Tamil Nadu & Karnataka - Audley Travel

Bollywood posters, BangaloreNandi Bull, near MysoreMaharaja Palace, MysoreMysoreFamous for silk, sandalwood and incense, Mysoreis one of South India’s most vibrant and aromaticcities. For more than 500 years this was thecapital of the Wodeyar Rajas, who ruled over thesurrounding state. The Maharaja Palace, rebuilt athuge expense in 1897 after a fire, is an imposingcentrepiece, especially on Saturdays, Sundays andpublic holidays when it is illuminated by thousandsof tiny light bulbs. It is a fascinating place to visitand reflects the mixed tastes and influences of thelate ruling Maharajas. A trip to the outskirts of thetown brings you to the popular spot of ChamundiHill where, having ascended 1,180 or so steps tothe summit, you are rewarded with panoramicviews of Mysore. En route you’ll pass one ofIndia’s largest monolithic Nandi Bull statues andthe city’s most important temple, patronised bythe rulers of Mysore for centuries. Mysore isalso a great base from which to visit nearbyRanganathittu Bird Sanctuary, Srirangapatnaand Somnathpur.Gitanjali Farm, MysoreAsian openbill storks, Ranganathittu Bird SanctuaryGITANJALI FARM, MYSOREAt the foot of the hills on the outskirts of Mysore,Gitanjali Farm is a family home offering warmthand hospitality. The brick farmhouse is set ingardens, with distant views to the Lalitha MahalPalace, while comfortable accommodation isoffered in four rooms in the garden. Yourcharming hosts Dalu, Muthu and their daughterYamuna are from the Coorg region. Delicioushome-cooked food featuring distinctive Coorgicuisine is served either in the family dining roomor outside in the gardens after a pre-dinner drink,and offers the chance to chat to your affablehosts about local life.Hindu temple, MysoreSrirangapatnaSrirangapatna is situated on an island in the KaveriRiver, approximately 12 kilometres from Mysore.This historic site dates back to the 10th century,although it was not until the 18th century thatTipu Sultan succeeded his father, Haidar Ali, andadopted it as his capital. It was here that hefought to his death during a bloody battle againstthe British, which left the city in ruins. Althoughsome of the sites require imagination, TipuSultan’s small Summer Palace is still intact,decorated with wonderful vivid frescoes whichdepict various battles and meetings betweenTipu and neighbouring princes.Ranganathittu Bird SanctuaryThis small bird sanctuary about 18 kilometresfrom Mysore, offers visitors the opportunity tosee some of India’s exotic birds, including paintedstorks, kingfishers and cormorants. The sanctuaryis a group of rocky and wooded islands on theKaveri River and the best way to get around isby small boat early in the morning or lateafternoon. This is an interesting and relaxingexcursion away from city life and an absolutemust for ornithologists in October andNovember, when the sanctuary attracts hugeflocks of migrating birds.www.audleytravel.com/southindia ● 01993 838 355 ● Tamil Nadu & Karnataka 53