Mysore is one of the major cities of Karnataka, emerging as a thriving market for exotic sandalwood and incense products, the Mysore silk-sarees and stone-carved sculptures. Also known as the fragrant city of Karnataka, Mysore mesmerizes the tourists with its charm and rich cultural heritage. It was the political capital of the dynasty, which ruled the state of Karnataka for some 150 years till the independence of the country from the British. The Wodeyar kings, who were the great patrons of art and culture, made Mysore their capital and thus it became the cultural capital of the south. 

There are a lot of places of tourist interest in the city. Mysore Palace, one of its kind, Brindavan Garden, Chamundi Hills, St. Philomena's Church, Zoo, Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace, Ranganathaswamy Temple are ever tempting for tourists. 

It’s early to see why Mysore, at an altitude of 770 metres, is popularly with travellers since it’s friendly and easy-going with plenty of shady trees, well-maintained public buildings, clean streets and a good climate. The contrasts with the state capital, Bangalore, couldn’t be greater. Mysore has chosen to retain and promote its heritage while Bangalore is hell-bent on confronting the 21st century. 

Mysore is also a crafts center, and there are numerous shops selling a large range of sandalwood, rosewood and teak carvings, and furniture. Probably the most stunning display can be seen at Cauvery Handicrafts in the center of town.

Until Independence, Mysore was the seat of the maharajas of Mysore, a princely state covering about a third of present-day Karnataka, and their attraction. Just south of the city is Chamundi Hill, topped by an important Siva temple. North of the city lie the extensive ruins of the fortress of Srirangapatnam, built by Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan on an island in the middle of the Cauvery River. Tipu Sultan fought the last of his battles with the British here in the closing years of the 18th century. To the east is the beautiful temple of Somnathpur while to the west, below the Krishnaraja Sagar (Dam), are the Brindavan Gardens, a popular attraction with Indian tourists.