Bengaluru, October 24 — Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Saturday flagged off the Golden Chariot luxury tourist train for the 2026-27 season, marking the relaunch of the five-night, six-day 'Pride of Karnataka' tour, ANI reported.

Source: ANI via Daily Prabhat

Speaking at the flag-off, Shivakumar said the train had been given a new look and its routes redesigned to showcase Karnataka's cultural heritage, wildlife, natural beauty and historical destinations, and that the government was working to promote tourism and generate employment, ANI reported.

Source: ANI via APNA MA TV

5 nights, 6 daysLength of the 'Pride of Karnataka' tour
75 guestsAboard the fully booked first journey, Nation Press reported
13 departuresPlanned for the 2026-27 season
Rs 2.53-4.87 lakhReported fare per person, plus 5% GST — yaani about two-and-a-half to nearly five lakh rupees per traveller

The 'Pride of Karnataka' tour covers Bandipur, Mysuru, Halebidu, Chikkamagaluru and Hampi, offering luxury accommodation, spa facilities and catering, Shivakumar said, according to ANI. Three routes have been finalised in all, he said.

Source: ANI via Daily Prabhat

Two other itineraries are planned: 'Jewel of the South', covering destinations including Hampi, Mahabalipuram, Mysuru, Bengaluru, Kochi and Chettinad, and 'Glimpses of Karnataka', focused on heritage destinations such as Hampi, Belur and Halebidu, ANI reported.

Source: ANI via APNA MA TV

Ahead of the season the train underwent maintenance and upgrades, and the first journey was fully booked, according to pre-launch reporting of the season cited by Curly Tales from The Indian Express. Shivakumar said it was the government's duty to present Karnataka properly to the country and the world, ANI reported.

Source: Indian Express via Curly Tales