Bountiful God’s Own Country

Bountiful God’s Own Country “In the beginning, God created the earth, and He looked upon it in His cosmic loneliness.” And God said, “Let us make living creatures out of mud, so the mud can see what we have done.” “Everything must have a purpose?” asked God. “Certainly,” said man. “Then I leave it to you to think of one for all this,” said God. And He went away.” ― Kurt Vonnegut Call it God, nature or divinity, there is scant doubt that cosmic forces conspired to make the southern state of Kerala alluring and prepossessing, beckoning tourists in humungous numbers to savour the scenic beauty, temples, churches, mosques and synagogues, embellished with ornate architectural design, lush green fields, swaying coconut trees, awe-inspiring beaches, sublime backwaters and lagoons. This oasis of natural creation and design lingers in the memory bank of the trippers’ mind. The state of Kerala is all about vast green expanses that would take at least a fortnight to traverse and to explore the gem-spots spread across ‘God’s Own Country’. In a span of one week an enterprising excursionist can discover the charm of the Kochi, Munnar (a quaint hill station), Thekkady (a wildlife sanctuary), Alappuzha (the stupefying backwaters- also famous for the famous Nehru boat race) and the exotic beaches at Kovalam. The IRCTC proffers an attractive package which lures the interested tourists. Guests are received by a representative of IRTC at the Kochi airport and housed at an upmarket hotel. The local sight-seeing includes a visit to the Mattancherry Palace, constructed by the Portuguese for the king of Cochin as a gift. Subsequently it was taken over by the Dutch, whence it came to be known as the Dutch Palace. The Mattancherry Palace is notable for the Kerala murals depicting portraits and exhibits of the Rajas of Kochi. It is a matter of immense pride that the palace has been included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The sightseeing trip includes a visit to the Paradesi Synagogue, the oldest active synagogue in the Commonwealth of Nations. The tour winds up at the charming seaside area, Fort Kochi, known for its Dutch, Portuguese, and British colonial architecture and elaborate bamboo fishing nets. The St. Francis Church is also located in the robust fort complex which was the original burial site of the intrepid explorer, Vasco da Gama. The following morning guests drive to Munnar, the ‘Princess of Hill Stations’. While traversing to Munnar trippers watch in amazement the Cheeyappara and Valara waterfalls. On reaching Munnar, tourists can spend quality time walking through the verdant grasslands and tea plantations. Vacationers can also visit the most prepossessing location there, situated across the Mattupetty Dam, where one can enjoy a spot of boating in the Mattupetty Lake. After an overnight stay at Munnar, sightseers head to Periyar- a 4-hour drive through viridescent mountains. The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary houses variegated species of flora and fauna. Guests are then taken on a boat ride in the artificial lake inside the sanctuary. The mysteries of natural beauty never cease in Kerala. Yet another treat awaits, as guests drive towards the world’s most beautiful backwater destination, Alappuzha. Upon reaching the destination, tourists hastily hop on a houseboat and relish a cruise along the backwaters of Alappuzha, floating through the narrow canals and witnessing the local life and savouring the local cuisine prepared on board by the crew. As the shadows lengthen and there is a hush, except an odd chirping and some fish making their passage in the water to their sanctuary, tourists can spend a relaxing night in the house boat. At crack of the dawn, the brawnier tourist takes a quick swim and soon after a sumptuous breakfast, the globetrotters disembark from houseboat to resume the tour with a drive to Kovalam, a spectacular beach destination, and rightly termed as the ‘Goa of the South’. On reaching Kovalam, visitors embrace the Hawa beach and enjoy the rest, in sync with the harmonious natural surroundings and luxuriating at a calm pace. The icing on the cake is witnessing the crimson sun sink into the Arabian Sea. The following morning tourists are guided by the energetic officials of the IRCTC to the Thiruvananthapuram International airport after paying obeisance at the famous Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple, the Napier Museum and the Kuthira Malika (also known as Horse Palace). So, in a matter of seven days, one has a glimpse of the wondrous and spectacular holiday spots of Kerala which leaves a deep impression on the mind and one is surely pining for more. “Nature is so powerful, so strong. Capturing its essence is not easy - your work becomes a dance with light and the weather. It takes you to a place within yourself,” writes the talismanic American portrait photographer, Annie Leibovitz.

ELEPHANTA, AJANTA AND ELLORA CAVES

ELEPHANTA, AJANTA AND ELLORA CAVES The art or practice of designing and constructing buildings is synonymous with the field of study of architecture. The exploration of Indian Architecture presents a tripper with a variegated bouquet to certain quintessential travel destinations in India which provides an opportunity to witness its abundant heritage. The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has proffered a visual treat to a sightseer stock individual and accomplished/ novitiate architects and sculptors a unique trip which covers the caves of Elephanta, Ajanta and Ellora. Upon arriving at the financial capital of India, Mumbai a tripper is received by the officials of IRCTC and checked into an upmarket hotel. The following day the guests inhale the ozone emitted by the Arabian sea during an hour-long ferry ride from the Gateway of India to the Elephanta Island in the Mumbai Harbour. The caves are tucked away in a desolate island which in common parlance are referred to as Gharapuri (city of caves). These caverns are approximately 10 kilometres east of the Gateway of India. The caves, as well as the island, were christened as Elephanta by Portuguese invaders once they became suzerains of what is today known as Mumbai in the year1534. It was a happenstance discovery of a gigantic rock-cut sculpture of an elephant on the island which prompted them to name the place after the tusker. Sometime in 1661, the East India Company overpowered the Portuguese armies and the area became part of their dominion. Over time, these caves suffered significant damage and destruction by Persian invaders, Christian Portuguese soldiers, the Maratha as well as British rulers. In 1909, the British India officials initiated major attempts to safeguard the caves from further wreckage. Subsequently the Government of India carried out restoration works at the site in the 1970s and converted the place into remarkable heritage sites. Each cave has been carved as a rock-cut temple with one principal massive chamber, courtyards, two lateral chambers, and minor shrines. Cave 1 or what is also called the Grand Cave is the largest one among these which spreads across 39 meters from its entrance to the back. After the sojourn to Elephanta Caves, tourists normally chill it out, take a walk on the marine drive and are ready to drop anchorage at exploring next set of caves in the vicinity of Aurangabad the next pit stop. Aurangabad is 365 kilometres from Mumbai and the aficionados of IRCTC arrange for ferrying tourists by rail to witness the grandeur of Ajanta and Ellora caves. The formidable Ajanta Caves have been prominently mentioned in the memoirs of several medieval-era Chinese Buddhist travellers to India and by satraps of Mughal emperor Akbar in the early 17th century. These brawny caves were once covered by a humungous thicket until fortuitously they were "discovered" and drew large scale western attention and acclaim in the year 1819 by a colonial British officer Captain John Smith who was on a tiger-poaching expedition. The caves are in the rocky northern wall of the U-shaped gorge of the river Waghur, in the Deccan plateau. Within the gorge are several breathtaking waterfalls with gushing waters which break the tranquillity of the pristine place and are audible from the vicinity of caves when the river course reaches a crescendo. Commencing with the 2nd century B.C., and continuing into the 6th century A.D., the paintings and sculptures in the caves of Ajanta and Ellora, were inspired by Buddhism and its compassionate teachings and unleashed a surge of artistic excellence unmatched in human history. About 107 km from the city of Aurangabad in Maharashtra, are the rock-out caves of Ajanta which are neatly nestled in a panoramic gorge, in the form of a gigantic horseshoe. These elaborate sculptures and paintings stand tall in the impressive grandeur in spite of withstanding the ravages of time. Amid the beautiful images and paintings are sculptures of Buddha, with a soothing and serene depiction in deep state of meditation. The cave temples and monasteries at Ellora, which were excavated out of the vertical face of an escarpment, are 26 km north of Aurangabad. Sculptors, inspired by strains of thought of Buddhism, Jainism and Hinduism, created elaborate rock carvings. Extending in a linear arrangement, the 34 caves contain Buddhist Chaityas or halls of worship, Viharas or monasteries and Hindu and Jain temples. Spanning a period of around 600 years between the 5th and 11th century A.D., the earliest excavation here is of the Dhumar Lena (Cave 29). This three-day package suffuses the minds of the tripper with amazement of ancient Indian architecture and they are left awestruck as to how aeons ago Indian architects and sculptors created this work of marvel and sheer jollity. “If a building becomes architecture, then it is art,” writes Danish architect Arne Jacobsen known for architectural functionalism.

Caves to Visit in Central and Southern India

Caves to Visit in Central and Southern India By Ravi Valluri An air of mystery envelopes as one enters caves. They are treasure troves of history, culture, religiosity and spirituality. Some of them remain in pristine state and have become spots for the seeker and backpacker alike. Madhya Pradesh is singularly known for the Bagh and Bhimbetka caves. While the former is a collection of nine rock-cut caves (replete with mural paintings) which were apparently constructed by a Buddhist Monk Dataka near Baghani river and trace their history to the Gupta period. Bhimbhetka consists of majestic caves situated at the Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh and housed the fabled Pandavas (who were robbed of their kingdom by the deviant Shakuni) during their period of exile. Down South is a treat to eyes for the globetrotter are the Badami, Borra, Varaha, Undavalli, Belum and Sittanvasala caves. Badami with four caves located in Karnataka is a veritable religious spot, where caves are dedicated to the preserver and destroyer of Hindu pantheon apart from Jainism. These are red sandstone cut caves at the precipice of a hill. Close to Ananthagiri hills of the Araku Valley near Vishakapattanam, are the famous Borra Caves which are venerated by the local tribal community and has emerged as a popular Hindu pilgrimage spot due to the presence of a naturally developed Shiv Lingam inside the caves which leaves an emmet awestruck. In addition, a tourist is arrested by the sight of the 1km tract populated with stalactites and stalagmites. A traveller is struck by sheer majesty of the Varaha Caves, in Tamil Nadu named after the avatar of Lord Vishnu, the preserver. This rock-cut cave has been accorded the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage title for its sheer architectural marvel. Meanwhile located 8 kms away from the historic city of Vijaywada, are the Undavalli caves at the banks of the River Krishna in Andhra Pradesh. A tourist propitiates Hindu deities like Anantapadmanabha Swamy and Narasimha Swamy. Sandstone was cut by Vishnukundin Kings in 7th century AD to construct these caves. The Undavalli Caves near Amravati in Andhra Pradesh are popular for the gigantic statue of Lord Vishnu which is in a reclining position. The pilgrim or a traveller is required to crawl though to have a look. There are caves located at the small village of Sittanavasal in the Pudukottai district of the state of Tamil Nadu. These caves are also called as the Arivar Koli in local dialect and date back to the 7th Century AD. A large number of beautiful paintings inscribed are found in these astonishing caves which leaves an explorer stunned. The paintings are inscribed all over the cave walls which form a major attraction for visitors. Some of the finest ones being – people collecting lotuses from ponds, lilies, geese, fish, buffaloes, elephants and two dancing figures and lotus flowers. Belum caves in Rayalseema region of Andhra Pradesh are known for long passages, galleries, spacious caverns, stalactites and stalagmites all formed over thousand of years on account of the flow of the Chitravati River which mysteriously disappeared. These caves of Central and South India are filled with mystery, enigma and an undying sense of adventure, which beckons the tourist to explore many more across the country. About the Author: Ravi Valluri was Principal Chief Commercial Manager, Southern Railway and author of Bombay Review and Other Stories.

Some Breath-Taking Valleys

Some Breath-Taking Valleys Life is full of vicissitudes, like peaks and valleys. Bag packers are enthralled by valleys which teleports them to a tranquil spot where one can hitch hike, see the beauty of a rising or setting sun or meditate. . Deep down south in Andhra Pradesh is the virtually unknown Arraku which is around 114 km away from the port town of Vishakapatnam in Andhra Pradesh. Arraku valley is blessed with an alluring landscape covered with verdant forests and coffee plantations. This valley is surrounded by Araku and Borra caves. Numerous waterfalls dot the landscape and a globe trotter gets a flavour of indigenous tribal life. The Valley is perched on the famous Kottavilasa – Kirandul line where railways ferries iron ore. An intrepid traveller can hitch hike a freight train guard permitting and reach Kirandul which appears to be at the end of the world, to have a majestic view as the crimson red sun sinks to nowhere. One can travel further and encounter the western Ghats to the amazing spots in Coonoor to Ooty located in the winsome Ketti Valley. To breathe the freshness of the valley it is recommended to travel by the toy train and become an integral part of the valley. The Ketti Valley is also famous for bird watching and especially trekking. Few trippers are aware that this is the second largest gorge in the world. The natural beauty is encompassed by the charming blue mountains (Nilgiri hills). Added attractions are the stupendous tea gardens and for the devout to pay obeisance at a Shiva Temple. A curious traveller can then venture to witness the spectacle of the Silent valley which is located in the Nilgiri hills of Kerala and is well known for its Silent Valley National Park. This nonparallel valley is a home to exotic plants, animals, endangered animals, birds etc. Thus, it is essentially a breathtaking valley which is covered with luscious green forests and supports many kinds of wonderful flora and fauna. A visit to the valley suffuses a mind with silence and tranquillity which is no necessary. Human mind slips into a state of meditation by merely visiting Silent valley. Be it a war zone between two sparring nations, or Shammi Kapoor yesterday’s superstar gyrating to the melodies of “Kashmir ki Kali”, Kashmir Valley would always remain the paradise on earth as Jehangir was to tell his beloved queen Noor Jehan. Sandwiched between Karakoram and the Pir Panjal Range are the exotic Kashmir Valley which is well known for its scenic landscape, innumerable scenic spots, the Dal and Nagina lake, Adi Shnakara’s temple on the hill known as “Takht-e- Suleman”. Kashmir valley is blessed by azure blue sky which reflects the calm sapphire of the lakes and flowers which are irresistible. And not to forget Kalhan’s epochal Rajatarangini (River of Kings) written way back in 1148 to 1149 AD describing the valley. Not to forget the Parvati valley situated in Kullu Manali stretching from Bhuntar all the way to Spiti which is peppered by the serpent-shaped waterfall called Rudra-Nag, the evergreen pine forests of Khirganga which is known to be the meditation centre of Lord Shiva. “One sees great things from the valley; only small things from the peak,” wrote the British author Gilbert K. Chesterton

August 19

August 19 In 2021 Separated from her family, and forced to sleep with men, living in a desolate farm house near Ballia station all by herself, Manjula had barely stepped into her teens. Manjula lost all hope of escaping the nightmare as she clutched on to her life tenuously. Even while she was being physically assaulted, the girl clutched on to a photograph, her only possession. She was the daughter of Ram Avatar Pandey and Razia. Pandey a peasant, hailed from Rattuchak, a hamlet in the Ballia district of Uttar Pradesh while Razia was from Chittagong. Ram Avatar was a descendant of the celebrated revolutionary Chittu Pandey, who liberated Ballia from colonial oppression for a few days on August 19, 1942 before being crushed brutally by the despotic British regime. Some Years Back Ram Avatar was ambitious unlike his brothers and had a crack at various competitive examinations. Alas, lady luck did not smile on him…. His dream to be District Collector in the feudal state of Uttar Pradesh crashed at the altar of unfulfilled aspirations. He was left with no option but to tend farm lands with his father and brothers. Meanwhile he was married to Shakuntala, along with a dowry of several parcels of land. His life resembled a parched land desperately yearning for a monsoon. The peasant was so different from his unlettered brothers with whom he could barely communicate. As agricultural incomes plummeted, with little work on hand, the farmer migrated to Bengaluru. He found a job with Uber and began driving a taxi for a living, on which he could only just survive. A significant portion of his earnings was sent to his wife to fend for the family consisting of his children and parents. One night it was raining incessantly in Bengaluru. While ferrying passengers in the bustling city, Ram Avatar almost knocked down a woman who was being chased by a few drunken youngsters. The well-built Pandey was quite a handful for the inebriated youth who beat a hasty retreat. The woman, who worked in a salon was Razia (also studying journalism under a pseudonym, Radhika). That chance encounter between Ram Avatar and Razia changed their lives forever. Both were migrants to the Silicon Valley of India; one from Uttar Pradesh and the other from Chittagong. They were not alone, but lonely. Razia, a winsome young woman was exceedingly cerebral, pursuing journalism at the estimable Chittagong College, a beacon of learning in the eastern part of Bangladesh. The young lass was fond of the “good things of life” and not overtly religious. She believed in a sovereign power governing the Universe, and not particularly wedded to Islam. Her personality was fashioned by the writings of Rabindranath Tagore, Khalil Ghibran and Osho, among others. Razia believed in the power of the mind and the concept of international consciousness rather than sectarian nationalism. The woman often skipped offering prayers five times in the day, for which she was severely remonstrated by her father, a muezzin in a mosque. At heart Razia was a rebel with a strong feminist view and always admired the life and writings of Taslima Nasreen. She abhorred modern day “Jihad” being carried out across the world by various vigilante groups of all organized religions and sects. As it happened, Razia got entangled in a relationship with her professor who held similar views. Love and passion blossomed and the two ran away and started staying together, before they were hounded by their respective families and the cops. The body of Prof Rehman was one day found near Karnaphuli River Road, ostensibly hit by a vehicle and Razia fled to India two days prior to her nikah. Ram Avtar and Razia’s attraction was not “love at first sight” but a strange connection. She was amused by his earthy rural jokes and knowledge of history and English language. The taxi driver was singularly impressed with radical views of the intrepid Bangladeshi woman. Religion and language did not create any barrier between the two. Though not married, they moved in together. Ram Avatar did not compel her to convert to Hinduism even as he offered prayers at a Shiva temple, while Razia at times offered namaz. The couple was nevertheless ostracized by their associates. News about the incident in Bengaluru soon resonated in the village of Rattuchak and the Pandey family was boycotted by the other twice born as the hapless father looked on, forlorn. Earlier in both good and bad times the Brahmins, Thakurs and Vaishyas of Ballia district were closely associated with the Pandey family (owing to their lineage), but now they were spurned. “How could Ram Avatar marry a Muslim and that too a Bangladeshi?” was the refrain. Shakuntala’s family in Rasra village was also snubbed by the highbrow population. Pandemic Strikes There were a series of lockdowns and finally a masked Ram Avatar and a full term pregnant Razia along with Manjula boarded a migrant special from Yeshwantpur to Gorakhpur on their way to Ballia. Razia passed away in the train while delivering a girl child. As the train trudged in to Gorakhpur, tragically Manjula got separated from her parents in the melee at the station. That night she was accosted by a group of landlords and repeatedly raped and confined in a farm house. The torture continued for days together. The only person aware about Manjula’s agony and ignominy was Shakuntala, now a house maid at the farm house. It was the night of August 19, when Shakuntala and Manjula ran away from the farm house. That morning, Shakuntala had had a glimpse of the photograph of her husband Ram Avatar among the meagre belongings of Manjula. A few days later the charred bodies of Shakuntala and Manjula were found in the farm house by the police and a little earlier mangled corpses of Ram Avtar Pandey and an infant were found on the Purvanchal Expressway connecting Gorakhpur and Ballia. History had repeated itself with the Pandey family.

Amazing Sunset Points in India

Amazing Sunset Points in India By Ravi Valluri As the crimson red ball of sun sinks in various peaks, valleys, deserts, rivers, oceans and seas, dusk sets in and the entire nature is engulfed in sublime silence. Nature paints the sky with a symphony of colours. This moment is a photographer’s golden hour to capture various hues, lovers to embrace in those awe-inspiring moments, besides during tranquilly the brain releases feel good chemicals like dopamine and serotine. Recall Radhey and Tammana in Bandish Bandits smooching with gay abandon at a sunset point in a desert while gyrating to “Sajan Bin”. This is the chutzpah moment of the web series. India is blessed with variegated landscapes where one can view the sunset moment and capture the tripper can capture the moment in their mindscape. Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu No surreal moment can match standing at the southernmost tip of India, watching the sun dip below the horizon where three giant bodies of water—the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal, and the Indian Ocean—converge. The sky not only turns orange; it becomes a canvas of purple, pink, and gold as cool breeze wafts across the faces of traveller’s and devout. Rann of Kutch, Gujarat The beauty of the barren is profound in the Great Rann of Kutch. As the sun sinks, endless white salt desert transforms, reflecting every fiery hue of the sky. The silence is immense, which is broken only by the wind, making the visual spectacle absolutely personal and powerful. One is transported to another world altogether. Various designated sunset point near the main tent city offers panoramic views. Fort Kochi, Kerala The sky in “God’s Own Country” transfigures into a dancing canvas of orange, pink, and yellow. The iconic silhouette of the Chinese fishing nets against the setting sun is a sight which has defined Kochi for centuries. Walking along the Mahatma Gandhi promenade, with the sea breeze and the sight of fresh fish being sold, makes for an unforgettable evening. The ideal location to watch sun set is the Vasco da Gama Square, right by the Chinese fishing nets. Matheran, Maharashtra Matheran remarkably is a vehicle-free hill station, which offers a true escape into nature. The trek to Porcupine Point (also known as Sunset Point) through the woods is alluring to the bag packer. From the vantage point, one watches a panoramic view of lush greenery and distant cottages as the sky displays a brilliant show of white, blue, yellow, orange, and red in its vast cyclorama. Pushkar, Rajasthan Pushkar, one of India’s oldest living cities, which provides a soulful view. The sunset over the idyllic Pushkar Lake is absolutely mesmerizing, with the colourful sky reflected with hues of colours in the placid water. For a truly unique experience, a hot air balloon ride during dusk is a feast to the eyes of a traveller. Mount Abu, Rajasthan As Rajasthan’s only hill station, Mount Abu is a peaceful holiday destination. The dedicated Sunset Point, which is southwest of Nakki Lake, draws crowds for a reason. The view of the sky transforming into a canvas of life and joy, with the Aravalli hills in the background, makes for a dream-like scene, especially to be captured by the lens of a camera. Dal Lake, Kashmir The “Jewel of Srinagar” is endowed with a magnetic charm of its own. Nothing more is iconic than riding on a Shikara, gently gliding along the water as the sun sinks in the massive mountains. The sky turns a beautiful saffron, which shimmers in the lake and casts various decorated houseboats and other shikaras into beautiful silhouettes truly a magical moment. Chittorgarh Fort, Rajasthan As the sun descends, it casts its long, dramatic shadows across the ancient ruins, palaces, and towers. Stories of valour of the resplendent place echoes across the fortress. Cries of “Jauhar” still resonate while watching the sunset making one’s eyes moist. Sand Dunes of Jaisalmer, Rajasthan The solitude and pastoral calmness of this barren wilderness are regal. Here, the sun sets from behind the massive sand dunes, making them seem like sun’s home verily. During these golden hours, the entire desert is decorated in hypnotizing shades of orange, red, and yellow. A camel safari to the dunes to watch the sunset is a mandatory experience. Umiam Lake, Shillong This beautiful man-made reservoir is a residence of alluring natural beauty. The romantic sight of the orange sun descending into the vast stretches of the ethereal lake is absolutely enchanting for the traveller. The sky looks astounding, with clouds that seem like cotton dipped in shades of red, orange, yellow, and golden. It’s a peaceful and breathtaking sight in the heart of Meghalaya. “Foam is white and waves are grey; Beyond the sunset leads my way,” writes J.R.R. Tolkien the famous English author and philologist.

Maharaja’s Express Trains

Maharaja’s Express Trains I reckon we all engage in travelling. The exercise is nothing short of a wanderlust odyssey. It is noteworthy to mention that the Maharajas’ Express is the most extortionate and high-priced luxury train operating in the world. Maharajas’ Express-The Southern Jewels For a few moments take a break and imagine a gargantuan wedge plunging into the Indian Ocean. South India is the subcontinent's steamy heartland – a lush contrast to the peaks and plains up north. Incredible Heritage Wherever a person traverses southern India, one uncovers iconic relics of the several civilisations which have inhabited this land over two millennia. Further Tamil Nadu's inspired Pallava sculptures and the towering Chola temples; the preternatural ruins of the Vijayanagara capital at Hampi…and several diverse places more than perhaps an individual needs to remain immortal to appreciate the grandeur. Southern India is a melting pot and a treasure trove with few parallels. Luscious Landscapes Several thousands of kilometres long, with cascading coastline dotting the landscape of fertile plains, glinting backwaters and rolling hills in South India. This is a constantly changing landscape which is glisteningly green by the double-barrelled monsoon. Amazing Culinary Delights South India's glorious culinary variety offers a melange of dining options to the connoisseur and the gluttonous. Some of India's most famous and traditional staples originate from this part of the country- the large papery dosas (savoury crêpes) and fluffy idlis (fermented rice cakes) are the backbone of South Indian cooking. Goa's spicy, Portuguese-influenced cuisine is a fiery inventive fusion at its most splendiferous. The Itinerary The places covered by this opulent train makes a dramatic beginning with the historical city of Thiruvananthapuram (the capital city of God’s Own Country, Kerala) before calling it a day at the financial capital of India, Mumbai. After a visit to the famous Kollam beach and Anantha Padmanabha Swami Temple the wondrous journey begins by embarking upon Maharajas' Express as the sun sets in the Arabian Sea. The excursionist savours delicious dinner onboard while continuing the sojourn to Mahabalipuram which is famous for its pristine beaches and the Shore Temple as it overlooks the shore of the Bay of Bengal. This is a structural temple, built with blocks of granite, dating back to the 8th century AD. At the time of its construction this area was a busy port during the reign of Narasimhavarman II of the Pallava dynasty. The propertied train then drops anchor at Chettinad/Karaikudi in interior Tamil Nadu. Following a sumptuous breakfast on board, the sightseers take a trip to the statuesque Chettinad Mansions and the celebrated Athangudi Tile Factory. . After travelling through backwaters of Kerala, Mahabalipuram and Chettinad the holiday maker, is a witness to the train scorching the tracks to Mysuru. Upon arrival at Mysuru, the voyagers feast on a delectable gourmet breakfast. Thereafter, they visit the resplendent Mysuru Palace. Thereafter the trippers appreciate the majesty of Ranganatha Swamy Temple and the armoury of Tipu Sultan who waged a forlorn battle against the French invaders. Dinner is served onboard. The melting pot, sylvan beaches of Goa welcome the pilgrims of this odyssey the next morning. After a tingling breakfast the backpackers pay obeisance at the churches of North Goa. The more adventurous are provided an option to swim in the gushing waves of the beaches of Goa. This is followed by a visit to the Goa Chitra Museum. After dinner on board, the grandiose train moves to Ratnagiri. Maharajas’ Express-Southern Sojourn South India symbolises classical Indian heritage. The landscape is dotted with wondrous and breathtaking temples, churches, mosques and synagogues reflecting how strongly its pluralistic religious and spiritual thought is interwoven and interlaced in the lives of the denizens. The Itinerary The trip commences from Mumbai, the financial capital of India and traverses through Ratnagiri on the Konkan coast and drops anchor at the exotic beaches of Goa, and weaves its way through the historical ruins of Hampi in Karnataka and traditional Mysuru and finally criss-crosses through Kerala. Travelling overnight from Mumbai, the train reaches Ratnagiri where tourists reconnoitre this port town in Maharashtra. Overlooking the Arabian Sea is the majestic Ratnadurg Fort which houses the legendary Bhagwati temple. On the second day after a sumptuous breakfast served onboard, pilgrims of this opulent train head towards North Goa to pay obeisance at the transcendent churches. After a brief “Walk the Talk” tour of Old Panjim Houses the plush guests spend some quality time with the astounding waves on the beaches of Goa. Post lunch onboard, the travellers visit the Goa Chitra Museum, which houses around 4,000 artefacts—showcasing Goa's traditional agrarian lifestyle and technology. The medieval town of Hampi is the next cynosure for the tourists. Hampi, also referred to as the Medley of Monuments at Hampi has been designated as a World Heritage site by UNESCO. This was the epicentre of the Hindu Vijanagara Empire in the 14th century. Chronicles recorded by Persian and European travellers, particularly the Portuguese, indicate that Hampi was a prosperous, wealthy and grand city on the banks of the Tungabhadra River, with numerous temples, farms and trading markets. The propertied train then chugs its way to Mysuru by night. Typical South Indian fare is served at breakfast which is followed by a voyage to the spectacular Mysuru Palace. The hosts transport the guests to an exclusive destination for a lip-smacking lunch. After luxuriating in Karnataka this grandeur train transports its well-heeled guests to God’s own Country, Kerala. The train stops at Kochi (a melting pot of faiths and a city truly representative of the pluralistic culture of India). Kochi is also known as the Queen of Arabian Sea, and is eponymous for its famous synagogue, St Francis’s Church and the grave of the original traveller Vasco da Gama. On the seventh day of this expedition, guests relish a Canoe Cruise in the tranquil backwaters. After dinner on board, this upscale train motors its way to Thiruvananthapuram, where the voyage terminates. “Remember that happiness is a way of travel – not a destination,” writes the American politician Roy M. Goodman. One could very well say that travel is a way of happiness!