BANGALORE - THE CITY OF GARDENS
Bangalore is the capital city of the southern Indian state of Karnataka. It is the seventh largest city in India. It is also known as the Garden City because of its many beautiful gardens and parks. Though the origin of Bangalore is ancient, the present-day city was founded in the 16th century and has since continued to be an important administrative center. Because of the high concentration of IT industry, it also called the Silicon Valley of India.

Coorg
Birthplace of the River Cauvery and home of some of India’s bravest soldiers, Kodagu is noted for its scenic beauty. Hiking, cross-country, or simply motoring down mountain trails in Coorg, the visitor encounters panoramic views of the morning mist rolling down thickly wooded hill slopes and the undulating paddy fields and neat rows of coffee bushes resplendent under the blue skies.

Now a flourishing agricultural center, Kodagu produces cash crops of coffee, rice, orange, pepper and cardamoms.

Hampi

THE RUINED CITY OF THE VIJAYNAGAR EMPIRE
Hampi is famous for its ruins belonging to the erstwhile medieval Hindu kingdom of Vijaynagar and it is declared a World Heritage site. The temples of Hampi, its monolithic sculptures and monuments, attract the traveler because of their excellent workmanship. The Hindu style of architecture found at Hampi reflects the splendor of the Vijaynagar Empire. The rugged landscape adds to the historic ambience of this site.

Mangalore
Situated in the Western Ghats of Karnataka, Mangalore is one of the important centers of exporting coffee and cashew nut. It is a hilly city with winding disoriented streets located some 357 km away from the city Bangalore.

Mysore

Mysore is located in the South Indian state of Karnataka around 140 km from Bangalore. The city extends from latitude 12°18' in the North to longitude 76°42' in the East. Mysore is well connected through road and rail networks with other parts of Karnataka and India.

Nagarhole
Nagarhole National park derives its name from the combination of two Kannada words—'Nagar,' meaning snake, and 'hole,' meaning streams. True to its name, quite a few serpentine streams fork through the rich tropical forests of the park. Nagarhole Park was set up in 1955. In 1975, its area was increased to include a greater expanse of forest reserve. The original forest was once an exclusive hunting ground for the erstwhile Maharajas of Mysore. The park has been recently renamed as Rajiv Gandhi National Park after the late Prime Minister of India.

Nagarhole Park is counted among India’s best wildlife parks. It has a large elephant and bison population. It also hosts a variety of animal species along with approximately 250 species of birds. On its northern confines is the Kabini River and on its southern fringes is the Bandipur national park. A dam on the Kabini River and its picturesque reservoir demarcates the two national parks. During the dry season (February–June), this artificial lake attracts a large number of animals, making it an ideal spot for sighting wildlife.

Srirangapatnam
Located at about 140 kilometers from Bangalore and 15 kilometers from Mysore, Srirangapatnam is the biggest of the three islands in the river Kaveri. The island, five kilometers long and two kilometers wide, derives its name from the deity of the temple located on its western side.

The island has something for everyone. For those who are turned on by history, there are many monuments here spanning a thousand years. All the major dynasties of the South have left their relics and monuments here-the Hoysalas of the 11th century, the Vijayanagar kings of Chandragiri in the 17th century, the Hyder Ali-Tipu Sultan clan that came after them, and finally, the French and the British.

For the naturalist and those contemplative ones who seek quiet spots, this island is a delight. And for the devotees, there are temples, mosques, a church, and a Jain basdi. You could hire an auto-rickshaw and go around, and if you have the time, walk around.