Visibility ranged from 10 to 25 metres as we made our way down the ghat. The 36 hairpin bends allowed us to make a quick descent from the Nilgiri hills to the plains.

The usual magnificent views of rolling hills, colourful settlements, raging waterfalls were completely blocked by the cloud we were in. Despite this, as we navigated the winding roads, I had memories of doing that trip numerous times from Bangalore to Ooty for school holidays.

Once we got to the plains, the fog had cleared and the overcast sky kept the temperature cooler than I remember. With our cameras out and eyes peeled, we were hoping to catch a glimpse of some exciting wild animals through the Tiger Reserve.

Our experienced driver said that he had seen tigers, leopards, panthers, elephants, bison, deer, boars, wild dogs, monkeys and peacocks, among other animals. To my dismay, we didn’t see any big cats on this trip, although we saw two elephants close up. We saw the usual deer and peacocks, but no langurs, the black faced monkeys of the Indian subcontinent.

Once we crossed the Karnataka boarder and left the Tiger Reserve, the newly surfaced road allowed us to move much faster. The large banyan trees lined the highway, with their branches hanging down over the road. The trees remind me of when I would swing on the vines as a child – like real Tarzan style.

Fruit vendors also line the highway, selling coconuts or watermelons. We used to buy fruit in bulk from these vendors as they gave a better price than those selling in the towns.

As we continued towards Mysore, I absolutely loved the trip, with the wide highway before us, dodging motorbikes, trucks, buses, auto rickshaws and the odd bullock cart or herd of goats. The settlements which line the highway are bustling with life, with all the activity taking place right next to the roadside. Storefronts overflowing, carts selling their wares, petrol stations full, and everyone going about their daily business.

Massive dark clouds on the horizon appear foreboding, but everyone is appreciating the cooler overcast day of 22 degrees Celsius.

All the way to Mysore we continue to pass little town and settlements, flourishing with people. Rain falls from the clouds as we continue on towards Mysore.