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

Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary

Today, I was up at the crack of dawn to go to the Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary. During the ferry ride there, there was a lovely sunrise. After an afternoon siesta, I ended the day by going to a viewpoint above Vagator beach to see the sunset. View photos Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary

Goan massage

Whenever there’s a possibility of a massage, I’m reminded of a former boss who used to have a regular lunchtime massage with a Hungarian woman. He said he always found it an uplifting experience. His own boss didn’t believe him and, when he went, he too succumbed to her charms despite his best efforts. Fortunately, … Continue reading / view photos Goan massage