https://indianpedia.org/index.php?action=history&feed=atom&title=Golden_ChariotGolden Chariot - Revision history2026-07-30T22:03:27ZRevision history for this page on the wikiMediaWiki 1.45.4https://indianpedia.org/index.php?title=Golden_Chariot&diff=118832&oldid=prev>AMIT202112071988 at 16:42, 15 June 20212021-06-15T16:42:57Z<p></p>
<p><b>New page</b></p><div>{{refimprove|date=November 2016}}<br />
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{{Infobox train<br />
| name = ''Golden Chariot''<br />
| image = Golden-chariot-logo.png<br />
| caption = Logo of ''Golden Chariot''<br />
| interiorimage = <br />
| interiorcaption = <br />
| service = <br />
| manufacturer = Indian Railways<br />
| factory = Integral Coach Factory, Chennai<br />
| family = Luxury Trains <br />
| refurbishment = <br />
| replaced = <br />
| formation = <br />
| fleetnumbers = <br />
| operator = [[Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation]] (KSTDC)<br />
| depots = Whitefield, Bangalore<br />
| lines = Bangalore-Mysore-Hassan-Hospet-Badami-Vasco (Goa)-Bangalore (South Western Railway)<br />
| yearconstruction = 2008<br />
| yearservice = 2008<br />
}}<br />
<br />
The '''''Golden Chariot''''' is a luxury [[tourist train]] that connects the important tourist spots in the [[India]]n states of [[Karnataka]], [[Goa]], [[Kerala]] & [[Tamil Nadu]] as well as [[Pondicherry]], depending on the selected itinerary. It is named after the [[:File:Hampi8.JPG|Stone Chariot]] in the Vitthala Temple at [[Hampi]].{{cn|date=January 2020}} The 19 coaches on the train are coloured purple and gold, and sport the logo of a mythological animal with the head of an elephant and a body of a lion.<ref name="Colours">{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/2007/08/28/stories/2007082861290500.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071111124753/http://www.hindu.com/2007/08/28/stories/2007082861290500.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=2007-11-11|title=Golden Chariot to sport regal colours|date=2008-08-28|work=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=2009-04-21|location=Chennai, India}}</ref> ''The Golden Chariot'' is operating between the months of October–March for 2015/16 season with a departure every week, on Monday and had its maiden commercial run on 10 March 2008.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2008-02-28/india/27743828_1_golden-chariot-ktdc-19-coach-train|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024131051/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2008-02-28/india/27743828_1_golden-chariot-ktdc-19-coach-train|url-status=dead|archive-date=2012-10-24|title=Golden Chariot train's first commercial run on March 10|date=2008-02-28|work=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=2009-04-21}}</ref><br />
The train, along with the ''[[Deccan Odyssey]]'', is designed on the lines of the more popular ''[[Palace on Wheels]]'' with accommodations, spa treatments and dining. It has been awarded the title of "Asia's Leading Luxury Train" at World Travel Awards, 2013<ref>{{cite web|url=http://maharajatrains.blogspot.in/ |title=Asia's Leading Luxury Train Award}}</ref> The train is operated by the [[Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation]] and The Maple Group handles the hospitality services on the train.<ref name = Wired/><ref name = Rajavilas/><br />
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==History==<br />
When the success of Palace on Wheels reached the corridors of the Karnataka State Tourism and Development Corporation (KSTDC), it resulted in the signing of MOU between the state tourism board and the Indian Railways in 2002. Later the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) was assigned the task to give shape to this luxury train. Around 900 layouts were prepared by the engineers before finalizing the design. <br />
Architect Kusum Pendse along with 200 carpenters inexorably worked hard to complete the designs of these railway coaches. The process took around 4 months. Finally on 23 January 2008, ''Golden Chariot'' was unveiled on the tracks veneered in classic colors of purple and gold symbolizing elegance and golden jubilee celebration of Karnataka. An inauguration ceremony was organized at the Yeshwanthpur Railway Station wherein president Pratibha Devisingh Patil flagged off the train. Finally on 10 March 2008, ''Golden Chariot'' chugged on its maiden journey from Bangalore to Goa.<br />
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==Facilities==<br />
The ''Golden Chariot'' offers accommodation in 44 cabins in 11 coaches that are named after dynasties that ruled the region: [[Kadamba Dynasty|Kadamba]], [[Hoysala]], [[Rashtrakuta]], [[Western Ganga Dynasty|Ganga]], [[Chalukya]], [[Bahamani]], [[Adil Shahi]], [[Sangama Dynasty|Sangama]], [[Satavahana]], [[Yadukula]] and [[Vijayanagara Empire|Vijayanagar]]. It also has two restaurants, a lounge bar, and conference, gym and spa facilities.<ref name = Rajavilas>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/life/2008/09/26/stories/2008092650010100.htm|title=Rajavilas on rails |last=Somashekar |first=G.R.N.|date=2008-09-06|work=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=2009-04-21}}</ref> It has onboard internet connectivity via a USB-stick, and satellite antennae providing live television service in the cabins.<ref name = Wired>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/2008/02/01/stories/2008020154680700.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080209115446/http://www.hindu.com/2008/02/01/stories/2008020154680700.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=2008-02-09|title=The Golden Chariot is a totally wired train|date=2008-02-01|work=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=2009-04-21|location=Chennai, India}}</ref><br />
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==Destinations==<br />
The Golden Chariot offers 2 itineraries. The itineraries are named Pride of the South and Splendor of the South.<br />
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===Pride of the South=== <br />
Pride of the South tour is a 7 nights and 8 days itinerary during which several tourist places in Karnataka are covered. The destinations covered during Pride of the South are [[Bengaluru]] (Day 1), [[Mysore]] (Day 2), [[Nagarhole National Park]] (Day 3), [[Hassan, Karnataka|Hassan]], [[Belur, Karnataka|Belur]] and [[Halebidu]] (Day 4), [[Hospet]] and [[Hampi]] (Day 5), [[Aihole]], [[Pattadakal]] and [[Badami]] (Day 6), [[Goa]] (Day 7), and back to Bengaluru (Day 8).<ref>[http://www.goldenchariottrain.com/tour-itinerary.html]</ref><br />
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===Splendor of the South===<br />
Splendor of the South tour covers tourist places in 3 South Indian states. During this 7 nights and 8 days itinerary, tourist places in [[Karnataka]], [[Tamil Nadu]], [[Kerala]] and [[Pondicherry]] are explored. Destinations covered during this itinerary include [[Bangalore]] (Day 1), [[Chennai]] (Day 2), [[Pondicherry]] (Day 3), [[Thanjavur]] (Day 4), [[Madurai]] (Day 5), [[Thiruvananthapuram]] (Day 6), [[Alleppey]] and [[Kochi]] (Day 7) and return to Bangalore (Day 8).<ref>[http://www.goldenchariottrain.com/southern-splendour-tour-itinerary.html]</ref><br />
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==See also==<br />
{{colbegin}}<br />
*[[Fairy Queen]]<br />
*[[Palace on Wheels]]<br />
*[[Royal Orient]]<br />
*[[Deccan Odyssey]]<br />
*[[Mahaparinirvan Express]]<br />
*[[Royal Rajasthan on Wheels]]<br />
*[[Maharajas' Express]]<br />
{{colend}}<br />
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==References==<br />
{{Reflist}}<br />
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== External links ==<br />
* [http://goldenchariot.org/ The Golden Chariot Website]<br />
{{commons category|Golden Chariot}}<br />
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{{Indian Luxury Trains}}<br />
{{Indian Railways}}<br />
{{Railways in Southern India}}<br />
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Golden Chariot}}<br />
[[Category:Tourism in Karnataka]]<br />
[[Category:Rail transport in Karnataka]]<br />
[[Category:Luxury trains in India]]<br />
[[Category:Railway services introduced in 2008]]<br />
[[Category:Tourism in Goa]]<br />
[[Category:Rail transport in Goa]]<br />
[[Category:2008 establishments in India]]</div>>AMIT202112071988