Mysore is a major craft centre with numerous shops selling an incredible range of ivory, sandalwood, rosewood and teak carvings and furniture. Until independence, the city was the seat of the Maharajas of Mysore, a princely state covering most of Karnataka. The 10 day Dussehra festival is one of the major attractions, culminating in the long procession of caparisoned elephants, liveried retainers, cavalary. flower-bedecked images of deities, complete with bands and clouds of incense. Other places of interest include the palace; Chaumundi Hills; Srirangapatnam, the former capital of Mysore state; Somnathpur temple, built by the Hoysala kings in the 11th to 13th centuries.

ONE DAY EXCURSIONS AROUND MYSORE :

• Srirangapatnam ( 15 km): The island fortress of Hyder Ali and his son Tipu Sultan is picturesquely located in the River Cauvery. Within the fort walls that still carry the poignant scars of Tipu's last stand against the British, are a mosque and the Ranganathaswamy Temple. The 'Daria Daulat', Tipu's summer palace with a beautifully gilded and painted interior and the majestic 'Gumbaz'-his mausoleum, are located close to the river.

• Brindavan Gardens (19km): The splendidly planned ornamental gardens at the Krishnarajasagar Dam are a must-see for visitors, Its fine terraced lawns and swirling fountains are illuminated over the weekend to give it a fairy tale quality.
   

• Somnathpur (35km): The star shaped temple at Somnathpur is a splendid example of Hoysala architecture. It is embellished with a profusion of finely sculpted friezes and panels. The temple is well preserved and not to be missed.

• Bandipur Tiger Reserve (80km) : This Tiger Reserve has open forests and facilities for viewing wildlife from elephant back.

• Nagarhole National Park (90km): A fine wildlife reserve that is within easy reach of Mysore. Its dense deciduous forests are the habitat of the tiger, leopard, gaur, elephant, sambar, chital or the spotted deer, wild boar, pangolin, langur, macaques and about 250 species of birds, including the magnificent Malabar Pied Hornbill and the Great Black Woodpecker. There are excellent facilities for visitors to stay at the Kabini River Lodge and for viewing wildlife.

HOW TO GET THERE :