Jewels Of South

Jewels of South

05 Nights / 06 Days

Bengaluru – Mysore – Mahabalipuram – Thanjavur – Chettinad – Cochin – Kumarakom – Bengaluru

Name

Tour Highlights

♦ Walk around the gorgeous Mysore Palace.
♦ Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Mahabalipuram.
♦ Visit the world famous Brihadeshwara Temple in Thanjavur.
♦ Discover the rich heritage houses and the art of making ‘Chettinad’ tiles.
♦ Visit the historic Fort Kochi.
♦ Enjoy cultural shows in traditional Kerala style.
♦ Cruise through the tranquil backwaters of Kumarakom.
♦ Relax in style and comfort on board and experience the luxury of personal service.
♦ Comfortable, comfortable rides throughout Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala

Tour Overview

Discover the rich heritage, architectural wonder and scenic landscapes of South India on the luxurious Golden Chariot. The Jewels of South tour will take you through the colorful states of Karnataka, Tamilnadu and Kerala and will give you an unforgettable combination of history, spirituality, art and nature.
The tour starts in Bengaluru, and continues with the royal splendor of Mysore Palace, the ancient temples of Mahabalipuram, the grand Brihadeshwara Temple of Thanjavur and the heritage mansions of Chettinad. The trip then takes them to Kerala where they can experience the colonial beauty of Fort Kochi and the calm of cruising along the scenic backwaters of Kumarakom.
The Jewels of South provides lodging, dining and tours to some of the most popular locations in South India, with a luxury rail journey through the elegant accommodations, fine dining, guided tours and outstanding hospitality.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Bengaluru – Mysore

Register and check-in at Yeshwantpur Railway Station, Bengaluru for a luxury train ride. Once the formalities are done, get on board the Golden Chariot and get a nice bed for yourself.
Have lunch on the train on its way to Mysore. On arrival, stop at the magnificent Mysore Palace, one of the most impressive royal palaces of India, with its magnificent architecture and rich history.
Come back to the train in the evening when it is heading towards Tamil Nadu. Enjoy dinner onboard and relax for the night.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Golden Chariot

Day 2: Mahabalipuram

Enjoy breakfast onboard as the train arrives at Chengalpattu. Guests may choose to participate in an optional excursion to Kanchipuram, one of South India’s most sacred temple cities.
After lunch onboard, proceed to Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its rock-cut temples, ancient sculptures, and magnificent Shore Temple overlooking the Bay of Bengal.
In the evening, enjoy dinner at a beachfront hotel before returning to the train as it continues its journey towards Thanjavur.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Golden Chariot

Day 3: Thanjavur & Chettinad

Following breakfast, disembark for a guided tour of Thanjavur, home to the spectacular Brihadeshwara Temple, one of the finest examples of Chola architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
After lunch onboard, continue to the culturally rich region of Chettinad. Explore the famous Athangudi tile-making center and visit traditional Chettinad mansions that reflect the wealth and architectural brilliance of the region’s merchant communities.
Return to the train for dinner as it proceeds towards Kerala.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Golden Chariot

Day 4: Cochin

Arrive at Cochin Harbour Terminus and enjoy breakfast onboard. Begin your exploration of Fort Kochi with a visit to the historic Mattancherry Palace, followed by a cultural performance showcasing Kerala’s traditional dance forms.
After lunch onboard, guests may explore additional attractions including the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets and St. Francis Church, one of the oldest European churches in India.
Return to the train for dinner as it departs for Kumarakom.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Golden Chariot

Day 5: Kumarakom Backwaters

Start the day with breakfast onboard before embarking on one of Kerala’s most memorable experiences—a cruise through the serene backwaters of Kumarakom.
Board a traditional houseboat and glide through scenic waterways lined with coconut groves, paddy fields, and charming villages. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at an exclusive venue while soaking in the peaceful surroundings.
Return to the train in the evening for your final dinner onboard.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Golden Chariot

Day 6: Bengaluru

Enjoy breakfast onboard as the Golden Chariot arrives back in Bengaluru.
After completing the check-out formalities, disembark from the train and conclude your unforgettable journey through the cultural treasures of South India.
Meals: Breakfast

Inclusions

♦ Accommodation in luxury twin or double-bedded cabins with attached bathrooms.
♦ All meals throughout the journey.
♦ Soft beverages during meals.
♦ House brands of Indian wines, beer, and spirits.
♦ Butler service onboard.
♦ Complimentary tea, coffee, and mineral water.
♦ Guided sightseeing tours as per itinerary.
♦ Entrance fees to monuments and attractions.
♦ Still camera fees included excursions.
♦ Transportation for all scheduled excursions.
♦ Services of professional English-speaking guides.
♦ Porterage at railway stations.

Exclusions

♦ Optional excursions not mentioned in the itinerary.
♦ GST and applicable government taxes.
♦ Travel insurance.
♦ Gratuities and personal expenses.
♦ Telephone charges and laundry services.
♦ Premium alcoholic beverages beyond house brands.
♦ Video camera and professional photography fees.
♦ Arrival and departure transfers.
♦ Domestic and international airfare.
♦ Pre-tour and post-tour accommodation.
♦ Tour extensions and additional services not mentioned under inclusions.

Jewels of South​ Tariff for Season 2026-27 & 2027-28

Occupancy TypeTotal Amount
Deluxe CabinUSD 5,000
Single CabinUSD 3,800

Jewels of South​ Schedule for Season 2026-27 & 2027-28

MonthDeparture Dates
November, 202628
February, 202720
March, 202727
October, 202725
November, 202729
December, 202713
January, 202810
February, 202828
March, 202806

♦ All tariffs are subject to a 5% Government of India GST.
♦ Rates are subject to change without prior notice.
♦ Christmas and New Year departures attract a 10% surcharge.
♦ Train schedules and itineraries may be altered due to operational requirements.
♦ Excursions are subject to weather and local conditions.
♦ Guests must carry valid government-issued identification throughout the journey.
♦ The management reserves the right to modify the itinerary when necessary.
♦ All bookings are governed by the official booking and cancellation policies.

FIT (Individual Travelers)
♦ More than 60 days before departure: 5% of ticket value will be deducted.
♦ 30–59 days before departure: 20% of ticket value will be deducted.
♦ 15–29 days before departure: 50% of ticket value will be deducted.
♦ Less than 14 days before departure: 100% cancellation charge applies.

Group Bookings
♦ More than 60 days before departure: 10% of ticket value will be deducted.
♦ 30–59 days before departure: 25% of ticket value will be deducted.
♦ 15–29 days before departure: 75% of ticket value will be deducted.
♦ Less than 14 days before departure: 100% cancellation charge applies.

FIT (Individual Travelers)
♦ 20% of the total ticket value is required at the time of booking confirmation.
♦ The remaining 80% balance payment must be made at least 60 days prior to departure.

Group Bookings
♦ 50% of the total ticket value is required at the time of booking confirmation.
♦ The remaining 50% balance payment must be made at least 45 days prior to departure.

♦ Children below 5 years travel free when sharing a cabin with their parents.
♦ Children between 5 and 12 years are charged 50% of the applicable adult fare.
♦ Families traveling with children are requested to maintain the refined atmosphere onboard.
♦ Accommodation for children is subject to cabin occupancy limits.
♦ Additional taxes, if applicable, will be charged separately.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Palace on Wheels is a luxury train in India that takes you on a royal journey through Rajasthan. It was launched in 1982 and is jointly run by Rajasthan Tourism and Indian Railways. Think of it as a moving five-star hotel — every cabin is beautifully designed, the service is warm and attentive, and the destinations are absolutely stunning.

Each carriage is named after a famous Rajasthani fort or palace. The rich décor, royal interiors, and personalized service make you feel like you’re actually staying inside a palace — just one that moves. That’s exactly where the name comes from.

The train covers 9 iconic destinations across Rajasthan and beyond:
Delhi — Start and end point
Jaipur — The Pink City
Ranthambore — Tiger safari country
Chittorgarh — Ancient Rajput fort
Udaipur — City of Lakes
Jaisalmer — The Golden Desert City
Jodhpur — The Blue City
Bharatpur — Famous bird sanctuary
Agra — Home of the Taj Mahal

The tour is open to all — Buddhist pilgrims, spiritual seekers, history enthusiasts, and curious travelers of any nationality or faith. There are no religious prerequisites to participate.

The train operates from September to April every year, departing every Wednesday. Check-in starts at 4 pm at Safdarjung Railway Station, New Delhi.

The train operates from September to April every year, departing every Wednesday. Check-in starts at 4 pm at Safdarjung Railway Station, New Delhi.

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