Travel by private vehicle through the scenic Karnataka plains to Mysore (approx 3 hrs).
Mysore is an easygoing town with a pleasant climate, perfect for wandering around on foot. Visit Mysore Palace, one of the most ornate palaces in India, its interior is a riot of colour, mosaics and mirrors. The next stop is the Keshava Temple in Somnathpur - a stunning example of Hoysala temple architecture. You have plenty of time to explore the surrounding countryside, so head out and climb Chamundi Hill - site of the Sri Chamundeswari Temple, which is dedicated to Goddess Durga.
Catch an overnight train to Chennai (approx 11 hrs). Sleeper trains are clean and air-conditioned, a great way to travel long distances and still get maximum time in each place. Beds are padded berths with sheets, pillow and blanket provided but some people prefer to bring their own sleeping sheet. Please note you may be sharing with locals in a same/mixed gender situation. (brochure)
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We did the morning safari but it was uneventful...not worth the extra 3,000 rupees ($60) for the experience.
We arrived in Mysore, unloaded our luggage at the hotel (quite nice) and head out to see the famous and beautiful Mysore Palace. Absolutely beautiful, unfortunately you cannot take any pictures of the interior. The paintings inside are intriguing...painted by artists in 3D making it appear that the pictures' subjects follow you as you move....not just on individual or animal....the floral path welcomes you no matter in which direction you approach. The view of the area surrounding the palace is fit for a king or a maharajah...which it was designed for.
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| Main Entrance |
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| Portion of Palace Wall |
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| Palace - Current Maharajah Lives Here |
From here, my day, night and half the next day went into the toilet...literally and figuratively speaking. I had contracted the famous "Delhi Belly". Got back to the hotel at 6 PM and slept until 7 AM the next morning. I was hot....had the chilly shakes....etc...etc.... Today, the Hindus in Mysore celebrate the "Holi" ceremony which involves throwing colored dust, paste and liquids on each other...all in good fun and humor. I saw the "Holi" holiday on the Amazing Race and just felt that it would not be a good idea to venture out...I still did not feel well.....I slept another 4 hours and was beginning to feel better. Below are returning "Holi" revelers .....it looks like they had fun.
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| Silly Tourists |
After cleaning up, we depart the hotel to visit Sri Chamundeswari Temple, which is dedicated to Goddess Durga. Below are some outside pictures of the Temple and other interesting scenes.
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| Sri Chamundeswari Temple |
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| Shiva's Transport - The Bull |
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| Flower Ladies |
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| Holi Cow |
Head for a biryani dinner with our local guide Raju and his family. Absolutely delicious...during my illness, I only had some rice, nan bread and tea...plus plenty of water...I was hungry but ate in moderation...no use in testing my luck.
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| Family Diner - Tasty and Enjoyable |
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| Host Family with 10 month-old Daughter |
Time was running out for us to catch a all-night train to our next stop, Chennai. The train was relatively clean except for the "Indian Style" toilets which westerners have a difficulty accepting...me included. 3 level bunks were in order. Slept like a baby...brought my ear plugs and sleep mask....nite..nite
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| Tickets - Please |
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| Jessie - Reading her Kindle |
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| Tom - Need Some Sleep |
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| Kiki - Waiting for lights Out |
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