As usual, thanks to my dear for the wonderful cake surprise. And to mummy for her support. Loved the card which Isaac gave me. So touching and emotional :)
It was a sudden plan to visit the Bangalore Turf Club Race Course. When checked with Ani, she was double ready for it. We took Isaac too along with us, so that he can see the live horses running around the place.
You can see the name of the Jockeys on the board.
Took 45 minutes to reach the club. The place was somewhat crowded as there was 9 nine races scheduled for the day. People with pen and papers were busy calculating something. It was Ani who gave some info about the betting part of the race.
The area is divided into two parts. One for the club members and the other for the non club members. We thought of parking the car inside the premises, but was blocked by the people who were controlling the traffic at the club gates. Somehow found a place to safely park the car and headed towards the club.
There was three ticket options. INR 10, 20 and 200. We were about to take the INR 200 ticket, then from no-where, one old person came and told us to take the INR 20 ticket as there is no difference between the views from the galleries. So we went for the 20 rupee ticket on which we finally regretted.
For men the 20 rupee ticket will work fine. But having Ani and Isaac with me, I would have taken the 200 rupee ticket. People with family will be much more comfortable with that. Keep this as a tip while you visit the place.
The race started at 1:15 pm. In less than a minute, the race was completed. People were cheering up for their betting horse and could find mixed reactions to the end of the race.
Isaac was super excited to see the horses racing towards the finish line and the Jockeys in colorful outfits, he really enjoyed the view.
We didn't wait for subsequent races. Headed towards the exit. All the way back, we could find people analyzing various documents and brochures to place their best bet for a good fortune. The betting platforms were crowded with lot of people and I could find the betting amount strip scrolling on the mounted televisions. From INR 5000 to lakhs and lakhs of rupees, there are many people who wins the bet and there are many who lose everything from it.
A good outing to a different world altogether.
Warm up before the race
People moved near to the fence out of excitement
People with books and leaflets to learn about the race and to try their fortune.
The heritage city of Mysore is at its vibrant best during the 10-day Dasera festival, which continues a tradition started by the Vijayanagar kings in the 15th century. The festival starts with a procession of decorated elephants led by the Maharaja of Mysore – a grand spectacle. Every evening, the Maharaja’s Palace is dramatically lit up, while the town is transformed into a gigantic fairground, with concerts, dance performances, sporting demonstrations and cultural events. On the last day, Vijayadashami, the celebrations are capped off with a dazzling torchlight procession.
- Lonely Planet
I wanted this travel for many reasons. And this time I didn't want to miss the festive moments at Mysore. Called up Nadheem and we decided to make the move. Ani didn't join this and she wasn't comfortable with the crowd during Dasera.
We started from Bangalore by 5 in the morning. Took the route through the KR Market and headed on to the Mysore Road. After an hour and a half, we had a halt at one of the high way hotels on the way. That nice coffee and Iddaly made our day. So tasty it was. Yummy.
I was watching the traffic from the restaurant. Almost all the vehicles were commuting at a speed of 100 kmph. I felt like they are after some treasure hidden in Mysore. After 30 minutes, we got back to our road to Mysore.
Reached Mysore at 9:30 am. But the palace will open only at 10:30. We thought of spending time around, by having one more breakfast. We parked the car at that hotel and went for a walk. Took some pics walking around, took a horse cart ride, small shopping and then headed towards the hotel where we parked the car.
Got inside the palace by 10:50 in the morning (INR 40/head. No camera charges as they will not allow the camera inside the palace. You can click around the premises).
The Palace got the same old glorious look and feel. It shined like never before as a part of the Dasera preparations. Around a couple of crores are spend towards the maintenance of the palace every year. And it shows.
Cultural shows, fun loving crowds, curios kids, royal processions and 1 lakh bulbs illuminated palace - everything together made our day...
The very first breakfast. Can you see that single spoon of butter on the iddly? He does a magic in the mouth...
Ani was planning for this trip from last week. Not a pleasure trip, but a trip to make me to do the things that I've been skipping for months.
Started off by 11 in the morning. 10 km drive to Printo branch at Indra Nagar, then to PrintXpress Kormangala. Once done with the 'printing' related tasks, we geared up to Josettan's Mess.
Frankly speaking, this is the only event proposed from my end. I LOVE THIS FOOD...Kerala rice meals along with Beef Fry + Sambar + Moru Curry + Meen Curry + Couple of Pappads + Payaru Thoran + Kaya Curry + Gooseberry Pickle...YUMMY!!!
Then headed towards to SP Road near City Market. What was that place? I never seen such a crowded and narrow roads in Bangalore before. Had a tough time
