Golden Chariot Train History

The introduction of the Palace on Wheels train by the Rajasthan Tourism and Development Corporation (RTDC) marked the beginning of luxury train traveling in India. The resounding success of Palace on Wheels inspired other state tourism departments to follow in the footsteps of RTDC and led to the introduction of royal rail journeys in the southwestern region of India. The Golden Chariot, South India’s first and only luxury train is the prolific outcome of the MOU signed between Karnataka State Tourism and Development Corporation (KSTDC) and the Ministry of Indian Railways in 2002. This luxury train in India is named after the famous stone chariot at Hampi.

The creators of Palace on Wheels and Deccan Odyssey, Integral Factory Coach (ICF) were given the task to give shape to this dream vision of KSTDC. It took almost 900 layouts by the engineers to finalize the design of the first luxury train of South India. There is no substitute for hard work and that was well apparent in the creation of these coaches. For almost four months, the architect Kusum Pendse along with 200 skilled carpenters relentlessly worked hard for executing the intricate designs of the railway coaches.

Two months prior to the launch of the Golden Chariot, the color and logo of this much-anticipated luxury train was unveiled. The final outcome was unveiled on the tracks on 23rd January 2008. The train was veneered with classic colors of purple and gold and its logo is a mythological animal portrayed as elephant-headed lion. Both purple and gold were chosen owing to their respective significance. While deep purple symbolizes elegance and refinement, gold color represents the golden jubilee celebrations of the state.

A ceremonial presidential flag off was given to Golden Chariot at Yeshwanthpur Railway Station by president Pratibha Devi Singh Patil on 2nd February, 2008. On 10th of March, 2008, Golden Chariot chugged on its maiden voyage from Bangalore to Goa weaving through various historically significant and culturally potent destinations in Karnataka. The Mapple Group, a leading Hotel & Resorts chain in India was given the responsibility of handling hospitality services on board.

Golden Chariot ensures lavish stay in 44 cabins including disabled friendly cabin characterized by the tasteful décor, elegant sylvan furnishings and state of the art amenities such as LCD television, central air conditioning, writing desk, Wi-Fi internet and en-suite bathrooms. Each of the 19 coaches of regal train offers window to the erstwhile ruling dynasties of the south and resonates with their architectural ethos.

The two weeklong itineraries of the Golden Chariot train along with the one short itinerary – Pride of Karnataka, Jewel of South, and Glimpses of Karnataka – takes guests on a whirlwind tour across destinations in Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. A journey aboard the Golden Chariot train is certainly a five-star experience on rolling wheels that lets you treasure troves of the south in an opulent and elegant manner.

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