Mysore

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We arrived in Mysore on the first leg of our journey to Bangalore airport. I had forgotten how varied the landscape was on this side of the Nilgiri Hills. One minute desert with cacti and termite mounds and the next moment, jungle, tiger and elephant reserves and huge banyan trees, sadly uprooted to make way for a new, broader highway.

Meeting up with Zena again, we all stayed at the Ginger Hotel - an Indian version of a Travel Inn! Clean and modern but not very atmospheric. Unfortunately, the weather was surprisingly cold and rainy. Still, we managed to see the Palace lit up at night, go up Chamundi Hill and visit the Summer Palace - The Lalitha Mahal - now a slightly run-down but nevertheless regal hotel.

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Photos

Nand the Bull
Lord Shiva's vehicle

Corridor at Lalitha Mahal Hotel
The Maharaja's Summer Palace

Garland Makers
These are used to greet special visitors and at weddings

Park Lane Restaurant menu
My favourite garden restaurant has been revamped and is now five times the size, and indoors. The food is still delicious even if the atmosphere is less peaceful. Best of all, the hilarious extras on the back of the menu still exist. (See number 6 which advertises free vomit bags for diners!!)