The Golden Chariot is once again ready to take you on a royal tour through some exotic locations in South India, recreating the essence of true Dravidian culture. By Tanvi Jain
The first and only luxury train of South India, the Golden Chariot, is all set to restart operations from March this year. After a gap of two years, the luxury train will embark upon its first journey on March 22, all thanks to the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC).
As per reports, the revival of the train, which is said to have become defunct due to decreased patronage, is a part of a 10-year agreement with the Karnataka government.
Launched in 2008, by the Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation, the Golden Chariot specially designed to recreate the aesthetics of Dravidian cultural ethos, takes you around the prominent destinations of Southern India.
Starting from Bengaluru, it passes through Bandipur, Mysore, Halebidu and Chikamgaluru, Hampi, Badami, and Goa, and back to Bengaluru, all within a time span of six nights and seven days. Mysore Palace, churches of North and South Goa, are few of the attractions included in the itinerary.
Moreover, the journey offers you activities like safari in Bandipur, coffee tasting at the plantations, exploring Hampi and the Badami caves, and more such unique experiences.
The Golden Chariot will set off on March 22 from the Yeshwantpur Railway Station, and then again on March 29 and April 12. At present, they are also offering a discount of 50 per cent, and the current tariffs are valid for all departures till April 2020. However, rates differ for foreign and Indian nationals, depending upon occupancy.
Up until April 2020, while the cost of a single occupancy deluxe cabin for foreign passport holders in the United States is USD 7,350 per person, for double occupancy it’s USD 8,400 for two people. Similarly, for Indian Nationals and OCI Card holders it’s INR 5,23,480 per person for single occupancy, and INR 5,98,260 for two in double occupancy. goldenchariottrain.com
Related: Luxury Train Travel: Chug Into 2020 With The Latest Travel Trend