Mysore – down the memory lane

Brindavan Gardens

Its always the same. New York residents would have hardly said hello to the ‘lady with the torch’ on the Liberty Island. Londoners would not even have spared a cursory glance at the Big Ben or any other landmarks of their famous city. I received a typical French rebuff when I asked a young Parisian the way to Eiffel Tower in my best broken French.

Predictably, though I have spent many happy days as a child in Mysore and have made Bangalore my home, my trips to Mysore have been very infrequent. Last weekend’s visit was not just a nostalgic trip but also an introduction of this city to my wide-eyed toddler. Steeped in History, Mysore is famous for its royal grandeur, wide paved roads and a laidback lifestyle. Apart from its palaces, Mysore’s two other most popular tourists destination are its Shalimar-inspired Brindavan Gardens and the Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens; popularly known as Mysore Zoo. My visit to the city was after nearly a decade. The two places had undergone a complete transformation that the places were as new to me as it was to my kid.

The KrishnarajaSagar Dam also known as KRS and the adjoining Brindavan gardens, is situated around 18 km from Mysore. The reservoir and the terrace styled garden were shining examples of engineering and beautification thanks to the efforts of the two famous Dewans of Mysore Kingdom, Sir M Viswewaraya and Mirza Ismail. The Gardens are open to public on all days from 6 am- 8pm, whilethe musical fountain show, which is the highlight of the visit, is between 6.30 – 8.30pm everyday. The garden is mughal-styled; Sir Mirza was possibly influenced by Kashmir’s Shalimar Gardens that he wanted to recreate it in Mysore. And when you are tired walking all around this 60 acres of sprawling greenery, the snack corner provides some much needed grub(chat, ice-creams, gobi manchurian, soft drinks) and an earful from the microphone of the over enthusiastic marketing.  A note to cheer all Bangaloreans, the parking space is huge, so dont worry on that front.

My early memories of Mysore Zoo were as a kid to a small smelly place with lot of caged animals. But the Zoo today has undergone a complete transformation. The place is eco-friendly. Visitors are advised not to bring in any plastic. There’s a search at the entrance and the plastic bags are replaced by paper bags at the Zoo’s expense. Once mostly caged animals now roam in huge open areas surrounded by trenches. There are guided tours in an open vehicle that resembles an elongated golf cart for those who cannot walk the entire stretch. It was heartening to see the elephants, both Indian and African, after the infamous poisoning episodes at the Zoo a few years back.

To reach the Brindavan Gardens

Take the KRS Road near the City Railway Station. It takes an hour to reach the place; the last stretch is in a very poor condition. The Musical Fountains are the hightlight of the Gardens and the show is during 6.30 -8.30 every evening. Entrance fee for adults – Rs 15/-, children – Rs 5/- and camera charges are extra.

To reach Mysore Zoo.

The Zoo is 2 km from the Mysore Palace, in the city. Follow the sign boards to reach the place. The Zoo is  open from 8.30 – 5.30 on all days except on Tuesdays. Admission fee for adults – Rs 25/-, children(5-12 years) - Rs 10/-, camera charges extra.