Unraveling the spirit of the South, The Golden Chariot is a unique luxury train that gives travelers a chance to experience the culture, heritage, art, history, architecture, hospitality, and lots more through a single voyage. Here are a few interesting facts about the train that you must get to know.
Conceptualization: A joint initiative between the Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation Limited (KSTDC) and Indian Railways Catering & Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), The Golden Chariot Train came into being to promote tourism in South India. While there are many luxury tourist trains that run across North India, especially around Rajasthan, South India remained untouched. To give tourists an opportunity to witness the incredible gems of this magical land, The Golden Chariot Train chugged on its maiden voyage from Bangalore to Goa on 10th March 2008.
Journey: Being the first and only luxury train that covers parts of Southern India, its journey was planned with careful deliberation. There is so much to see and experience in India’s south region that handpicking a few destinations is not an easy task. This is why The Golden Chariot Train offers not one but three amazing journeys that include some of the best heritage sites and tourist destinations showcasing Southern splendour in all its glory. The itineraries are Pride of Karnataka with Goa (7 Days/ 6 Nights), Jewels of South (7 Days/ 6 Nights), and Glimpses of Karnataka (4 Days/ 3 Nights).
Itineraries: One of the most unique things about this 5-star train is undoubtedly the circuit it traverses across South India. In 2022, The Golden Chariot Train has made a comeback with 4 handcrafted journeys namely Majestic Karnataka (Bangalore-Mysuru-Hampi-Goa) (2N/3D), Sojourn of India (Goa-Hampi-Chikmagalur-Mysore-Bangalore) (3N/4D), Pride of Karnataka (Bengaluru – Nanjangud – Mysore – Halebidu – Chikamgaluru – Hospet – Goa – Bengaluru) (5N/6D) and Jewels of South (Bengaluru – Mysore – Kanchipuram – Mahabalipuram – Thanjavur – Chettinad/Karaikudi – Cochin – Chertala/Mararikulam – Bengaluru) (5N/6D). Guests are free to choose one of these exciting tours and enjoy the most memorable vacation in South India!
Amenities: While the train’s interiors are beautifully decorated in line with regal splendor, the amenities are kept modern to provide maximum comfort. There is a mix of 30 twin bed cabins, 13 double bed cabins, and 1 cabin for the physically challenged on The Golden Chariot Train. All the cabins have state-of-the-art facilities including air conditioning, en-suite bathrooms, a range of toiletries, complimentary wifi, LCD TV, and hot and cold water supply, and each room is approximately 67.5 sq. ft. The luxury train in South India also features fine dining restaurants, a bar, a spa, and a fitness center so that guests can enjoy their train journey to the fullest.
Recognition: Because of its unusual route covering Karnataka and the kind of unmatched experience it offers, this South India train has gained immense popularity among the masses. It is not surprising that the Golden Chariot train has been bestowed with various awards and accolades. Within just 4 years of its inception, The Golden Chariot Train won one of the seven best luxury rail journeys awards by Vanity Fair Magazine. Not only this but it has also been awarded Asia’s Leading Luxury Train in 2013 at the World Travel Awards.
Want to explore the wonders of the South on this fascinating train? Visit the official website of www.goldenchariot.org and book this once-in-a-lifetime journey for the upcoming season. Also, unlock exclusive promo offers!
