Bengaluru: The Golden Chariot is set to become cheaper ahead of the 2026-27 tourist season. The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), which operates the luxury train, will offer a 20% discount on its existing tariff.Introduced in 2008 by Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) to attract foreign tourists, the train was named after the famed golden chariot at Hampi’s Vitthala temple. Following losses and Covid-19 pandemic, KSTDC handed over operations of the train to IRCTC despite still owning it.Of the 12 trips announced till 2028, tickets for 10 trips will be discounted. The train offers three tour options this year, including its signature “Pride of Karnataka” package that covers the state for five nights and six days.Travelling through Bengaluru, Bandipur, Mysuru, Halebidu, Chikkamagaluru, Hampi and Goa, it costs $5,000 (over Rs 4.8L) for a single ticket. With the discount, prices for the package will drop to $4,000 (over Rs 3.8L).Another package, “Jewels of South,” running five nights and six days, explores Kerala and Tamil Nadu as well. This trip, which was earlier priced at $3,400 (over Rs 3.3L), will now cost $2,720 (over Rs 2.6L).An additional 5% early‑bird discount applies for tourists, who complete advance payments on or before June 30. The first such discounted trip will start Oct 24 this year. Ahead of the season, IRCTC claims it revamped the coaches by altering upholstery, lacquering wood surfaces and refreshing cabins with new linen and better bath amenities.Safety has been improved with CCTV cameras, advanced fire alarm systems and an enhanced hospitality team. At its full capacity, the train can accommodate up to 80 guests across 40 cabins. The accommodation configuration includes 13 double‑bed cabins, 26 twin‑bed cabins and one cabin designed for differently-abled guests.Following a disrupted start, the train recorded its highest number of passengers, 64, last year. In 2025, the Golden Chariot ran a total of five trips, the highest so far. According to officials, tourists are mostly expected from the US, the UK and other parts of Europe, Australia and New Zealand. The US contributed the largest share, followed by the UK.