MYSORE
This city in southern Karnataka has much to attract the visitor. Mysore Palace is fascinating to visit (and every Sunday the whole palace is illuminated by thousands of light bulbs). The climb up Chamundi Hill seeing the huge Nandi half way is something that most people do. Just east of Mysore in the small village of Somnathpur is the 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. The shopping is also good at Mysore which is famous for its sandalwood carvings, incense and silks. The fruit and vegetable market is a photographer’s dream.