BANGALORE TO GOA ON THE GOLDEN CHARIOT

NOVEMBER 19–29, 2010

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.

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 fullyequipped, 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.