Thiruvananthapuram, March 20 (IANS) In a boost to the tourism sector in Kerala, the Karnataka-based Golden Chariot, one of India’s luxury trains, pulled into the railway station here Saturday.
The inaugural run of the luxury train on the seven nights/eight days ‘Southern Splendour’ itinerary covering Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Kerala, commenced March 15 from Bangalore.

Alighting from the train, 42 tourists were taken on a city tour followed by a visit to Kovalam beach and dinner at Taj Green Cove resort.

The train proceeds to Alappuzha, popularly known as the Venice of the East, Sunday morning. The tourists would be taken on a houseboat cruise on the backwaters of Kumarakom.

The final stopover is in Kochi, which would include a tour of the Jewish town, the Dutch Palace, the Chinese fishing nets followed by a sunset cruise and a Kathakali performance.

V.Venu, secretary, Kerala Tourism, said the new itinerary combines some of the best that Kerala and South India have on offer and it will be an unforgettable experience for the passengers.

“Kerala’s inclusion in the tourism circuit of Golden Chariot will benefit the state’s tourism sector immensely as it opens up the state to luxury travellers. We also look forward to welcoming another new Golden Chariot package that is still in the pipeline, which will take in Kochi, Alappuzha and Thiruvananthapuram via Mangalore,” he added.

Principal Secretary of Karnataka Tourism K. Jyothiramalingam said the Golden Chariot is highly appreciated as a new product from Karnataka with the trade and consumers giving it the thumbs-up.

“There is a lot of demand in the up-market segment, particularly with travellers from the UK, the US and Europe. The decision to extend the domain of the Golden Chariot was taken in view of the demand in the up-market segment for an itinerary that covers South India in a seamless manner,” he added.

The Golden Chariot, which is operated by the Karnataka government, has been around for two years. It has 19 thematically-designed coaches. Its 44 cabins have amenities like Wi-Fi, plasma TV and attached baths.

The price tag for the week-long sojourn is $3,150 per person for double occupancy and $2,695 per person for triple occupancy.