BANGALORE TO GOA ABOARD THE GOLDEN CHARIOT
Halebid, once the undisputed centre of the Hoysala dynasty, cradles the magnificently carved ruins of the 12th century temple of Hoysaleswara, whilst Hampi, austere and grandiose, represents the crowning glory of the final great Hindu kingdom of Vijayanagar. These are just two of the sights we will savour on our journey across the lush state of Karnataka on board the Golden Chariot, perhaps India’s most luxurious private train.
The earliest empire we will encounter on our way to Goa is the 6th century AD Hindu Chalukyan kingdom: at Aihole, Pattadakal and Badami we will witness the full elegance of the dynasty’s architectural style, including myriad edifices adorned with detailed animal friezes.
After the Hoysala Ballala kings, the Vijayanagars gained ascendancy – only to have their extensive capital, Hampi, left in ruins by the Bahmani Muslims from Bijapur at the Battle of Talikota in 1565.
Seafaring Portuguese traders first set ashore in Goa in 1510, soon followed by Jesuit missionaries led by St Francis Xavier, now entombed in the UNESCO-designated Church of Bom Jesus.
In Pajim, the former capital of the Portuguese Indies, Christian churches stand cheek-by-jowl with Hindu shrines.
Southern India’s architectural gems are matched by the region’s wildlife: our tour will include an overnight stay at the Kabini Jungle Lodge on the southern fringes of Nagarhole National Park, home to around 60 tigers.
On our two excursions into the jungle we are likely to see elephant, gaur, sambar, chital and wild boar and we will hope to spot many of the forest’s 300 species of bird.
Our first night will be spent at the Taj West End, Bangalore’s most palatial hotel, and our tour will end with two nights at Goa’s elegant and exotic Taj Fort Aguada, built on the ramparts of a 16th century Portuguese fortress. The Kabini Jungle Lodge, although somewhat simpler, offers unrivalled opportunities for viewing exotic wildlife.
The Indian railway system:
The Indian railway system, introduced by the British in 1853, is the lifeblood of the nation with 39,490 miles of track and 6,984 stations. According to the ever reliable Indian Railways Fan Club, the longest single journey takes 71 hours and 45 minutes; the oldest running train is the Bangalore Mail, which has been ploughing the tracks since 1864; and the most unreliable service is the (perhaps inappropriately-named) Guwahati Express, which chugs in on average 10 to 12 hours late. Thank heavens, then, for the luxurious Golden Chariot, India’s newest and most advanced passenger train.
The Golden Chariot:
The Golden Chariot, named after the famous stone chariot in Hampi’s Vittala Temple, was purpose built in 2008 to convey passengers in style between Bangalore’s Yeshwantpur railway station and Panjim, capital of Goa. Painted in purple and gold, and decorated in traditional Indian style, the Golden Chariot boasts up to 16 carriages, of which we will occupy half. Each carriage has four fully equipped, wooden-panelled cabins with air conditioning and en suite facilities.
We will also enjoy the Golden Chariot’s saloon-wagon and bar, and there is even an on board spa. The ornate dinning cars serve first-rate cuisine, both western and Indian, with fresh produce brought on board daily. Most of our journeys by rail will be undertaken during the evening or overnight.
This tour will be led by Denis Moriarty MA (Oxon) a lecturer and former television producer with the BBC, where he specialised in producing documentaries on art, architecture and cultural history.
Itinerary
Day 1Depart Heathrow 2115 on Kingfisher Airlines for Bangalore.
Day 2Arrive Bangalore 1540 and transfer to Taj West End Hotel for overnight. Free time followed by introductory lecture.
Day 3Bangalore: Lalbagh botanic garden (India’s largest collection of rare tropical plants), 16th century Nandi Bull Temple. Afternoon: embark Golden Chariot and depart for Mysore with overnight on board.
Day 4Excursion to Mysore Palace (historic seat of maharajas of Mysore, designed by English architect Henry Irwin) then continue to Kabini Jungle Lodge for overnight. Afternoon: jeep safari in Nagarhole National Park (elephants, gaur, sambar, chital and over 300 species of birds).
Day 5Early morning boat safari followed by Seringapatam (fortress and mausoleum of Tipu Sultan) then return to Golden Chariot for dinner and overnight.
Day 6Depart on Golden Chariot for Hassan with excursion to Sravanabelagola (Jain pilgrimage centre noted for 54-feet high monolithic statue of Lord Bahubali) and Halebid (capital of Hoysala kingdom): Hoysaleswara (exquisite temple dedicated to Shiva adorned with 20,000 sculptures). Evening: depart on board Golden Chariot for Hospet.
Day 7Whole-day excursion to Hampi (capital of Vijayanagar empire): Vittala Temple (in shape of stone cart), Lotus Mahal, Elephant stables. Evening: dinner and overnight on Golden Chariot.
Day 8Depart on Golden Chariot for Badami (capital of Chalukyas) for excursion to Aihole (early Hindu temples) and Pattadakal: Jain sanctuary, Temple of Virupaksha. Afternoon and evening: on board Golden Chariot for Goa.
Day 9Panjim (capital of Goa) and old Goa (founded by Portuguese in 1510): tomb and shrine of St Francis Xavier, Church of Bom Jesus, cathedral. Disembark Golden Chariot and transfer to Taj Fort Aguada Hotel for two nights.
Day 10Day at leisure with optional visits in Panjim.
Day 11Depart by air 0810 via Mumbai to Heathrow, arriving 1755.
Cost includes: return airfare, accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room / cabin, full board, excursions & admissions.
Not included: visa, travel insurance, single room supplement £790.
