The most unexpected things happen and when they do, they unravel in the most beautiful way. Well, having heard of Mysore and it’s aesthetics, I knew-the place will be chalked in my bucket list. Virtual journey, with me, of India’s one of the cleanest and happiest cities, and you will realize that if you don’t have a list, you first need to make one and then put this place up on it like I did.

Having talked about why Mysore, the curiosity is how did it finally happen! To spend some time with my little 5 month old chipmunk nephew I traveled to Bangalore. And since I was anyway going there, I really wanted to go to nearby places as well (especially Mysuru). However, before, I got there it seemed difficult to step outside Bangalore since he (my chipmunk) would have to be tagged along, quite innate (duh!). Also obviously, I did not want any time discounted with him. But as luck may have it, bhaiya (elder brother) and bhabhi (sister- in- law) decided to take the leap and we planned a trip for 2 days. However, having said that, it had to be a comfortable and safe journey with him. Considering the baby and rain factor, we chose a cab over a self drive also leaving us enough time for power naps in between each destination. Yes, “each”, because there were many stops before we reached the Modest abode.

As planned, our trip started at sharp 7:30 am (surprisingly) on a cold Saturday morning. Hopped in the Innova and all tucked we all dozed off before we stopped at Ramanagara, for a sumptuous breakfast at a famous South Indian restaurant. Hungry and 1.5 hours journey needed a stop, definitely.

Feeling a little energized now, the next stop was at Channapatna, Town of Toys, about 13 kms from our filled stomachs. Being famous for handmade wooden toys, usually found in areas with tribal or rural population dominance. Excited we stopped, only to get a little disappointed. As we looked around we realized, gone is the era where people genuinely stick to handmade. Most of the products were either China imported or machine made, which kind of defeats the purpose of why we need these shops compared to the Malls at all now. However, we found the best possible toys (and by that I strictly mean hand made) we moved ahead for a longer journey now.

Our next leg was going to be Kabini, famously known as the Kabini Forests. This required us to touch the outskirts of Mysore first. Since it was just the outskirts it seemed fine, even if it meant crossing Mysore and then returning to the ultimate destination. After 3 hours of drive, when we got on the roads of Kabini, the whispers of fresh air, and we were all wide awake to this breathtaking little piece of paradise. With hills and neatly done plantations and a distant view of the Kabini river. It all seemed so dreamy and difficult to gasp at once. So lost I was, only later did I realize, “oh no, pictures for the blog!” Driving down those roads, we found Jungle Safari, unfortunately with all slots booked. Our gurgling stomachs, now wanted food. Enroute, we had inquired for lunch, but unfortunately most of them were either booked or were only for in-house guests. Staying optimistic, we headed towards, The Serai, a humongous property owned by the Cafe Coffee Day group. This place was as closest as it can get to nature. Built along the Kabini river, offering boat rides, jungle safari and other nature walk activities like these, it is one alluring property.

The Serai, was warm enough to make an exception (since we had a baby along :P) and serve us a- la- carte instead of buffet (long journey-kept munching, so buffet was a big NOOO) . And wait I don’t get this- what is with the buffet and all the restaurants there, I mean we know people are on a vacation there, but will they just end up getting stuffed with all the food, get bloated and be float ready for the pools ( I wish there was a rolling eye emoji). Anyway, thankfully, warm biryani, a walk around the property, a few clicks of and with the nature, brought the high notes of music to a calm, serene and happy-mild notes as we stepped in the car to head back to Mysuru now. Exhausted and happy, such was our first day, waiting, to quickly drive into MYSORE.

What our Day 2 in Mysore looked like, and who welcomed us- sunny sunshine, roaring clouds, or happy rains, will come up soon.