Bangalore (17 - 27 November 2024) : Day 6 - Mysore and Somanathapura

The intricate designs of Somanathapura Temple

After a long journey which includes a tea and toilet break midway, we arrived in Mysore.

Mysore Fort surrounding Mysore Palace

This gateway serves as the entrance to the palace grounds and is one of the palace's many gateways. The ticket counter is located on the left

Cotton candy tower

Mysore Palace aka Amber Vilas Palace. This construction was completed in 1912 after an earlier Palace in the same location was burnt down due to a fire outbreak

The queue to enter the palace was so long we decided to skip the visit despite having paid for the entrance tickets!

Shri Trinayaneswara Swami Temple located within Mysore Palace grounds and Mysore Fort

Inside the Shri Trinayaneswara Swami Temple's ground. believed to be built in the 9th century

The temple is believed to be built in the 9th century

Outside, along the perimeters of Mysore Fort, we saw a homeless man sound asleep, unperturbed by the chaos of the city

City Council

A cow in the middle of the city; near KR Circle

Street Market; near KR Circle

Statue of Nalwadi Krishna Raja Wodeyar at KR Circle, 24th Maharaja of Mysore

We break for lunch at Indra Cafe @ https://maps.app.goo.gl/e5jdXH9qKHoUqtsE8

Chikka Gadiyara, clock tower built in the 19th century to commemorate the visit of Lord Dufferin, Viceroy to India to Mysore. Note the familiar water truck delivering water to our restaurant.

Dodda Gadiraya aka silver jubilee clock tower built in 1927 to commemorate King George's reign

Rangacharulu Memorial Hall is a town Hall built in 1884

Dr B R Ambedkar Marble Statue, father of Indian constitution at Mysuru Town Hall

A horse peeing outside the Northgate of Mysore Fort where we waited for Chetan to pick us up. It was long steady stream of sugar cane coloured pee! Chetan can be contacted at +918660904562

Statue of Chamarajendra Wodeyar, 23rd Maharaja of Mysore

We also visited Shri Chamundeshwari Thayi Temple on Chamundi Hill. Again, there was a lot of people queuing to enter the temple hence we decided to skip the visit

Outside the temple, there was a massive traffic jam as vehicles try to reach the temple grounds to drop off passengers. We decided to take the short walk up to the temple instead! Note the double decker sleeper bus

Chamundi Hills View point

Enroute to Somanathapura temple, the landscapes took a change to beautiful countryside

Paddy fields along the way

The walls surrounding the Somanathapura temple. We have to remove our shoes before entering the temple grounds

The view of the temple right after the entrance. The entire temple stands on a star shaped platform that is adorned by elephants at the corners.

Shri Chennakeshava Swamy Temple aka Somanathapura temple is a UNESCO Heritage site built in 12th century

Inside the temple

Somanathapura temple's intricate designs

Clever drainage system

Intricately carved columns

We left our bicycles behind and took a drive to Mysore and Somanathapura with some friends on Saturday.

Highlights :

Mysore Fort and Palace

Mysore City

Somanathapura Temple, a UNESCO heritage site from 12 the century

Bangalore (17 - 27 November 2024) : Day 5 : Bangalore City Centre

 

Bangalore Palace

19th century royal palace built in tudor revival designs. No wonder I thought I saw a castle!

Vidhana Soudha, state administrative office

High Court, Karnataka

Statue of Sir Mark Cubbon at Cubbon Park.

Cubbon Park is named after the longest British commissioner in Bangalore

Tornadoes on Royal Enfield since 1967 is a landmark monument dedicated to the Army Services Corporation's stunt team

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited's Tejas Fighter Jet

Bengaluru Tech Summit 2024

Bengaluru Tech Summit 2024

Visitors lounging under the tree shades at Bengaluru Tech Summit

After a nice dinner of Hyderabad Chicken Briyani and chicken kebabs, the water company came to deliver water! Epic Dining @ https://maps.app.goo.gl/s589p8arreYnXNsJ6

The restaurant owner was quick to assure us the water is used for washing only NOT drinking. Apparently the water company comes around every 2-3 days. Strange when the restaurant is located in a neighbourhood shoplot surrounded by high rise condominium with gated and guarded security

Another day of exploration and discovery. This time, I went right into the heart of the city. Let's just say, I wouldn't come back to this area and especially so by bicycle!

Somethings to share :

1. Traffic in Bangalore city center is super crazy. Navigation is tough when there are so many roads and flyovers crisscrossing each other. On such occasions, I preferred to stop at every interchange and used the zebra crossings. Better be slow and safe than sorry!

2. Bangalore's Vidhana Soudha, the state administrative office is super impressive. Imagine if you are a staff and have to walk from 1 end to the other....T.I.R.E.D!

3. India is super serious on defence. They have a huge army complex located within 3 km to the city center. Plus international hotel entrances comes with strict security checks and X-ray scans

4. Always say a prayer after every meal. I learnt that choosing a well rated neighbourhood restaurant located in an upper class area and surrounded by high rise condominiums may not necessarily come with piped in water supply.