Bengaluru: Train journeys make for great stories. But when you say Indian railways, the picture that usually comes to mind is one of unhygienic toilets, tasteless food, delays and poor service. Salvaging some of the industry’s glory is the same industry's fleet of plush luxury trains.
Golden Chariot — a Karnataka State Tourism Department initiative — is a prime example of luxury travel. The train ran from Bengaluru to Mysore on the occasion of Dasara, Karnataka’s state festival. The train derives its name from the famous stone chariot in Hampi.
This Dasara, I had the opportunity to experience what the Golden Chariot had on offer for those who were willing to pamper themselves. Passengers were asked to assemble at a five star hotel in Bangalore for a high tea, and were taken to Yeshwantpur railway station where our once in a lifetime experience awaited us.
With a red carpet welcome, complete with musicians playing Nadaswaram and dhols, the ambience at the railway station was a traditional burst of colour. Attendants even welcomed the guests with a shawl and garland — everyone was treated no less than royalty. The train was decked in deep purple and gold, boasting a logo of the mythical creature with a lion’s body and elephant head, the initial festivities were just a glimpse of the royal treatment that awaited.
A modern palace on wheels, the train boasts of 18 coaches, two restaurants, a spa, a gym, a business center and a bar! The interiors, inspired by the architecture of the Mysore kingdoms, were both beautiful and tasteful. The coaches were carpeted and had extravagant curtains with rich embroidery.
Each coach was named after a dynasty that had ruled the Mysore province —Rashtrakuta, Hoysala, Yadukula to name a few, and was divided into three rooms with twin and single occupancies. Leaving no stone unturned, cabins were well equipped with modern facilities such as Wi-Fi, LCD televisions, vanity desks and en-suite bathrooms.
Let’s talk about food now. With continental and Indian cuisines, the food served on board was top-notch. The pantry had no gas stoves so all the chefs had to work with electric induction stoves. The head chef, with more than 20 years of expertise, was constantly making sure the quality of the food served was up to standard. The hospitality team on board deserves a mention for service, as good as any five star dining experience.
The trip, scheduled for two days, also included a tour around heritage sites like Mysore palace and a visit to the famous town of Srirangapatna, both culturally important places in the state.
Golden Chariot usually runs from October to March on a different route starting from Karnataka and covering Tamil Nadu and Goa. Post March, the train goes for a complete overhaul and resumes services after a few months. The painting and stickering of the train’s body alone costs a whopping Rs 45 lakh, and the interiors in excess of crores. After all, royalty does come at a price!
The Karnataka government had deployed this train to Mysore hoping that the loss-making initiative would gain some popularity. The tickets was priced at Rs 30,000 each, and had drawn about 36 guests for this trip. From the conversations I had with other guests, I had figured out that I wasn't alone who was in awe. Guests were totally blown away by the royal treatment that they received and gave the journey a big thumbs-up.
The steep ticket prices are probably the only reason the initiative might not garner the numbers it hopes to achieve although the jury is still out on the matter.
DISCLAIMER: CNN News18 reporter Nagarjun Dwarakanath was invited by the Karnataka Tourism Ministry to accompany tourists.
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