Golden Chariot revamped, fully booked for the first time

The Golden Chariot operating under the Pride of Karnataka itinerary has been revamped for the 2026–27 season. The rooms, food, and beverage options have all been upgraded. For the first time, the trip has been completely booked, with a full house of 75 guests embarking on the first trip on Saturday. Apart from guests from across the country, many guests are also from Spain, a senior Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) official said.

“We have 75 seats and all of them have been booked for the first time. The full booking for the first journey is an encouraging start. Our priority now is to sustain this demand across the season. This year, we have planned 13 luxury journeys throughout the season. Seven under Pride of Karnataka, three under Glimpses of Karnataka, and three under Jewels of Karnataka,” said V. Ram Prasath Manohar, Secretary, Tourism Department.

The train, launched in 2008 and discontinued in 2018, was relaunched by the incumbent regime in 2024. The 2024 and 2025 seasons saw slim demand.

The first trip under the Pride of Karnataka itinerary will start on Saturday from Krantivira Sangolli Rayanna (KSR) Railway Station and will head to Mysuru. Guests will travel to Bandipur Wildlife Sanctuary, Mysuru Palace, Halebeedu, Chikkamagalur, Hampi, Goa, and finally back to Bengaluru on day 6.

Revamp 

Rooms for guests have been redesigned. They now comprise a living room and a bedroom, unlike previous versions where there were only bedrooms.

The food menu on the train has been diversified and made multi-cuisine based on feedback from earlier guests. Jain and gluten-free options will also be available at two onboard restaurants, Ruchi and Nalapaka, apart from alcohol at the onboard bar, Madira. “We have also modernised the onboard kitchen with a combi oven, high-capacity induction systems, and an upgraded RO water purification plant,” a senior KSTDC official said.

“This year, we have upgraded the services by training our staff in skills that are required to treat guests coming from different States and countries. Individual cabins have been provided to service providers. There will be more than 60 members in the service team working on the train,” the official said.

“Our objective is to offer world-class hospitality while showcasing the diversity of Karnataka through a carefully curated journey and position the Golden Chariot strongly in domestic and international premium tourism markets,” said Karnataka Tourism Minister K. J. George.