| Bangalore
& Mysore |
|
Rating
: 
Pros: Interesting and beautiful place,
modern, relaxed atmosphere, beautiful temples and parks
Cons:
none
Bangalore is a very modern city with many reasonably prosperous
residents. And to add to this it's a real centre for the computer
industry in India.
It's very different to the North of India... less tourists and therefore
less people to hassle tourists into buying things. It's a very different
atmosphere, much more relaxed. And to add to this Bangalore is also
beautiful because of the many parks around it. Both Cubbon Park
and the Lalbagh Botanical Gardens are worth a visit even if only
as an antidote to the bustle of the India outside the gates. The
atmosphere is cheerful with families and young people strolling
and enjoying a rare breath of fresh air.
Mysore is south of Bangalore and a quiet and pleasant city with
many trees. The Mysore Palace (Amba Villas Palace) is one of the
most beautiful palaces you'll find in India. An earlier palace burnt
down in 1897 and the current one was completed in 1912 which accounts
for the great state it's in. The current Maharaja even lives in
part of the palace today.
Overlooking Mysore on Chamundi hill is the Sri Chamundeswari Temple.
On the way up the hill you are greeted by a 5 metre high Nandi carved
out of rock. He is always beautifully decorated and has offerings
at his hooves.
At the top of the hill near the Temple is a statue of the demon
Mahishasura who was eventually killed by the goddess Chamundi. The
temple itself is pretty spectacular but it's a good idea to remember
that it is not a museum but a temple in constant use so you need
to be extra respectful. |
