It was already 5pm by the time that I had settled down; found my accommodation and ready to explore Mysore. First stop was Devaraja Market and it took me a 10min walk from Hotel Dasaprakash. Built during the era of Tipu Sultan, it is the largest market selling items ranging from fresh produce, cosmetic jewellery and fake sandalwood oil. Along Sayyaji Rao Road, there were several shops selling Indian sweets and snacks. Had the Mysore Pak (Rs9 or S$0.35 per 100grams) at Bombay Tiffanys. A local specialty made of chickpea flour, sugar and ghee; it is extremely sweet and will do best to comfort a sweet tooth.
I strolled around central Mysore looking for photo opportunities. Other than the heavy traffic (or rather the lack of it), the city was not that different as compared to the state capital. It took me quite a while to find beer; Mysore certainly doesn't have that many supermarkets or wine shops like Bangalore do. Was really hungry by then and stepped into Hotel RRR for my Andhra-styled (yes, the classic banana leaf and your hands!) Mutton Biryani (Rs47 or S$1.80). Things often fall into place somehow; after stepping out from the "hotel" (it's actually a restaurant but somehow the usage of this word in India can denote a place of lodging or restaurant), I found the first wine shop in Mysore. Stepped in and grab a can of Kingfisher for Rs33 (S$1.27). Burb.
Had the best sleep in India so far (though it can get noisy sometimes with musical horns from the 4-wheel drives) and woke up (at 9am) all ready for Chamundi Hill (13kms south of Mysore). Due to time constraints, I decided to give the Mysore Palace a skip (everybody said that this decision was silly). Got to the City Bus Stand and boarded bus 201 (Rs6.5 or S$0.25) for the 30min trip up to the summit. Before the departure, I bought a Chai (milk tea, Rs3 or S$0.12). A young man then politely told me that Chai are not allowed on the bus (probably to keep the bus free of litter) and kindly helped throw the plastic cup out from the window. I think
somehow that would have kept the bus clean but was really unsure about the streets. |
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Just a stall in Devaraja Market selling blocks of cane sugar. Thought that the lighting conditions were perfect for a picture. |
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There was an event held at the northern entrance of the Mysore Palace (in the background was the Statue of Maharaja Chamarajendar Wodeyar) where a long queue was formed (probably to see a famous astrologer?).
A group of beggars (left) were waiting patiently for offerings though none was forthcoming.
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Another busy evening at Hotel RRR (an Andhra-style restaurant in Gandhi Square) where attendants walked around busily serving South Indian Thalis (Rs37 or S$1.42).
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Was just showering in the bathroom and realise an interesting viewing angle on the shower head. |
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Why are you crying, my little boy? You are going to Chamundi hill!
- impressions of the City Bus Stand, Mysore |
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"Public" (literally since everyone can see) urinals in India. It's always nice to take a pee.
- impressions of the City Bus Stand, Mysore |
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The simple (yet magical) concoction of milk and tea leaves results in Chai (Rs3 or S$0.11) - the universal drink for India. |
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Pilgrims queuing up at the main entrance (Rs20 or S$0.77) to visit the Sri Chamundeswari Temple on the summit of Chamundi Hill. Entering the temple from the side entrance is free but of course, the queue will be longer. |
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A postbox at Chamundi Hill with 2 of my postcards.
p.s.: The postcards were sent on 23 Dec and it reached the destination on 29 Dec.
The pride of India Post!! |
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A group of kids and an old man collecting the remains of the coconuts being offered by pilgrims in front of Sri Chamundeswari Temple.
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