With the main part of the journey done by train from Mumbai to Bangalore, Leia and I were now preparing to switch to a car and head to Mysore. While waiting for our cab to arrive, we stopped at a nearby restaurant that served fast food like idle and dosa. Even though it wasn’t a pet-friendly restaurant, the owner, an animal lover himself allowed Leia and me to sit in the outside serving area and have our meal. I had brought Leia’s pet food along with me to ensure she had something to eat.
Finding a cab driver who was comfortable with having Leia in the car proved to be a bit challenging. As we were waiting for the cab, I quickly checked if Leia’s insurance has been updated as I had just bought one before leaving for this trip. After a few cancelled cabs, we finally found a driver who agreed to chauffeur us to Mysore. The cab arrived at 9:00 am, and we embarked on the next leg of our journey. To make the car ride comfortable for Leia and to protect the seats from extra fur and dirt, I carried two blankets that covered the back seat.
Before starting the journey, I made sure Leia had some water, and then we set off for Mysore. It’s important to remember that when travelling with a pet, having dry food as a treat or snack can be very helpful along the way. It’s generally best to avoid bringing homemade food, especially when using public transport.
As we left the city and got onto the Bangalore-Mysore expressway, I rolled down the window, allowing Leia to enjoy the breeze as the cab sped along the highway. I held her leash firmly to prevent any misadventures.
After an hour of Leia exploring the world outside the car window, she finally settled down and snuggled next to me. Taking this opportunity to relax, I plugged in my earbuds.
The car ride was comfortable, and I must have dozed off because I was suddenly awakened by Leia whining and tugging at my sleeve. As a pet owner, I understood that she needed a bathroom break. I asked the driver to stop at a nearby eatery, where Leia could relieve herself. While there, we decided to grab a small snack. I enjoyed some piping hot aloo bonda while Leia indulged in a little vanilla ice cream as a treat for being a good girl during the journey. I also took the chance to chat with the driver and asked how much longer it would take to reach the hotel. He mentioned that it would be around another hour.
After our break, we got back in the car and resumed our journey. Leia and I repeated the routine, she sticking her face out the window, ears flapping in the wind, and me carefully holding the leash to keep her excitement in check. This was followed by another period of snuggling and relaxation before we finally arrived in Mysore at around 12:30 pm.
Once we checked into the hotel, we decided to rest for the remainder of the day. It had been nearly 24 hours since Leia and I started our journey, and she had proven to be a wonderful travel companion. This trip has taught me the importance of not leaving my pet behind when I travel but rather including her in the exploration of places, we both can enjoy. With our successful land journey behind us, Leia and I were now eager to venture into the sea.
Our next destination: Goa!
