What are the passport/visa requirements for travel to India?

A passport with validity at least six months beyond your departure from India is required. Also, visas must be obtained prior to arrival in India. Please note that Palace Tours cannot provide visas. If you are a US citizen, please visit https://www.indian-visa.com/ for details on obtaining an Indian Visa. For non-US citizens, please visit www.mea.gov.in, click on “Welcome” and then under "MEA Links" at the right, click on "Missions and Posts Abroad" and then click "Consulate Generals". You can then select your appropriate Consulate General office and link directly to its website, where detailed visa information and application forms can be found. Please budget at least 14 days to receive it from the consulate.

What type of clothing is recommended?
The best outfit, especially during the summers, is a tee-shirt worn with loose cotton trousers. We advise that women avoid wearing tank tops or short skirts/shorts. Adventurous ladies can try wearing the comfortable and free-sized Indian 'salwar-kameez'. There is no official dress code on board the train.

What type of cuisine is served?

The food served on board the Golden Chariot is both Continental and Indian, specifically various South Indian specialties. Beef and pork are not served in many parts of India, but good quality vegetarian food is easily available. Curd or yogurt is served with most meals, as it is a natural aid to digestion and helps temper the spicy food. We highly recommend that you drink only bottled water, which is provided free of charge. Please advise upon booking if you have allergies or special dietary requests.

Please describe the rooms on board The Golden Chariot.

There are 11 passenger coaches, each containing 4 suites and a lounge. Each cabin is fully equipped with wi-fi internet access, plasma TV, reading desk, ensuite restroom with toilet and shower facilities, cupboard and under-bed storage for luggage. The restroom is stocked with a hairdryer and several toiletries. The suites measure approximately 2.35m x 2.85 m (7’8’’ x 9’4’’) and the restrooms measure approximately 1.04m x 1.93m (3’5’’ x 6’4’’).

What are the amenities on board the train?

The Golden Chariot luxury train contains a spa, Ayurveda center and state of the art gymnasium complete with treadmill, cycle, stair-stepper and steam room. There are two restaurant cars, a business center, and bar/lounge car that is stocked with the finest wines and spirits. There are also laundry facilities on board; please ask your cabin attendant for details.

Is the train accessible to those with physical challenges?

There is one cabin on board which has been specially designed with larger doorways to accommodate wheelchair-bound clients. Please advise upon booking if you will require this cabin.

What should I expect during the sightseeing tours?
Certain temples have dress codes, such as covering your head or going barefoot and/or do not permit any leather articles at all on their premises; please check with your guide beforehand so that you do not unwittingly give offence. Vehicles utilized for the sightseeing transport are typically 30-35 seater air-conditioned coaches.

Where is smoking permitted throughout the tour?

Smoking is not allowed in the individual cabins or restaurants; however smoking is permitted in designated areas on the train such as the lounges and bar car.

What is the recommended gratuity?
In hotels, porters and room service attendants are normally tipped at the end of the stay, though an early tip is likely to get you better service. Standard gratuity for restaurants is around 10%. Tipping of taxi drivers is not customary.

What type of currency is recommended?

U.S. Dollars and Indian Rupees are commonly accepted, as well as Thomas Cook or American Express travelers’ checks.  In cities you can change major foreign currencies and any brands of travelers' checks. Most big cities have ATMs which accept Visa and MasterCard as well as American Express. The ATM network is ever expanding and in some states, you can find them even in some smaller towns.

What are the standard practices for shopping?
Try to shop in government handicraft shops and a few other private shops, as their prices are fixed and the quality is certified. You may also visit some shops run by craftsmen/artisans in the smaller towns, where bargaining is a standard practice and is enjoyed by all.

What are your guidelines on local customs or social interaction?

If you are confronted by beggars, do not them hassle you and do not encourage them by giving them money. If you are taking a taxi or rickshaw, insist on seeing the latest rate card and pay accordingly, as the fares are constantly changing and do not always conform to readings on the meters.

What are the health precautions and recommendations?

-          Always drink bottled water

-          Clean your teeth using bottled water for the first few days

-          Always wash fruit well before eating, or eat fruits that you can peel

-          Wash your hands before and after eating.

-          If you do catch a bug, do not panic; it will go away in a few days - but try the following tips to keep it at bay:

o         Drink lassi, a yogurt drink which will help tone down the bacteria

o         Eat plain rice or khichdi, an easily digestible mixture of rice and lentils

o         Drink coconut water – it is cooling and naturally sterile

o         Drink plenty of fluids and take electrolyte salts if the bug persists

-          Always keep a tube of mosquito repellent with you.

-          Always carry a kit of the basic emergency medicines you might need for diarrhea, fever, etc. Also, band-aids and an antiseptic ointment.

-          Make sure you bring sun protection, such as a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen

-          Remember to drink plenty of water and other fluids