Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), the tourism arm of Indian Railways and a Navratna Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Railways, has announced the launch of the newly upgraded Golden Chariot for the 2026–27 tourist season.
Known for its luxury rail journeys across South India, the Golden Chariot returns this season with refreshed interiors, upgraded onboard amenities and curated itineraries designed to combine heritage exploration with contemporary luxury travel experiences.
The revamped train blends the nostalgia and romance of traditional rail journeys with modern comfort and hospitality standards.
The upgraded interiors feature hand-picked upholstery in muted tones, polished wooden finishes, refreshed cabins with plush linen, modern bath amenities and enhanced in-room entertainment including Smart TVs and Wi-Fi-enabled streaming facilities.
The train has also introduced upgraded safety and operational systems, including CCTV surveillance, advanced fire alarm systems and enhanced onboard hospitality services. Selected house pours are also included as part of the onboard experience.
The Golden Chariot accommodates up to 80 guests across 40 cabins, including 13 double-bed cabins, 26 twin-bed cabins and one specially designed cabin for differently abled guests.
Dining and social experiences aboard the train are centred around three signature venues, Ruchi, Nalapaka and Madira.
Ruchi and Nalapaka serve Indian and international cuisine presented on premium crockery and fine dining tableware, while Madira functions as the onboard lounge bar offering a curated beverage selection in a relaxed social setting.
Guests can also access the onboard Arogya Spa & Fitness Centre, which combines wellness therapies, Ayurvedic treatments and fitness facilities designed to provide relaxation and rejuvenation during the journey.
For the 2026–27 season, IRCTC has announced three itineraries across South India.
The flagship ‘Pride of Karnataka’ itinerary spans five nights and six days, covering Bengaluru, Bandipur, Mysuru, Halebidu, Chikkamagaluru, Hampi and Goa before returning to Bengaluru.
The ‘Jewels of South’ itinerary connects Bengaluru, Mysuru, Kanchipuram, Mahabalipuram, Thanjavur, Chettinad, Cochin and Chertala over a five-night, six-day journey.
Meanwhile, the shorter ‘Glimpses of Karnataka’ itinerary offers a three-night, four-day route covering Bengaluru, Bandipur, Mysuru and Hampi.
IRCTC stated that the itineraries have been designed to balance sightseeing, cultural immersion and onboard relaxation experiences.
The corporation has also introduced special promotional offers for selected departures during the 2026–27 season.
Guests across all nationalities can avail a 20 per cent discount on published tariffs, including supplement charges, subject to cabin availability and valid up to the date of departure.
In addition, an extra 5 per cent Early Bird discount will be available for guests completing advance payments on or before June 30, 2026. The offer can be combined with the 20 per cent promotional discount.
The package includes onboard meals, selected beverages, guided sightseeing tours in air-conditioned vehicles, monument entry fees and designated meals during off-train excursions.
Selected departures under the promotional offer include:
- October 24, 2026 – Pride of Karnataka
- October 31, 2026 – Glimpses of Karnataka
- December 19, 2026 – Glimpses of Karnataka
- December 26, 2026 – Pride of Karnataka
- January 2, 2027 – Pride of Karnataka
- January 30, 2027 – Pride of Karnataka
- February 6, 2027 – Glimpses of Karnataka
- February 20, 2027 – Jewels of South
- February 27, 2027 – Pride of Karnataka
- March 13, 2027 – Pride of Karnataka
