I went for a stroll in the cool morning and ended up in a large colourful market full of food, flowers, dyes and knick-knacks. A friendly but persistent man kept popping up trying to sell me a recorder and wooden snake! I couldn’t shake him off and in the end pleaded 🙏🏽with him! I continued … Continue reading / view photos Would you like to buy a recorder and wooden snake?
Brilliant Mysore Palace
Here are some lights for the festive season! I hope you find some peace and calm, or whatever gives you joy, at this time of the year. Every Sunday 100,000 bulbs come on at Mysore Palace. I specifically stayed until today to see this. When the lights came on at 7, the crowd gasped. It … Continue reading / view photos Brilliant Mysore Palace
Badri Yoga School
I had an intense one-to-one yoga session with Badri himself. They’re quite keen on yoga in Mysore. I was thankful for his patience whilst simultaneously stretching me. I’m sure my four previous yoga classes in the UK and one in Japan helped 😄. That said, I’m going to be sore tomorrow 😧
Shimsa tour
I did another tour with the excellent Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (a Govt. of Karnataka Undertaking). The Shimsa tour covered temples and waterfalls. I am completely templed out! That said, the Kesava Temple in Somanathapur was alluringly mysterious; my favourite. Built in the 13th century, it’s an example of the Hoysala style of architecture. … Continue reading / view photos Shimsa tour
Around Mysore with the KSTDC
At £3, the state-run 12 hour tour of Mysore and surrounding areas is fantastic value for money. We started the day at the Jaganmohan Palace art gallery then visited the zoo (see separate post), Chamundi Hill and temple, St Philomena’s Cathedral (one of two in India) and finished by watching the musical light and water … Continue reading / view photos Around Mysore with the KSTDC
Must we put these beautiful animals in cages?
I did a day-long Mysore tour with the state tourism group (see separate post). I didn’t realise a visit to Mysore zoo was included. I haven’t been to a zoo for many years. On the one hand, zoos have rebranded from places that cage animals to conservation. Despite this, I feel sad seeing these wonderful … Continue reading / view photos Must we put these beautiful animals in cages?
Uber and Ola
Unsurprisingly, Uber is in India. There is an Indian alternative called OLA. It works the same way. When I booked a cab last night with them, I chose an autorickshaw. It arrived promptly, I used cash to pay, the fare was reasonable and there was no haggling for a change 😄 View photos Uber and Ola
The veg kitchen
They did not know what vegan was. After I explained it, they suggested having unadventurous noodles. Eventually, I had a mixed veg curry with rotl. Unfortunately the chefs put some paneer in it despite the waiter telling them not to. I then got another serving (probably the same with the paneer picked out). The food … Continue reading The veg kitchen
Mysore Palace by day
Most Indian schoolchildren and I spent a breathtaking afternoon at the opulent, and occasionally over the top, Mysuru Palace. View photos Mysore Palace by day
Goa to Bangalore
A day of travelling: a flight from Goa to Bangalore then a coach to Mysore. Domestic flights are easy to book in India. I use an app called Cleartrip. You enter your start and destination and are shown all flights, times and prices. You pick one, enter name, pay by credit card and you’re done! … Continue reading / view photos Goa to Bangalore