BENGALURU – South India’s premier luxury train, The Golden Chariot, officially commenced its 2026-27 operational season on October 24, 2026.
In a grand ceremonial event held at Krantivira Sangolli Rayanna Railway Station in Bengaluru, key state dignitaries flagged off the inaugural voyage. The train departed with 100% guest occupancy, marking a powerful start for Karnataka’s luxury, heritage, and experiential tourism sectors.
High-Profile Flag-Off Ceremony
The flag-off ceremony was attended by prominent state leaders, department heads, and tourism executives:
- Shri D.K. Shivakumar (Hon’ble Chief Minister of Karnataka): Officially flagged off the train, highlighting the government’s commitment to establishing Karnataka as a premier destination for global and luxury travelers.
- Shri K.J. George (Hon’ble Minister for Energy and Tourism, Govt. of Karnataka): Presided over the ceremony and emphasized the strategic push toward experiential travel, noting the train’s vital role in showcasing Karnataka’s rich history and UNESCO World Heritage sites.
- Dr. Ram Prasath Manohar, IAS (Secretary to Government, Department of Tourism): Detailed the strategic planning, global marketing campaigns, and digital infrastructure behind the new season.
- Senior Officials from KSTDC: Supervised comprehensive coach refurbishments and hospitality arrangements.
- Senior Executive Delegation from IRCTC: Managed onboard catering, luxury amenities, and global distribution.
- South Western Railway (SWR) Leadership: Ensured smooth track clearances and rail operations across all route networks.
The Heritage Design & Interior Story
Inspired by the architectural brilliance of the Vijayanagara Empire and the royal aesthetics of Mysuru Palace, every detail inside The Golden Chariot evokes the splendor of a bygone era.
The train’s 18 coaches are named after legendary dynasties that ruled South India-including Kadamba, Hoysala, Rastrakuta, and Ganga. The interiors feature handcrafted wooden wall carvings, rich silk upholstery, polished brass fittings, and traditional motifs. This regal ambiance seamlessly blends historical artistry with modern luxury amenities.
Onboard Royal Dining & Culinary Highlights
Dining aboard The Golden Chariot is an immersive journey through royal culinary traditions. The train features two fine-dining restaurants, Ruchi and Nalapaka, named after legendary epicurean masters.
- Authentic Regional Specialties: Guests savor curated South Indian delicacies, including iconic Karnataka dishes like Bisi Bele Bath, Mysore Pak, and coastal coastal curries.
- Gourmet Global Menus: Experienced chefs prepare multi-course Pan-Indian and international menus tailored to diverse global palates.
- The Madira Lounge: Modeled after the regal interiors of Mysuru Palace, this opulent bar lounge offers premium spirits, fine wines, and signature cocktails in a relaxed setting.
Technical Upgrades & Refurbishments
Prior to the 2026–27 season launch, all 18 coaches of the luxury train underwent extensive technical maintenance, interior refurbishments, and safety upgrades at the Mysuru Railway Workshop between May and August 2026.
Key enhancements include upgraded climate control systems, modernized kitchen induction units, advanced onboard RO water filtration plants, refreshed soft furnishings, and improved Wi-Fi connectivity throughout the train.
2026-27 Itineraries & Routes
The train will feature 13 curated weekend departures between October 2026 and March 2027, offering three distinct itineraries starting and ending at Yeshvantpur Railway Station:
┌──> Glimpses of Karnataka (3N/4D)
│ (Bandipur – Mysuru – Hampi)
│
Bengaluru (Yeshvantpur) ────┼──> Pride of Karnataka (5N/6D)
│ (Bandipur – Mysuru – Halebidu – Chikkamagaluru – Hampi – Badami/Pattadakal – Goa)
│
└──> Jewels of South (5N/6D)
(Mysuru – Hampi – Mahabalipuram – Thanjavur – Chettinad – Kochi/Kumarakom)- Pride of Karnataka (5 Nights / 6 Days)
- Route: Bengaluru ➔ Bandipur National Park ➔ Mysuru ➔ Halebidu & Chikkamagaluru ➔ Hampi ➔ Pattadakal & Badami ➔ Goa ➔ Bengaluru
- Highlights: Jungle safaris, palace tours, Hoysala temple art, coffee estate walks, and UNESCO ruins.
- Glimpses of Karnataka (3 Nights / 4 Days)
- Route: Bengaluru ➔ Bandipur ➔ Mysuru ➔ Hampi ➔ Bengaluru
- Highlights: A condensed luxury circuit covering major heritage and wildlife destinations.
- Jewels of South (5 Nights / 6 Days)
- Route: Bengaluru ➔ Mysuru ➔ Hampi ➔ Mahabalipuram ➔ Thanjavur & Chettinad ➔ Kochi & Kumarakom ➔ Bengaluru
- Highlights: A cross-state voyage encompassing Karnataka, Tamil Nadu temple towns, and the backwaters of Kerala.
Exclusive Off-Board Excursions
Stepping off the train is as magical as staying on board. Every stop includes curated, private off-board experiences:
- Private Wildlife Safaris: Early morning open-jeep safaris inside Bandipur National Park, guided by naturalists to spot tigers, elephants, and Indian bison.
- Curated Heritage Walks: Expert-led private tours through the UNESCO World Heritage ruins of Hampi, Pattadakal, and Mahabalipuram.
- Estate Experiences: Guided walks through lush coffee plantations in Chikkamagaluru, featuring local coffee-tasting sessions.
- Cultural Shows & Fine Dining Off-Board: Private cultural performances and special dining experiences arranged exclusively for train guests at royal venues.
Onboard World-Class Amenities
Designed to provide seamless comfort throughout the voyage, The Golden Chariot offers:
- Deluxe Cabins: 44 elegant cabins accommodating up to 84 guests with en-suite bathrooms, individual climate control, smart entertainment systems, and dedicated butler service.
- Arogya Wellness Center: A state-of-the-art wellness car equipped with a mini-gym, spa therapy rooms, and traditional Ayurvedic wellness treatments.
Departure Schedule (2026–27 Season)
All journeys depart on Saturdays from Yeshvantpur Railway Station:
| Departure Date | Itinerary | Duration |
| October 24, 2026 | Pride of Karnataka (Inaugural – 100% Full) | 5N / 6D |
| October 31, 2026 | Glimpses of Karnataka | 3N / 4D |
| November 14, 2026 | Pride of Karnataka | 5N / 6D |
| November 28, 2026 | Jewels of South | 5N / 6D |
| December 19, 2026 | Glimpses of Karnataka | 3N / 4D |
| December 26, 2026 | Pride of Karnataka | 5N / 6D |
| January 2, 2027 | Pride of Karnataka | 5N / 6D |
| January 30, 2027 | Pride of Karnataka | 5N / 6D |
| February 6, 2027 | Glimpses of Karnataka | 3N / 4D |
| February 20, 2027 | Jewels of South | 5N / 6D |
| February 27, 2027 | Pride of Karnataka | 5N / 6D |
| March 13, 2027 | Pride of Karnataka | 5N / 6D |
| March 27, 2027 | Jewels of South | 5N / 6D |
All-Inclusive Luxury Perks
The Golden Chariot ticket is a fully hassle-free package that includes:
- Full onboard cabin accommodation and 24/7 personal butler service.
- All gourmet meals served onboard and at luxury venue partners during excursions.
- Guided sightseeing tours, monument entrance fees, and jungle safari charges.
- Transfers via luxury air-conditioned coaches for all off-board destinations.
- Full access to onboard lounge, fitness, and entertainment facilities.
Official Booking & Inquiries
- Official Website for more info & booking purposes: goldenchariot.org
- Joint Operations: Managed jointly by IRCTC and KSTDC (Govt. of Karnataka).
Watch Flag-Off Highlights:
For event footage and speech highlights from the flag-off ceremony: Karnataka CM D.K. Shivakumar & Minister K.J. George Flag Off Golden Chariot