Mysore

Mysore is a delightful city and attracts many tourists. Places of interest include Mysore Palace (on Sunday evenings it is illuminated); Chamundi Hill with a huge Nandi statue half way up and perhaps the best fruit and vegetable market for photographers. Just outside Mysore is the village of Somnathpur with an exquisitely carved Hoysala Keshava Temple built in 1268. Also within visiting distance is Srirangapatnam with its ancient ruins, the Jain pilgrimage site of Sravanabelagola with its huge statue of Lord Gomateshvara and Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary. Mysore is also good for shopping – famous for its sandalwood carvings, incense and silks.