Mysore, to the quintessential local is still his quaint little royal town. Visit it and you will discover that the local's self-view is not misplaced. It has retained the old world charm of both its royal heritage and colonial past while coming to terms with its rapid expansion and elevation almost, to the status of Bangalore's satellite town. A tourist's delight, it offers every kind of the species a good bargain - from the luxury-seeker to the budget backpacker, the history buff to the adventure enthusiast. A capital city to several Kannada dynasties, everything here, from the buildings to the way of life tells a story from long ago.

A moderate climate and a culture steeped in warm hospitality ensure that the best season to visit Mysore is all-year-round!

There is much to pack in while on a trip to Mysore. And clichéd as it may seem, the Mysore Palace, once the residence of the Wodeyars, is the biggest attraction. Built in the Indo- Saracenic style, it is the largest palace in the country and the pride of any Kannadiga. If one were to frame Mysore, the Chamundi Hills would form an excellent backdrop. At the summit of these hills stands a 12th century temple dedicated to the local deity, godess Chamundeshwari. Sri Jayachamarajendra Zoological Gardens was established in 1892 and is home to some of the rarest flora and fauna bred in captivity.

St. Philomena's Church, built in the Gothic tradition and the Jaya Chamarajendra Art Gallery at Jagan Mohan Palace are other must-visit spots. While the former has some exquisite stained glass reliefs, the latter boasts of an excellent collection of paintings by renowned artists like Raja Ravi Varma and Svetoslav Roerich. And of course, the Brindavan Gardens, laid out in Mughal style adjacent to India's first irrigation dam - the Krishnaraja Sagar Dam across the river Cauvery.