Mysore, the capital of the erstwhile Mysore state, teems with reminiscences of its glorious past. Once ruled by the Royal Wodeyar Family, Mysore is a city of wide roads, lovely suburbs, laid-back extensions, sprawling gardens, and of course, palaces. The Mysore Palace, built in Indo-Saracenic style with domes, turrets, arches and colonnades, is a treasure trove of works of art from across the world.

Mysore is synonymous with the ten day Dussehra (Dasara) festival, celebrated every year in October with its traditional pomp and grandeur, bring out the pageantry of the past, attracting visitors from across the globe. Processions, parades and music create a riot of color and excitement. Crowds jostle to catch a glimpse of the glittering palace. On the ninth and the last day, a colorful procession of soldiers in ceremonial attire, cavalry, infantry, caparisoned elephants, prancing horses and colorful tableaux wend their way from the palace gates to Bannimantap, a stadium where a torchlight parade and a magnificent display of horsemanship mark the grand finale.

Mysore is known for its silk, sandalwood and incense sticks.

Mysore has everything to offer the visitor - royal palaces, rich cultural and architectural heritage, nature reserves, museums and art galleries . Just south of the city is Chamundi Hill, topped by an important Shiva Temple. North of the city lie the ruins of the fortress of Srirangapatnam, built by Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan. To the east is the beautiful temple of Somnathpur, while to the west are Brindavan Gardens.