Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens

Zoo is a place that children adore.Lil angel has just completed her first b'day when we made a trip to Mysore.I was not sure how she would react looking at all those animal.She had been to the zoo in our city in China but there are no elephants , giraffe, and the sort.You get what I mean-no huge animals to frighten her. Anyways we made a trip to the zoo with my dad.Mom decided to stay back with aunt and my grandparents.

This zoo in Mysore is named after its 'creator' Maharaja  Chamaraja Wodeyar.This king was a nature enthusiast and created a lot of gardens and parks in the city.This zoo is said to be inaugurated in 1892 as a part of his Summer palace in an area of  10 acres.He took special care and interest to see that the animals were housed in comfort and were close to their natural habitat.Till date the same enclosures are being used.After a few years it was expanded to around 45 acres and the King felt he had to share his pleasure with the people and threw it open for public viewing.Now the zoo is housed in 250 acres!

This zoo has some artificial lakes and a lot of trees.We went there on a rather sunny morning and thanks to the trees we were protected from  the scorching sun.


I don't want to bore you with too many pictures of birds and animals.So,what you see below are just a few clicks -the animals and birds that she liked...

At the entrance we were greeted by the Giraffes' trotting here and there.Lil angel loved them.

Her name is Susheela and she is a Tapir and this is the first time I ever saw a tapir! Near the enclosures there are several boards that talk about the animals inside.It is very informative and educative.

Lil Angel excited to see a Rhino!

They have both the types of Elephants - Indian and African and she loves them both!

A deer wandering away while the rest of the herd were resting under the shade of the trees.

Lil Angel refused to be led away from the pelican.I really don't know what she was so impressed with and we had to forcefully  take her to see the other birds and animals.

We saw this tree with strange looking fruits on them.Any idea what it is?

If you feel that walking around the zoo is too tiresome,you can buy tickets for ta ride in the battery operated car tour through the zoo which stops at certain points for you to stroll around and get back in again.But we preferred to walk with Lil Angel enjoying a ride in her stroller.

The most interesting aspect in this zoo is the 'Animal adoption program', where you can adopt an animal and your name is put up on the board in its enclosure. This adoption is valid for a year and can be renewed if needed.You get a certificate of application and free entrance to the zoo for that period!

The zoo is open from 8.30 to 5.30 everyday except Tuesdays.There is an entrance fee for kids and adults and fee is charged fro using cameras and video cameras.[The fee structure may change hence I have not mentioned it here.]

In my next post let us visit the famous Chamundi hills...

Mysore Palace By Day

Returning home after a splendid time at the Mysore palace with all the illumination ,it was time to catch up with the family gossips.Lil Angel was thrilled to be with her great grand parents and they enjoyed her presence every single moment.

After a scrumptious dinner,we headed straight to bed and I fell asleep within minutes of my head touching the pillow.So did Lil Angel.

The next day dawned bright ,clear and very hot!But whatever the climate may be,I was quite determined to go out to see the palace by day light.I remember seeing it almost 2 decades ago when I was a lil girl and seeing it after such a long time was like going back to see a good old friend.

After breakfast we piled into the car and off we went....

The palace was the official residence of the Wodeyars-the erstwhile Royal family of Mysore.You can read about it here

At the entrance..Very few people around due to the severe heat...

The beautiful temple at the entrance..

Intricate carvings and engravings

The whole place wore a deserted look...

Near the entrance to the Palace

A bus load of tourists eager to see the palace,standing in a queue to get in..

Exquisite architecture...

A board which talks about the history of the palace...

A section of the palace...

One of the clicks I love...

I could not stop clicking!!!

 The temple as seen from the entrance to the palace...

As we rested a bit under the shade of this huge tree I wondered how this place would have been years ago when the King ruled the place!!!

I can only imagine....

There are quite a few temple with the palace premises...

Some flowers at the palace garden..

Outside the palace on either sides,path leading to the car park, are rows and rows of small shops that sell toys,hats,sandal wood products and other knickknacks...

Inside the palace you can rent audio guides[available in many languages] to get a clearer picture of the rooms and exhibits.Video CD's and guide books are also available for puchase.

We literally rushed home due to the heat .Aunt welcomed us with a delightful lunch and we decided to spend the rest of the day at home with my grand parents.

In my next post,let us visit one of the places that Lil Angel loves...




   

Mysore Palace By Night

Our trip to the Garden City of Mysore was more than a year and a half ago.We decided to visit my grandparents and aunt who are in Mysore and it turned out to be a memorable trip for all of us.I visited Mysore after 2 decades and the images of my first visit are still fresh in my memory.

We went to Mysore by car and the beautiful forest area was a sight to behold.The roads were flanked with bamboo trees that stood tall and proud.


The road was practically empty, as you can see, so we drove leisurely enjoying the scenic beauty.


We saw a lone tree sans leaves but with lovely pink flowers .We stopped there and as usual clicked pics.


We reached home around tea time and my aunt hurried us to get refreshed to go and see the palace.I was really tired for the long drive,almost 6 hours by car,so was a bit hesitant.

Since we were there on a Sunday,aunt said that we could see the palace by night with illumination as it can only be seen on weekends.If we miss going there,we had to wait for a whole week.My weariness vanished and we were ready to see the illuminated palace.

 
There were very few lights on when we entered [there was some day light left].It was already crowded!!There is no entrance fee for Indian nationals but they do charge for foreigners.

 
A view of the temple before the lights were on
 

 
The illuminated temple.

Once the lights were on most of the tourist clapped and exclaimed seeing the beautiful palace.





Each and every part of the palace was awash with light...

Illuminated beauty...

 
Mom ,Little Angel and me in front of the palace...

 
One of the brightly lit corridors

 
People thronged the palace grounds to drink in the beauty of the palace...

 
The entrance to the palace,taken from the palace grounds.The presiding deity of the Empire Lord Krishna can be seen on the top of the arch..

 
A closer look at the deity..

Can u see doves resting on the gateway?

 
The magnificent palace...

 
My favorite click..

 
Just when we were about to get into the car,I clicked this shot...

In my next post,let us visit the same palace by the day...