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?
Tag: India
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
My first train
After the sleepless sleeper/rollercoaster coach journey to Hampi, I decided to return by train to Goa. I have already travelled within India by car, motorbike, rickshaw, coach, and plane in the 2.5 weeks I’ve been here. The train was due at 0620. However the expected time soon changed to 0750 – 90 mins late! I … Continue reading / view photos My first train
Hampi shutdown
Hampi Bazaar is looking deserted because the state has decided to stop commercial activity around it. They had already done something similar (in 2011 and 2016) by relocating residents 18km away and demolishing their properties! As of yesterday, all guesthouses, restaurants and shops in the Bazaar have ceased commercial activity. I’ve managed to bypass the … Continue reading / view photos Hampi shutdown
Meeting Indian tourists in Hampi
This man looked so genial, elegant and dashing with his walking stick that I asked him if I could take his photo. He happily said yes and having taken the photo, I realised he was in the shade. So I cheekily asked him if he could stand in the sun! He obligingly moved and struck … Continue reading / view photos Meeting Indian tourists in Hampi