Pay Rs 2.4 Lakh For A Berth In ‘Golden Chariot’ Luxury Train: Route, Fares, How To Book?

Karnataka’s flagship luxury train tour, the Golden Chariot is making a comeback after suspension last year owing to heavy losses incurred by then-promoter Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC).

Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), a fully owned subsidiary of Indian Railways, then took over operations in Jan 2020

Golden Chariot offers 3 different tour packages as detailed below.

Pride Of Karnataka (6 Nights/7 Days)

The train embarked on its six nights-seven day tour – The Pride of Karnataka, taking off from Yeshwantpur, Bangalore. 

According to the official itinerary it will then traverse Bandipur , Mysuru, Halebidu, Chikkamagaluru, Hampi, Pattadakal & Aihole, and finally Goa.

In Bandipur, guests will be treated to evening safari. 

In Mysore they will tour Mysore Palace. 

In the third leg of the journey, Halebidu and coffee plantations in Chikmagalur is covered.

Other notable trips include Hampi ruins in Hampi along with UNESCO World Heritage site visits to Badami Caves and Pattadakal temples .

The tour concludes when the train returns to its place of departure in Bangalore. 

Jewels of South (6 Nights/7 Days)

The route covers Bengaluru – Mysore – Hampi – Mahabalipuram – Thanjavur and Chettinad – Cochin – Kumarakom –and return.

The official itinerary does not differ from Pride of Karnataka when the train stops at Mysore and Hampi.

On day 3 it arrives in Mahabalipuram where tourists visit the UNESCO World Heritage site – Shore Temple.

On day 4 the train reaches Thanjavur where passengers pay a visit to another UNESCO World Heritage Site – Brihadeshvara Temple. 

It then proceeds to Chettinad where Athnagudi tile factory and Chettinadu mansions serve as highlights.

On day 5 the train chugs on to Cochin where guests tour the Matancherry Palace, then moving on to a special performance of traditional dance forms of Kerala at an exclusive venue.

The final leg of the journey stops at Kumarakom where guests are treated to a backwater cruise.

Glimpses of Karnataka (3 Nights/4 Days)

The shortest and cheapest tour program of the three, passengers are treated to exciting destinations in Bandipur – Mysore – Hampi. 

The itinerary or choice of tourist sites are already detailed for the respective destinations in the other packages.

Tariffs

Pride of Karnataka AND Jewels of South (both 6 Nights/7 Days package each) have the same rates as following:

• Deluxe cabins start at $ 4,200 or Rs 3,20,130.
• Single supplements are priced at $ 3,150 or Rs 2,40,100.

Glimpses of Karnataka (3 Nights/4 Days)

• Deluxe cabins charge $ 2,400 or Rs 1,82,930.
• Single supplements cost $1,800 or Rs 1,37,200.

Inclusions

The fares include:

• All meals which feature both Indian and international cuisines. 
• Wines, beers and domestic spirits are complimentary.
• Sightseeing and entrance fees
• An experienced English speaking tour director/ guide
• Travel to and from tourist sites in AC buses
• Round the clock free butler and porter services
• Rooms that come with an attached bathroom, LCD TV, free WiFi and electronic safes.
• Other amenities passengers can enjoy onboard include spas and gyms.

Booking can be done online at the official website  www.goldenchariot.org.

All Trains Will Be Cancelled From March 31? Indian Railways Gives Clarification, learn more.