In case you were planning your next expedition to cherish the royalty and richness of South India, the Golden Chariot&mdashthe first and only luxury train of South India&mdashwill start functioning again this March. The luxury train service that will take its first journey after a gap of two years will operate on March 22, courtesy of Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC).

The train services became defunct owning to decreased patronage in recent years. According to media reports, the revival and operation of the train is part of a 10-year agreement with the government of Karnataka. What is different now is that payment can be made in rupees (earlier, it was only in USD).

The train was launched in 2008 by the Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation. The Golden Chariot is a luxury train offering a tour around prominent South Indian destinations. The train has been specially designed to recreate the aesthetics of Dravidian cultural ethos.

It begins its journey from Bengaluru and passes through Bandipur, Mysore, Halebidu and Chikamgaluru, Hampi, Badami, and Goa before returning back to Bengaluru. The 6 night, 7 day journey includes visits to attractions such as Mysore Palace, along with the churches and museums of North Goa.

The scenic journey also includes unique experiences such as a safari in Bandipur, coffee tasting at the plantations, exploring Hampi and the Badami caves. More details about the itinerary can be obtained here.  

On March 22, the Golden Chariot will set off from the Yeshwantpur Railway Station. A 50% discount on booking is available in case you plan to travel with a companion. The train will make the same journey on two other dates &mdash March 29 and April 12.

The tariff details vary for foreign nationals and Indian nationals, depending upon single or double occupancy. The current tariff rates are also valid for all departures till April 2020. More details can be obtained here.