Date: 23rd September 2006
This one is another old trip of mine. The first time I went to the famous city of Mysore was with my mother, when we opted for one of the (many) day tours by bus. After being picked up from our pick-up points, we set off by 7am. Leaving Bangalore, we were obviously taking Mysore Road and our first ‘stop’ was a quick one at Channapatna, a town famed for its traditional wooden toys.
After the stop at the toy store, we entered Srirangapatna, home to the scene of the last and decisive battle fought between the British and Tipu Sultan, the famed ruler of the Kingdom of Mysore. The guide showed us Tipu Sultan’s damaged fortress and how he was sabotaged, as we drove around its now broken walls.
The tour bus stopped at Ranganathaswamy temple, which is quite famous in Srirangapatna
We reached Mysore city by lunch time and were dropped at a vegetarian restaurant. Post lunch, we were taken to Mysore’s most famous attraction – the grand Amba Vilas Palace – or Mysore Palace as it is more commonly known.
The entrance
Unfortunately this is the only photo I took, because no photography is allowed inside the palace. I don't know why. The palace is quite grand with very old paintings and ornate royal decor.
By the way, be prepared to walk barefoot as you have to leave your shoes at a counter outside as no footwear is allowed inside the palace floors.
Next up, we rode up to the top of Chamundi hill
Mahishasura, a demon king of the area that is currently Mysore. According to legend, he was killed by the Goddess Chamundeswari. The hills are named after the goddess.
Chamundeshwari temple
You get a pretty good view of Mysore city at night from up here
Back down in Mysore city, we were taken to St. Philomena's church
Built in 1936, very few churches in India have such gothic architecture
Inside St. Philomena's church
It was 5:30pm. We had our tea break nearby and moved on to our final stop on the tour.
Which was Brindavan gardens
Completed in 1932, the gardens are adjoining the Krishnarajasagara dam
Why would anyone come to a garden at night?
Because Brindavan gardens are more famous for its fountains light show after sunset
Apologies if these photographs don't do the gardens justice. These were my 'early years' when I was still using my point-&-shoot camera and took far fewer photos.
The fountains show was alright
After this, we left for Bangalore city and reached home by around 11pm.
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Tags: brindavan gardens, canon powershot a95, chamundi hills, churches, hindu temple, mysore, mysore palace, mysore road, st philomenas church, temple, vrindavan gardens
