Karnataka’s Golden Chariot: royalty and luxury galore

As I mentioned in my previous post, the Golden Chariot is a luxury train run by the Karnataka department of Tourism that takes you on an unforgettable journey to the best sights of Karnataka as well as other south Indian states of Goa, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry depending on the option you select.  Named after the iconic stone chariot that is the highlight of Hampi (a UNESCO heritage site in Karnataka), the Golden Chariot has been operational since 2008.  Below is a detailed account of what you can expect while on the train.

Facilities:

A true beauty, this majestic train is done up in the royal colors of gold and purple.  Of the 18 coaches, 11 are reserved for guests and are named after the various dynasties that once ruled Karnataka: Kadamba, Hoysala, Rastrakota, Ganga, Chalukya, Bhahamani, Adhilshahi, Sangama, Shathavashna, Yudukula and Vijayanagar. Palatial interiors, magnificent furnishings and swanky furniture make the train truly unique.

Each coach has 4 rooms, each of which have all the amenities akin to a top notch hotel.  Designed for single, double as well as triple occupancy, the train can accommodate a total of 110 guests.

Apart from wi-fi on the train, there is also has a gym, spa, business centre and control room.

Food:

One of the best parts of the journey is the lip smacking food that is served on the train. The train has two restaurants cars aptly named “Ruchi” and “Nalapaka” apart from a lounge bar called “Madira”.

With delectable taste and the apt combination of spice and flavours, utmost attention is paid to the hygiene factor. “Our top priority is cleanliness and I often invite my guests to the kitchen so that they have a first-hand look and feel of our kitchen” says Deepak Kumar Chaubey, executive chef on the Golden Chariot.

Every meal on the Golden chariot is unique and none of the dishes are repeated during the entire span of the tour! The fare includes North Indian, South Indian dishes and continental options. The meals served aboard the train is one that truly befits royalty. Starting with the salad and soup, you can sit back and enjoy the luxury of relishing a lavish 5 course meal.

All confectionery items like the bread, pastries, muffins and croissants are prepared fresh on board.

The kitchen also caters to individuals with special needs and allergies. So there are specially designed menus for lactose or gluten intolerant guests as well as for those allergic to nuts and any other kind of food.  The quality and taste of the food is matched only by the level of attention given to each guest. The staff are even ready to whip up any specialties like roasted lamb, Shepherd’s pie, a Jain meal or even a pizza should you ask!

This post was made possible by Karnataka Tourism.  Stay tuned for the next post on the exclusive Golden chariot experience and the regal journey it covers.

Do visit the Golden Chariot website for more details.