Tag Archives: Golden Chariot Express

About Golden Chariot Express

Golden Chariot is a luxury tourist train and derives its name from the Stone Chariot in the Vitthala Temple at Hampi. The train connects tourist destinations in the Indian states of Karnataka, Goa, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and the union territory of Pondicherry.

The train is an adaptation of the more popular Palace on Wheels and boasts facilities such as accommodation, spa treatment and dining. It has also been conferred with the title ‘Asia’s Leading Luxury Train’ at World Travel Awards 2013. Though operated by the Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation, a private company is responsible for hospitality-related services on the train. The 19 coaches of the train are coloured purple and gold. Each one of them also displays the logo of a mythical animal with the head of an elephant and the body of a lion.

History –

This luxury train is the result of a 2002 Memorandum of Understanding between the State Tourism Board and the Indian Railways, drawing inspiration from the success of the Palace on Wheels. The Integral Coach Factory was given responsibility to give shape to this luxury train. Engineers had prepared 900 layouts before the final design was prepared. An architect and 200 carpenters worked tirelessly for four months to finish the design of the coaches.

Finally, in 2008, the luxury train was inaugurated to mark the golden jubilee of Karnataka state. It was on 10 March 2008 that the train embarked on its maiden journey from Bangalore to Goa.

Accommodation and Amenities –

The train offers accommodation in 44 cabins of 11 coaches, each one named after a dynasty that ruled the region: Kadamba, Hoysala, Rashtrakuta, Chalukya, Ganga, Bahamani, Adil Shahi, Sangama, Satavahana, Yadukula and VijayNagar. The train also features two restaurants, a lounge bar and conference room, gym, as well as spa facilities. Internet connectivity is available on board the train via USB-stick and live satellite television service is available in the cabins.

Passengers –

It is possible to have 88 passengers on the train at a time and, according to March 2009 data, the train had 35 percent occupancy. Most tourists, who travel on the train, are British, French, Americans, Japanese or Germans.

The luxury train offers two tours, namely, Pride of the South and Splendour of the South.

Pride of the South –

Pride of the South is a 7 nights 8 days tour that will take an individual to various tourist sites in Karnataka. Bangalore is covered in the tour on the first day; Mysore on the second; the Nagarhole National Park on the third; Hasan, Karnataka, Belur and Halebidu on the fourth day; Hospet and Hampi on the fifth day; Aihole, Pattadakal , and Badami on the sixth day; Goa on the seventh day and back to Bangalore on the eighth day.

Splendour of South –

Splendour of South is a tourist itinerary across three South Indian states, namely, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Pondicherry. As part of this tour, Bangalore is covered on the first day; Chennai on the second day; Pondicherry on the third day; Tanjavur on the fourth day; Madurai on the fifth day; Thiruvananthapuram on the sixth day; Alleppey and Kochi on the seventh day and return to Bangalore on the eighth day.

  • Golden Chariot Express Express Route, Schedule & Time Table –

–> Day 1 – Bangalore

–> Day 2 – Mysore / Kabini

–> Day 3 – Mysore Palace

–> Day 4 – Gomateswara Hill Monolith

–> Day 5 – UNESCO World Heritage Site

–> Day 6 – UNESCO World Heritage Site of Badami and Pattadakal

–> Day 7 – GOA Churches & Golden Beaches

–> Day 8 – Bangalore