- Route
- Multiple itineraries from Bengaluru through Karnataka and other parts of South India, including destinations such as Mysuru, Hampi and Goa
- State
- Karnataka and other southern states depending on itinerary
- Year started
- 2008
- UNESCO status
- Not UNESCO-listed; itineraries visit major UNESCO World Heritage Sites
The Golden Chariot is one of India's premier luxury tourism trains and is closely associated with the cultural and architectural heritage of southern India.
It commenced operations in 2008 as an initiative of the Government of Karnataka in partnership with the Ministry of Railways.
The train's design is inspired by historic dynasties that ruled southern India. Its passenger coaches and interiors incorporate motifs influenced by Karnataka's artistic and architectural traditions.
Golden Chariot currently offers several curated itineraries. These can include destinations such as Bengaluru, Bandipur, Mysuru, Hampi, Halebidu, Chikkamagaluru and Goa, with other journeys extending into Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
The train itself is not a UNESCO World Heritage property, but its tourism programmes include internationally recognised heritage destinations such as Hampi.
It represents a modern approach to presenting South India's heritage through luxury railway tourism.