<p>Bengaluru: The luxury on wheels -- the <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/tags/golden-chariot">Golden Chariot</a> -- was relaunched by IRCTC, Central Ministry of Tourism, Government of India and the state Tourism Department in Bengaluru on Saturday to promote <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/tags/karnataka-tourism">Karnataka tourism</a>. </p><p>The chariot, which has positioned itself as a luxury train, is aimed at appealing to affluent travellers seeking unique experiences. While it was introduced in 2008 and was suspended from services in 2018 due to high running costs and limited patronage, the train is now being relaunched six years after the suspension of services.</p>.Now, companies can board 'Golden Chariot' their own way.<p>The train comes with built-in facilities such as 44 well-appointed cabins with en-suite bathrooms, Wi-Fi, and modern comforts. The chariot will have two gourmet restaurants, Ruchi and Nalapaka, serving Indian and international cuisines, a lounge bar, Madira, for relaxation and socializing, a spa, fitness center, and business facilities, according to a press statement from the Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC). </p><p>Starting from Saturday from Yeshwantpur railway station, the chariot will run three thematic itineraries – "Jewel of the South," "Pride of Karnataka," and “Glimpses of Karnataka” along with a chartered trip "Sojourn of the South," covering key attractions in Karnataka and neighbouring states.</p><p>Each of the train's 18 coaches is named after dynasties that ruled Karnataka, such as Kadamba, Hoysala, Vijayanagara, and Chalukya, encapsulating the essence of the state’s heritage. The interiors incorporate intricate carvings and motifs inspired by Karnataka’s temples, blending them with modern amenities, notes the press release. </p><p><strong>Itinerary</strong> </p><p><strong>1. Jewels of the South: Five nights, six days</strong></p><p>Bengaluru, Mysuru, Kanchipuram, Mahabalipuram, Thanjavur, Chettinad/Karaikudi, Cochin, and Chertala/Mararikulam, Bengaluru </p><p><strong>2. Pride of Karnataka: Five nights, six days</strong></p><p>Bengaluru, Nanjangud, Mysuru, Halebidu, Chikkamagaluru, Hosapete, Goa, Bengaluru</p><p><strong>3. Glimpses of Karnataka: Three nights, four days</strong> </p><p>Bengaluru, Nanjangud, Mysuru, Hospet, Bengaluru </p><p><strong>4. Sojourn of the South: Chartered trips on December 29, 2024, and February 13, 2025.</strong></p>
<p>Bengaluru: The luxury on wheels -- the <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/tags/golden-chariot">Golden Chariot</a> -- was relaunched by IRCTC, Central Ministry of Tourism, Government of India and the state Tourism Department in Bengaluru on Saturday to promote <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/tags/karnataka-tourism">Karnataka tourism</a>. </p><p>The chariot, which has positioned itself as a luxury train, is aimed at appealing to affluent travellers seeking unique experiences. While it was introduced in 2008 and was suspended from services in 2018 due to high running costs and limited patronage, the train is now being relaunched six years after the suspension of services.</p>.Now, companies can board 'Golden Chariot' their own way.<p>The train comes with built-in facilities such as 44 well-appointed cabins with en-suite bathrooms, Wi-Fi, and modern comforts. The chariot will have two gourmet restaurants, Ruchi and Nalapaka, serving Indian and international cuisines, a lounge bar, Madira, for relaxation and socializing, a spa, fitness center, and business facilities, according to a press statement from the Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC). </p><p>Starting from Saturday from Yeshwantpur railway station, the chariot will run three thematic itineraries – "Jewel of the South," "Pride of Karnataka," and “Glimpses of Karnataka” along with a chartered trip "Sojourn of the South," covering key attractions in Karnataka and neighbouring states.</p><p>Each of the train's 18 coaches is named after dynasties that ruled Karnataka, such as Kadamba, Hoysala, Vijayanagara, and Chalukya, encapsulating the essence of the state’s heritage. The interiors incorporate intricate carvings and motifs inspired by Karnataka’s temples, blending them with modern amenities, notes the press release. </p><p><strong>Itinerary</strong> </p><p><strong>1. Jewels of the South: Five nights, six days</strong></p><p>Bengaluru, Mysuru, Kanchipuram, Mahabalipuram, Thanjavur, Chettinad/Karaikudi, Cochin, and Chertala/Mararikulam, Bengaluru </p><p><strong>2. Pride of Karnataka: Five nights, six days</strong></p><p>Bengaluru, Nanjangud, Mysuru, Halebidu, Chikkamagaluru, Hosapete, Goa, Bengaluru</p><p><strong>3. Glimpses of Karnataka: Three nights, four days</strong> </p><p>Bengaluru, Nanjangud, Mysuru, Hospet, Bengaluru </p><p><strong>4. Sojourn of the South: Chartered trips on December 29, 2024, and February 13, 2025.</strong></p>
