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Photos and stories from many of my travels in the past 5 years

Main entrance to Mysore Palace Karnataka

First trip to Mysore: The package day tour of Mysore’s popular attractions

By Mithun Divakaran
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May 15, 2012
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India, Mysore, Travel

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.

Ranganathaswamy temple Mysore Karnataka India — 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. Continue reading “First trip to Mysore: The package day tour of Mysore’s popular attractions” »

Somanathapura temple front facing Karnataka

Day-trip from Bangalore: Visit to Chennakesava Temple, Somnathpur

By Mithun Divakaran
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May 04, 2012
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Bangalore, India, Travel

Date: 30th May 2009

This was a one day drive to a town called Somanathapura, most famous its Kesava temple, located around 100kms from Bangalore and 35kms before Mysore city. Just off Mysore Road, it will probably take you 1 & 1/2 to 2 hours by car.

Hay outside Somnathpur temple Karnataka — It was past 10am when we arrived at the temple

Somnathpur temple entrance Karnataka — I don't remember, but I do believe there is an entry fee to the temple. It's not much.

Continue reading “Day-trip from Bangalore: Visit to Chennakesava Temple, Somnathpur” »

Second trip to Rajasthan: Udaipur City Palace, Lake Palace

By Mithun Divakaran
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Apr 30, 2012
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India, Rajasthan, Travel

This is a continuation of a journey that began in Jodhpur. En route to the “City of Lakes,” we stopped at Ranakpur which is famed for its Jain temple.

Seth Anandji Kalyanji Pedhi Ranakpur temple Rajasthan — Sadly, by the time we arrived at the temple, it was pretty late in the evening

Ranakpur temple panorama — But we still went in

Seth Anandji Kalyanji Pedhi Ranakpur temple entrance — Even though I couldn't get any photos from inside, take my word for it - it's very impressive!

Jain Temple Ranakpur temple at night — The most impressive aspect of this temple is inside you will see over 1,400 beautifully sculpted marble pillars

Jain temple Ranakpur at night Rajasthan — But do get here by daytime

Udaipur fountain at night Rajasthan — We reached Udaipur at night and went to Sukhadia Circle

Udaipur street food stalls Rajasthan India — This roundabout is a popular hangout and famous for its street food. We had some pav bhajji and kulfis. Yummy indeed.

Continue reading “Second trip to Rajasthan: Udaipur City Palace, Lake Palace” »