It was an impulsive plan and I had no idea of making to the
trek. But suddenly the travel bug prickled me to take it. Yo! Yo! It was my first and mast
trekking experience.
“Don’t live your life bound by the shackles of your own schedule”
My roommate had booked "Night trek to Kunti betta" for four of us with thrillophilia. We were all set to start to Bangalore. Suddenly my friend received a call from the trek co-ordinator Swami that the people who have booked along with us for the night trek had postponed the dates. So now we were left with just four of us for the trek. Mr. Swami suggested us to take Anthragange trek. But we wanted to try Kunti Betta trek only as it had got kayaking activity also included in the package.
It was a single seater kayak. Swami gave us basic instruction on kayaking. We were given life jackets and went one by one to kayak in the nearby lake. Each of us did kayaking for 10 minutes. After finishing the kayaking activity, we headed to the nearby restaurant for our breakfast.
After lunch, we made our way to Mysore palace, which was located right in the heart of the city. I read in an article that Mysore palace was demolished and reconstructed many times. The current palace was completed in 1912 and ever since the palace continued to remain revamped.
“Don’t live your life bound by the shackles of your own schedule”
My roommate had booked "Night trek to Kunti betta" for four of us with thrillophilia. We were all set to start to Bangalore. Suddenly my friend received a call from the trek co-ordinator Swami that the people who have booked along with us for the night trek had postponed the dates. So now we were left with just four of us for the trek. Mr. Swami suggested us to take Anthragange trek. But we wanted to try Kunti Betta trek only as it had got kayaking activity also included in the package.
Swami had finally agreed to take four of us to Kunti betta trek itself. We reached Bangalore station around 9 pm. Swami arrived at station by 10 pm. He took a jeep for four of us. We were heading to Pandavpura(Kunti betta is in pandavpura) for our trek. Swami had stupefied us by his hasty drive in Bangalore highways. It had been a roller coaster ride.
Kunti Betta
We reached Pandavpura. It was pitch dark. Thanks to my roommate who had brought torch light. Swami handed each of us a sleeping bag and a stick. After a little briefing on trekking, we started our actual trek.
Since it was our first time, we found it little difficult. But swami was good enough to lead us without feeling exhausted.
As we went higher, I could relish the feeling of joy inside me. There was serene calmness in the top. It was this calmness, which was entirely lacking in the bustling city, led me to exotic places. The flapping cool breeze not only energized our tired cells but also our souls.
Lying quiet on a hill top admiring the open sky studded with diamond like stars was all that was required to make me ecstatic. I had one of those peaceful nights' sleep in the cozy sleeping bag on the hill top.
Next day we woke up to a foggy morning with zero visibility of the town below. We waited for the fog to clear off to enjoy the heavenly view of the town in day time. When the clock was half past six, we started to descend down the hill for the next activity - Kayaking.
It was a single seater kayak. Swami gave us basic instruction on kayaking. We were given life jackets and went one by one to kayak in the nearby lake. Each of us did kayaking for 10 minutes. After finishing the kayaking activity, we headed to the nearby restaurant for our breakfast.
Mysore
As we had already decided to go to Mysore from Mandya, we had kept Swami informed that we wouldn't be taking the return journey to Bangalore. He dropped us at Mandya Bus stand to board bus to Mysore. Mysore was one and half an hour journey from Mandya. Our plan was to visit Mysore Zoo and Mysore palace. And most importantly I wanted to fulfill my long time wish of seeing Mysore palace fully lit in night.
We spent the first half of the day in Mysore zoo. Being a private zoo, the zoo was well maintained. Animals seemed healthier compared to other zoos.
We spent the first half of the day in Mysore zoo. Being a private zoo, the zoo was well maintained. Animals seemed healthier compared to other zoos.
Doesn't this place look like love tunnel? |
The Mysore palace is a splendid example of Royal architecture. The architecture has a unique blend of different styles of architecture(Hindu, Mughal, Rajput and Gothic styles). For instance, Marbled tomb structure reminds us of Mughal style, Intricate carvings remind us of Hindu style.
The majestic interiors of the palace made us spellbound with its varied splendors. It had an exquisitely decorated ceiling, gleaming tiled floors, gold painted and sculptured pillars, splendid mural painted walls and intricately carved doors.
In the evening, it started to rain. We patiently waited inside the palace for it to glow glee in the night. The night view was totally incredible.
Boooom. The palace was totally set alight. I felt obliged to the rain which had added bokeh effects to the night lit palace photographs.
Boooom. The palace was totally set alight. I felt obliged to the rain which had added bokeh effects to the night lit palace photographs.
Mysore Palace totally lit |
Month of Trip - May'15
No of days of trip - 1 Day
Overall Trip Cost - INR 2400
No of days of trip - 1 Day
Overall Trip Cost - INR 2400