Golden Chariot to start commercial run from March

Gayatri Vijaykumar - Bangalore

The much-awaited luxury train from Karnataka, the Golden Chariot, will commence its debut commercial journey in the first week of March. The sole luxury train from South India will start its 500 mile voyage from Bangalore, covering Mysore, Kabini, Hassan, Shravanabelagola, Hampi, Aihole, Pattadakkal, Badami, Goa, and culminate the weeklong journey in Bangalore. According to I M Vittalamurthy, IAS, secretary to government, Kannada and Culture, Information and Tourism, Government of Karnataka, the Golden Chariot would take tourists on a journey dating back 1600 years to Hampi, Pattadakkal and Goa, all three being world heritage sites. The Golden Chariot consists of 19 coaches - 11 passenger coaches named after various dynasties, a conference coach, two dining coaches, a spa, library and medical facilities. The conference coach, with a capacity to seat 30, will be added in a few months time. The cabins have been inspired by the Belur Halebid schools of art. Priced at US$ 350 per day or the equivalent in INR, the Golden Chariot boasts of wi-fi connectivity and plasma tv with direct satellite feed in every cabin. In sync with the public-private partnership initiatives by the Department of Tourism, Government of Karnataka, various aspects of the running of the luxury train have been taken care of by private players. The cultural activities off-board the Golden Chariot will be co-ordinated by Bangalore Walks, a heritage walks organiser, while the on-board hospitality will be taken care of by the Mapple group. The marketing and promotion of the train is being undertaken by Luxury Trains, who are also the consolidators and General Sales Agent for Palace on Wheels, Heritage on Wheels and Deccan Odyssey.

"The initial feedback has been enormous. We are expecting around 70 percent foreigners and 20-30 percent Indians among the guests. However among the 70 percent foreign clientele, many are non-resident Indians," explained Sajivve Trehan, CEO, The Luxury Trains.