Bengaluru, October 24, 2026: Karnataka’s luxury tourist train, the Golden Chariot, begins its 2026–27 season today with its first journey recording 100% booking, signalling strong demand for premium rail tourism in the state. The inaugural trip will carry 75 guests, supported by nearly 60 onboard staff members.
The first journey under the new season is the five-night, six-day “Pride of Karnataka” itinerary, which combines wildlife, heritage, royal architecture, coffee-country experiences and coastal tourism across Karnataka and Goa.
First Journey Fully Booked
Tourism officials said all available slots for the first trip have been booked.
The 100% occupancy is being seen as an encouraging start for the luxury train’s new season, especially as Karnataka looks to attract more high-value domestic and international tourists.
75 Guests to Travel on Inaugural Trip
The first journey will host 75 passengers, while around 60 staff members will provide hospitality, catering and onboard services.
The high staff-to-guest ratio reflects the premium positioning of the Golden Chariot as a luxury travel experience rather than a conventional passenger train.
‘Pride of Karnataka’ Covers Major Destinations
The itinerary includes some of Karnataka’s best-known tourism attractions, including:
Bandipur Tiger Reserve, Mysuru, Belur, Halebidu, Chikkamagaluru and Hampi, before continuing to Goa.
The route is designed to combine wildlife tourism, palace architecture, UNESCO heritage, coffee estates and coastal experiences in a single journey.
Train Returns With Upgraded Facilities
Ahead of the new season, the Golden Chariot underwent scheduled technical maintenance at the Mysuru workshop between May and August.
Its exteriors were refurbished, while onboard facilities including the kitchen were modernised as part of efforts to improve the overall guest experience.
Luxury Fares Range From ₹2.53 Lakh to ₹4.87 Lakh
The Golden Chariot is positioned in the premium tourism segment, with fares ranging from approximately ₹2.53 lakh to ₹4.87 lakh per person, excluding 5% GST, depending on the accommodation category.
The pricing includes curated sightseeing, accommodation, meals and other onboard hospitality services.
Karnataka Wants to Strengthen Luxury Tourism
The state government is promoting the Golden Chariot as one of Karnataka’s flagship premium tourism products.
Officials have been directed to improve guest experience and strengthen both domestic and international demand for luxury rail journeys.
13 Journeys Planned for 2026–27 Season
A total of 13 journeys are scheduled during the 2026–27 season.
These include seven “Pride of Karnataka” journeys, three “Glimpses of Karnataka” journeys and three “Jewels of South” journeys.
Multiple Tourism Themes Offered
The three itineraries are designed to appeal to different kinds of travellers.
“Pride of Karnataka” focuses on heritage, wildlife and coffee-country tourism, while the other itineraries are expected to offer wider South Indian cultural and destination experiences.
Heritage Tourism Remains Major Attraction
Hampi, Mysuru, Belur and Halebidu form an important part of the train’s tourism offering.
These destinations allow travellers to explore Karnataka’s royal history, temple architecture and globally recognised heritage locations while travelling in a luxury rail environment.
Wildlife and Coffee Country Add Variety
Bandipur provides the wildlife element of the journey, while Chikkamagaluru adds Karnataka’s famous coffee plantations and hill-country experience.
This mix allows the Golden Chariot to offer more than traditional monument-focused tourism.
Strong Opening Seen as Positive Signal
Tourism Secretary Dr Ram Prasath Manohar said the full booking of the first journey was an encouraging start, adding that the priority would now be to sustain demand throughout the season.
Golden Chariot Begins New Season Today
With its first journey completely booked and upgraded facilities in place, the Golden Chariot begins the 2026–27 season on a strong note.
The state will now be looking to maintain this momentum across the remaining 12 scheduled journeys and strengthen Karnataka’s position in India’s luxury tourism market.
Source: The New Indian Express, The Indian Express
Supreme News Network
