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About Golden Chariot Express

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About Golden Chariot Express

The Golden Chariot Express is a luxury tourist train that takes its name from the iconic Stone Chariot at the Vitthala Temple in Hampi, Karnataka. Designed to offer a regal travel experience, the train links some of South India’s most enchanting destinations across Karnataka, Goa, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and the Union Territory of Pondicherry.

Inspired by the renowned Palace on Wheels, the Golden Chariot is a blend of heritage and modern comfort. Onboard amenities include elegant accommodation, rejuvenating spa treatments, and gourmet dining services. In 2013, it was awarded the prestigious title of Asia’s Leading Luxury Train at the World Travel Awards. Operated by the Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC), the onboard hospitality is managed by a private firm. The train features 19 luxurious coaches, beautifully painted in purple and gold, each displaying a mythical creature—an elephant-headed lion—as its emblem.

Additionally, Travelkhana offers hygienic and timely food delivery in train, Airports and offsites across India. Travelkhana offering Food & fleet services like Cabs, Buses and Tempo Travellers, ensuring a comfortable journey. Golden Chariot Express

A Journey Through Time: Golden Chariot Express

The vision of the Golden Chariot took shape in 2002 through a collaboration between Indian Railways and Karnataka Tourism. The Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai led the train’s creation, reviewing 900 layouts before finalizing the design. Over 200 carpenters and an architect worked tirelessly for four months to craft the intricate interiors.

The train was officially launched in 2008 to celebrate Karnataka’s Golden Jubilee, with its maiden journey commencing on 10 March 2008 from Bangalore to Goa.

Golden Chariot offers luxurious onboard accommodation through 44 cabins housed in 11 beautifully designed coaches. Each coach is named after a historical South Indian dynasty such as Kadamba, Hoysala, Rashtrakuta, Chalukya, Ganga, Bahamani, Adil Shahi, Sangama, Satavahana, Yadukula, and VijayNagar. The train boasts a range of modern amenities, including two multi-cuisine restaurants, a stylish lounge bar, a well-equipped conference room, a fitness center, and rejuvenating spa services. Guests can also enjoy internet access via USB stick and live satellite television in every cabin, ensuring both comfort and connectivity throughout the journey.

Passenger Capacity and Demographics

Golden Chariot can host up to 88 guests at a time. According to March 2009 data, the train operated at around 35% occupancy. The majority of travelers are international tourists from countries like the United Kingdom, France, the United States, Japan, and Germany, all seeking to experience India’s heritage through luxury rail travel.

Itineraries Offered

Pride of the South
This 7-night, 8-day tour covers key Karnataka destinations: Bangalore, Mysore, Nagarhole National Park, Belur, Halebidu, Hassan, Hampi, Badami, Aihole, Pattadakal, Goa, and back to Bangalore.

Splendour of the South: Golden Chariot Express

This tour explores Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Pondicherry with stops at Bangalore, Chennai, Pondicherry, Tanjavur, Madurai, Thiruvananthapuram, Alleppey, Kochi, and return to Bangalore.

 

  • Golden Chariot Express Express Route, Schedule & Time Table –

–> Day 1 – Bangalore

–> Day 2 – Mysore / Kabini

–> Day 3 – Mysore Palace

–> Day 4 – Gomateswara Hill Monolith

–> Day 5 – UNESCO World Heritage Site

–> Day 6 – UNESCO World Heritage Site of Badami and Pattadakal

–> Day 7 – GOA Churches & Golden Beaches

–> Day 8 – Bangalore

Special Trains, Trains, Trains Between Cities

About Maharajas’ Express

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Seeking online for information related to Maharajas express? If yes, here you will definitely get to know about the same. Reckoned among one of the luxurious and royal trains of the country, it runs in between the months of October and April. As per the information, it has been operating on 5 circuits running and covering over 12 destinations across North and Central India, primarily covering the Rajasthan state. It began its operations in 2010 and it was voted twice consecutively in 2012 and 2013 as the World’s leading luxury train in the World Travel awards. In total, it has 23 carriages covering bar, lounge, accommodation, dining, generator and store cars. There are 14 guest cabins for the accommodation with a total capacity of 88 in them. Along with being backed with a private lounge, souvenir boutique, water filtration plant, and so much more, it has been equipped with all sorts of advanced amenities and services for the travellers like live television, Wi-Fi, attached bathrooms, dining cars, roll top baths, souvenir shops, spacious sitting rooms and more. The 14 carriages covers 43 exclusive cabins including 18 junior suites, 4 suites, a presidential suite and even 20 deluxe cabins. The presidential suite is known for providing 5 star kinds of service and accommodation to its travellers. So, make sure to get the package at earliest if you want to enjoy the services and travel in this train and have a lifetime experience in the same

The Maharajas’ Express is operated and owned by the IRCTC (Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation). It is the costliest among luxury trains in the world.

It, usually, operates between October and April. It operates on 5 circuits, traversing more than 12 places across central and North West India, mainly covering the state of Rajasthan.

The Maharaja’s Express was voted twice in a row as the “World’s Leading Luxury Train” at the World Travel Awards of 2012 and 2013. It made it to the 2011 list of the World’s Top 25 trains listed by the Society of International Railway Travellers. It was lauded for its dining facilities and onboard accommodation, as well as excursion program of the train. Also, the first runner up award in the 2011 category of Specialist Train Operators at Reader Choice Travel Award of Conde Nast Travellers was won by this train.

History –

This luxury train service was begun in 2010, March. The IRCTC joined with Cox and Kings Ltd. to sign a joint venture called as Royale Indian Rail tours Ltd. to run the management and functioning of the Maharajas’ Express. However, this joint venture was dissolved in 2011 and the Express is now being managed alone by the IRCTC. Today, it has been the recipient of many awards and is the only train in the world, which has a presidential suite stretching over a whole carriage.

Facilities –

This train has been equipped with modern amenities to provide an extremely pleasant journey to the passenger. The facilities include Wi-Fi, Live television, Pneumatic suspension, dining cars, attached bath room, souvenir shop, bar and lounge. Roll-top baths are found in large cabins as well as spacious sitting rooms.

Carriages –

The train consists of 23 carriages including bar, dining, lounge, accommodation, store cars and generator. Accommodation is arranged in 14 guest cabins with total capacity of 88. There is also a private lounge named Rajah Club with two dining cars, a bar and a devoted bar-car. A souvenir boutique aboard the train offers trinkets and memorabilia for passengers. A water filtration plant is also part of the train.

Configuration of Cabins;

  • Two Suite cars
  • Six Junior Suite cars
  • Five deluxe cars
  • One Presidential suite car
  • Two dining cars
  • One bar car
  • One lounge car
  • One kitchen car
  • One tour and executive managers’ coach
  • One staff coach

Guest Cabins –

88 guests can be accommodated in 14 carriages with 43 exclusive cabins. There are 4 suites, 18 junior suites, 20 deluxe cabins and a Presidential suite. The Presidential Suite offers 5-star type accommodation including a bath tub in the bath room.

Every guest cabin features phone with direct dial, LCD televisions, DVD players, eco-friendly toilets, internet, electronic safes and individual climate control.

The category of deluxe cabins features 5 carriages comprising a total of 20 cabins catering to 40 passengers (5 double beds and 15 twin beds). There are 18 cabins in the Junior Suites category catering to 36 passengers. The Presidential Suite covers an entire carriage including a separate dining-cum- sitting room, a bathroom having shower and bathtub and a twin bedroom.

Special Trains, Trains, Trains Between Cities

Palace on Wheels

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The ‘Palace on Wheels’ is an opulent tourist train. It was started by Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation and Indian Railways to promote Rajasthan tourism.

The train was re-launched and renovated in August 2009 with a fresh itinerary, cuisine and décor. In 2010, it got the vote as the fourth luxurious train in the world.

History –

The Palace on Wheels was a concept derived from the coaches’ royal background. The coaches were intended to be the personal railway coaches of the past rulers of princely states like Gujarat, Rajputana, Hyderabad Nizam, and the Indian Viceroy.

Each saloon throws light on the cultural ethos of the state. This is embodied by the use of paintings, furnishings, furniture and handicrafts. The interiors of the train were done by Monica Khanna, an interior designer based in Delhi.

Facilities –

The train consists of 14 carriages. These carriages are named after former Rajput states and match the beauty and interior design of the regal past: Bharatpur, Alwar, Bundi, Bikaner, Dholpur, Bundi, Dungar Garh, Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Jhalawar, Jodhpur, Kota, Kishangarh, Udiapur and Sirohi. Every coach has four cabins with luxury amenities.

The train features two restaurants: the Maharani and the Maharaja having a Rajasthani atmosphere serving Chinese, Continental cuisine, spa saloon and one lounge cum bar.

Route –

The train has 7 nights and 8 days itinerary departing from New Delhi (Day one) and travels via Jaipur (Day two), Sawai Madhopur and Chittorgarh (day 3), Udaipur (day 4), Jaisalmer (day 5), Jodhpur (day 6), Agra and Bharatpur (Day 7) and return to New Delhi (day 8).

New Delhi: It is the capital of India and seat of legislative, judicial and executive branches of the Indian government. The metropolis of India is home to 23 million.

Sawai Madhopur: A city in Rajasthan state. It houses the Ranthambore National Park and also the Ranthambore Fort, which happens to be deemed a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Chittorgarh: A city of Rajasthan, it lies on the Berach River. It is home to the largest fort in India- Chittorgarh Fort. It is the site of many battles and home to legendary warriors.

Udaipur: Called as the City of Lakes, it is the historic capital of the Mewar Kingdom. Mewar was ruled by the Rajputs’ Sisodia clan and its capital was changed from Chittorgarh to Udaipur, led by Maharana Udai Singh. The city is famous for its Rajput era palaces such as the Lake Palace.

Jodhpur: It is the second largest city in Rajasthan. It features many temples, forts and palaces. It is called ‘Sun city’ for its sunny and bright weather. The city was ranked number one in the list of the Most Extra-Ordinary Places to Stay (2014) by travel publication- Lonely Planet.

Bharatpur: City in Rajasthan state, it was once the capital of the Jat kingdom. It is known as the Eastern Gateway to Rajasthan and renowned for Keoladeo National Park.

Agra: Famous for Mughal Era buildings like the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and Fatehpur Sikri, which are all World Heritage sites deemed by UNESCO. Agra is covered by the Golden Triangle Tourist Circuit along with Jaipur and Delhi.

Special Trains, Trains, Trains Between Cities

About 345678/Deccan Odyssey Express

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Yet another train with the concept of Palace on Wheels as its ideal, Deccan Odyssey is a train to give a fillip to luxury tourism on the Konkan route of the Indian Railways.

A crown jewel of Maharashtra tourism, it is a collaborative project between Maharashtra Government and the Ministry of Railways in New Delhi.

Apart from reaching tourism hot-spots, the train is a moving five-star hotel having two restaurants, a bar, a sauna centre, and also a business centre. Manufactured by the Integral Coach Factory, the coaches come with special amenities.

This luxury train was scrapped in 2004 by the state government claiming poor response but has been reinstated since.

This train takes passenger on a tour of 7 nights, beginning every Wednesday at Mumbai.

Accommodation –

The train has 10 deluxe cabin saloons. Each deluxe cabin saloon boasts of four twin-bedded chambers, and two fully air-conditioned Presidential Suite saloons, each of which has two suites with a combination of the living room and bedroom. Saloons come with music systems, intercom, attached toilets, running hot and cold water, carpet, shower and more of such amenities.

Locations –

The train begins its journey from Mumbai and takes passengers to Sindhudurg, Goa, Vasco, Kolhapur, Aurangabad, Jalgaon, and lastly to Nashik. It makes the return journey from Nashik back to Mumbai.

  • Deccan Odyssey Express Route, Schedule & Time Table –

Seven Nights / Eight Days;

–> Day 1 – Mumbai

–> Day 2 – Sindhudurg Nagari

–> Day 3 – Goa

–> Day 4 – Kolhapur

–> Day 5 – Aurangabad

–> Day 6 – Bhusawal

–> Day 7 – Nasik

–> Day 8 – Mumbai

Special Trains, Trains Between Cities

About Mahaparinirvan Express

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The Mahaparinirvana Express targets Buddhist pilgrims interested in visiting holy sites associated with the Buddha and located in Northern India.

History –

Launched on 28 March 2007, it takes passengers on a 7-nights-and- 8-days spiritual journey to pilgrim spots such as Bodhgaya, Varanasi, Lumbini and Kushinagar. It is named after Mahaparinirvana Sutra that includes some of the famous episodes from the final months of the Buddha’s life.

Services –

The train is operated by the Indian Railways using carriages of the Rajdhani Express. It offers completely air-conditioned travel in three classes – first class, two-tier and three-tier.

The toilets and showers are limited on board, but pilgrims are taken to hotels daily to allow them to freshen up or even for an overnight rest. A hygienic kitchen on board the train serves hot meals, whereas packaged drinking water and tea/coffee are available free of cost.

Because this train is targeted at pilgrims, it is not lavish enough and comparison with luxury trains must be avoided at all costs.

  • Mahaparinirvan Express Route, Schedule & Time Table –

–> Day 1 – Delhi

–> Day 2 – Bodhgaya

–> Day 3 – Nalanda/Rajgir

–> Day 4 – Varanasi/Sarnath

–> Day 5 – Kushinagar

–> Day 6 – Lumbini

–> Day 7 – Sravasti

–> Day 8 – Agra/Delhi

Special Trains, Trains, Trains Between Cities

About Royal Rajasthan on Wheels

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A luxury train from the stable of the Indian Railways, Royal Rajasthan on Wheels seeks to emulate the success of Palace on Wheels. Travelling by this luxury train allows an individual to visit several places of tourism, wildlife and historical importance.

History –

This luxury train began offering its service in January 2009, to tap the huge untapped demand for luxury tourism in the country.

Facilities –

  • The train has 14 luxury cabins named after royal palaces of the state. The cabins are further classified into deluxe and super deluxe suites and are laced with WIFI internet connectivity, Satellite TV, music systems and temperature control systems. Some of the cabins have the names Hawa Mahal, Padmini Mahal, Kishori Mahal, Phool Mahal and a super deluxe coach has been named Taj Mahal.
  • Two dining cars on the luxury train are named Swarn Mahal and Sheesh Mahal. Swarn Mahal sticks to the gold and brass plot, but the Sheesh Mahal is adorned with bright floor lamps and crystal pelmets.
  • The souvenir coach is where the passengers can select from a range of handicraft products and apparels to take back with them as souvenirs.
  • A spa and recreation zone is the latest development on this luxury train.

The Journey –

The train takes passengers on a 7 nights 8 day tour of tourist destinations in Rajasthan. It chugs off from Safdarjung station in Delhi on the first day and stops at Jodhpur on the second. Udaipur and Chittorgarh are covered on the third day; Ranthambhore National Park and Jaipur are for the fourth day; Khajuraho on day five; Varanasi and Sarnath on day six; Agra on the seventh day and return to Delhi on the eighth day.

The famous sites this train reaches are Hawa Mahal, Moti Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Ranthambhore National Park, Chittorgarh Fort, Jag Niwas, Keoladeo Ghana National Park, Agra Fort, and lastly, the Taj Mahal.

Description of Famous Tourist Sites –

Hawa Mahal –

Hawa Mahal was built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh in the form of the crown of Lord Krishna and is called so because it was a screen for women in the royal family to witness street festivities remaining unseen to the outside world.

Ranthambhore National Park –

Located in the Sawai Madhopur district, Ranthambhore National Park is a tiger reserve spread over 392 sq kms. The best months for tiger spotting in the Reserve are November and May. Other animals in the wild, that one can expect to see, are leopards, nilgai, wild boar, sambar, hyenas, sloth bear and chital.

Chittorgarh Fort –

The fort is a World Heritage Site and is spread over 280 ha on top of a hill. It is the largest fort in India and by far the grandest too. The fort used to be the capital of Mewar, and today is located within Chittor city. Chittorgarh Fort is a majestic complex because of its historical palaces, gates, temples and two famous commemoration towers.

Taj Mahal –

The Taj Mahal in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, is arguably India’s most famous tourist destination. It is a mausoleum of white marble built by the great Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan, in the loving memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The Taj Mahal is regarded as the finest examples of Mughal architecture and has become renowned across the world for its remarkable elegance. Work on the Taj Mahal began in 1632 and was completed in 1653, with the services of thousands of artisans and craftsmen.

Royal Rajasthan on Wheels Route, Schedule & Time Table –
20142015
October-5, 12, 19, 26January-4, 11, 18, 25
November-2, 9, 16, 23, 30February-1, 8, 15, 22
Decmber-7, 14, 21, 28March-1, 8, 15, 22, 29

 

For more details please visit – http://rtdc.rajasthan.gov.in/rrow.aspx

IRCTC, Special Trains, Trains

Overview of Indian Railway Luxury Trains

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Since we can remember, India has enjoyed a reputation of being a destination of luxury. Here, a mere meal can escalate to the degree of being divine, a sombre journey has the potential to become a saga of sophistication, and a stay can re-define ideas of elegant living.

And this obsession, with a larger-than-life luxury, is celebrated in real, everyday schedules, as well. With a legacy of luxury, as old as eternity, the luxury trains from the stable of Indian Railways and IRCTC turn a simple journey into a tryst with regal living. These trains are truly the epitome of Indian luxury and sophistication done to perfection.

  • The Maharaja Express –

If you thought that a train journey can never offer sophisticated journey experience, think again, India’s Maharaja Express is the answer to Europe’s Oriental Express. The new age Maharaja Express is the property of IRCTC since 2010. The idea at work here is the same that defined the kingly life in India during the reigns of kings and the British Raj. From décor, dining to facilities, this train has everything done in the perfect royal style.

Wi-Fi connection, satellite TV, DVD viewing, air conditioning are just a few of the services that you will enjoy during the week long journey covering five different itineraries. Two of these focus on the Delhi-Rajasthan circuit while the other cover wider routes across India touching the most regal destinations.

From on-the-train luxury to off-the-train guided tours, this train is one of the best tourist trains in the world.

  • Palace on Wheels –

This was the original luxury tourist train of India. The inspiration came from the personal coaches that served the kings of Rajasthan, Nizams of Hyderabad, and of course, the Viceroys of the British Raj.

The coaches of these trains, the ‘Chambers’ or the ‘Saloons,’ bring a slice of royal life for the passengers. From personal attendants, air conditioning, satellite TV and internet connections, five-star toilet and room facilities are the essential part of the itinerary on board.

The Palace on Wheels along with the Maharaja Express has helped the tourism in Rajasthan flourish. The universal and timeless charm of these trains has made them a top seller in the Indian Railways repertoire.

  • The Royal Rajasthan on Wheels –

These trains exclusively cater to the tourists in Rajasthan looking for extra orbital experience. All the facilities, that define the luxury class train journeys, are present here, as well. The itinerary takes the passengers to the most colourful wildlife sites and iconic palaces of Rajasthan. The journey fittingly ends in Agra. Since the launch of the trains in 2009, passengers have shown great appreciation and favours to the journeys.

  • The Deccan Odyssey –

Indian luxury is not only about Rajasthan or the Raj. In 2004, the Maharashtra Tourism, along with the Taj Group’s help, launched the Deccan Odyssey itineraries. These trains offer a five-star luxury travel extravaganza covering various routes across western and south-western parts of the country.

From 3 nights’ stay to a full week’s sojourn, passengers can avail various itineraries based on travel routes. Gujarat, Maharashtra, parts of Karnataka as well as parts of Agra are covered by these routes. Wildlife to cultural tourism, spiritual to the historical journey – Deccan Odyssey will take you to themed holidays with unmatched luxury.

  • The Golden Chariot –

In 2008, Karnataka Tourism launched their flagship luxury trains, the Golden Chariot. The name comes from the iconic wheel of the temple in Hampi. These trains offer the quintessential luxury facilities like spa treatment, internet connectivity, etc.

The coaches are named after ancient kingdoms and the entire design and décor, just like all other luxury trains, revolve around the theme of India’s royalty. Passengers are taken to various historical and cultural sites in Karnataka and given guided tours.

  • The Kolkata Metro –

Indian Railways counts the Kolkata Metro service as a luxury service. And quite rightly so! The metro rails are the most preferred way of travelling in the busy city that saves time, effort, and of course, money. No wonder, all other metros are now following Kolkata Metro’s footstep for better intra-city transport ease.

Whether it’s vacation of a lifetime or a way of daily commute, the luxury trains of India make life easier in more than one way.