Mysore

We went for a tour in Mysore at 170 kms from Bangalore. The trip costs 300 rupees in a non-AC bus with the Greenline travels, 32 Hotel Suprabhatha Building Shesadri Road, Anandarao circle, Bangalore 560 009. Tels: 98450 47994, 2238 0104, 2237 1266. AC is not required! We visited different places listed below. Do not be offended by the discrimination between Indians and foreigners for the prices to attractions! I bought some bangles (the first set was 100 rupees and then I bought them for 25!) and a beautiful nylon sari (for 600 rupees)… Pictures to come…

Visited places:

- Mysore palace, the palace of the Wadyar family – 16^th century - was amazing especially the Durbar Hall where the maharajas welcomed the Indian population and the Kalyana Mantapa (marriage pavilion) with murals on the Dasara ceremony and stained glass ceiling with peacocks. There are paintings of a famous Indian painter called Raja Raviverma. The Dasara ceremony is about the celebration of the victory of good over evil. Dolls are worshiped during that festival.

- Chamundeswari temple – 12^th century - a South Indian style temple – very 35 meters high.

- St. Philomena’s church – a medieval architecture church.

- Brindavan gardens – Gardens with water fountains, color, light and music. Fountain spectacles seem to be very popular in India! IIITB had also a fountain with lights and music.

- Lalithmahal Palace – an amazing hotel I saw on TV . There is also a 5-star hotel in the Brindavan gardens.