Mysore a charming and easy going city surrounded almost entirely by fertile farmland and tree clad hills. Until Independence, Mysore was the seat of the maharajas of Mysore, a princely state covering about a third of present-day Karnataka. The city is noted for its sandalwood carvings, incense, silk weaving and, of course, for its coffee.

Places of interest include the Maharaja’s Palace, the colourful vegetable and flower markets, and Chamundi Hill, noted for its Nandi temple. Outside Mysore visit the ruins of Tipu Sultan’s capital at Srirangapatna and the Kesava Temple at Somnathpur.