India Begins!!

Landed in Bangalore and treating ourselves to a couple of luxury nights at the Taj by the airport!! 

On the move to Mysore

                        

           

On route on the train Gary made a new friend who insisted on taking us out to dinner with his family.

Mysore Amba Vilas Palace is truly beautiful and so grand.  It sits in the very heart of the city.  It was designed with a blend of Hindu, Muslim, Rajput & Gothic architectural elements & built in 1912 after the previous palace was destroyed in a fire. 

                      No shoes in the palace so into the busy but regimental store room! 

         

        Gary being 'blessed' / 'kissed' by one of the elephants.

       

               

              They like their grand entrances in India.

               

     They like a centre piece in their roundabouts here! 

                       

       

      Market time with the locals & the obligatory grazing cow! 

          

               Why have a bag when you have a perfectly useful head for carrying! 

       Such beautiful fresh produce in the market & all displayed with great pride. 

                     

                             

Talk about OCD!!!

                                                   

               Jasmine by the bucket load! 

In India the people worship their gods by offering garlands of flowers so there are always plenty to buy at the markets.  They also hang them in their cars, buses & lorries to bring good luck when traveling as well as being worn in the hair of ladies and girls. 

                                                                 

        

Wee trip to the very pretty Mysore Zoo.  One of the cleanest I have ever been in.  

It is set out in a one way system so you just follow the crowd & you don't miss anything! 

Couple of hours to spare before our train back to Bangalore so off to the train museum which is situated just behind the station.  

                                                   

               

Train Schooling time!! 

Bangalore here we come, Josh follow your dads bag on that mans head!!!!

                

School day visit to Bangalore technology museum.  Excellently set out with many exhibitions and hands on activities for kids. 

                    

                                           

          

          Time for dinner treat with Ben & Tanya!! 

                           Trip to Bangalore Safari Park.

               

              

    

      Complete with a visit to the butterflies.

Bowling time.  

Always nice to hang out with family/friends and do some 'normal' family stuff!!!

       

         

     Ice Cream anyone? 

This contraption is making sugar cane juice, it's a super sweat drink with a touch of lime.  

The locals call it the Indian Red Bull! 

    Time for some thrills & spills at Wonderla theme & water park! 

           

      We had a great day of slides & rides until the heavens opened!!! 

The Bangalore Tuk Tuks are all black & yellow! 

Even the garbage trucks are of a Tuk Tuk design.

       After a fun filled few days in Bangalore it's off for some R&R in Alleppey

           

                                                    

           From the brown dry to the lush green of the South!