups at each station which facilitates it. Quality is never compromised.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Indian Food in the Golden Chariot, luxury train of South India.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The breakfast and dinner in Golden Chariot also had a choice of continental food. Below are some of the dishes I stuffed my face with. <\/em><\/p>\n

Breakfast<\/strong> (Indian) \u2013Masala Dosa, Aaloo Paratha, Idli, Palak Poori, Khara and Kesari Bhath, Gobhi Paratha, Khara Pongal, Masala Vada, Poori Bhaji, Paneer Paratha, Shavige Bhath, Ajwaiini Poori.<\/p>\n

Breakfast<\/strong> (Non Indian): Cheese platter with olive and crackers, Muffins, Croissants with assorted jams, honey and butter, Wheat Flakes, Corn Flakes, Oatmeal, Muesli, Seasonal Cut fruits, juices.<\/p>\n

Beverages (Non Alcoholic) <\/strong>– Tea (Darjeeling\/Masala\/Earl Grey\/English Breakfast\/Green Tea), Coffee (South Indian Filter\/Cappucino\/Espresso\/Latte), Hot Chocolate<\/p>\n

Soups<\/strong> served were Mulligatawny Soup, Tamatar Dhaniya Shorba, Cr\u00e8me Dubarry, Mushroom and Barley Soup<\/p>\n

Salads<\/strong>– Grilled pineapple and prunes salad, Creamy cucumber with cashew kernels, Crispy coleslaw, Three Bean Salad.<\/p>\n

Entr\u00e9e<\/strong>– Bouqueterie of vegetables and herbed potatoes, Basil Scented Vegetable Skewers, Grilled Mediterranean Vegetables with Fruit Salsa, Fettuccine Alfredo,<\/p>\n

Indian<\/strong>– Manguluru Paneer Masala, Mysuru Brinjal Curry, Drumstick Ulli Sambhar, Zafarani Pulao, Lal Mirch Paratha, Mirch Bhutta Makhana, Kandhari Kofta, Hare Cholia Te Paneer, Khattey Aaloo, Tawa Paratha, Panchras dal, Jeera Rice, Tomato Raita, Palak Khumb, Paneer Lababdar, Kadi pakodi, Aloo Udaygiri, Kerala Parotta, Angoori Pulao<\/p>\n

Dessert<\/strong> \u2013 Tender coconut souffl\u00e9, Gulab Jamun, Dharwadi Bendekai, Pineapple Strudels, Nariyal Til Sikkha, Tiramisu, Sheer Korma, Apple Cinnamon Pie, Zafrani Gajar aur Badam Kheer.<\/p>\n

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