Golden Chariot

The Golden Chariot is a luxury tourist train that connects the important tourist spots in the Indian states of Karnataka, Goa, Kerala & Tamil Nadu as well as Pondicherry, depending on the selected itinerary. It is named after the Stone Chariot in the Vitthala Temple at Hampi. The 19 coaches on the train are coloured purple and gold, and sport the logo of a mythological animal with the head of an elephant and a body of a lion.[1] The Golden Chariot is operating between the months of October–March for 2015/16 season with a departure every week, on Monday and had its maiden commercial run on 10 March 2008.[2] The train, along with the Deccan Odyssey, is designed on the lines of the more popular Palace on Wheels with accommodations, spa treatments and dining. It has been awarded the title of "Asia's Leading Luxury Train" at World Travel Awards, 2013[3] The train is operated by the Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation and The Maple Group handles the hospitality services on the train.[4][5]

Golden Chariot
Logo of Golden Chariot
ManufacturerIndian Railways
Built atIntegral Coach Factory, Chennai
Family nameLuxury Trains
Constructed2008
Entered service2008
Operator(s)Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC)
Depot(s)Whitefield, Bangalore
Line(s) servedBangalore-Mysore-Hassan-Hospet-Badami-Vasco (Goa)-Bangalore (South Western Railway)

History

When the success of Palace on Wheels reached the corridors of the Karnataka State Tourism and Development Corporation (KSTDC), it resulted in the signing of MOU between the state tourism board and the Indian Railways in 2002. Later the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) was assigned the task to give shape to this luxury train. Around 900 layouts were prepared by the engineers before finalizing the design. Architect Kusum Pendse along with 200 carpenters inexorably worked hard to complete the designs of these railway coaches. The process took around 4 months. Finally on 23 January 2008, Golden Chariot was unveiled on the tracks veneered in classic colors of purple and gold symbolizing elegance and golden jubilee celebration of Karnataka. An inauguration ceremony was organized at the Yeshwanthpur Railway Station wherein president Pratibha Devisingh Patil flagged off the train. Finally on 10 March 2008, Golden Chariot chugged on its maiden journey from Bangalore to Goa.

Facilities

The Golden Chariot offers accommodation in 44 cabins in 11 coaches that are named after dynasties that ruled the region: Kadamba, Hoysala, Rashtrakuta, Ganga, Chalukya, Bahamani, Adil Shahi, Sangama, Satavahana, Yadukula and Vijayanagar. It also has two restaurants, a lounge bar, and conference, gym and spa facilities.[5] It has onboard internet connectivity via a USB-stick, and satellite antennae providing live television service in the cabins.[4]

Destinations

The Golden Chariot offers 2 itineraries. The itineraries are named Pride of the South and Splendor of the South.

Pride of the South

Pride of the South tour is a 7 nights and 8 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, 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).[6]

Splendor of the South

Splendor of the South tour covers tourist places in 3 South Indian states. During this 7 nights and 8 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), Thanjavur (Day 4), Madurai (Day 5), Thiruvananthapuram (Day 6), Alleppey and Kochi (Day 7) and return to Bangalore (Day 8).[7]

See also

References
  1. "Golden Chariot to sport regal colours". The Hindu. Chennai, India. 28 August 2008. Retrieved 21 April 2009.
  2. "Golden Chariot train's first commercial run on March 10". The Times of India. 28 February 2008. Retrieved 21 April 2009.
  3. "Asia's Leading Luxury Train Award".
  4. "The Golden Chariot is a totally wired train". The Hindu. Chennai, India. 1 February 2008. Retrieved 21 April 2009.
  5. Somashekar, G.R.N. (6 September 2008). "Rajavilas on rails". The Hindu. Retrieved 21 April 2009.
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