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One thing I love about travel is that it constantly proves me wrong.
For instance, ask me two months ago what I thought of train travel in India. My naive mind would have likely spiralled into mental images of sweaty carts touting passengers crammed like sardines, slow chugs along rickety rails and brave passengers dangling out of carriages 3x past capacity. In all likelihood, I would have told you not to do it.
But because travel loves throwing curveballs and lessons, let me tell you: train travel in India can be so much more than that.
In fact, last month, after finding myself on board the classiest, most luxurious train I’ve ever set foot on, I couldn’t recommend the experience more. Thanks to an invitation from Incredible India to spend a week on board the Golden Chariot train (one of India’s top luxury experiences), I’m now a believer in Indian train travel.
I mean guys, I was basically whizzing through the South of India like Beyonce on rails.
I know you’ve seen the photos on Instagram, and are dying to know more about what the experience was like. Well, hop on board, grab some champagne, and let me whisk you away on a little Golden Chariot journey through photos.
The Golden Chariot: A Bangalore to Goa Train Unlike Any Other
Some call me the queen of hyperbole (after all, excitable Canadian-ness runs through my veins), but I truly mean it when I say this train was unlike any I’ve ever seen.
To paint you a mental image: imagine a long purple train covered with golden accents, concealing inside a glitzy set of carriages coated in royal colours and fancy-pants décor. From day one, a red carpet leads you into a swishy on-board bar decked in red and gold, where a glass of bubbly is in your hand quicker than you can ‘gram the place. Soon enough, you are fed a non-stop parade of appetizers and led to your own private room by your butler. Yes – your butler.
In many ways, the Golden Chariot is a dreamy fantasy world, a week long escape where masala chai flows like champagne, where your every whim is attended to by doting staff and where overnight, you’re whisked away to your next stop – like a luxurious teleportation device that also makes an excellent curry.
Wait – no need to imagine. Here are some photos:
My golden (purple) ticket!
Definitely wanted more of this!
From Bangalore to Goa by Train – A Packed Itinerary
The Golden Chariot has two different possible itineraries, both whisking you through highlights in the South of India. I did the Pride of South itinerary, which brought me to the provinces of Karnataka and Goa.
Here’s what it’s like: every day, you wake up in a new destination, a packed itinerary prepared in advance for you. One day, you might be scouring temple ruins like Indiana Jones, the next, touring a lush coffee plantation set at a breezy luxury resort. It’s as exhausting as it is exciting. Stepping off the train is an instant recipe for a non-stop whirlwind day, but just as certain is the comforting welcome back on board, pioneered by your butler serving up a cool welcome drink and refreshing towel.
Our week-long journey took us from bustling Bangalore…
… to the grand palaces of Mysore.
Straight through the Indian jungle (in search of tigers).
Not sure why I look so sad in this photo. I promise I was having a good time!
To spectacular temples…
Through the coffee haven of Chikmagalur…
The mindblowing ruins of Hampi…
And of course, the sun-drenched beaches of Goa…
Frolicking in the Indian Ocean with a glass of white wine in my hand – aka my new natural habitat I think
An endless marathon of food
And as arduous as it is to hop from sight to sight, senses overwhelmed and dazzled by the scenic slew of temples and palaces from that day’s itinerary, there is a task still more strenuous – finding precious stomach space for the food so liberally paraded in front of you.
Dining on board the Golden Chariot can perhaps be considered a marathon in itself. Every meal on board is lovingly created by a team who provides a surprising variety of options catering to both Indian and Western palettes. Whether you go for the Vegetarian or Non-Vegetarian option, you WILL be well-fed… with a keen chef who comes through the restaurant, prodding you to make a liiiittle more room for one of his proud creations (or often, all of them). My personal motto was of course “chef knows best”, which might explain why I went to bed with a 3 month food baby every night.
Our glitzy dining car
One of the many Thalis (many different dishes served up on a round platter) consumed on board
Spices snapped during an on-board cooking demo
Transportation as an experience in itself
If it wasn’t already obvious from my prior ramblings, this Bangalore to Goa train ride is far more than a way to get from Point A to Point B. Besides the obvious perks of seeing India by train (like the breezy views), moments on board are thoroughly packed with activity too. Henna one night, a bumpin’ disco the next. This whirlwind of a trip will leave you with many things: a full SD card and plumper waistline among others, but one thing’s for sure: boredom is not in the cards.
Palm tree views on board
Henna and wine party!
An unforgettable journey
And so, I guarantee you that this ride on board the Golden Chariot provides the most glamorous of trains from Bangalore to Goa. Altogether, something that is truly once in a lifetime…
Thanks again to Incredible India and the team behind the #IndiaBlogTrain project for inviting me on this trip!
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Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
You always post the best photos, Christina! I love how vibrant the colours are, you really do India justice. 🙂
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Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
https://charmainenyw.com
Christina Guan says
Thanks so much, Charmaine 🙂
Helene says
This might be the coolest train ride I’ve ever seen. Officially added it to my bucket list! Incredible. As always, lovely pics and words 🙂
Christina Guan says
You’ve gotta do it. SO cool!! <3 Thanks for the sweet comment, girl!
Anisa says
Wow, what an amazing journey. Not sure which is more impressive the train or the places you saw? I am used to just a normal commuter type train, thinking it’s time I treat myself!
Christina Guan says
time to treat yourself, for real!! It’s not a cheap trip but an excellent way to feel like a queen for a week haha 😉 Let me know if you have any questions about it.
Mayuri says
Amazing account of the train journey! Love it! Thanks for sharing
Christina Guan says
Thanks for reading!
Annika says
Looks amazing! I will admit I am a little envious that your train was actually purple . Mind you, no real free flowing champagne? 😉
But seriously what a great way to see and explore a country! And while it certainly is exhausting too at times I really appreciated being able to unpack for a week and have a room to return to each night.
Christina Guan says
Hahaha we didn’t get a red carpet reception at every stop either, but hey, we can’t have it all right? 😉 Maybe someday I’ll get to do the Maharajas Express too! <3
Viola says
You are living the dream! Omg I am considering this train for my India trip now! Gimme a thalis ASAP!
Christina Guan says
I’m loving every moment!!! I’ll send you a thali in the mail haha
Dawn says
Wow this is awesome. I want to experience riding that train. It looks amazing and so much fun. You sure had a great experience. The places you’ve visited are also very Impressive. I really love India because of its culture and also its food. Great post Christina.
Christina Guan says
Aw thank you so much for the sweet words, Dawn! And thanks for reading too 😀
Miranda - the Common Wanderer says
Whaaaat your trip looked insane! Travelling by train is the best too, we’re super keen to do a big train adventure soon! So glad you had a great time x
Christina Guan says
It was amazing! Thanks for reading, girl <3
Lauren says
This looks incredible! It’s hard to believe that those pictures are inside a train – it looks more like a palace!
Christina Guan says
My thoughts exactly!!! Thanks so much for reading, Lauren <3
Kristine Li says
Awesome train experience, it seems really magical and so many activities on train and beyond the train too! It was fun following the adventures on you guys’ IG during that period too!
Christina Guan says
<3 Thanks so much for following along! I hope it made you feel like you were right there with us haha.
Nathalie McNabb says
What a wonderful experience! India is on list of destination for early 2019, bookmarking this post!
Christina Guan says
Awesome, Nathalie! I hope you make it there 🙂 I’m sure you’ll have an amazing time wherever you choose to go. Let me know if you have any questions about the Golden Chariot.
Louise says
Omg Christina, I am dyinggggg. Incredible India indeed!! What an amazing experience.
First of all, the very fact that this train is purple (my favourite colour) and gold is already off to a good start! You get your own butler, too?! The interior is stunningly beautiful.
You (and the assigned photographer) captured some wonderful shots! What a fun trip!! Definitely on my bucketlist now!! I want to go SO BAD.
Christina Guan says
Aww Louise, your comment made my heart so happy hahah. The trip was seriously incredible and I’m glad I was able to convey that in the post 😉 hope you get to experience it too someday!
Bejal says
Oh wow this is absolutely amazing! We’re actually looking into train journeys in India and this one sure looks incredible! Absolutely love the photos!
Christina Guan says
Ahh yay! I hope this post inspired you in some way. The Golden Chariot was an epic way to see India. Have an amazing trip 🙂
Jordan says
How did they ever convince you to leave the train (I mean, I guess you took some cool photos outside…hahaha)?! Considering the gorgeous interior, I’d definitely just lounge in my room for dayyyysss (provided I get room service, lots of wine, and endless desserts 😉 )…sooo I’m thinking, the Orient Express?!
Christina Guan says
The answer is: with great difficulty. And lol exactly like the Orient Express, except the only murder on board was of my self control and waistline. baaadum tssssss. 😉 hahah.
Candice says
Absolutely breathtaking! Definitely not the kind of experience that I would think of when riding any sort of long-distance train. I need to pin this so I can remember for the time when I will get to explore India, it looks like such a pleasant way to go. Thank you for sharing!
Christina Guan says
I had no idea train travel could be this luxurious, honestly! Thanks so much for taking the time to read and comment, Candice 🙂 hopefully you get to try this out for yourself someday!
Anita says
What an incredible experience! I love all the beautiful photos!
Christina Guan says
It was amazing. Thanks so much for reading, Anita!
Bruna Bersch says
Beautiful pictures! I would never imagine having this kind of experience in India. After seeing your post, I’ll definitely consider getting to know India through this train travel. Thank you for sharing your experience!
Christina Guan says
That makes me SO happy to hear, Bruna. It was definitely a unique way to see the country and I’m so grateful I got the opportunity! Thanks for reading 🙂
Natalia says
I’m always on the fence about going to India.. thanks for the informative post! Xx
http://www.travelustblog.com
Christina Guan says
I used to be to but I’m so glad I went. It was truly incredible! Thanks for reading 🙂
Rob says
Looks very glamorous for sure but at over 10k usd before tax, tips, drinks, airfare, etc for seven days it’s beyond what most are willing to pay.
Ameer Hamza says
Awesome Guide and Seems like you had fantastic experience in India, all these pictures are so beautiful
Always love to see your guides
Mary Smith says
Oh wow, this is a wonderful post. The Golden Chariot Train had fanatics facilities and a very memorable trip to south India.
Dhanvi Tour says
This really is a great post. I appreciate the depth of information you’ve included here. I’ve traveled but never outside of my own country on my own. You’ve actually made me question some of my own anxieties on why this is. : )