To promote the state festival commencing next month, the Karnataka government, through KSTDC (Karnataka State Transport Development Corporation) has reduced the prices of the Dasara Special Tour Package. Indian passengers will have to pay Rs. 25,000 per person as opposed to the Rs. 30,000 which was paid last year.

The Golden Chariot Luxury Train holds the distinction of being South India’s first and only luxury tourist train run by KSTDC. The special trips offered by Dasara include 2 nights and a day’s stay package which costs Rs. 25,000 for Indians and Rs. 40,000 for foreigners.  The package includes accommodation meals, sightseeing, and Mysuru Palace events. Foreigners were required to pay Rs. 30,000 per person last year. However, the significantly lower number of foreigners for the Dasara Special Tour has led the officials to shift their focus to Indian tourists.

Priyanka Kharge, Karnataka Minister for ITBT and Tourism, commented, “This would be a unique opportunity for people to witness Dasara as a royal guest and also experience the great train journey at a subsidized cost.”

Kumar Pushkar, MD, KSTDC, had this to say, “Last year was the first time, we were offering Dasara special rides by the Golden Chariot but the drought and Cauvery stir played spoiler. We have 65 people on board including tourism writers and bloggers. This year we hope to cater to more travelers. Also this year we have added a second trip which is during Dasara and guests will be given a gold pass to see the procession and other gala events.”

The first trip will commence from 23rd to 25th September, while the second one will commence from 29th September to 1st October. The departure of the train will take place at Yeshwantpur railway station in the night on the first day of the journey, and it will return back to Bengaluru on the third day, early morning.

KSTDC has also planned a curated royal walk that seeks to showcase the rich heritage of Mysuru. Further, a gold pass offered to the guests will also enable them to witness the Dasara and cultural programs in front of the illuminated Mysuru Palace. They would also be treated to the delights of both Indian and Continental cuisines.