The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : Minor changes in Golden Chariot itinerary

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Friday, Jun 13, 2008
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Karnataka

Karnataka - Bangalore

Minor changes in Golden Chariot itinerary

Sharath S. Srivatsa

The luxury train will commence its run on June 30

Travellers will be given the option of breaking journey after the Hassan leg
Menu has been overhauled, more variety introduced

— Photo: AFP

More choices: A file photo of tourists on board the Golden Chariot.

BANGALORE: When the opulent Golden Chariot, the luxury train of Karnataka, chugs out of Yeshwanthpur railway station this monsoon, travellers can either choose to visit the Kabini backwaters, the home for Asiatic elephants, or Ranganathittu, the famed bird sanctuary, near Mysore, an addition to the original itinerary.

Following the feedback received from those who travelled in the first four commercial runs of this luxury train, the authorities have decided to offer flexible itinerary to people on board.

The Golden Chariot, the third luxury train in India after Rajasthan’s Palace on Wheels and Maharastra’s Deccan Odyssey, takes its passengers across the several tourist destination across Karnataka including Mysore, Belur, Halebid, Hampi, Badami and Aihole, on a six-day and seven-night sojourn.

Among the modifications that are sought to be brought onboard include changes in the menu, offering more variety than the earlier.

An option has also been given to travellers to break the journey after Hassan leg or start the journey from the Hospet leg besides adding a few more attractions.

River cruise

An addition to the itinerary would be a river cruise on Mandovi River in Goa that would feature local cuisine and music.

Vinay Luthra, Managing Director of Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation, told The Hindu that the decision to offer flexibility was based on the feedback from travellers.

“Many felt that the day-long visit to Kabini backwaters from Mysore was tiring. Now, we will give the option either to plan for an overnight stay at the Jungle Lodges and Resorts at Kabini or stay back in Mysore to visit Ranganthittu bird sanctuary, Mysore Zoo and Krishnaraja Sagar reservoir,” he added.

Besides, he said: “Those who cannot travel the entire route can chose a three-day travel up to Hassan or board the train for a three-day travel from Hospet.”

With the completion of rail link to Badami in August, Mr. Luthra said that it would enable passengers to experience day-journey onboard the train on its way to Goa.

“As the circuit of Badami, Aihole and Pattadakkal could be completed before lunch time, the train can resume its journey to Goa in the afternoon,” he added. Earlier, passengers onboard the Golden Chariot had to travel by road from Gadag to Badami, which was tedious.

In the food section, menu has been overhauled with the addition of more variety in continental and several local cuisines, which reflect the regional food culture, would be offered.

“Some travellers said continental dish served onboard was a bit spicy, and those have been removed from the menu,” he added.

Monsoon experience

Even as the other two luxury trains in the country would be off the track till August, the Golden Chariot will commence its run on June 30 in an effort to attract tourists. “Discount of 10 per cent has been offered to tourists in this season, and we believe that that there would be demand for our train, as the other two do not run in this season,” Mr. Luthra said.

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