South India Golden Triangle

The erst while capital of the Wodeyars is 140 kms from Bangalore. This city has retained the charm it had acquired during the reign of Wodeyars. Mysore is also known as the 'City Of Palace'. The Mysore Palace is often compared with the Buckingham Palace in England.

Located 770m above sea level and 140 Kms from Bangalore, Mysore, the imperial city, was the erstwhile capital of the Wodeyars. Also known as the city of Palaces, Mysore has never failed to mesmerise the tourists with its quaint charm, rich heritage, magnificent palaces, beautifully laid-out gardens, imposing buildings, broad shady avenues and sacred temples.

PRIME ATTRACTIONS
Mysore Palace : The residence of the Wodeyars, this structure is one of the largest of its kind in India. Built in 1912 in the Indo-Saracenic style, this palace exudes a grandeur that is unmatched. The Golden Royal Throne, the Darbar Hall, the Kalyana Mantapa, the Gallery and the Amba Vilas are the main attractions here.

Chamundi Hills : 13 kms from Mysore is the temple of patron Goddess of Wodeyars, Chamundeshwari. Located on a hill 335 m high, the temple can be approached by 1000 steps built by the Maharaja of Mysore in the 17th century.

Vrindavan Gardens : These gardens are laid on the banks of Krishnarajasagar Dam. Spread over an area of one acre, the terraced lawns and fountains make these gardens one of the best in South India.

Bandipur National Park : 80 kms from Mysore is Bandipur National Park, which is one of the most beautiful wild life centres. Rare species of animals and birds can be seen in this natural habitat. Bandipur, lying in the shadow of the Western Ghats, is one of the finest habitats of the Asian elephant. Drained by the Moyar River, its open forest makes it easy for visitors to see the elephant and gaur in natural surroundings.

Nagarhole National Park : About 90 kms from Mysore, the Nagarhole National Park with thick deciduous forests is home to Tiger, Elephant, Gaur, Sambar, Chital, Pangolin and about 250 species of birds. There are excellent facilities for visitors to stay at the Kabini River Lodge and for viewing wildlife.

B. R. Hills : This picturesque hill range, at a height of 5091 ft is 120 Kms from Mysore and is home to a rich variety of flora and fauna. The temple on the hill, dedicated to Biligiri Rangaswamy attracts devotees round the year.

The capital city of Karnataka, Bangalore, located 1,000m above sea level , is the fifth largest city in India, is the perfect blend of natural beauty and man-made marvels of architecture and technology. Blessed with a salubrious climate and dotted with beautiful parks, its tree-lined avenues, its trendy, yuppie downtown, and the software flood, Bangalore truly offers one a picture of striking contrasts.

Bangalore, which literally means the 'town of baked beans', was founded by Kempe Gowda, a chieftain of the Vijayanagar Empire, around the 16th century.

PRIME ATTRACTIONS
The Bull Temple : The 4.57m high and 6.10 m long image was built by Kempe Gowda, in the 16th century. The image has been carved out of a single granite rock. The original colour of Nandi bull was grey, which has now turned black due to the application of coconut oil by the devotees. The statue of the bull has been carved out of a single rock. Non-Hindus are not allowed in the temple.

Tipu's Palace : The summer palace of Tipu Sultan was built in Bangalore. The entire structure is built of teakwood. This double-storeyed ornate structure was constructed in 1781-1791 AD. This palace is beautifully decorated with floral motifs on the walls and ceilings. The structure is replete with pillars, arches and balconies.

Bangalore Palace : Built in the Tudor style and inspired by the Windsor Palace, a Wodeyar king built this palace in 1887 AD. This unique edifice stands in the heart of the city. It is built in a manner similar to medieval castles in Normandy and England. Its interior boasts of elegant wood carvings and Tudor-style architecture.

Bannerghatta National Park : This lion and tiger safari park is set amidst picturesque surroundings around 22 kms away from the city. The park is spread over an area of 104 sq. kms. One can see the lions, tigers and elephants in closed enclosures. There is also a crocodile and snake farm, which attracts many visitors.

Otherwise referred to as Ooty it is known as the Queen of Hill Stations. Famed for its salubrious climate, pretty gardens and fabulous cottages, Udhagamandalam is great for a break when monotony strikes.

Founded in 1819 by John Sullivan, the former Collector of Coimbatore, Udhagamandalam still continues to retain the old world charm. The summer palaces of the former Maharajas encircled by picturesque surroundings are now converted into hotels. The Nilgiri library here has a picture display of the past.

Udhagamandalam prides in its breathtaking beauty. The much adored Botanical Gardens covered with blossoming trees, shrubs and colourful flower beds make it a sylvan spot.

Landscaped over 22 hectares, there is a fossillised tree, crescent shaped lily pond, a bandstand, a conservatory and fountain terraces. Pony and mini train rides are great excitements here.