The Golden Chariot - Luxury on Rails

India is country of rich and diverse culture which is thousands of years old. The railway is an integral part of the modern Indian cultural fabric. What more can a tourist expect, the experience of exploring India on a train? And if this train offers the best luxury experience, then what is stopping you?

The Golden Chariot as the name indicates is a luxury train that connects the famous tourist spots in the Indian states of Karnataka, Goa, Kerala & Tamil Nadu as well as Pondicherry. It derives its name from tone Chariot in the Vitthala Temple at Hampi. The magnificent train has 19 coaches coloured in purple and gold. Logo of the train is a mythological animal with the head of an elephant and a body of a lion. It operates between October–March for 2015/16 season with a departure every week, on Monday since its maiden run on 10 March 2008.

Along with the Deccan Odyssey and the Palace on Wheels, the train is designed to reach the epitome of luxury by offering top class accommodations, spa treatments, and multi-cuisine dining.

Upon hearing the success of Palace on Wheels Karnataka State Tourism and Development Corporation (KSTDC), signed an MOU between the state tourism board and the Indian Railways in 2002 to build the Golden Chariot. Later the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) was tasked with the fabrication of this luxury train. An astonishing 900 layouts had to be prepared by the engineers before the design was finalized. 200 carpenters under the guidance of architect Kusum Pendse worked to complete the designs of these railway coaches. The entire exercise lasted around four months. On the Golden Jubilee celebration of Karnataka the, Golden Chariot was unveiled in classic colours of purple and gold symbolizing elegance.

The Golden Chariot offers accommodation in 44 cabins in 11 coaches each named after dynasties that ruled the region: Kadamba, Hoysala, Rashtrakuta, Ganga, Chalukya, Bahamani, Adil Shahi, Sangama, Satavahana, Yadukula, and Vijayanagar. Each of the cabins designed according to these dynasties.

On board are two restaurants, a lounge bar, and conference, gym, and spa facilities. Internet and satellite television service are also available in the cabins. The Golden Chariot can accommodate 88 passengers. Most of the tourists who travel on the train are from US, UK, Japan, France, and Germany.

Dining

Even the two multi-cuisine restaurants- Nala, and Ruchi serve buffet style vegetarian and non-vegetarian food. The names are inspired by Indian mythology and language. Nala was a famous king and chef, while Ruchi means excellent taste in Sanskrit.
The lounge bar is called Madira, the Hindi word for liquor. The bar's interiors are inspired from the Mysore Palace.

Health and Recreation

The ‘Nirvana Spa’ offers holistic wellness through Ayurveda and spa therapies. The recreational coach also hosts a fully equipped gymnasium.

Destinations

The Golden Chariot offers two itineraries. The itineraries are named Pride of the South and Splendour of the South.

Pride of the South

Pride of the South tour is seven nights and eight days itinerary during which several tourist places in Karnataka are covered. The destinations covered during Pride of the South are Bengaluru (Day 1), Mysore (Day 2), Nagarhole National Park (Day 3), Hassan, Karnataka, Belur and Halebidu (Day 4), Hospet and Hampi (Day 5), Aihole, Pattadakal and Badami (Day 6), Goa (Day 7), and back to Bengaluru (Day 8).

Splendor of the South

The splendor of the South tour covers tourist places in 3 South Indian states. During this seven nights and eight days itinerary, tourist places in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Pondicherry are explored.

Destinations covered during this itinerary include Bangalore (Day 1), Chennai (Day 2), Pondicherry (Day 3), Tanjavur (Day 4), Madurai (Day 5), Thiruvananthapuram (Day 6), Alleppey and Kochi (Day 7) and return to Bangalore (Day 8)

Since most of the tourists are foreign and online train ticket can be issued. The availability of seats is high as the tickets are expensive.