Mysuru, previously known as Mysore, is the cultural capital of Southern India and Karnataka's second-largest city. Known for its efficiency, fantastic structure, and cleanliness, it is a pleasure to visit; at the same time, it has retained its historic atmosphere. Filled with enthralling Hindu palaces and hosting vibrant festivals regularly, the city is an excellent place to begin an exploration of Indian heritage. The grand Mysore Palace or Amba Vilas is a must-see, especially during the Dasara Festival when lit up by 100 000 bulbs. A browse of the legendary sandalwood and silk products made locally should also be an activity high on visitors’ itineraries. Animal lovers should make sure to visit the Bandipur Sanctuary, part of the Venugopal Wildlife Park, to see ‘guar’ (Indian bison), and spotted deer.
Also known as Mercara, the pretty hill station town of Madikeri is the bustling capital of Coorg in India’s Karnataka state. The town is typically used as a base by nature lovers for outdoor adventure, as it is surrounded by lush mountains, steep valleys, beautiful terraced paddy fields, and vast grasslands. The area is also known for its lovely orange orchards and vast coffee plantations, one of which is home to the breathtaking Abbey Falls. A hanging bridge has now been built across the gorge near the falls, providing a spectacular view of the Kaveri river. Other notable attractions in the area include the stunning Kerala-style Bhagamandala Temple (set at the confluence of three rivers); the Madikeri Fort, which dates back to the 17th Century; and the Kushal Nagar, the largest Tibetan Settlement and monastery in Southern India, known locally as the Golden Temple.
Coonoor is a hill station in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Described as a ‘tea-garden’ town, Coonoor is surrounded by tea plantations and enjoys a pleasantly cool climate all year round. The main attraction is Sim’s Park, a quaint, well-maintained 12-hectare botanical garden that also attracts bird lovers to the area, and hosts the annual Fruit Show in summer. For hikers, there are plenty of trails leading from the town, including a 9-kilometre walk to Lamb’s Rock that gives spectacular views of the Coimbatore plains and tea plantations, or a 5-kilometre walk to the sublime Law’s Falls, a popular tourist attraction.
