Travelogue 2018- January, Mysuru, Karnataka

Coming today to an intrinsic part of my life goals is travel. Every year I just renew them at new year. Although I have never really sat down and thought them out I have monthly budgets for them this year. In January alone I managed to do a bit of local travel which wasn't really much by design but by accident. There are only a certain caliber of travelers who can achieve this. 
I sat one evening chatting with my flatmate and generally talking about making a trip to Goa. She is one of those who loves to have a standard measurement to travel and luxury, is a key component in it. Yes in most cases luxury is important but in the past I have planned a non luxurious holiday as well, which have not only brought me joy but also a bucket loads of memories.  I have lived Goa in resorts with my family at 5000Rs a night and at 70 Rs a night with my friends in the same year. I have enjoyed both holidays in their own element. I haven't placed myself in any category as yet. I enjoy them for their own elements. Although I am not sure how much roughing it I can manage, so yet to see. Last year alone I had been bungee jumping and trekking in Manali. A year of adventure and loss and regaining fitness goals. If I at any point, want to do it this year, fitness has to be a year round goal. And I am lazy about it. One thing is for sure I wont be able to do it with the way I am right now. 

 I have set a goal for myself to do 12 places in 12 months, travel can be erratic so I have to try harder every single time. In January , as I mentioned before I managed to do a fair bit of local sight seeing, very touristy. Traveled by car and went to see these places from "view points".

Starting with Mysore, where I was exactly on the 1st of Jan. 

On the 1st of January 2018, I was in Mysuru with Pritesh, we went walking around and sought out some sights there... but the one where we spent the most amount of time on the last night of 2017! Priya joined us just as we reached one of the entrances of the palace. From here we went to the sand sculpture museum, the sea shell museum, walked along the Mysuru Zoo and came to the Musuru Palace just as it was lit in all its glory. There were to be fireworks here, but we had walked around 15 kms that night and were dead tired! I remember seeing 3 entrances to the Palace ( there may be more). On two ends there are temples which add to the glamour of the whole Palace. We were lucky enough to be at the Palace on New year's eve so it was lit all evening! We walked in at around 7 and were there till 10pm or so.

For more information follow the link to their official page

https://www.mysorepalace.gov.in

Priya has her own travel blog/ page which you can follow called backpack n brushes.

Mysuru -2

In the earlier part of the post, I mentioned having visited the Sand sculpture museum. Here is one of my best photos from that entire collection. It is one of the lesser known attractions of the city near Chamundi Hills. It isn't too big but they probably have 150 odd sculptures there over a varied range of topics, like cartoons, cars, figurines from different cultures, sea world, Indian mythology, made with only sand and water surprisingly.They have an entry fee , which is meager and worth it. It may take an hour or so to weave yourself through the entire museum. There is information about the artist, MN Gowri at the gate. They are open during the day from 8:30 to 18:30.

Follow the link below for more information.
https://www.museumsofindia.org/…/mysore-sand-sculpture-muse…

After the Sand museum, we went to the Sea shell museum which is right on the opposite side of the road. Its a must must must visit. Entry is almost 20 Rs or so but oh my god the amount of work the Artist has put into collecting, buying shells and then making them into artifacts is mindblowing. The artist herself is present at the museum , she may even show you around if you ask her to. She has used all kinds of shells in her work. She also holds a Guinness book world record for the tallest structure made with shells, which although an impressive feat is not her best work! You will see a Philomena Church, Tajmahal which is so intricate , one would be astounded. Also interestingly she has created art with a whole other host of materials as well. It is a good browse! 

Radha Mallappa : Artist.
have a look at this simple youtube documentary for a virtual tour. ( not my video)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aluxrcBzrxM

While walking back from the sea shell museum we came across this structure bathed in green light! At the time I didnt know what it was except that it looked wonderful. It's a Gazebo in Kupanna Park ( Nishant Bagh). It seems there are plans to start a musical fountain show here ( it may have already started) . Right next to it was a glass house being built when I visited.

Here is some background information about Kupanna Park
http://mysore.ind.in/nishat-bagh

Another Gem in Mysuru... Hardinge Circle also known to the locals as Aru Gate. Six major roads converge at this circle , hence the name Aru gate.This is also located just around the corner from The Palace. The gazebo like structure houses a Life size statue of the last Wadiyar King, Sri Jayachamarajendra Wadiyar.

This Hindu Article surmises the work that went on for the Statue

http://www.thehindu.com/…/a-tribute-to-m…/article6779800.ece  

An early morning #Lakewalk gave us some nice energy that carried us into the evening. We walked around #Lingambudhi lake with a couple of dogs and then eventually came out the entrance   surprisingly it was quite lonely, which was quite enjoyable.

https://www.karnataka.com/mysore/lingambudhi-lake/

This brings me to end of my little fairy tale in Mysuru. Lastly I would like to add the route we took, and adding a little details in the very end, we covered a fair bit on foot. A good 15 kms or so of walking. I am sure you have visited a lot more places.... this is just my touch.

<3 Rich