Mysore – the cultural capital of Karnataka- is a place worth visiting. Yesterday’s visit was a part of one of our “10-minute plans”. We kicked off our trip with a road journey that was anything but ordinary. As we left the city behind, the skies began to grey, and soon, light rain started to fall – not the kind that slows you down, but the gentle kind that makes every part of you flutter and every song feel a little more magical. The highway stretched afar, deepening into the horizon as we approached deeper into the unending lengths of the lush and green landscapes by our sides. Oh, what a view it was! Magnificent mountains were leading the way, making us more intrigued with each kilometre we passed. It was a tiring, but beautiful trip of 3 and a half hours. The music, blending with the sound of the rain, added to the scenic beauty and serenity of the place.
We reached Mysore by late evening, the city greeting us with its dark-hued skies and warm lights. As we checked into the resort we had booked, we were pleasantly surprised to discover that it had just 19 rooms — the rest was a serene expanse of nature, with greenery and open space all around. Although the rain kept us indoors that night, we thoroughly enjoyed the cool, calming weather and ended the day with a hearty meal before retreating to our cosy rooms.
We woke the next morning with a resolution to strictly abide by the “self-made itinerary” of ours. For breakfast. fluffy idlis, crispy vadas, piping hot dosas, and sambar that tasted like comfort in a bowl – it was a perfect start to the day. With happy tummies and excited hearts, we were all set to explore the gems of Mysore. What better place to start the journey than Mysore Palace itself! As we set foot into the beautiful premises of the Mysore Palace, we were spellbound by the beauty of this magnificent work of architecture. What captured our attention the most was the intricacy of the sculptures, designs and paintings all around the place. It was simply fascinating. Another thing that we couldn’t take off our minds was a tree. A tree that must have silently witnessed generations of kings and their families living, ruling, and shaping history within the palace walls.
The next destination was a more fun, thrilling, and joyful place – Lokaranjan Aqua World Underwater Zoo, a hidden gem showcasing vibrant aquatic life. From quirky-looking fish to mesmerising marine species, the place was colourful, educational, and a refreshing change of pace. We could, but admire the beauty of nature and the art of survival.
Our final stop was the Chamundeshwari Temple atop Chamundi Hills. The drive uphill offered panoramic views of the city, winding roads lined with greenery, and cool mountain air. The temple itself radiated peace and divinity. Standing there, with the city spread out below us, felt like the perfect way to wrap up the day. The atmosphere there emitted peaceful vibes encompassing the radiance of the sacred temple, which is one of the 18 Maha Shakti Peethas in India. According to legend, this is the location where a strand of Goddess Sati's hair fell. The aura was defining, compelling and a testament to the faith of thousands of devotees of Ma Chamundeshwari.
As we made our way back home, we were met with glistening showers, those which looked like a waterfall emerging from the sky. We could not help but continuously stare at the beauty of the place, a perfect retreat from the metropolitan cities.
From the scenic drive in the rain to the royal palace, colourful aquarium, and serene hilltop temple, this Mysore trip was a perfect mix of nature, culture, and peace. It made me realise that even a short journey can create long-lasting memories.
If you’re looking for a quick escape that blends royal charm, serene nature, and soulful food, Mysore is definitely the place!
Signing off,
Atreyi Kaul