Bengaluru: Karnataka's luxury tourist train Golden Chariot resumed its operations on Saturday after a gap of almost six years. Karnataka Tourism Minister H K Patil flagged off the train from Yeshwantpur Railway Station, Bengaluru for its maiden five-day trip.
"This luxury train will provide an unparalleled travel experience to tourists besides showcasing the cultural richness and scenic beauty of Karnataka as well as South India," Patil said. With its new beginning, the Golden Chariot is hoping to regain its international acclaim as one of the best luxury trains in the entire world.
The train, owned by the Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) and operated by the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), will operate in three different packages and circuits covering all important tourist places in Karnataka, Goa, Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
The train has 11 coaches each with four rooms with ultra-luxury amenities and can accommodate 88 passengers. There are two hotels -Ruchi and Nalapaak - to serve Indian and Continental menus to the passengers. Free Wi-Fi, Lounge Bar, and Fitness Centre will be the added facilities.
Each coach has been named after various dynasties including Kadambas, Hoysalas, and Chalukyas that ruled the state in different timelines. The inaugural trip on Saturday drew 34 passengers.
Packages and Cost
The Jewel of South:Under this package which began today, tourists will get to visit Mysuru, Kancheepuram, Mahabalipuram, Thanjavur, Chettinad/Karaikudi, Karaikudi, Cochin, Chertala/ Mararikulam. The price for each person is Rs 4.7 lakh.
The Pride of Karnataka:This five-day package, which will start from February 1, 2025, covers Nanjnagud, Mysuru, Halebidu, Chikkamagaluru, Hospet, Hampi and Goa and the price for each person is 2.7 lakh.
The KSTDC also offers chartered trips under the 'Sojourn of South' package for corporate companies and business houses. "Under this package, corporate houses and companies can book the entire train to the destinations of their choice depending on the availability of the train," said an official from the KSTDC. The first trip under the package is starting from December 29 while the next step is scheduled for February 13.
The costs of these packages will cover all expenses including travel, food, drinks and all other services.
Passengers can book tickets from IRCTC, and KSTDC websites and also through the designated agents.
History
This iconic train was first conceptualised in 2002 by KSTDC in collaboration with Indian Railways. An agreement was signed with the Ministry of Railways in 2002 to develop a luxury train that would promote tourism in Karnataka as well as the vast southern region of India. Inspired by the success of Rajasthan's Palace on Wheels project, Golden Chariot was built to showcase Karnataka's architectural marvels, rich history and natural beauty. The train, operational since 2008, was discontinued in 2018 due to several technical and cost-related issues.
Designed by Integral Coach Factory, Golden Chariot reflects traditional South Indian aesthetics. Before finalising the concept, approximately 900 layouts were prepared. Architect Kusum Pendse and a team of 200 skilled carpenters toiled for four months to bring the train to its traditional beauty along with modernity.
Quote
"Golden Chariot train, pride of Karnataka, is being relaunched. Through this, tourists can visit tourist places in our state as well as South India. The operation of the train was stopped in 2018 but on the insistence of the passengers we have again begun its operations. This train is dedicated to the country and the tourists," said Tourism Minister H K Patil.
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