Silk Cocoons, Wine Tasting, and Eye Candy on the Road to Mysuru

The royal heritage city of Mysuru (or Mysore) lies in the heart of the state of Karnataka. It's where we are heading today in our comfortable, air-conditioned, wifi-supplied bus, about 3 hours southwest from Bangaluru. We have several sights to see on our way and tour manager, Pradeep, doesn't want us to miss any of them. Keep scrolling for some photos of life along the road, our hotel, and a restaurant breakfast buffet.

This is a silk worm and its cocoon.

We made it just in time to see a large room of tables full of silk cocoons. They are grown and sold at this auction by local farmers, who supplement their income with the sales.

This was one of several women who were sweetly eager to have their photo taken with the tourists at the cocoon auction. It's a bit of a mystery why this is, as the photos are all on our phones and they will never see them.

The day's agenda.

Sula Vineyards tour, wine tasting, and lunch are next up. Sula Vineyards is India's largest wine producer. We saw it everywhere. Founder Rajeev Samant's introduction to wines took place during his early years studying at Stanford University and working at Oracle in California. When he returned to India, he established Sula in 1996. 

A colorful entry to the vineyards.

The wine is drinkable, but doesn't quite have the depth that we're used to.

Lunch...and more wine! Definitely drinkable.

Dariya Daulat Palace was the summer home for King Tipu Sultan. It is an architectural gem located in Srirangapatna. It was built in 1784 in the Indo-Islamic style. The palace is famous detailed murals illustrating scenes of battles, and court life. It is also known for its balconies and the lovely grounds.

Green sun shades surround the palace and shielding exterior views.

The interior was unique and decorative.

Tour Manager Pradeep explains one of the many wall-size battle murals.

The Indian ladies are a lot more stylish than we sweaty Caucasians. They took photos with their cell phones and ours.

Taking photos from the bus is how I spend a lot of  time on our drives from place to place. I find Indian life and culture to be fascinating.

This lady was working on her farm (with two healthy cows), in her saree, of course.

It is atypical for a passenger on a motorbike to wear a helmet. A saree-wearing woman always sits sidesaddle. 

The tuktuk on the right is full of people inside and hanging out the back and sides.

The produce is always beautiful, good quality, and artfully displayed.

Water Gate has a different meaning for Americans. This was the gate at the fort through which people passed to get water from the river.

The bridle is a sign that this cow is owned by someone. It has been let out to wander the city streets and beg for a handout.

Our hotels are 5-star. We are always welcomed with refreshments and staff hustles to haul our bags into the hotel and up to our rooms. Our meals are nearly always large buffets where Indian food, particularly vegetarian, dominates. Because, of course, the hotels have all sorts of guests. There is always food for those who can't handle spice, and often there is something with chicken. Pork is are rarely available, and never beef. Sometimes there was buffalo or goat. Occasionally, there is a pasta section. Eggs any way and custom omelets were always at breakfast, as well as a artful buffet of everything one would expect (pictured below). I loved the food and never got sick from hotel food, plus we always drank bottled water.

Lobby, Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel, Mysuru

Always fresh fruit.

Many dairy choices.

Make your own veggie salad.

Cheese and honey comb.

Pots of hot entrees, and always rice.

Endless pastry choices.