Mysore Palace

Mysore Palace

Okay, a palace is not temple but this palace has four temples inside it. Mysore Palace, where some members of the historical Wodeyar (their name) maharajahs still live, is nothing short of spectacular.

Designed by English architect Henry Irwin, the palace was built in 15 years. The maharani (queen) gave explicitly detailed decor directions. The finest materials from around the world were used and the detailed work (carved granite, carved rosewood doors, etc.) was done by Indian artisans. 

The crowds are huge because of the Dasara holiday. Imagine Sunday night after Thanksgiving in the Newark airport. Worse. We continue to be objects of fascination and photo-taking. Children are held up for us to shake hands and then photos follow. Peter is the biggest person in our group so he is often approached first.

We saw the palace in the daylight and  our guide decided we would go back to the hotel rather than wait 45 minutes for the full illumination. So we boarded the bus and discovered all traffic patterns had been changed. Some roads were made one-way. Others were closed. 

Our poor driver drove around at least 45 minutes trying to get back to the hotel. We knew we were going in circles when we went through a big square with the same pavilion and statue a second time. When our guide realized the palace had been illuminated by then, she told the driver to return to the palace.  We ended up back in the same parking lot and proceeded through the same big crowds back into the grounds for endless, most unsuccessful picture-taking. 

For us it was an extraordinary experience. For the driver, I don't know. He managed to get us back to the hotel with dispatch as traffic had cleared some. But before we left the parking lot we witnessed an occasion of road rage Indian style in a contretemps between two drivers who were undoubtedly exhausted. As we all were. 

Nevertheless, it was a highlight of the trip so far. Off to Bangalore tomorrow, which is ten times the size of Mysore. Traffic reports to follow.