IRCTC TAKES OVER THE REIGNS OF THE PRESTIGIOUS & LUXURY TRAIN ‘THE GOLDEN CHARIOT’
Train is all set to hit the tracks with newly refurbished interiors, better amenities and curated menu.
Photo Caption: The exterior as well as the interior view of the newly refurbished Golden Chariot train.
Having already carved a niche for itself in luxury train tourism, IRCTC, the travel, tourism and hospitality arm of Ministry of Railways has added another luxury train ‘Golden Chariot’ to its fleet. Owned by Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC), the Golden Chariot train, which commenced operations in 2008, has been taken over by IRCTC for operation, management and marketing through a recently executed agreement between the two corporations. The Golden Chariot is now ready again to hit the tracks in a new vibrant look and feel on an exciting week long itinerary.
According to press release issued by Shri Ravinder Bhakar – Chief Public Relations Officer of Western Railway, IRCTC has undertaken the operations, management and marketing of this prestigious train in November, 2019 and has given a makeover befitting the taste of international train travel enthusiasts. To add to the guests’ comforts, the train now boasts of several new features including newly upholstered furniture, elegant drapery, renovated rooms and bathrooms, crockery and cutlery of reputed international brands and fresh linen. For providing wholesome in-room entertainment, Smart TVs with variety of wifi enabled subscriptions including Netflix, Amazon, Hotstar etc have been installed. CCTV Cameras and Fire Alarm System have been added for more safety. Experienced chefs have created menus presenting an eclectic mix of mouth watering international as well as domestic cuisine. The Package includes variety of cuisines and homemade beverages. The guests can continue to enjoy relaxing spa therapies at the onboard spa which has also been provided with modern workout machines for the fitness enthusiasts. The 6 Nights/7 Days itinerary shall commence from Yeshwantpur Railway Station in the morning followed by visit to Bandipur National Park, Mysore, Halebidu, Chikmangalur, Hampi, Badami – Pattadakal - Aihole, Goa before returning to Bengaluru.
The luxury train tour package cost is inclusive of all onboard meals and homemade beverages, guided excursions in air-conditioned buses, monument entry fee and meals at outside venues as per the itinerary. IRCTC has planned three trips of Golden Chariot –“Pride of Karnataka” with departures scheduled on 22ndMarch, 29th March and 12th April 2020 in the present tourist season. The train is now all set to welcome and host tourists, under the pioneering initiative of IRCTC. While a lot has been changed, what has not changed is the warmth and pleasing demeanour of the staff, which shall strive to make this experience memorable for the guests. Also, as part of Government of India’s initiative to promote tourism within the country, urging citizens to visit at least 15 tourist destinations in the country, various incentive schemes for Indian Citizens have been announced on the Golden Chariot Luxury Tourist Train including Companion Offer, Pre or Post Hotel Accommodation Offer and many more.
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