The Golden Chariot Train : Best of Kerala aboard Splendor of the South Journey

Popularly known as God’s own country, Kerala is the foremost choice of travelers who wish to discover the natural and cultural bounties of South India. Of many ways to explore this mesmerizing destination in India, luxury train journey on board the Golden Chariot is one unique offering. Be it the allure of backwaters, virgin beaches and medieval heritage sites such as forts, palaces, churches and temples, Kerala offers different strokes for different folks depending upon their needs and preferences. A luxury train voyage adds to the romance of “god’s own country”.

Rated as one of the Seven Best Luxury Train Journeys in the World by Vanity Fair magazine, the Golden Chariot train ushers its guests onto the seventh heaven during its 8 days long itinerary of the Splendor of the South journey. One of the major highlights of the Splendor of South itinerary aboard the Golden Chariot is a day of sightseeing halt in Thiruvananthapuram. The Golden Chariot train chugs into Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala on the 6th day of the Splendor of the South journey.

Famed as the “Evergreen city of India”, Thiruvananthapuram is characterized by the undulating landscapes of low coastal hills and bustling commercial streets. Guests on board Golden Chariot train are first taken to the Padmanabhaswamy temple, a highly revered temple for Keralites dedicated to the deity Lord Anantha and one of the richest temples in the world. Then there is The Napier Museum which displays rare collection of historical artifacts and Sri Chitra Art Gallery which houses original paintings by Raja Ravi Verma, Nicholas Roerich and Svetlova as well as mural and miniature paintings from all around the world. The day 6 also includes a visit to the Poovar Island for beach exploration followed by a Gala dinner and cultural extravaganza that will give a perfect closure to your sightseeing of the day.

From Thiruvananthapuram, the train chugs along to reach the exotic backwater destination in Kerala on the penultimate day of the Southern Splendour journey. Rated as one of the 50 Places to Visit before You Die by National Geographic Traveler, Kerala backwaters will surely leave you spellbound. A day of sightseeing activities amidst the bucolic backwaters is sure to revive your senses. Included in today’s activity is the cruise aboard a luxury houseboat which lets the guests enjoy the breathtaking sights of palm-fringed backwaters, meandering kettuvallams and vast expanses of rice paddy fields. The backwater cruise in Alleppey is followed by a sumptuous lunch at a backwater resort in Kumarakom.

Guests on board Golden Chariot train will head towards their final destination of the itinerary, Kochi in the second half of the penultimate day of this luxury train journey. Often described as the “Queen of Arabian Sea”, Kochi offers an unlikely blend of Portugal, Dutch and British which manifest itself in various colonial structures built by European colonialists such as Dutch Palace, the Jewish Synagogue and the St. Francis Church. A traditional Kathakali dance performance forms the crescendo of the day and also mark the end of your Southern Splendor tour on board the Golden Chariot.

The Kerala trip on the 6th and 7th day of the Splendor of the South itinerary on board the Golden Chariot train will acquaint you with the diverse facets of this South Indian state which includes golden beaches, charming backwaters and medieval monuments. The weeklong journey aboard the Golden Chariot train is an opportunity to discover the natural cultural treasure troves of South India. Foray into this weeklong sojou
for an experience like never before.