Mysore

We got a short train of 7hrs to Mysore which will be our final destination in india before we fly out. Its set on a plateau at 700m up and because of that we got out the train to be greeted by a warm but not hot day. The town seems quite small and is all built round the palace which has been the seat of local power for a few hundred years. we toured round the palace (still inhabited by the royals of Mysore) and were really impressed. Its the first sight we have seem since we were in the North of the country that really made a big impression on us - all very grand and opulent. Mysore is also famous for its markets which we wandered round. The colourful picture above is of the powder used to mark the bindi on women's foreheads.
Our hotel was right next door to an open air cinema which blared out hindi movies at all hours - once we moved rooms to the other side of the hotel it was much better.
A nice meal at the best restaurant in the town capped off the holiday and we are ready to head back to Chennai, catch a few hours sleep and get the plane to Dubai..

Pondicherry

We took a long train to get here but went by first class and had our own wee compartment with wo beds so it was fairly comfortable. We got the bus down from Chennai to Pondicherry which is a lovely wee place. We are staying in the french quarter and after deciding not to book into the worryingly named "golden shower hotel" we ended up at 200 yr old French colonial house. Its typical of the area and just beautiful. The room is cavernous and filled with antique furniture. There are only 5 rooms and the drawing room and veranda are lovely to sit out on ...only in India could you get all that for 25 pound a night.
We have walked all round this town a few times over, visiting the botanic gardens, some lovely french restaurants and walking along the promenade at night - along with half of Pondicherry. All very relaxing which is good because its on to Chennai next.