Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
O JAMBOREE
Mysore is at its carnivalesque best during the 10-day
Dussehra
(Mysore; Oct) (locally spelt 'Dasara') festiv-
al in October. During this time the Maharaja's Palace is dramatically lit up every evening, while the town is trans-
formed into a gigantic fairground, with concerts, dance performances, sporting demonstrations and cultural events
running to packed houses. On the last day the celebrations are capped off in grand style. A dazzling procession of
richly costumed elephants, garlanded idols, liveried retainers and cavalry kicks off around 1pm, marching through
the streets to the rhythms of clanging brass bands, all the way from the palace to the Bannimantap parade ground.
A torchlight parade at Bannimantap and a spectacular session of fireworks then closes the festival for the year.
Mysore is choc-a-bloc with tourists during the festival, especially on the final day. To bypass suffocating
crowds, consider buying a Dasara VIP Gold Card (?7500 for two). Though expensive, it assures you good seats at
the final day gala and helps you beat the entry queues at other events and performances, while providing dis-
counts on accommodation, dining and shopping. It's also possible to buy tickets (?250 to ?1000) just for entering
the palace and Bannimantap for the final day's parades. Contact the the
Dasara Information Centre
(
2418888;
www.mysoredasara.gov.in
)
for more details.
Activities
Royal Mysore Walks
( 9632044188;
www.royalmysorewalks.com
;
2hr walks from ?600)
A walking tour is an excellent way
to familiarise yourself with Mysore's epic history and heritage. Techie-turned-historian
Vinay and his team organise weekend walks with a specific focus on either the city's royal
history, its markets, its old quarters or its handicrafts. Offbeat walks, such as a yoga and
spirituality tour or Mysore silk tour, can also be arranged at extra cost. They also conduct
cycling and jeep tours.
WALKING
Emerge Spa
( 2522500;
www.thewindflower.com
; Maharanapratap Rd, Windflower Spa & Resort, Nazarbad; 7am-9pm)
Slick, out-of-town resort offering pampering ayurvedic sessions (try the one-hour Abhay-
anga massage for ?1800 which involves two therapists) followed by the steam chamber or
a range of Balinese massage, hydrotherapy and beauty treatments. Rates include pick-up
and drop off.
AYURVEDA
Indus Valley Ayurvedic Centre
( 2473263;
www.ayurindus.com
; Lalithadripura)
Set on 25 acres of gardens, this classy centre de-
rives its therapies from ancient scriptures and prescriptions. The overnight package
(single/double including full board ?9500/16,900) includes one session each of ayurveda,
yoga and beauty therapy.
AYURVEDA
