Mysore. (Karnataka Journals, Part 2)

          When you're on an industrial visit, there's never enough time. So, one thing I learned after my second industrial visit is to never go on another one. I love travelling and that was the sole purpose I decided to go. But when I was there, I realised that travelling can never be travelling when you're under an official tour. When in Mysore, I visited the Mysore Palace and Brindavan Gardens. These were amazing places with grandeur attached to them. I could spend only three hours at both these places together. So, yeah, that wasn't ideal but I'm glad I had at least that much time.

          Palaces have a mesmerising effect on me. I always think about how kings might have lived there. How those times might have been like. How it might have been to have your own palace which is so huge, you would never want to go outside. And when I am at palaces, I just get lost in all these fantasies. And these aren't like those fairy tale fantasies. These are the things which leave me in wonderment. A good kind of baffle which makes me want to explore the corners of all the palaces in the world.

          So, Mysore Palace is purely fabulous. I have seen palaces before. But, not one was as a mystery to me as this one. We neither researched about it nor did we have a tour guide. So it was all just walking wherever the crowd took us. I was awestruck with its architecture. I loved the intricate work on the pillars and ceilings. It's symbolic to that era and observing that work gives me joy. Be it any place, if the architecture is inspiring, I'll love to spend even an entire day at that place. I walked barefoot on the cold floor. I touched the strong pillars. I gazed at the courtrooms. I stood where a king stood decades earlier. It's all just beautifully royal to witness. I know that millions of people visit this palace every year. But still, that feeling was something special. I love how palaces bring out the artsy side in me.

Photo Credit : Omkar Vaidya

Photo Credit : Avanti Patil

          We spent only one hour at the Mysore Palace. Our next stop was Brindavan Gardens. Talking about the hugeness of things, this garden wins. You can keep walking and walking and you won't get bored. It has 60 acres of area. Adjoining to it, is the Krishnarajasagara dam. It gives the garden a profound look. I loved the effect of moss green grass with that of the white free-falling water. The place was so in sync with itself. It's a place for artists. There's a lot of inspiration for poets, writers and photographers. There was also a light and sound show. This show is very popular at this place. But none of us liked it. It was just a small fountain and lame music. It would've been amazing if it was in the lake or towards the garden. So, it was a disappointment but at least I enjoyed most part of it.

Photo Credit : Avanti Patil

If you ever visit Mysore, don't forget these. They top the places to visit in Mysore! Stay tuned for the next travel post about the places in Coorg!