THE TRANSPORT- To begin with planning the trip, look for what kind of vehicle you might like to travel with. Off-course a two-wheeler will prove out to be the worst, if you look forward for sight-seeing. You are left with few options of looking for a travel or booking agency and if, you are staying in a hotel, ask the manager (or reception) to get you a booking.
A very important thing about drivers there is, they drive too fast; and are very loyal. So, either you book vehicle from a travel agency or other; you need to make your "must-go-spots list" handy. Even if your travel head tells that, they'll handle all; do-not let them take command and ask them for sites, cross-checking it from below.
I. GUMBAZ-
On your way from Bangalore to Mysore, Gumbaz will be the first to fall. Made up of white marbles, Gumbaz is beautiful inside and peaceful outside; mausoleum (tomb) of Tipu Sultan and his father Hyder Ali. Surrounded by landscape style of garden. It will take just around fifteen to twenty minutes to cover this monument plus, giving you a pump fresh start.
II. St. PHILOMENA'S CHURCH-
First one to fall as you enter Mysore. Crafted in Gothic style, as of all churches. This stands magnificently tall in its distinct grey color against the blue of sky. If you are a lover of photography; go for its scenic view. Inside of the church has chronologically assembled paintings on life of Jesus Christ and below in the basement is relic of the virgin St. Philonema. It is one of Asia's tallest church and some of the female sculptures found here are in sarees; a symbol of secularism.
Do not spend more than thirty minutes. Outside the church, you might be suggested by your travel guide or driver to get Mysore-special sandal and silk stuffs; please do avoid it as much as possible. It will be a big time and money killer.
III. MYSORE PALACE-
Officially known as Amba-vilas palace. The palace itself is huge along with vast campus. It would take you four to five hours,if the time of year is Dusshera and if it's an off season visit then, palace might take you two to three complete hours, from entrance to clicking pictures to getting awestruck at every next step. Studded with gems and bordered with golden work; Mysore palace is an unparallel show of Indian, Islamic, Persian and European architectural art piece.
Of all the day long trip, make sure to save enough time for Mysore palace and our last spot(further).
IV. CHAMUNDESHWARI TEMPLE-
If you are lucky enough to reach here before four o'clock, then you will get an escape from long temple queue and crowd around. You must also STAY ALERT OF MONKEY(langoor) along the way to the temple and in every open place inside premises. The Dravidian style of temple garlanded by grand 'vimana' that is 'top of temple' and a statue of demon Mahishasura outside at the entrance. Mahishasura was historically a mythical king of Mysore, from where the name of city is derived.
HILL TOP VIEW- As the temple is situated on top of Chamundi hills, you'll notice a number of points from where whole city is visible. It'll take you five minutes, so tell your driver to pull around those points while returning. Please, DO NOT MISS IT.
V. BRINDAVAN GARDENS-
It will take you one hour approximately to travel from Chamundi hills to Brindavan gardens. Lush Street food will be right all along your path from parking place till garden. It's a bingo! if you are a sea food lover. Vegetarians will catch delicious fruit salad around the path. Inside of garden is endless, if you are in love with flowers and gardening. You can simply sit and ease yourself here because it will be your last sight for one day trip. Make sure to reach here before six o'clock to enjoy the photogenic view. Apart from foot-bridge, you can enjoy boating at a very cheap rate, to cross the KCR Dam's water; while entering the garden.
MUSICAL FOUNTAIN- The show starts around six thirty onward till eight o'clock. You might have had seen many other musical fountain shows across the globe, but do not try to miss this. The south-Indian music and energy of crowd will leave you to tranquility. Off-course, it will be the best way to close your exhausting but exciting one-day trip.
So, here we are at the end of our one-day Mysore trip. Yet; sometimes to know a place or person completely, one whole life seems shorter and that is so right with us here. There are some or many sights left behind, where we might have had covered in a two-day trip to Mysore. Here, let's honor them too-
1. NANDESHWAR TEMPLE, NANDI HILLS-
Will take half of your day to cover this splendid place. The temple, on one hand represents an unbeatable example of sculpturing art, the beautiful hill top view, on the other will give you a life long experience to sun-rise or sunset (whichever time you select to visit). Usually, it is not possible to catch sun-rise when you have planned to travel from far a place. Try to plan of going to the sight around afternoon to catch sunset on time.
2. SUMMER FORT OF TIPU SULTAN-
This will lye first on your way from Bangalore, if you have decided to move towards the direction of Nandi hills. The palace, as the name suggests, was residence of Sultan-Tipu only for summer season. Architectural work is an example of Indo-Islamic style, decorated with achievements of the great sultan and enchanting looks. The palace was actually incorporated into Bangalore palace during reign of Hyder Ali (Sultan-Tipu's father). Lawns and gardens, are still decorated and maintained at par. The indoor balconies are my favorite here!
3. SHIVASAMUDRA FALLS-
It's a gift from nature! This fall cuts river Kaveri in two halves, where the waterfall is itself segmented and forms an elegant panoramic view. For a one day trip, this is a place you must visit in the morning, since serene weather will bless you with fresh morning while the ride. Don't forget to keep your car- windows down, to not skip any of the several jaw-dropping scenes.
4. RANGANATHASWAMY TEMPLE-
Another beautifully crafted Dravidian styled temple of sleeping-postured Lord Vishnu. It looks bright and delightful as you stand outside it. Though inside is a bit of damp and dark. You might also face a long queue of worshipers inside. Take a note,that cameras and clicking pictures from mobile phones are prohibited. If you have interest in archeological studies over temples and monuments, it will serve you great.
The sculptures are carved on black granite and inside is made up of yellow sand stone. There are several rooms (garbhgrihas) for many other Gods and
Goddesses around the path of worshiper's queue.
Ta-da!!! Here we are again, with the bonus sights around and within Mysore. It might become an alternate must-go list, if you already have been to our above first list or also if you are looking for more of lone and into-the-nature space than all the magnificent-monuments around world. Additional to this, do-not forget to carry your first-aid kit, emergency medicine kit and a safety knife!!
Have a happy and safe trip everyone.
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