Day 1a - Things To Do in Mysore - Chamundeshwari Temple/Chamundi Hills/Lalitha Mahal Palace

With no expectation, I venture into Mysore.

The day started on a bad note, booking.com called upon our arrival to inform that the room was double booked and recommended us to try their other options. Alhamdulillah we got a kind tuk-tuk driver that helped us in calling and getting an accommodation at the same price and better location hence we forego booking.com’s options. The issue was settled within half an hour.

Travel tip : Book (pau) the tuk-tuk for the whole day to cover popular places especially since if speaks English really well and know the historical facts. This will save on time and you’ll gain additional knowledge too.

We have done a little research on Mysore and identified few must visit places, however the driver obviously know his city better and countered offer us with a better proposal, a very hard to decline proposal which we immediately said yes. Oh yah! We settled at INR300/RM16.28 for the whole day for 2 person, pretty good deal I thought.

There’s a few things I noted in Mysore, the people here are extra friendly, the weather is perfect, the standard of leaving is average and halal food is easily accessible. Little left to complain, more reason to fall in love.

Chamundeshwari Temple

Located 13km from the city of Mysore on Chamundi Hills, raising high in bright yellow is the Chamundeshwari Temple or also known as Durga, the fierce form of Shakti; a tutelary deity. It is said that Hoysala rulers built the original shrine in the 12th century where else the tower was built by the Vijayanagar rulers in 17th century. Raising at 3,489 feet, one can drive, ride a public bus to Chamundi Hills or even take a flight of 1000 steps there. This beautiful decorated temple with its intricate carvings is the centre of worship to the Mysorians, fleet of buses from nearby states come to visit this stunning Chamundeshwari Temple daily shows how significant it is to them. The deity of the goddess inside is said to be made of gold of which I did not manage to pay a visit due to the overwhelming crowd.

Monks queuing.  

Chamundi Hills

Aside from Chamundeshwari Temple, on the way down you can see Nandi (the bull mount of Shiva) made from granite (located on the 800th step of the hill). At over 15 feet high, and 24 feet long, this statue of Nandi that carries bells around his neck was installed by a local monarch Dodda Devaraja in 1664, the same person who also built the steps. One can view Mysore panoramic view from here and it said to be one of the scenic area in and of the city. Stone carvers are seen by the street leading to the entrance selling miniature Nandi, gods and goddess at an affordable price.

Miniature Nandi.

Lalitha Mahal Palace

One can easily see Lalitha Mahal Palace from Chamundi Hills, built in 1921 by Maharaja of Mysore is the second largest palace in Mysore, this is also where the Maharaja receive elite guests from all over Europe. This elegant palace is base on Renaissance architectural style have been converted to an exclusive hotel in 1974.

Unfortunately it is not open for public hence one have to take an extra effort to view the Lalitha Mahal Palace from front of which my darling tuk-tuk driver did. 

An effort to take a close-up view. 

While taking us around, we were told the history, the culture and folklore of each places by our knowledgeable tuk-tuk driver. Stopping every time hearing me shriek and ask whether I want to stop to take some pictures which normally ended with a ‘yes please, can we?’. And he’ll smile and say ‘take your time, enjoy my beautiful Mysore’.

Terengganu International Squid Jigging Festival 2014

No, you don’t say ‘I want to catch a squid’ or ‘fishing for squid (!?!)’, instead you say ‘I went squid jigging’. The one and only sea activity that makes you sound like the hot Will Smith (dancing to the song 'Gettin' Jiggy Wit It'). 

‘Candat’ is the Malay word for ‘jigging’ which not many locals know it too, just like me, many of us can’t even imagine how one jig a squid. Being my curious self I went over the moon searching and researching on squid jigging; from the squid jig to the boat to the ideal time to squid jigging. I’m now a virtual Squid Jigger. Ahaks!

I’ve learnt that…

• Three main important species of squid (well, at least in East Coast of Malaysia) – ‘Sotong Torok or Sotong Ketupat’, ‘Sotong Jarum’ and ‘Sotong Mabang’.
• Squid jigging season is from March to September (coinciding with spawning season).
• The chances of catching a squid are better during high tide on a cloudy or rainy night (Hemm…).
• Squid changes its colour according threat or the presence of a potential mate.
• Squid defense mechanism is their dark ink.
• Fisherman uses fluorescent lamps to attract squids.

Feel smarter now? *wink*

Note :

Terengganu International Squid Jigging Fest 2014 or Pesta Candat Sotong Antarabangsa Terengganu 2014 is sponsored by the state government of Terengganu, this annual squid jigging carnival aims to introduce as well as relive the old tradition that was once livelihoods for many along the coast of Terengganu between April and August each year. It has since taken on a role as a recreational activity loved by people of all ages. This year’s event will also witness foreign participation from across the region. Various activities have been lined up and include cooking demonstrations and competitions, exhibition stalls, food stalls and the likes centered about… squids. The 1Malaysia Green 1Malaysia Clean campaign that runs concurrently is aimed at promoting the beauty of the state’s coasts, beaches and islands.

I failed myself in Southern India

I dedicated this entry to Nadirah Babji. I will return. 

1. I failed to plan a perfect itinerary which at the end worked perfectly great as the go-with-the-flow is more fun and thrilling.

2. I failed to pre-book any land transportation and guess what, the destination-by-destination onsite booking taught me to be flexible and practical.

3. I failed to travel like a hardcore backpacker (never in my life claiming I am), traveling with one cabin size and a 40L bag was a smarter move as our accommodation in Goa was far from the bus station. Far. Very far.

4. I failed to source for halal restaurant and to my surprise, almost everywhere are halal. Even the KFC and McDonalds. Yippee.

5. I failed to do an in depth research on Mysore and I never regret it one bit, surprise over surprise showered me when I was there. I. Must. Revisit. Mysore.

6. I failed to see the beauty of Southern India just like majority of the travelers, raving on the Northern beauty. Southern India – Love At The First Sight. Enough said.

7. I failed experiencing their famous scenic route but was compensated with a houseboat overnight cruise in Alleppey, a train ride to Bangalore, a sleeper bus ride to Hampi, a flight to Goa and the multiple tuk-tuk rides during this trip. So, yah, I covered all mode of transportation. *proud*

8. I failed (not) taking those lovely people photos. Mission, accomplished. *smile*

9. I failed to not shop for sarees. How could I not buy many a few? Hahahaaa…

10. I failed at keeping my promise to myself to not eat their curries, you know what, I tried all the briyanies (served with curries).

Still having doubts? Well, don’t. Pack your bag and go!

* For Malaysian applying India visa, please take note of the ‘Bin/Binti’ placement, it cost me unnecessary RM20. And bring a book or powerbank, the waiting was...

** Going to start my Southern India entries, so stay tune.