This was the princely state ruled by the Wodeyars till Independence and is still a testimony to their power and grandeur. The laid back city of Mysore has a charm of its own and is the point from which many Karnataka tourist destinations can be reached.

Highlights:

• Mysore Palace This is where the common man and royalty meet from 10.30 to 5.30 daily, streams of visitors pour into this awesome palace to see the inside world of the rajas and maharajas. The gold and turquoise Durbar Hall, the Amba Vilas Hall with its stained glass ceiling, the courtyards, galleries, carved wooden doors and windows, all hold you spellbound.
• Jaganmohan Palace this museum set up by the Wodeyars displays their collection of antique furniture, pottery, instruments, jewellery, carvings, etc. It also has a Raja Ravi Verma gallery.
• Folklore Musuem this fascinating museum in the Mysore University campus has a display of toys, puppets, household items and other interesting objects.
• Chamundi Hills The Chamundeshwari temple is a holy place of pilgrimage at the peak of this hill 3 km from Mysore. The enormous Nandi Bull carved out of a single rock, guards the way.
• Brindavan Gardens on the outskirts of Mysore is this popular picnic spot with dancing fountains and exotic lighting.

This island on the Kaveri was Tipu Sultan's capital. Now it is a nostalgic reminder of Tipu's bravery and his final rout in the hands of the British.

Highlights: 

• You see around you ruins of the fortress ramparts, the bathing ghats, dungeons, and the moat.
• Some distance away is Tipu's summer palace, which is now a museum of his belongings.
• The Sri Ranganatha Temple, the Jami Masjid built by Tipu, and the Church of Abe Dubois, the French scholar who lived there during Tipu's times, are places of worship from three representative religions of India.
• Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary  just before Srirangapattana, a turning to the right takes you to this famous bird sanctuary where you can see hundreds of waterbirds