Golden Chariot Luxury Tourist Train Begins 2026-27 Season

Mangalore Today News Network

Bengaluru, Oct 25, 2026: Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Saturday flagged off the 2026-27 season of the Golden Chariot luxury tourist train at Krantiveera Sangolli Rayanna railway station in Majestic, Bengaluru, with the state government aiming to expand tourism and generate employment.

The inaugural five-night, six-day ‘Pride of Karnataka’ journey has 75 guests and nearly 60 onboard staff. The itinerary covers Bandipur, Mysuru, Halebidu, Chikkamagaluru, Hampi and Goa, offering experiences ranging from wildlife and royal heritage to Hoysala architecture, coffee estates and coastal attractions.

Shivakumar said Karnataka had immense tourism potential, spanning wildlife, heritage sites, the Malnad region, the coast, Mysuru and Kodagu. The government would identify and promote new destinations alongside established tourist centres to attract domestic and international visitors, he said, adding that tourism expansion would create jobs and boost local economies.

Tourism Minister K J George said the Golden Chariot was being positioned as a premium tourism offering showcasing Karnataka’s wildlife, heritage, culture and hospitality.

Three itineraries on offer:
The train will operate three itineraries during the season. Besides ‘Pride of Karnataka’, the five-night, six-day ‘Jewels of South’ journey covers destinations across southern India, including Mysuru, Hampi, Mahabalipuram, Thanjavur, Chettinad, Kochi and Kumarakom.

The shorter ‘Glimpses of Karnataka’ is a three-night, four-day journey covering Bandipur, Mysuru and Hampi, with Bengaluru as the starting and ending point.

Tourism Secretary Ram Prasath Manohar said the department would focus on improving destination experiences, marketing, booking systems and visitor services. A total of 13 journeys have been scheduled for the 2026-27 season.