The discovery of the Indian culture

 

The Golden Chariot

My trip to India was my birthday gift. My loved ones have always been aware of my passion for trains, especially for India's old railway lines. Therefore, this trip aboard the Golden Chariot presented itself as the best opportunity for me to discover the country's culture and enjoy the majestic landscapes. My entourage, aware of my need for safety and comfort, opted for a luxury train. After receiving this wonderful trip as a gift, I made sure to thank everyone who had participated in the development of this future experience. As my expedition into Indian culture drew closer, I was overcome by a mixture of enthusiasm and fear of the unknown. Having never truly experienced Indian culture before, I had no idea how it would unfold.

On November 20, 2024, my trip began at London airport. A feeling of stress began to overwhelm me. Indeed, I had never traveled alone. Hence, the anxiety was rising as I boarded the Airbus A319 from London for a flight of almost eleven hours.

The next day, we were greeted by a guide at Bangalore Airport in southern India. Despite our fatigue, he gave us the energy we needed to visit the first planned monument: Pride of Karnataka. Our group was amazed by the architectural feats and beauty of the building. We were able to drop off our luggage on the train before this visit. This glimpse of our lodging left me speechless because of its colors, the flourishes, and the moldings of the furniture, which gave it an antique and refined appearance. Thus, I was able to discover Indian culture through its gastronomy, customs, and architecture. However, at the end of the next two magnificent days, a horror happened. One of the staff members was killed in the darkness. Upon waking, a maid discovered the corpses, letting out a terrible scream. The entire crowd gathered around the body seemed stunned by this tragedy. However, the murderer was among us, as the train was moving all night, heading towards the Glimpses of Karnataka. After the arrival of the police, the investigation began.

I found myself enveloped in a sphere of emotions that were as confused as they were strange. At the time of the murder, I was in my cabin, resting from the day of discovery. So, I felt partly guilty for not having heard or even acted, since the murder took place a few dozen meters from my cabin. I was also terrified, because I could have been that victim.

From this point in time, a generalized mistrust crept into our group, destroying the bonds we had built over the past few days.

The crime squad, equipped with a few rudimentary tools, managed to solve the investigation. The culprit had apparently used the knife without precautions. Following fingerprinting, the cook was arrested and sentenced to nearly ten years in prison for first degree murder.

I came back from my trip brimming with adventures and discoveries of Indian culture. The Golden Chariot, though luxurious, showed me a hidden side I hadn't suspected. I thought I was traveling safely, and this incident showed me that even in India, crime is present.
This misadventure has considerably altered my perspective of India. It's pushing me to consider planning another trip to the provinces, supposedly more peaceful, so as not to remain stuck on a negative image of Indian culture.

India – Kerala Province