The Golden chariot

The Golden Chariot is a 19-coach train which will take the tourists through the history of the southern Indian states during a seven-day, six-night 500 km journey. The Golden Chariot, which can accommodate 105 passengers, starts from Bangalore and goes to Mysore, Hassan, Bleur, Shravanabelagola, Hampi, Aihole and Pattadakal, Badami, culminating in neighbouring Goa. The coaches have been named after the dynasties that ruled Karnataka - Kadamba, Hoysala, Rastrakuta, Ganga, Chalukya, Bahamani, Adhilshashi, Sangama, Shatavahana, Yadukula and Vijayanagara.

The luxury train was conceived in 2003. The Golden Chariot is part of the plan to boost tourism as Karnataka, particularly Bangalore, is acquiring the reputation of attracting only business travellers in spite of its rich architectural heritage and natural beauty. The Golden Chariot is the first luxury train in the South of India. There is a Palace on Wheels in Rajasthan.

Features

Wi-fi environs, plasma TV, Ayurveda centre with a spa and a gym, a conference room for 30 people and restaurants serving traditional local delicacies and international fare.A Golden Chariot is also a defintion used to describe a commonplace mode of transportation, a "vehicle" if you will, that the owner of said "vehicle" holds in very high regaurd. This "vehicle" is quite ordinary looking, so much so that it may even get lost in a crowd, except perhaps a small detail or tag to set it apart. The owner of a Golden Charoit is quite easy to notice, usually proclaming "Golden Charoit" this or that, most always to the by-standers lament. Example: a 2005 model year Blue Ford Explorer

Inaugration

The commercial run of the train began on March 3, but the train was flagged of in February 2008 by the President of India.

Links

* [http://www.thegoldenchariot.com Official website of The Golden Chariot in India]
* http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/000200802021971.htm