The Golden Chariot - Introduction
"The Golden Chariot - Window to the soul of South India"

Manufacturer: The Indian Railways
Constructed and launched: 2008
Operator: Indian Railways and Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC)
Journeys: 1. Pride of the South (Bangalore - Kabini - Srirangapatnam - Mysore - Shravanabelagola - Belur - Halebid - Hampi - Badami - Pattadakal - Goa - Bangalore)
2. Southern Splendour (Bangalore - Chennai - Pondicherry - Tanjavur - Madurai - Thiruvananthapuram - Alleppey - Kochi - Bangalore)

Overview

Whether you seek an adrenaline rush or total tranquility, The Golden Chariot, offers you all. Enjoy the House boat cruise on the blue backwaters in Kerala, jungle safari through the lush green Kabini, trek 700 stairs to reach the imposing sanctum sanctorum at Shravanabelagola temple in Hassan or just spend a relaxing evening at the bustling beaches of Goa. Melt away your off-board excursions stress with a spa massage within the train, or simply enjoy your drink at the bar - Madira. This wonderful voyage to the heart of South India with The Golden Chariots journey - Southern Splendour and Pride of the South to explore the mighty waterfalls, exotic jungles, virgin beaches and silent valleys.

An initiative of the Department of Tourism, Government of Karnataka, in association with Indian Railways, the train is operated by Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC). The first luxury train of Southern India, The Golden Chariot spells luxury in every feature. Its 44 cabins are equipped with modern amenities like Wi-Fi, plasma TV and attached baths. Yet, there is a blend of the modern and the classical.

If the intricate carvings that adorn the ceilings of the cabins remind us of the Mysore, Hoysala and Belur-Halebidu schools of art and architecture, the gym equipped with the latest exercising equipments, a changing room, a steam bath and two shower rooms speak of the contemporary outlook. The train also houses a rejuvenating onboard Spa named Arogya. For an unforgettable culinary tour, the train has two restaurants as well as a well-stocked bar Madira on board. All these and much more add to an experience that can be simply termed as incredible!

History

The Golden Chariot took its first maiden voyage on March 10, 2008. Operated by the Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation .The Mapple Group handles the hospitality services on the train. This luxury tourist train connects the important tourist destinations in the Indian states of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Goa. With a capacity to accommodate 88 passengers, the train is quite popular among foreign tourists, especially those from the US, UK, Japan, France and Germany and other nationality.

It draws its name from the Stone Chariot in the Vitthala Temple at Hampi, Karnataka. The 44 coaches on the train are coloured purple and gold, the logo of a mythological animal with the head of an Elephant and a body of a lion. The luxury train operates weekly journey across South India from October to March. The train, along with the Deccan Odyssey, is designed on the lines of the popular luxury train 'Palace on Wheels' - operated by Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation (RTDC) with amenities such as accommodations, spa treatments, bar, gym and dining.

Cabins Variants

Coaches

• 11 Coaches- 4 cabins in each coach.
• 44 Cabins.
• 2 Restaurant - Nala & Ruchi.
• 44 & 44 Seating.
• 1 Arogya.
• Gym, Spa & Business Centre.
• 2 Power Cars.
• Generator Cars.
• 1 Staff.
• 1 Bar Coach - Madira.
• 36 Seating.