10 Things You Need To Know About The Golden Chariot

The Golden Chariot, one of the Indian Luxury Trains, marks its importance in the tourism industry of India as it covers some of the major destinations of Karnataka and Goa. The logo of the train is in gold and purple color and includes the mythological animal (head of an elephant and a body of a lion). The hospitality at par is one of the major factors of the satisfaction of the guests. Moreover, here listed are 10 important things that you need to know about the luxury train Golden Chariot.

10. History : After the success of Palace on Wheels, the KSTDC (Karnataka State Tourism and Development Corporation) signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Indian Railways in the year 2002. To finalize the shape and design of the train, ICF (Integral Factory Coach) was assigned with this duty. After 900 layouts, the final design was finalized.  To complete the design of the train, Architect Kusum Pendse with 200 carpenters worked diligently and completed in the duration of 4 months. On 23rd January, 2008, the Golden Chariot unveiled, spreading the colors of gold and purple depicting Karnataka’s golden jubilee celebration and elegance, respectively. Eventually, on 10th March, 2008, the Golden Chariot took its inaugural journey from Bangalore to Goa.

9. Facilities : There are 11 coaches with 44 cabins, available for the accommodation by the guests. Each coach is names after the dynasties that governed the region like Hoysala, Ganga, Bahamani, Sangama, Yadukula, Kadamba, Rashtrakuta, Chalukya, Adil Shahi, Satavahana, and Vijayanagar. The Luxury train also has a lounge bar, two restaurants, gym and spa facilities, conference car, etc., to benefit the guests with the utmost pleasure of luxury. Moreover, modern facilities like satellite antennae for live TV viewing and Wi-Fi connectivity are also provided in each cabin of the train.

8. Passengers : Total number of passengers that could accommodate in the train is 88 passengers. As per the survey in the year 2009, the train operated with the occupancy of around 35%. Most of guests are from Japan, Germany, France, US and UK.

7. Cabins : The cabins are designed according to the architectural aesthetics that prevailed during the erstwhile south Indian dynasties. The 44 cabins are classified as 26 twin bed cabins, 17 double bed cabins, and 1 cabin is allotted to the physically challenged. In the cabin, the wall panels, furniture and carving on the ceilings is prompted from the Mysore and Hoysala style of architecture. The cabins are tastefully done with modern facilities like LCD television, WI-FI internet, centralized AC, wardrobe, and writing desk.

6. Dining : For dining, there are 2 multi-cuisine restaurants, namely Ruchi and Nala. Here, the restaurants serve a buffet spread of both non-vegetarian as well as vegetarian cuisines. The restaurants get their names from the Indian mythological texts. The interiors are also influenced from Hampi and Halebid style of architecture.

5. Lounge Bar :  ‘Madira’, onsite lounge bar hosts a variety of international wines and liquors. Highly influenced from the visualization of the Mysore palace, the lounge bar has earned huge appreciated.

4. Conference Car : Offering a seating capacity of 30 guests in total, the conference car is a sought-after feature of The Golden Chariot. All modern facilities like WI-FI internet. 42” LCD TV, audio-visual equipment, etc., are also installed for better service to the guests.

3. Health and Recreation : On board the Golden Chariot, ‘Nirvana Spa’ is praised for providing holistic wellness using various Spa and Ayurvedic therapies. All modern equipments of gymnasium are also available in the recreational coach.

2. Golden Chariot Tariff : As there are two journeys operated by the Golden chariot, the fairs are slightly different. The double occupancy for ‘The Pride of the South’ costs Rs. 16,500 ($545) per night. The 7 days journey costs to Rs. 1,15,500 ($3,815) per person. On the other hand, the other journey, ‘Southern Splendor’ costs Rs. 19,800 ($627) per person per night in double occupancy. The 7 days journey costs to Rs. 1,38,600 ($4,389) per person. The cost is includes charges for accommodation, sightseeing tours, meals, entrance fees to monuments, parks, palaces, etc. On board, service charges, spa, business facilities and alcohol are extra.

1. Golden Chariot Reservations : You may make quick reservations by simply logging on to the websites and also contacting to luxury train travel agents. The schedule for the 2013-2014 journeys is already published on respective websites. Make your reservations for the suitable journey as per your preference.