Travel companion wanted - short notice!

Hi all,

New joiner but will try not to ask too many newbie style questions.

I've never been to India before (UK citizen, working in Switzerland) but here I am, in Bangalore, on a business trip. It's nice to escape the snow and bland food of Switzerland for sure.

Anyway, I now have a week off before flying back home. I didn't realise this before, but on searching for places to stay in eg Hampi or Coorg, they're often set up for romantic getaways. I'm on my own, I don't want to sit in some nice hotel bar surrounded by people on their honeymoon! And, at 40, I've done the backpacking thing long enough to know I'd prefer my own room now rather than stay in a dorm in a youth hostel.

So to that end, I'd like to find a travelling companion for some small trips!

First, I'd like to do a day trip from Bangalore (hire a car/driver) and visit Shravanabelagola, Mysore and Halebid/Belur if there's time. How about this MONDAY 6th December?

Second, after the daytrip I'd like to spend 2 or 3 nights in Hampi, or Coorg, or Ooty. Just to chill, and maybe see thing (temples, tea plantations, wildlife) that I can't do in London where I'm from.

Happy to answer all questions about myself. I know this is short notice and potentially doomed to failure, but it's worth a try!

Googling shows that the Mysore Palace is illuminated on Sundays. So that's tomorrow! If I can arrange anything quick enough I may do the trip tomorrow instead.

I've settled on Hampi for my two or three day trip. Seems much better geared up to the independent traveller than Coorg or Ooty. With more planning I'm sure they're all suitable, but I didn't really plan this well, did I?

Am probably going to train to Hospet and spend 2 or 3 nights in the Vijayshree resort, hiring a bicycle to get to Hampi and back each day.

Hi Adrian,

Welcome to Indiamike!!

Am Manu from Bangalore,, where are you now?

Bangalore ;) To be more precise ... Electronic City area. Why do you ask?

Koramangala, almost 5 KM from E city. Nothing special just to sit over a beer and share our travel experience!! thats what we usually do :-)

Cheers

MANU

Well, I haven't had much here, yet haha.

Anyway, I've asked around and the best way for me to see the palace at night is to actually spend the night in Mysore. So now my plan is to take a bus to Mysore tomorrow afternoon, spend the night and see the palace lit up, then the next day see the palace again and go inside.

And the bit I'm still not clear on ... on the way back from Mysore to Bangalore I want to see Shravanabelagola. Either en-route or as a round trip from Mysore (then return to bangalore from Mysore, but that seems unefficient somehow).

So we could meet for a beer when I'm back.

Sure and Wish you a great trip!!! :-)