biG cITies

BANGALORE or BANGALURU CITY

fixed meter in Tuk-Tuk

Bangalore or Bangaluru is the capital of Karnatka state in India. It is nicknamed the Garden City. Located on the Decan Plateau in the south-eastern part of Karnataka, Bangaluru is India's 3rd most populous city.
Bangaluru is also the "Silicon Valley of India" because of its position as the nation's leading IT's exporter. It is now the fastest growing major metropolis in India.

Founded in the 16th Century it was ruled under Hyder Ali but in 1760 was taken by the british. It was the headquarters for British adminstration 1831-81, when it was restored to the Raja of Mysore.

Bangalore experiences a "tropical savanna climate" and due to its high altitude, it enjoys a more moderate climate throughout the year.

Air Asia landed in Bangaluru new airport (very impressive) by late afternoon. A personal driver was already waiting for us, took us to the corporate office (car rental). By the time arrangements were made, it was too late for any sight-seeing. Thus, checked into " Mabel's Hotel" immediately for the night.

Next day we visited a few attractions in the city , among which are the LalBagh Park and the Cubbon Park. Other places we drove around such as the Vidhana Soudha (Govt Admin center ) temples, churches, Garuda Mall, parks, Meditation centers and museums.

The traffic in the city is TERRIBLY MAD !! CHAOTIC ! No wonder we were advised strongly NOT TO SELF-DRIVE.

By mid day, we left Bangaluru towards Mysore.

Lal Bagh Park - Flower show festival

Vidhana Soudha is famous for housing the Legislative Chambers of the state government. The 300 rooms of Vidhana Soudha accomodate 22 departments of the state govt. The building rises up to abt 46m, making it one of the most imposing structure in the city. Built in 1956, it boasts of exquisite Dravidian architecture.Constructed purely out of granite and porphyry, Vidhana Soudha is adorned with 4 domes on its 4 corners. In front entrance is the 4-headed lion, the national symbol of India.

The epitome of luxury and comfort, Lalita Mahal Palace is one of the finest hotels in Mysore. The hotel was once a palace of the Maharaja which was built to host his importat guest, the Viceroy of India. The regal nature of the hotel reflects its beautiful domes, interior decor, persian rugs et. The bifurcated marble staircase at the entrance is one of the main attractions of this hotel.
The "manual" lift with a seat covered with velvet transport you to the upper floor in a royal style.

The palace was designed by the English architect, Mr. E.W. Frichley. The beautiful domes are fashioned along the lines of St. Paul's Cathedral of London.

"its so comfortable girls, letz sleep here tnite !"

BANDIPUR NATIONAL PARK.
It is on eof India's best known protected areas and is an important PROJECT TIGER reserve. It is located in the Chamarajanagar district of southern Karnataka in South India. The park stretches over 874 sq km and together with Mudumalai, Nagarhole and Wynad wildlife sanctuary, forms the largest protected area in Southern India, and is under the UNESCO World Heritage Committee for selection as a World Heritage Site.

It is noted for its Bengal Tigers ( around 80 today) and over 3000 Indian elephants.
we drove right up to the booking office in early hours of the morning. Left Mysore Hotel Lalita at 5.30am, reached Bandipur Nat'l Park by 6.45am. Driving thru beautiful endless rows of tall overhanging trees on boh sides of the roads. We were surprised on arrival that 2 bus loads were nearly filled up and we were infact the last 5 passengers on board at 7am ! The bus (big truck) drove into the national park was a bumpy ride and in fact quite a unsuccessful ride ! Didnt catch any glimpse of tigers nor ferocious creatures except a CHICKEN (first sighting by a tourist!), many deer and some monkeys and some birds ... But later in our own car, we manage to stop by the side and close up & personal with a huge Indian elephant and herds of wild boars ! (free no need to pay ! )

The Mysore Palace, is the official residence of the Wodeyars - the erstwhile royal family of Mysore, and also houses the Durbar Halls (ceremonial meeting hall of the Royal court). The Wodeyars kings first built a palace in the 14th Century, demolished and reconstructed many times.The current palace was commisioned in 1897 and was completed in 1912 and expanded. Mysore Palace is now one of the famous tourist attractions in India, after Taj Mahal. Admission fee (tourist) INR200, locals INR20. All footwear to remove. (note: bring slippers when you go India, very useful).
The Kingdom of Mysore was ruled by the Wodeyar dynasty from 1399 til independence of India in 1947. The kings shifted his capital to the island fort of Srirangapattana in 1610 an Mysore then lost its importance as a seat of power. But the palace was partially damaged by a lightning strike in 1638.
With the kingdom taken over by Hyder Ali in 1762 Mysore Palace further lost its importance. Hyder Ali's son, Tipu Sultan demolished the entire fort incl the palace in 1787. Under Krishna Raja Wodeyar III the new king in 1799, a new palace was built in its place by 1803.
The architectural style is commonly described as Indo-Saracenic and blends together Hindu, Muslim, Rajput and Gothic. It is a 3-storied stone structure, with marble domes and a 145ft five-storied tower, surrounded by lush spacious gardens.
Above the central arch is an impressive sculpture of Gajalakshmi, the goddess of wealth,prosperity,good luck and abundance.

(No photography allowed inside the Palace)

Caught ya !

LIGHTS ! CAMERA ! ACTION !!










TOYLAND. On the way from Bangalore to Mysore, we passed TOYLAND. Couldnt resist but stop to do some shopping.

Me on my wooden horse. Wished I cud buy it and carry home , but too big and heavy for AirAsia !

Abhishack and me on my rocking horse (can you see me?)