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Golden Chariot’s New Tour: Indian Summer in the South

By Owen C. Hardy

Dining car on S. Indian's "Golden Chariot" deluxe train Photo: Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation

Sloth bears and elephants are on display in their natural habitats during a special summer itinerary just announced by the Golden Chariot, a tourist train run by south India’s Karnataka State Tourism Development Corp.

The 7-night, 8-day summer package, “Pride of the South,” departs April 16. The Golden Chariot’s season normally operates September-March.

The tour covers Karnataka’s best-known tourist destinations, including three UNESCO World Heritage Sites and wildlife sanctuaries.

The special offer includes dinner at Lalitha Mahal Palace Hotel, located at the foothills of Chamundi, Mysore, after a special cultural show that showcases Karnataka’s rich culture, the tourism department says.

The itinerary includes “Hampi by Night,” a program featuring specially illuminated monuments.

Guests also visit the nearby Daroji Bear Sanctuary, Asia’s first and biggest dedicated to the sloth bear.

As reported in The Hindu, the special Golden Chariot itinerary also includes an elephant interaction program at Kabini, special cultural shows inside the train and complimentary spa services.

April 12 is the cut-off date for booking. Per-person cost for the tour is about  $2,800 (single); $2,100 (double) or $1,660 (triple).

For more information, please email tourdesk@irtsociety.com or call (800) 478-4881 within the U.S. or Canada; elsewhere, please call (502) 897-1725.

Note: The Society of International Railway Travelers® has not had an opportunity to ride the Golden Chariot, although we hope to do so before the end of the year. We will publish a detailed report after that time.