Again, we manage to get "free seats" on Air Asia flights. Of course have to pay for airport taxes, admin fees...etc etc.. comes up to MYR 214 per person return flight fr KL to Bangaluru.
PJ party
a quiet moment to herself
looking down to the lobby from Rm 301/302
toilet at Meadows Residence
nice lobby
4 in a room
We stumbled upon this newly refurbished boutique homestay in Coonor. After a few unsuccessful attempts at some local accomodation, we were directed to this hotel. Almost missed the turning into the gates.
view from the gardens
With little or no planning at all (our usual style), we surfed the Net and simply booked a reasonable priced boutique guesthouse in Bangaluru, just because we like the pictures of the guesthouse! its so cute and colorful! and it actually turned out to be such a pleasant and fantastic stay with friendly and cosy ambience. So comfortable that we all decided to book our last few days in Bangaluru at this same guesthouse , AIRAVATAM BOUTIQUE HOTEL!
and we call it " Mabel's Hotel " !...... ( she simply loves the place ! ha ha ha)
We are strongly advised from friends and experienced travellers NOT to attempt to drive on your own in India ! and so true it is .... so on arrival we rented a Toyota Innova comes with a fulltime Indian driver.. who looks very Bollywoodish too ! (a bonus).
Between INR 7 - INR 10 per km is the charge for car rental, incl driver.
here's the map of India and Bangaluru. We started our trip from Bangaluru, heading south to Mysore pasing thru the National Park, then to Ooty and Coonor. 
WHERE WE SLEPT : our bed & breakfast
Bangaluru - AIRAVATAM BOUTIQUE HOTEL
clean, bathrm attached, internet connection. At US30 per double room with a common shared living area/kitchenette with facilites. Highly recomended. All staff are extremely attentive. We are very impressed with the service and comfort of this hotel. After a day out in the city with all the honking, you would be so glad to come back to this quiet ,cosy ambience of this hotel.
clean, bathrm attached, internet connection. At US30 per double room with a common shared living area/kitchenette with facilites. Highly recomended. All staff are extremely attentive. We are very impressed with the service and comfort of this hotel. After a day out in the city with all the honking, you would be so glad to come back to this quiet ,cosy ambience of this hotel.
A small setback is its location - hidden in the lanes, a bit difficult to find for a first-timer. Just mentioned the New Shanti Sagar Restaurant at the corner and Telegraph Exchange Office.
PJ party
Roof top garden for breakfast mornings, can be cold & chilly. Breakfast so-so only. But service is excellent ! very attentive staff.
kitchenette/living area in center shared by two double rooms
Tall solid wooden doors leading into the Airavatam hotel lined with greens and ferns. On the right as you enter sits the Concierge, Manager, Reception, all-in-one Management. Very friendly and cosy ambience. All the staff are friendly and helpful.
a quiet moment to herself
at the lobby of our favorite hotel - "Mabel's Hotel " in Bangaluru !
looking down to the lobby from Rm 301/302
MYSORE - ATHITHI HOTEL . checked in late nite. had not much choice and it is ok guesthouse, located jz at edge of city. Costs double room USD32. Also with air con and attch bathrm. Funny thing is the main switch to your room is located OUTSIDE the door !
Also beware of the house-keeping services, its NOT free.
Also beware of the house-keeping services, its NOT free.
funny - main switch is OUTSIDE your ROOM !
OOTY - MEADOWS RESIDENCE . We got a room for 4. Comfortable, clean but the hot water in bathroom goes on and off. So better be the first to shower. At about US80 (INR3500) for room for 4, incl of breakfasts.
toilet at Meadows Residence
nice lobby
4 in a room
COONOR - MCIVER BOUTIQUE HOTEL . BEAUTIFUL, AMAZING...BREATHTAKING DARING SPLASH OF COLORS.
We stumbled upon this newly refurbished boutique homestay in Coonor. After a few unsuccessful attempts at some local accomodation, we were directed to this hotel. Almost missed the turning into the gates.
Set on a open space of hill land overlooking the village of Coonor. With a touch of French elegance and contemporary decorart. The French owners, who bought the old colonial building turn it into a boutique hotel (6 rooms ). Formerly a school then a hospital. Now a beautiful hotel. Seems its newly opened for business, 6 months old.
At only US 60 ( INR2600 ) double room extremely spacious room with a bright colored fireplace and walls, reaching 20ft up to the ceiling, connecting to a walk-in dressing area and bathroom ! AMAZING DECOR & COLORS.
Loved the walk-in Dressing room and the Toilets. A rustic and yet modern touch to the ambience.
view from the gardens
check out the toilets !!
checking the books.."Yes, we are still within budget"
Breakfasting in the Gardens... with butter n strawberry jam ,assortment of toast/buns accompanied with fantastic Masala Tea. Morning cool breeze of 15C , gets down to less than 10C at nights.
what a view ! from the gardens at McIver Boutique