The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Ltd. (IRCTC), the tourism arm of Indian Railways and a Navratna Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Railways, has launched the newly upgraded
Golden Chariot luxury train for the 2026–27 tourist season.
Renowned for showcasing South India’s rich heritage and scenic landscapes, the Golden Chariot returns in a refreshed avatar that blends traditional elegance with modern comfort.
The train now features upgraded interiors with hand-picked upholstery, polished wooden finishes, plush linens and premium bath amenities designed to offer a luxurious travel experience. Cabins are equipped with Smart TVs and Wi-Fi streaming facilities, while safety features such as CCTV surveillance and advanced fire alarm systems have also been introduced. Guests will additionally have access to selected house pours onboard.
The train can accommodate up to 80 guests across 40 well-appointed cabins, including 13 double-bed cabins, 26 twin-bed cabins and one specially designed cabin for differently abled guests.
Onboard dining and leisure facilities include two fine-dining restaurants — Ruchi and Nalapaka — serving Indian and international cuisine, and Madira, the lounge bar offering a curated selection of beverages. The train also houses the Arogya Spa & Fitness Centre, featuring Ayurvedic therapies and modern fitness equipment.
For the 2026–27 season, the Golden Chariot will operate three curated itineraries. The flagship “Pride of Karnataka” itinerary covers Bengaluru, Bandipur, Mysuru, Halebidu, Chikkamagaluru, Hampi and Goa over six days. The “Jewels of South” route includes Bengaluru, Mysuru, Kanchipuram, Mahabalipuram, Thanjavur, Chettinad, Cochin and Chertala, while the shorter “Glimpses of Karnataka” itinerary covers Bengaluru, Bandipur, Mysuru and Hampi over four days.
IRCTC has also announced promotional offers for select departures during the season. Guests of all nationalities can avail a 20% discount on the published tariff, subject to cabin availability. An additional 5% early-bird discount will be available for bookings with advance payments completed on or before June 30, 2026.
The package includes onboard meals, selected beverages, guided sightseeing in air-conditioned vehicles, monument entry fees and meals at designated venues as per the itinerary.
