July 2008

You can pretty much buy anything in Mysore inexpensively. There are plenty of outdoor markets and shops all around.

If you are looking to travel as lightly as possible and don’t mind purchasing duplicates of things you may have at home, than the bare-bones suggestions for items to bring to Mysore include the following list:

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If you are a foreigner, you will get attention no matter what you wear. Ideally, you want to wear comfortable clothing that is socially appropriate for this traditional country where the majority of local women wear saris.
For women, shoulders and legs should be covered to avoid any unwanted stares. Light long-sleeve tops, flowy blouses, trousers or ankle-length skirts in cotton or linen work well. A scarf called a “dubbata” is useful over your shoulders. Some students wear a “salwar-kameez” which is a long tunic and loose pant set. For men, lightweight pants and t-shirts will suffice. [click to continue...]

The tropical city of Mysore can range in temperature from 60º F (15 C) in the winter months up to above 90º F (35 C) during the peak of summer. The winter months of November through January are pleasantly cool, and only a sweater or light jacket is needed in the early morning or late evening chill. February through May is considered the summer season when temperatures can climb well above 90º F. Monsoon season is June to August which can mean getting pelted by huge raindrops that seemingly come out of nowhere or showered with a light sprinkle of rain. Mornings can be cool followed by humid afternoons, and navigating muddy roads can get quite messy during monsoon season.

Measurements and Time

India uses the metric system where distance is measured in meters, liquids are measured in liters and solids are weighed in kilograms. 220 volts/50 hertz is the electrical frequency, and power outages do occur so make sure you have a flashlight and batteries. The time in India is Standard Time +0530 UTC. [click to continue...]

Famous for its precious sandalwood, beautiful Mysore silk and more recently for its yoga, Mysore is a kaleidoscope of sights, sounds and smells. Women in beautiful silk saris whiz by on mopeds. The revered cow can stop traffic while the “lowly” pedestrian dodges rickshaws, bicycles and lumbering trucks, incessantly honking their horns in a language all their own. Fresh, ripe fruit and vegetables are sold in street stalls and blankets strewn on the ground. Juicy coconuts abound – husks heavy with sweet coconut water – perfect for quenching “after practice” thirst. Street wallahs push heavy wooden carts with the day’s harvest crying out to lure people from their homes. Temples fragrant with Mysore mallige jasmine line the streets as streams of devotees give worship. [click to continue...]