The Golden Chariot is a luxury tourist train that connects the important tourist spots in the Indian states of Karnataka, Goa, Kerela & Tamil Nadu as well as Pondicherry, depending on the selected itinerary. It is named after the Stone Chariot in the Vitthala Temple at Hampi.[1] 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. The Golden Chariot is operating between the months of October-March for 2013/14 season with a departure every week, on monday and had its maiden commercial run on March 10, 2008. 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. The train is operated by the Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation and marketed by appointed general & preferred sales agents, whereas The Mapple Group handles the hospitality services on the train. 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 Factory Coach (ICF) was assigned with 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 Devi Singh flagged off the train. Finally on 10 March 2008, Golden Chariot chugged on its maiden journey from Bangalore to Goa. 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. It has onboard Wi-Fi connectivity, and satellite antennae providing live television service in the cabins. Recreating the architectural aesthetics of erstwhile south Indian dynasties are the 44 guest cabins categorized as 26 twin bed cabins, 17 double bed cabins and 1 cabin for the physically challenged. The carvings on the ceilings, wall panels and furniture are inspired from the Hoysala and Mysore architectural movement. State of the art amenities are available such as WI-FI internet, LCD television with satellite channels, writing desk, wardrobe and central air conditioning. The Golden Chariot offers 2 itineraries. The itineraries are named Pride of the South and Splendor of the South. Pride of the South 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 Bangalore, Kabini, Srirangapatnam, Mysore, Shravanabelagola, Belur, Halebidu, Hampi, Badami, Pattadakal and Goa. Splendor of the South 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, Chennai, Pondicherry, Tanjavur, Madurai, Thiruvananthapuram, Alleppey and Kochi.

• published: 02 Nov 2013
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