One day as I was shuffling channels, I stopped changing the channels when I saw something interesting about Mysore on a travel channel. It was a wonderful programme highlighting all the fascinating elements of the city. I was so captivated by it that I decided I would definitely visit Mysore.

Nandi Bull

Nandi Bull

Soon, my wish came true when a friend of mine from Bangalore came up with Mysore travel plan. So, I tagged along myself with her and headed for one-day Mysore trip. We took a flight from New Delhi and boarded off at Bangalore airport. We hired a cab from the airport to reach our hotel in Mysore, the land of coffee plantations.

The city is about 146 km from Bangalore. With tall buildings and big companies all around, the IT city, Bangalore looks appealing.

On reaching the hotel, the staff welcomed us warmly and offered us welcome drinks. We made ourselves comfortable in the hotel and decided that we would go for sightseeing the next day.

We woke up to a fine morning in Mysore. After having our breakfast, we started our Mysore sightseeing programme. We hired a local taxi and it took us first to Chamundi Hills. The astonishing hill has a temple devoted to goddess Chamundeshwari, the symbol of power. Mysore looked stunning from the hill. Chamundi Hills completely awestrucked us. We also came across a lively statue of Nandi Bull, the vehicle of Lord Shiva. At the top point of the hill, there is a massive statute of Mahishasuram demon.

Mysore Zoo became our next part of exploration. Officially known as Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, it provides safe home to a plethora of species. I had seen Anaconda only in TV but when I saw green Anaconda in the zoo, right in front of my eyes, I got goosebumps. We captured elephants, tigers, zebras, lions, giraffes, white rhinoceroses and baboons in our camera.

Mysore Maharaja Palace

Mysore Maharaja Palace

Located near Krishnarajasagara Dam, the Brindavan Gardens was the next destination we visited on our Mysore Tour. Spreading over an area of 60 acres, the garden stands out with 3 terraces and musical fountain. There is a variety of colourful flowers and tall trees in the garden. We went for boating in the beautiful lake of the garden.

We ended our one-day Mysore trip with the Maharaja’s Palace. The royal Palace appeared majestically bright. Glittered with golden lights, it looked even more beautiful at night. Designed by architect Henry Irwin, the Maharaja’s Palace reflects a perfect blend of the Indo-Saracenic and Dravadian style. Pink marble domes, verandahs, minarets and arches add to the beauty of the Palace. There is an amazing sculpture of goddess Gajalakshmi and her elephants above the central arch. The public hall Diwan-e-Khas, Gombe Thotti Doll’s Pavilion and Kalyana Mantapa are enticing.

Though our Mysore travel was just for a day, we had a great time. We wished to comeback and explored what we left out.