Golf to be included in Golden Chariot's itinerary

The promoters hit upon this idea to cater to markets like Japan, which are opening up to luxury tourism ventures like the Golden Chariot. "Introducing golf will be an added incentive to travel to this part of the country and enjoy the sport which they are very passionate about," Project Director Golden Chariot, Anand Menon said.

Karnataka has quite a few number of golf courses to boast of. Right from Bangalore, Mysore, Chikmagalur and Belgaum, the state has a number of golf courses of international standards.

"By adding golf in the itinerary, we are attempting to add to the very definition of luxury per se. Where else in India will you get to enjoy the very best of hospitality that is offered on board Golden Chariot and also play golf in some of the best golf courses in the country," he said.

The golf itinerary that is being worked out is - checking into Bangalore, playing a round of golf at one of the courses and then join the Golden Chariot before its departure every Monday or Wednesday and on return from Kabini, going for a round of golf at Mysore and joining other guests at Mysore for dinner at hotel Metropole, at Brindavan gardens. The other option could be to drive down to Chikmagalur when the train arrives at Hassan on Thursday morning, have a round of golf, lunch and return to join the rest of the group at Belur or Halebid, Menon said.

On Sunday, guests could always check out of the train and have one final round of the game at Goa before returning to Bangalore.

"The itinerary is still being worked out and we are in talks with all concerned with regard to executing the said schedule by September 2009," he said.

There would be a minimum requirement of at least four players to have this itinerary operational.However, passengers who opt for the Golf itinerary will have to pay extra. "The rates will be worked once everthing is finalised", Menon said.

The journey in the 88 passenger Golden Chariot costs Rs 1.25 lakh per person for 7 days/eight nights and has all the trappings of luxury, with a multi cuisine restaurant, plush gym, spa, a well stocked bar.

The Golden Chariot, an ambitious project of the Karnataka Tourism Development Corporation, had reported 37 per cent occupancy in its first year of operations and had embarked on an aggressive strategy last month to woo tourists.

As part of its marketing blitzkreig for the foreign travellers, Santhes (village markets) were planned at historic stops at Belur, Halebid and Mysore.

The Golden Chariot has been adjudged as one of the top six trains of the world by a leading global travel magazine Condenast Traveller.