Our route down the mountain to Mysore took us through the Muthumalai National Park, where we were very aware of signs telling us not to stop, and not to get out of the vehicle to take photos. However the drive round the hairpin bends coming down the mountain had taken it's toll on the brakes, and there was so much smoke we could hardly see the wildlife that was surely lurking out there waiting to pounce! We came across another vehicle, obviously suffering the same plight, and stopped together on the road. Fortunately there was nothing more dangerous than a stray sparrow, so we lived to tell the tale and after a short rest the brakes were well enough to continue.
We kept a sharp eye out for wildlife on our drive through the Park, and sure enough an elephant lumbered into view through the forest. It was a magical sight, and finished off the morning beautifully.
Our overnight stay in Mysore was at the Green Hotel, and we made the most of the beautiful rooms, afternoon tea and evening meal on the lawn with plenty of wine - a luxury which had been sadly lacking until that point! As it was Independence Day the Palace was lit up at night, so we went and took dozens of pictures of the Palace from every imaginable angle! Mani took the opportunity to do some shopping but it was all a bit 'touristy' after the last two weeks in proper India, so we resisted the temptation to join him.
On to Bangalore the next day, an afternoon of proper shopping, a night in the Leela and a hair-raising trip to the airport early next morning accompanied by monsoon rain. A very fitting end to a fabulous fortnight!
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