Bangalore, the capital city of Karnataka is popularly known as the Garden City. It is also called the Silicon City due its flourishing IT industry, thus making it youthful and cosmopolitan. Dotted with lakes and numerous old historical buildings, Bangalore is a melting pot for the old and the new. Buzzing during the night, thanks to the endless number of pubs in the city, Bangalore has gained the title of party capital of the country for no reason.

• With year-round heavenly weather, beautiful buildings and gardens, lovely people and peaceful atmosphere, Bangalore will surely charm you!

The former capital of the state of Mysore, and the seat of the Wodeyar Kings, Mysore is Karnataka's Jewel, its cultural capital, a city resplendent with history - both colonial and royal. It is Karnataka's second largest city, and abounds in natural beauty and architectural beauty, with tree lined boulevards and historical buildings.

Mysore is famous for its relaxed atmosphere, so relaxed in fact that it is hard to believe that such a sleepy town could have been the heart of a kingdom. It is also hard to believe that this Overview of the city has yet to mention the Mysore Palace. Famous across India, the Mysore Palace is the picture of gilded opulence! Mysore is also famous for its manufacture of incense sticks, which come in many fragrances, as well as for its sandalwood. Mysore is a pleasant change from the stereotypical image of modernized cities. From the moment you set foot in Mysore, it begins to reveal delicious secrets which make it a must see.

Century-old English architecture, a rich yet equally confusing Anglican tradition, gabled cottages set amidst mystifying blue hills, Ooty is perhaps the only hill station that has refused to keep fair-weather friends. So much so, at some point, it was called Snooty Ooty' even by the early Madras government, for its notorious snobbishness tells it from the rest of Tamil Nadu. Guarding its warbled British, Anglo-Indian, and native heritage while slowly giving in to commercialisation, Ooty or Ootacamund still manages to lure those in need of low-key rest and relaxation.
Walk the length of Commercial Road, spend a day strolling by the misty Ooty Lake, or gorge on some hot Bondas and a cup of Cardamom Tea from a tea stall. It is hard not to fall in love with its temperament. Calm, cool and collected are not just keywords here, but a way of life.

Soak in the beauty of the hills from the toy train (the Nilgiri Mountain Railway) as it chugs along the hillside just as it did hundreds of years ago, ever so often stopping for no rhyme or reason. Get a snapshot of the 20 million year old fossil tree stump at the Botanical Gardens where it is overshadowed by a thousand other rare plants. Sink into the crumbling, torn seat at the Assembly Rooms theatre and watch a movie that probably released years ago. Lick on a puffy pink swirl of cotton candy as you skim through second hand book stalls that still sell obsolete prints. Taste Anglo-Indian delights at the stately British Fern Hills Palace, the former summer retreat of the Mysore Maharaja and let the sounds of the piano gently lull you to sleep soon after.

Run across the untouched wilderness of Avalanche Reservoir, and try your hand at Trout fishing in the ramshackle Wilson Fish Farm nearby. Squint and swipe with your lucky hand at the 100 year old Ootacamund Golf Course or mumble a prayer at the century-old St. Stephen's Church as the last rays of sun illuminate the altar through beautifully glass-painted windows. Enjoy a late evening walk as the last strains of the choir waft in the breeze onto town. There is simply no denying that Ooty remains regal, ravishing and royal no matter when you visit. See for yourself..

Nestled in the heart of the Palani Hills in south Tamil Nadu, Kodaikanal, a charming little hill station is a picture perfect postcard with its spectacular greenery, waterfalls, cliffs and blossoms. Long for a cool break this summer? Kodaikanal is where you need to be!

The main street-Annasalai is the beating pulse of the hills. Bhajji (fritters) stalls brimming with mouth-watering delights, evening joggers, couples walking hand in hand - no environment could be as laidback and relaxing. Buy a glass of sweet, Masala Chai (tea) and enjoy the scene. Virtually everything revolves around the feeling of goodness and getting in touch with your inner side. Cycle around the magnificent Kodai Lake early in the morning and lose yourself in the chill, misty state of calm.

Kodaikanal is the only hill station that was set up by American missionaries back in the 20th century. Trekkers will love a visit to Pillar Rocks, three massive stone faces that provide a stunning, panoramic view of the valley. Those who want to rest their feet will love sitting in the shade and enjoying a small picnic and snacks. Dolphin's Nose (a cliff), the Bear Shola Falls, Bryant Park and the Pambar Falls are great alternative options too.

Retire into a puffy leather couch in the well-stocked library of the Kodai Club. The old English aura of the bar is truly remarkable and evokes old memories with its all yesteryear English decor. Kodaikanal revels in the simple pleasures of life. No matter what kind of a break you are seeking, it makes sure you feel at home; the soft winds, the scented fragrance of eucalyptus trees and tea, the sprawling plum orchards and the delightful aroma of homemade chocolates will seduce you completely. It is difficult to say goodbye.

South India's most popular temple town, Madurai is synonymous with the Meenakshi Temple. Seeped in heritage which is almost 2500 years old, Madurai boasts of having been an important cultural and commercial centre of the Pandya kings. Designed in the shape of a lotus, it is said that Lord Shiva blessed the land and its inhabitants and poured 'madhu' (nectar) from the locks of his matted hair.

Don't Miss
Besides the Meenakshi Temple, don't miss Koodal Alagar Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu and the Thirumalai Nayak Mahal, an architectural splendour. The Gandhi Museum dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi houses the personal memorabilia of the Mahatma, along with a picture gallery, a library and an exhibition of South India handicrafts and village industries.

It is said that Kerala's best kept secrets lie in the heart of Thekkady. A lush green oasis that sprawls across the Periyar Wildlife Reserve, this is where man and beast live as one. Snarling Tigers, screeching Crickets and naughty Langurs, the mysterious calm of the jungle is enough to tempt anyone who yearns to explore the wild. Thekkady is a naturalist's dream. With tea and spice plantations, it has lent much to Kerala's commerce as much as it has to its beauty. The incredible wildlife preserved in Periyar Tiger Wildlife Sanctuary today attracts naturalists and wildlife enthusiasts from around the world. Declared a tiger reserve in 1978, the Periyar Wildlife Reserve is one of the few reserves where one can catch sight of the endangered Royal Bengal Tiger that is fast dwindling in population. Shed your inhibitions and take a day off to enjoy a bamboo raft ride across the Periyar river, explore the forest at night, never knowing what is to come, and succumb to the temptation of traditional Kerala Fish Curry and Rice in every restaurant you visit.

Ride through the jungle on elephant back or make your way through the village on a bullock cart. Wild and raw, the countryside embraces you with warmth that is almost forgotten. On a longer day, visit the Mangala Devi Temple, a short distance from Thekkady town, or to its bustling cousin Kumily, known for its spice plantations. Peermade is another plantation town that lures people on that extended weekend in Thekkady. Cascading waterfalls, misty hilltops and plunging valleys of emerald green, let loose your wild side.

Visit the Tribal Heritage museum inside the Mannan settlement and explore artefacts from a lost generation. Finally, give in to the mellow breeze and soothe your mind as you enjoy an Ayurvedic massage, and let time stop at its tracks. Virgin and raw, Thekkady is for those who yearn to leave the world behind and retrace a journey back in time.

Draped over a hill, surrounded by tea plantations and backed by a splendid stretch of the Western Ghats, Munnar is a choice retreat in summer. Honeymooners frequent this hill station during all seasons for a taste of its cool and salubrious weather. The three rivers Madupetti, Nallathanni and Periavaru give Munnar its name, which means 'three rivers'. The Duke of Wellington's visit to Munnar in the 19th century put it on the map. Soon it acquired the status as a popular hill resort in south India and was nicknamed as Kerala's Scottish Highlands.

After enjoying the views from Echo Point or Top Station, take a short walk through tea plantations or go for a ride in a disco rickshaw. Lined with stalls selling tea, fruits and vegetables, the streets are crowded with people, cows and goats. Though most of the people are Tamilians, both Tamil and Malayalam are spoken.

The tribal colonies, where ancient customs are still practiced, are worth a visit. Attukal Pongala in February is their biggest event. Fort Munnar, a resort, hosts performances by tribals donning feathery headgear. Payippad Jalotsavam is when the excitement runs sky-high. It is the annual boat race held on Onam.

Picnicking at Anayirangal, looking out for the blue beauty, Neelakurinji (a flower that blooms every 12 years), watching pink dragonflies dancing around flowers, and practicing yoga at Chinnakanal Ayur Resort or Kaivalyam Retreat, fishing at Devikulam or High Range Club, or camping out at Hornbill or Anayirangal, there's lots to do in Munnar. And more, like trekking, cycling, kayaking, rafting, paragliding or a helicopter ride.

Wildlife enthusiasts can immerse themselves in lush greenery, sandalwood trees, sounds of animals, hidden streams, calls of birds and the myriad colours of flora. Oblivious to the world outside, the Eravikulam National Park, Thattekad (Salim Ali) Bird Sanctuary, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary and shola forests (Butterfly forests) are dense with animals like Mountain Goats, Bisons and Tigers.

With stunning greenery, rolling mists all around, and a nip in the air, it is easy to lose track of time.

Life in Alleppey is a little too perfect to be real and is fit for a painting. A fisherman frozen in a snapshot while flinging a net, the sea waves capturing the sun in twinkles that disappear in the folds of the waves and the fresh green of the paddy fields make a lovely portrait. Regular life does not overwhelm nature but revolves around it. The Venice of the East likes it organic.

To know how the folks here do it, look at your plate of Kerala food. Your plate will mostly be plantain leaf. The coconut and spices, fish curry and boiled rice offer a clue. At a coir making factory, the coir made from the husk of coconut is transformed into baskets and mats. The coconut shell is turned into aesthetic souvenirs.

Snake boat races, temple festivals, beautiful beaches, spa treatments, scrumptious food, an more; Allepey is sure to sweep you off your feet.

Learn the trick to cultivate rice 7 ft below sea level at Kuttanad. Catch a fish with tapioca and wonder at the wild fire that gobbled up the forest that once covered Kuttanad. The ground under your feet holds the answer to whether it is the truth or just a myth. But with paradise above ground, it is easy to let the thought slip away.