Thiruvananthapuram, Saturday 20 March 2010: True to its name, the Golden Chariot pampers its tourists with a royal treatment of a palace on wheels that comes with a gym, spa, bar and restaurants on a par with any star hotel.

However, this luxury train of Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation being operated for the last two years stands closer to its motto — Many worlds. One voyage. For, the train that was initially taking international and domestic passengers within Karnataka and to neighbouring Goa, is covering places of tourist importance in Tamil Nadu, Pondicherry and Kerala also now.

On its inaugural journey of Southern Splendor, the 18-coach chariot chugged into Thiruvananthapuram railway station today. The seven-day tour from Bangalore covers Chennai, Mahabalipuram, Puducherry, Tiruchi, Thanjavur, Madurai, Thiruvananthapuram, Alappuzha and Kochi. From October 4, the chariot will cover the southern splendour on alternate weeks.

The tour package costs 3,150 US Dollars for foreigners and Rs. 1.05 lakh for domestic tourists.