We chose to travel during the peculiar time of summer, when temperatures are at their peak in May. We organized a family trip to South India for a group of 24 people from Gujarat. During this hot season, reserve a sleeper class ticket with a sluggish fan and dim lighting. We packed three to four bags full of snacks like khakhra, puri, chakri, thepla, chutney, and much more because we are Gujjus, following our custom. The most amusing and interesting part was the pantry car. We boiled potatoes, prepared tea for dinner, and brought vegetables for a veggie sandwich. Our supper with Mitha Pan came to a close in keeping with tradition: an unforgettable train ride.
Bangalore – The Indian Silicon Valley
It was our first stop. Though it’s the most expensive place to travel, we can still make some creative travel arrangements. Since our relatives reside there, we saved on paying for a hotel. The taxi fare was really expensive, so we took the city bus to explore the various locations while carrying a map in hand.
The Lalbagh Botanical Garden is a popular tourist destination, renowned for its natural charm and impressive man-made structures. One of the garden’s top draws is the 130-year-old glasshouse, which hosts several flower events throughout the year. We were mesmerized to see a 20-million-year-old tree fossil, a solar-operated 7-meter dial clock, and trees thriving for over 250 years. The garden is a must-visit location for those who enjoy the outdoors and plants.
Admission for adults is 25 rupees, while children under 12 are admitted free of charge. To capture memories of this stunning site, tourists may pay an additional 60 rupees for camera usage.
Wonderla – A thrilling Amusement Park
The next place was Wonderla, located on the city’s outskirts. An exciting place that offers relaxation and thrilling rides. We rode the most thrilling “Reverse Looping Roller Coaster” we had ever seen. You have to experience this ride if you enjoy adventure. Also, we were amazed and delighted with the wave pool, rain disco, and other rides.
Shopping, Dining, and Unwinding
When we travel, meals and shopping are essential. So out of many places, I went shopping in Bangalore. The 4th Block and Commercial Street are the finest options for finding a wide variety of affordable clothing and accessories. I had fun going shopping with my family and made some great purchases.
Bangalore is a fascinating place for restaurants and bars, offering a wide variety of cuisines. You won’t regret visiting the greatest and most well-known restaurants. I have ever been to Zaintoon, Chung-wah, Leon-grill, Meghana Foods, Roots, and The Rameshwaram Cafe, whose food was excellent and that I personally enjoyed.
The location was perfect for planning your holiday, with multiple green parks surrounding the city and year-round good weather, which was the highlight of the trip.
Mysore – Cultural Capital of Karnataka
Next, we traveled to Mysore, often known as Mysuru, in India’s southwestern Karnataka state. It’s a two-hour drive from Bangalore, and you can easily rent a car or bus. We rented a bus, as there were 24 members.
As the city is known for its heritage and palaces, we went to the two famous palaces, Tipu Sultan Summer Palace, a palace known for traditional Hindu-Islamic architectural styles and housing a museum with Tipu Sultan’s personal artifacts, and Mysore Palace, a historical palace and royal residence designed by an English architect. These architectural items highlight the area’s rich cultural history and wonders, leaving us spellbound. Admission to the palaces is 20 rupees for Indian citizens and 200 rupees for foreign tourists.
We chose to stay at Gujarati Samaj Bhavan for the night, where we enjoyed unparalleled comfort. It provided us with options to suit our needs. Every room boasted cleanliness, spaciousness, and affordability. With flexible check-in and check-out timings, our stay came at an unbeatable price.
Ooty – Queen of Hill Stations
After a restful night, we set off early in the morning to explore Ooty, officially known as Udhagamandalam. The Queen of Hill Station, Ooty, welcomed us with its breathtaking scenery, with beautiful mountains, forests, and lakes adorning the road, soothing slopes, mystical pathways, and clouds gently caressing our faces.
A breathtaking experience makes our souls feel like they are in paradise. Along the mesmerizing route to Ooty, we stopped to marvel at the Nilgiris Hills, known for their eucalyptus oil and tea plantations.
Around 7 p.m., we arrived at the hotel and quickly freshened up. To my surprise, there were no fans in the hotel, as Ooty has the coolest weather. Then, as we were all hungry, we headed for dinner at a Hyderabadi restaurant, craving biryani in the cozy atmosphere of the evening. Here, one comical moment happened: family members said the restaurant was within walking distance of our hotel. Trusting the guidance, we started walking, but we soon discovered our mistake as we found ourselves trekking a considerable 2–4 kilometers. After the chaos, we finally enjoyed a delicious meal, bringing an end to our first day.
The delightful South Indian breakfast of dosa and idli, accompanied by khatta-meetha sambhar and chutney, greeted us the following morning, kickstarting our day. We marveled at a captivating flower show featuring varieties of roses at Ooty Rose Garden, one of Ooty’s top locations boasting the country’s highest rose production.
After that, we visited Ooty Market, where the array of handcrafted treasures, from bags to wooden toys and wheat idols, enchanted us, each telling a unique story of craftsmanship. In the evening, we culminated our trip with a memorable boat ride at Ooty Lake, an artificial lake in the shape of an irregular ‘L’.
Ooty is known for its natural beauty and its panoramic views, so you must plan a visit. Make sure you pack your camera to capture all the dazzling views from the top of the hills.
Memories to Last a Lifetime
Our time for fun was over, and we had to make our way back home and to the routines of everyday life. A family trip like this, especially when you have a wholesome time, is the perfect way to recharge, cherish each other’s company, enjoy food, views, and locations, and shop together in the pretty towns.
Creating cherished memories that will last a lifetime is like vintage wine.