Bengaluru, Oct 24 Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Saturday flagged off the 2026-27 season of the state’s flagship luxury tourist train, Golden Chariot, stressing the need to identify new destinations and boost employment through tourism.
The inaugural five-night, six-day journey, ‘Pride of Karnataka’, left Krantivira Sangolli Rayanna Railway Station with 75 guests on board, officials said.
Energy and Tourism Minister K J George, Tourism Secretary Ram Prasath Manohar and senior officials of the Tourism Department, Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC), IRCTC and the Railways were present.
Shivakumar said the train had received renewed attention to showcase Karnataka’s heritage and diversity to domestic and international travellers.
“The idea of showcasing Karnataka through an integrated tourism experience has existed for long. After Minister K J George took charge of the Tourism portfolio, renewed attention was given to the Golden Chariot, with curated routes such as ‘Pride of Karnataka’ and a stronger focus on providing high-quality services to luxury travellers,” he said.
The inaugural itinerary covers Bandipur, Mysuru, Halebidu, Chikkamagaluru, Hampi and Goa, combining wildlife, royal heritage, Hoysala architecture, coffee culture and coastal experiences. Nearly 60 onboard staff will cater to the guests, officials said.
“The journey has been designed to offer comfort, visual experiences and a sense of relaxation, while helping both Indian and international travellers discover Karnataka more comprehensively,” the CM said.
The train has private guest cabins, dining cars, spa facilities and other premium amenities.
Each stop includes a curated local experience, such as a wildlife safari at Bandipur National Park, visits to Mysuru Palace and Srirangapatna, Hoysala temples at Belur and Halebidu, a coffee-estate visit in Chikkamagaluru and a guided tour of Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Golden Chariot will operate three itineraries in 2026-27: ‘Pride of Karnataka’ and ‘Jewels of South’, both of five nights and six days, and the shorter ‘Glimpses of Karnataka’, of three nights and four days. A total of 13 journeys are scheduled across the three, officials said.
‘Pride of Karnataka’ connects Bengaluru with destinations in Karnataka and Goa, while ‘Jewels of South’ covers Mysuru, Hampi, Mahabalipuram, Thanjavur, Chettinad, Kochi and Kumarakom. ‘Glimpses of Karnataka’ focuses on Bandipur, Mysuru and Hampi.
Shivakumar said tourism could play a bigger role in generating employment and supporting local economies.
“Karnataka has tremendous tourism potential — from wildlife and world-class heritage sites to Malnad, the coast, Mysuru and Kodagu. Along with promoting established destinations, we want to identify and map new tourism areas and introduce them to travellers,” he said.
George said the train was being positioned as a premium tourism platform. “We see the Golden Chariot as a premium tourism platform that brings Karnataka’s wildlife, royal heritage, world heritage sites, coffee country, culture and hospitality together in one experience,” he said.
In line with the CM’s vision, the government would continue to introduce new destination experiences and strengthen Karnataka’s presence in domestic and international premium tourism markets, George added.
Manohar said the train’s appeal lay in combining onboard luxury with distinctive experiences at each stop. “The Golden Chariot is designed so that the luxury of the train is complemented by a strong local experience at every stop,” he said.
The department would focus on strengthening destination experiences, marketing, booking systems and visitor services to expand the train’s reach, he added.
(PTI News)
