Mysore instantly evokes is the smell of sandalwood and jasmine. A city with an old world charm, Mysore is quaint with its leafy boulevards and grid like layout. This verdant city offers beautiful 19th century palaces and vibrant bazaars that are thriving. Mysore also preserves old houses and a stroll through this quarter remains mellow and nostalgic.

Golden Triangle | Majestic Mysore | Scenic South India | Captivating Karnataka

• Depart from Bangalore at around 0500 hrs, visiting Srirangapatnam en route

Srirangapatnam
Located about 127 km southwest of Bangalore and about 12 km from Mysore, Srirangapatnam is famous as Tipu Sultan's former capital, and is a picturesque island in the Cauvery River.

• Arrive at Mysore at approximately 0930 hrs. After breakfast, proceed for sightseeing, visiting Mysore Palace and other places in the city till around noon.

Mysore Palace
The Palace that stands tall today is the 4th to be built on the same site, and it was built when the capital was shifted back to Mysore from Srirangapatnam after Tippu Sultan's death. There are seven canons in front of the Gombe Thotti and are used to this day to mark the beginning and the end of the Dasara festivities every year. Ahead of this is the Elephant Gate, which is the the main entrance to the centre of the palace.

St. Philomena's Church St. Philomena's Church in Mysore is one of the oldest churches in India, and is over 200 years old. When the capital of Mysore state was move from Srirangapatnam to Mysore city in 1799, many British officers and soldiers came and settled down in Mysore. The Maharaja Krishnaraja Wodeyar III realized the need for a Christian church for these people, and thus gave them a small plot of land on the Mysore-Bangalore Road, and a little church came up there. As the city expanded and the Christian population of the city increased there was a need for a larger church, and St. Philomena's Church was built. The Art Gallery The Jaganmohan Palace was converted into an art gallery in 1875 and exhibits paintings which date back to that period. The artists of that time used natural vegetable and mineral dyes. The famous traditional Mysore 'gold leaf' paintings are also exhibited in the gallery, as are oil paintings of contemporary artists like Raja Ravi Varma and Svetoslav Roerich.

• After lunch, visit Chamundi Hills

Chamundi Hills
A panoramic view of the city is seen from the top of these hills, and, among other landmarks, you can see the Race Course, Lalitha Mahal Palace, Mysore Palace, and the Karanji and Kukkarahalli lakes. At dusk, the view of the city is especially beautiful, and on Sunday evenings and during the Dasara festival, the illuminated Mysore Palace glitters like gold.

In the evening, at approximately 1700 hrs, visit Brindavan Gardens.

Brindavan Gardens Located at the Krishnaraja Sagar Dam and spread over 150 acres, Brindavan Gardens is one of the best gardens in South India, and has provided the backdrop for many Indian films since the 1960s. Brindavan Gardens' prime attractions are the 'Dancing Fountains', and in December 2004, the entire garden was revamped with new fountains and lights. Depart from Mysore for Bangalore at around 1930hrs.