Exploring Mysore.
There were a few places we did not manage to see when we were last in Mysore.
Chamundi mountain was one if these places. Knowing there were 1008 steps to the summit we asked Sajith to take up to the top with a view we would walk down. At the very top is the
Sri Chamundeswari Temple. We did not expect a whole village to be built up there along with hotels and even a multi storey carpark. Obviously a tourist spot with all the usual tat stalls. They have notices everywhere that single use plastic is banned eg bags and bottles which is good. Be a long time before the plastic toy stalls come into this ban though.
The temple was one of the impressive “Goparas” we have seen. With all the tourist money they had spent a lot making this a temple look well cared for.
Sajith dropped us off and we all had conversations with local guys as to where the steps started. We had comments like “there are over 1000steps!” and “it is a long walk”” but we said goodbye to driver and off we went to explore. After wondering around this hidden village we FOUND the steps and off we set. After 300 steps you come across the “bull” temple. This bull is carved from a single piece of granite and is large.
Continuing down all different size steps (which had been blessed by the way with coloured powder) we passed butterflies and even saw a Mongoose. Nearly to bottom who should we see coming up but our driver “Sajith”. Nice he came to check in us “oldies”.  It took us an hr and half just to come down.
On the way back to the palace we spotted it was race day at Mysore racecourse starting at 2pm. Well it had to be done so after a short rest we got Sajith to take us. But we were not letting him get away with not joining us and dragged him in as well. Loraine was the only women in thousands of Jndian men. What an experience and when Loraines horse won the first race the men just could not believe it and scrutinised her ticket. We then went and got another winner so out of the three races we were there for two out of three we won  and we also got second and thirds but our bet only covered to win. Strange you put your bet on and the odds continue to change up to starter’s ordereds so our bet went on at 7-1 and ended up at 20-1 😄. Great experience seeing different rules etc and Loraines presence was taken in good spirit. By the way no drink or food is sold it is purely betting. There were so many Tuktuks in the carpark Mysore must have come to a stop. To get out of the carpark a lot of bike moving took place and Sajiths good driving got us out of a small space.

Our plan the next day was to visit the “Railway Museum” only to find it closed for renovations so next plan was a bird sanctuary on the outskirts of the city. What a find this was. The place was alive with birds, crocodiles and also had beautiful gardens. We went, along with about 10 others, in a boat which is rowed so no noise to disturb the nesting Pelicans, cranes, ibis, night herons, storks etc round a small lake so we were up close. After we walked around the well tended gardens having a lovely morning in a quiet area not very far out of a very busy city.

Got dropped off in town where we had an enjoyable lunch in the bus station. Tried to get Keith’s hair cut and failed in that score. Had a trip round the main palace in a horse and carriage and even though they tried to take us to “ his uncles” shop we enjoyed thinking we were King and queen having a jaunt round town. By the way we did check they treated the horse properly.
Short break in the palace then to one of our favourite place the “Mysore Market”. It’s exciting, chaotic, colourful, noisy and lots of fun.
In the evening we took Sajith to a great restaurant we knew (Rob and Brenda know this one) selling beer and great food. (Mysore is a dry town,,,)  You can even have a pic wearing a turban if you wish!!!!
What another great time in Mysore.

Catching up now with blog.
We were very interested to see what the next place of residents was like as the pictures and description were outstanding but we have learnt to not believe all you see.
Mysore (Mysuru) is a major city situated in Karnataka South India and is actually the capital of this region. It boast a magnificent palace which we saw lit up with thousands of lights last time we visited two yrs ago. This time we would be staying  also in a palace built for the Viceroy visit by the then Raj. This was in 1921. Approaching up the drive the first impressions was that it was truly palatial and the Viceroy must have been impressed.
Taken over by “Jungle Resorts” approx 18months ago they have started on a major refurbishment programme. The building is showing its age but with its restaurant, conference hall, banquet suite and marble staircase entrance it is still very grand. The original building was basically made of sand!! So how it is still standing is a miracle. It had an extension a few years ago which was reinforced and plans are to support the rest. When they took it over a lot of the original furniture came with it and so retaining lots of character and history. We could imagine the reception and dances held in the beautiful rooms.
When we arrived a major filming crew were there and we got involved with selfies with some of the crew. They actually left that night and you should have seen the mess they made. Do hope the hotel was getting very good money for their bad manners. Took staff all of two days to make some headway clearing up.
Our room looked over the pool where the attendant had the best job. He looked after the pool and garden. Garden we didn’t see him do anything but pool he swam at least twice a day and said he was cleaning the walls. He did have a cloth in his hand as he swam up and down. He was a good swimmer. I wonder if it’s all the practise !!!!
Tea in bed we decided to open the outside door of the balcony and leave grill door shut. VERY bad move. Within seconds a rather large male monkey was pushing the grill to get in and being it opened inwards that was not good. Will not be doing that again. All the balconies in the building are completely open so monkeys are a bit of a prob at night when we were all tucked up in bed.
We wish “Jungle Resorts” all the best with their endeavours to get this magnificent building back to its former glory. Only prob it was only £39 per night b/b so expect that will change.

Day 31 and off we went to Madikeri Coorg. Lovely drive arriving up a very steep slope through a lovely driveway. We arrived at Coorg Heritage resort. Booked in and a porter came along looking not much younger than us. He grabbed our two large heavy cases, one ruck sack and a separate bag and off he went UPHILL. Another getting fit resort coming up we feel.
Lovely room with a large very high bed. (I can see me with short legs needing a leg up!!). Off we went for the usual investigating stroll UPHILL to find restaurant and pool. What a view from the top which we saw whilst getting our breath back. (Had to do this many times during our stay). Set in a lovely wooded area with “The Taj “ in the mountain opposite. Another lovely hotel in this glorious spot where we had the joy of staying a couple of yrs ago.
The next day took us into town where we were the last of the big spenders buying two loofers and spoon for 60p!!! We did come across a lovely modern coffee shop where the coffee was great. Bought some to take home so good.
Visit to a temple with a Tank of fish (most fish in any tank in India) then to Raj seat. This is where a Raj use to come and sit taking in the view and what a view it is. The gardens were lovely as well.
Next we went to the Fort which us now a short term prison. What a frightening place. Dark, messy, guards with guns etc. It’s also local court rooms so straight out of there to serve your sentence. Told Sajith to behave himself!!!! 😉😎
Next day was Abbey falls another lot of steps 😎😜. Not to much water but good to see. Then Raj tomb plus his wife’s. Big building with just a concrete tomb. Not much really.
Whilst we were staying at this hotel we took in the Coffee plantation visit and we are so glad we did. What a place. Young couple running a organic farm and small home stay called “Magnola Mist”.  Abbie Shek was full of knowledge and such a pleasant chap. We learnt so much about all sorts of
crops and watched his dog “pepper” we think playing with a snake. Abbie showed us the oldest Magnola tree in India. When it flowers the perfume can be spelt across the valley.
On the farm were carved out gulleys which we walked up. They were put there by the British Indian army so they could travel on horses through the country side and not be seen. Well we had to buy some more coffee didn’t we?
Sajith’s car now has three bags stored in it. How on earth we will pack it in the case when we leave him will be a task.
Well day 34 arrived and we reluctantly left the Coorg Heritage. Lovely stay with great staff and lovely cats who sat with us in the evening on the veranda.