In the year 1120 AD, the Chola King, Veera Ballalla ruled the Deccan plateau or the South of India. On a hunting trip in the forest he lost his way. After a long search he met an old lady in the forest who offered him shelter for the night and served him baked beans for dinner. To show his gratitude to this lady for having saved his life, the King constructed a town and named it as Benda Kalooru, which means Baked Beans. Later in 1537, a local chieftain, Kempe Gowda helped design this town and give it its modern shape.

Today Bangalore, the capital of Karnataka ranks as one of the fastest growing cities in Asia. Its pleasant climate, friendly people, and its highly educated population have made this the Silicon Valley of India with almost all Computer related multinationals setting up their India head office at Bangalore. Jawaharlal Nehru, India`s first Prime Minister termed this as `India`s city of the future`.

Bangalore is the `Garden City of India` with its many gardens and boulevards. Its pleasant climate and laid-back charm attracted many senior citizens and thus later on came to be called at `the retired man`s paradise`. And of course what is Bangalore without all its Pubs. Its is now also called the Pub City with over 200 Pubs all over the town.

Access

Bangalore International Airport has flights to all the main cities of India and also flights to many West Asian destinations as well as London and Frankfurt.

Bangalore city railway station is an important destination in the Indian Railway network with trains connecting to most parts of India including the Rajdhani Express, Sampark Kranti non stop express (from Yeshwantpur) and Karnataka Express to Delhi, Shatabdi Express, Lalbag Express to Chennai, Udyan Express to Mumbai.

Bangalore is connected to some of the major cities of India through the National

Highways NH4, NH7 & NH48.

BangaloreToTrivandrum761 Kms

BangaloreToChennai334 Kms

BangaloreToHyderabad566 Kms

BangaloreToGoa (Panaji)570 Kms

BangaloreToMumbai1033 Kms

The State Legislative and Secretariat House was built in 1956 in the Neo Dravidian Style with granite entirely sourced from the city itself. This imposing structure represents the best of Bangalore`s monuments. Do not miss the sight of the illuminated building on Sundays between 7 and 8 PM.

Directly opposite to the Vidhana Soudha is the State High court. This magnificent building was constructed in 1867 in the Gothic Style of architecture.

One of the country`s oldest art museums, this gallery houses many interesting antiques and archaeological objects. (Closed on Wednesday).

Named after the famous Sir M. Visveswaraya , an engineer par excellence who built many famous dams in Karnataka, this Science museum houses models of machines. It is a highly recommended spot for children.(Closed on Monday).

Lieutenant General Sir Mark Cubbon laid out this beautiful park in 1864. Over 250 acres of this green park is just right for long walks and hosts a children`s amusement park, a doll museum and a toy train for children. Children`s parties can be arranged with cartoons characters etc. in the park. The Vijayranga Theater complex screens children`s films and stage plays.

Bangalore`s other sprawling park is in the South of the city. HyderAli laid out the Lalbagh Gardens in the year 1760. It covers an area of 240 acres. The Glass House, inspired by the Crystal Palace in London is a favourite spot in Lalbagh which hosts the famous Flower show during the month of August.

The Bangalore Palace was built in the year 1887 by the Wodeyar dynasty. It is built similar to medieval castles in Normandy and England . It`s interiors boasts of elegant woodcarvings and Tudor -style architecture.

This houses the State Central Library. This place has a rich collection of reference books. Open between 0830 and 1900 all through the week except on Mondays.

The Palace was constructed first by Hyder Ali and completed by his son Tipu Sultan in the year 1791. Tipu called it as `The Envy of Heaven`. It is constructed mainly in wood and has fine intricately sculpted arches surrounded by exquisite minarets.

The ISKCON provides much more for the soul, than those rituals. ISKCON are centers of spiritual learning through Godly association, where a visitor is inspired to learn more about Spiritual life. There is a magnificent main temple hall, which houses the altars of Their Lordships Sri Radha Krishna-Chandra, Sri Krishna Balarama & Sri Nitai Gouranga. Also one can see the Golden Chandelier that is shaped like an inverted Lotus Flower.

Fun World is a 12 acre Disney Land Like Amusement Park, tucked into Palace Grounds, Bangalore.

It boasts of Awesome 65 feet high depiction of Lord Shiva seated in Lotus position. It has the backdrop of Mount Kailash the Lord`s heavenly abode and the river Ganga flowing from his matted locks as depicted in the mythology.

At Basavangudi is one of Bangalore`s oldest temples. Built for Nandi, the sacred Bull, the vehicle of Lord Shiva, this temple has a 4.6 meter tall-carved statue of the sacred bull.

Gandhi Bhavan displays the life of the father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi with pictures and Photostats of his letters.

The second largest Aquarium in the country it has a large varsity of aquatic life.( Closed on Monday).

Befitting the `science city` title that it carries, the Planetarium is an interesting site for children. The English shows are held daily at 1630 Hrs. The Aquarium remains closed on Monday.

Mysore was the political capital of the Wodeyar dynasty, which ruled the state of Karnataka for some 150 years till the independence of the country from the British. These kings were great patrons of art and culture and Mysore was the cultural capital of the south under the rule of the Wodeyars. The Wodeyars made the Dussehra festival, an event to showcase the rich culture and heritage of the town. Even to this date this celebration of the Dussehra, which is a 10-day celebration during the month of Oct/ Nov is a spectacular event to watch.

Mysore is a city of palaces, gardens, shady avenues and sacred temples and retains some of the charm of the old world with its many institutions that propagate Carnatic Classical music and dance.

Situated in the southern part of the Deccan Plateau, Mysore District is an undulating tableland, covered in parts by granite outcrops and fringed by verdant forests. From ancient times, this district has played a significant role in the history of South India. Mysore District is a popular tourist destination, offering several attractions ranging from the royal splendour of Mysore City and its fabulous Dasara Festival to exquisite temples, pilgrimage centres and scenic spots.

Mysore city is at 770m above sea level and 140 kms from Bangalore. Also known as the City of Palaces, Mysore retains a quaint charm that never fails to enchant.

Mysore today, is a pleasant city with an old world charm; contributed by its broad shady avenues, well laid out gardens, fine buildings and a salubrious climate.

Mysore district is 770m above the sea level having an area of 6,268 sq. kms. The district has a population of 22,81,653 (1991 census). The climate is pleasant enough, which registers normal temperature between 19ºC and 30ºC.

Air - The nearest Airport is Bangalore (139 Kms).

By Train - Mysore is connected with many trains to Bangalore. Also the prestigious luxury train, Shatabdi Express connects it to Madras.

By Road - Mysore is located 139 Kms. to the south west of Bangalore. The state highway that connects the two cities could provide a pleasant ride through rustic countryside. A bus or car ride from Bangalore would take approximately 3 hours. Seagull Travels has 4 packages covering Mysore & other places.

Maharaja"s Palace - Designed by the English Architect, Henry Irwin, the Mysore Palace dominates the skyline of Mysore. A three storied structure in the Indo-Saracenic style built between 1897-1912, the palace has beautifully designed square towers at cardinal points, covered with domes. The Durbar Hall with its ornate ceiling and sculpted pillars and the Kalyanamantapa (Marriage Pavilion) with its glazed tiled flooring and stained glass, domed ceiling are worth noting. Intricately carved doors, the golden howdah (elephant seat), paintings as well as the fabulous, jewel encrusted golden throne (displayed during Dasara) are amongst the palace"s other treasures. The walled palace complex houses the Residential Museum (incorporating some of the Palace"s living quarters), temples and shrines including the Shwetha Varahaswamy temple. The palace is illuminated on Sundays, Public Holidays as well as during the Dasara Celebrations when 97,000 electric bulbs are used to illuminate it.

The Jaganmohan Palace - One of Mysore"s most beautiful buildings, the Jaganmohan Palace was built in 1861 by Maharaja Krishnaraja Wodeyar in a predominantly Hindu style, as an alternative retreat for the royal family. This three storied palace with stained glass shutters and ventilators, in a lovely garden setting, has since 1915, housed the Sri Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery. This museum displays paintings, sculptures and musical instruments. This gallery has a collection of exquisite paintings dating back to 1875. The collection includes paintings by Travancore Ruler, Raja Ravi Varma, the Russian Svetoslav Roerich and the traditional Mysore gold leaf style of painting.

Chamundi Hills - A prominent landmark, located at the outskirts of the city, Chamundi Hills can be reached by a 13 kms motorable road or 1000 steps built by the Wodeyars. At the crest of this hill is Sri Chamundeshwari Temple that dates back to the 11th century. The striking gopura (Pyramidal Temple tower) was added by Maharaja Krishnaraja Wodeyar-III in 1825-1826. Goddess Chamundi was the patron deity of the rulers. Near the temple is the statue of Mahishasura, the demon slayed by the goddess Chamundeshwari. Half way up the stone steps, is the 4.8 meter high monolith of Nandi, Lord Shiva"s mount.

St. Philomena"s Church - This is a beautiful gothic structure with twin spires, 175ft. in height, is modelled on the gothic Cathedral at Cologne. Designed by French architects, the foundation stone was laid by Maharaja Krishnaraja Wodeyar-IV in 1933. The stained glass windows made in France, overlooking the apse, showing the Birth of Christ, Baptism of Christ by St. John the Baptist, the Last Supper and the Crucifixion of Christ are works of art. The altar bears the statue of St. Philomena, a third century saint from Greece.

The Mysore Zoo - Sri Jayachamarajendra Zoological Gardens, popularly known as the Mysore Zoo was established in 1892 under the reign of Chamarajendra Wodeyar. Large collections of animals, including exotic species, are housed in lush green surroundings. This zoo is famous for breeding some rare animals in captivity.

Brindavan Gardens - 19 kms North of Mysore is the famous reservoir Krishnarajasagara. This Dam is built across the river Cauvery. Just below the Dam, the beautiful Brindavan Gardens are laid out. There are varieties of fountains, illuminated at night by colourful lights. The Musical fountain is of special interest which has spectacular harmony of water, colours and music.

Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary - Ranganathittu, 18 kms from Mysore, is a Bird Sanctuary that houses exotic birds. It is a group of small islands in the Kaveri River. It is home to a variety of waterbirds, including comorants, herons, egrets and spoonbills, many of whom migrate here annually from Siberia and North America, to nest and breed. Crocodiles basking in the sun are also a familiar sight. Best season to visit this place is May-Sept/Oct.

Somanathapura Temple - The Keshava Temple, located 42 kms from Mysore, was built in 1268 as part of an agrahara (scholastic community) founded by the Hoysala General Somanatha Dandanayaka. The temple is famous for its elaborate detail and for the fact that unlike the other Hoysala temples of Belur and Halebid, it was actually completed. This beautiful temple is enclosed within a walled courtyard, which is entered through a gate and porch. The temple is built on an elevated star shaped platform. The sides of the raised platform are richly adorned with carved freizes depicting rows of cavalry, elephants and stories from the epics. Above these is a row of large images, mainly of Vishnu in various forms. The triple-shrined (Trikutachala) monument has three sanctums, of which the north sanctum bears the image of Janardhana, the south sanctum that of Venugopala.The main hall has beautifully turned pillars and ceiling panels. Sadly the image of Keshava that was in the main hall is missing.

Called the "Queen of Hill Stations" picturesque, the green Udhagamandalam, better known as Ooty is the most popular hill station in the South. Located in the Western ghats at a height of 2240m, Udhagamandalam is the headquarters of the Nilgiris district where the two ghats meet. Nature has been generous with this region, which is by far the most beautiful in the state. Apart from coffee and tea plantations, trees like conifers, eucalyptus, pine and wattle dot the hillside in Udhagamandalam and its environs. Summer temperature is rarely higher than 25°c with a minimum of 10°c and winters are distinctly cooler with a high of 21°c and a low 5°c. Curiously enough, this slice of paradise remained unknown to the great southern dynasties and it took the British to discover it in the early 1800s. They were, however, not the first inhabitants of this land as a tribe called Todas had been living there long before the British came, claiming that the Nilgiris had been their home since time immemorial. But the credit for modernising Udhagamandalam and making it accessible goes to the British who constructed the first railway line in the area and made it the summer capital of the Madras Presidency.

About Udhagamandalam - Settlement in Udhagamandalam began in 1822 with the construction of the Stone House by John Sullivan, the then Collector of Coimbatore. The bungalow, which is locally called Kal Bangla, is one of the landmarks of Udhagamandalam and is now the Chamber of the Principal of the Government Arts College. Not many years after the construction of the Stone House, several other English cottages with pretty gardens, large bungalows of top officials in the Government, were built. Even today the atmosphere of the Raj lingers in places like the Club where snooker was invented by a subaltern named Neville Chamberlain, the Nilgiri Library with its rare and valuable collection of books on Udhagamandalam and St.Stephen"s Church which was Udhagamandalam"s first church.

The cemetery near the church has the oldest British tombstones in the town and includes those of John Sullivan"s wife and daughter among other prominent personalities.

The Botanical Garden is maintained by the Horticulture Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu and has a very wide variety of plants that include different types of roses, imported shrubs, rare flowering plants, eucalyptus trees, several old trees and even a fossilised tree trunk that is 20 million years old. There is also a beautiful Italian floral garden and for those who simply want to relax, there"s always the green carpet of the well-maintained lawns. The "Summer Festival" is held each year during the month of May in the Botanical Garden and is an added attraction for tourists. The Flower Show is the pride of the festival. Cultural programmes are organised for those interested in traditional classical arts. Adventure spots like trekking also form part of the festival.

The artificial Lake, yet another of Sullivan"s contributions, has facilities for boating and permission to fish can be obtained from the office of the Assistant Director of Fisheries.

Among the viewpoints around Udhagamandalam are Elk Hill, Green Valley View and Snowden Peak but the most prominent is the Dodabetta Peak, which is the highest point in the district at a height of 2623m. Provided the day is clear, one can see as far as the plains of Coimbatore and the Mysore plateau.

Also for the nature lover are the sprawling 20,000 acres of Wenlock Downs, which was once the scene of the famous Udhagamandalam Hunt. The Gymkhana Club, the factory of the Hindustan Photo Films Company, the Government Sheep Farm and the Golf Course are all in Wenlock Downs. The Government Museum, Mysore Road, Udhagamandalam has tribal objects d"art, district"s ecological details and representative sculptural arts and crafts of Tamilnadu.

COONOOR: Situated at an altitude of 2000 ft and only 17 kms from Udhagamandalam is the first of three hill stations. Coonoor is a small town with an equable climate that has made it popular as a hill resort in its own right. The main attraction is the Sim"s Park, a small well-maintained botanical garden that has several varieties of plants not to be found in other hill stations. Viewpoints and picnic spots around Coonoor include Lamb"s Rock, Lady Canning"s Seat and Dolphin"s Nose

KOTAGIRI: It is 31 kms from Udhagamandalam and is 6503 feet above sea level. Kotagiri is shielded by the Doddabetta ranges, which receive much of its rain from the northwest monsoon. One can enjoy a pleasure ride on roads flanked by green tea beds on either side.

                               Ooty      Coonoor Kotagiri

Area in Sq.Km:              36         13.2          26.39

Altitude (in metres) 2,240 1,858 1,984

Climate:                          Max.          Min.

Summer                            25 C         10 C

Winter                               21 C         3 C

Rainfall:                          121 cms

Season: April to June and September to November

Clothing:   Heavy Woollen in Winter Light Woollen in summer.

Languages: Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam and English

Air: The nearest airport is Coimbatore (100 kms) connected to Chennai, Mumbai and Bangalore.

Rail: Udhagamandalam on the narrow gauge railway is connected to Mettupalayam, which is directly connected to Coimbatore and Chennai.

Road: Udhagamandalam is connected by good motorable road. It is 535km from Chennai(Via Salem, Mettupalayam), 89km. from Coimbatore.

Mini Garden: At about one kilometre distance Tourist can visit this mini garden (Children"s Lake Garden) which is on the way to Boat House. Children"s amusement park is housed here. A snack bar is also available. Tamil Nadu Tourism Developement Corporation Limited maintains it.

Art Gallery: Lalith kala Academy: It is situated about 2 kms, from Udhagamandalam in the main Mysore road. It has various collections of contemporary paintings and sculptures all over from India.

Rose Garden: It is located just 3/4 kms away from Charring Cross. It lies with 10 acres of land with 1919 variety of roses.

Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary (67kms) - The most prominent of the wildlife sanctuaries in the state, as well as one of the most important in the southern region, thickly forested Mudumalai borders the Bandipur National Park in Karnataka and the Wyanad Sanctuary in Kerala. Apart from the wide range of animal and bird life, the rich fauna of this sanctuary has made Mudumalai very popular with wildlife enthusiasts.

There are tigers at Mudumalai, though it takes a lot of luck and perseverance to spot one of these big cats that are such masters of stealth. But there are several other creatures of the jungle that can be sighted more easily.

Among these are spotted deer, elephant, gaur, sambar, barking deer, wild boar, civet, flying squirrel, four horned antelope, mouse deer, common langur, bonnet macaque and pangolin the scaly anteater. More rarely spotted are the panther, leopard, hyena, sloth bear and jackal.

The birds include peacock, woodpeckers, several species of owls, vultures and buzzards and the grey jungle fowl to name a few. On balmy April nights, when the whole sanctuary is lit up by million of glowworms, one will be in a different world altogether, a world of illuminated quiet.

Within the sanctuary is an elephant camp called Theppakkadu where there is a rest house. Accommodation is also available at TTDC"s Youth Hostel and rest houses in Masinagudi, Abhayaranayam and Kargudi and the Bamboo Banks Farm that is 18kms away. The best season to visit is between Jan-March and Sep-Oct. For further information contact the Wildlife Warden, Coonoor Road, Udhagamandalam. There are also resorts at Masinagudi.

Ketti valley viewpoint: Located on the road to Coonoor, this idyllic spot is a cluster of tiny villages that extend to the plains of Coimbatore and Mysore plateau.

Glenmorgan: It is about 17 kms from Udhagamandalam an ecologically rich forestry spot. There from is an Electricity Board (E.B). Winch which carries staff from Glenmorgan viewpoint to the powerhouse at Singara. All the 4 kms of the Winch track passes through undisturbed sholas and wildlife habitat. Prior permission of E. B. authorities should be obtained to enter the viewpoint zone.

Upper Bhavani: It is about 10 kms from Korakundah and about 20 kms from Avalanche. This is Naturalist"s Paradise. Some of the best sholas like sholas lies enroute. The area is a rich and undisturbed wildlife habitat. From Bangithapal via. Sispara one can trek to silent valley. Forest Department"s permission is necessary.

Kalhatty falls: It is located on the Kalhatty slopes at about 13 kms from Udhagamandalam on the Udhagamandalam - Mysore Kalhatty ghat road. The height of the water falls is about 100 ft. Kalhatty - Masinagudi slopes is rich in wildlife such as Panthers, Bisons, Wild Buffaloes, Wild Dogs, Spotted Deers, Sambers and different types of hill birds.

Wenlock Downs: A vast expanse of undulating landscape offering the Gymkana Club, the Government Sheep Farm and the Hindustan Photo Films Company besides pleasure of a long stroll on quiet roads.

Cairn Hill: Situated about 3 kms on the road to Avalanche, Cairn hill is one of the few surviving original walks. Dense cypress trees flank the entrance road to the hill. The clearings underneath them make good picnic spots. The stillness and silence of the cypress woods is broken only by the sounds of birds in the surrounding shrubs that can be an unforgettable experience.

Kandal Cross Shrine: This is a Roman Catholics "Holy Shrine" of the Roman Catholics considered by the Nilgiri Catholics as the "CALVARY OF TAMILNADU" situated to the west of Udhagamandalam Railway Station. A relic of the true cross is here and it cures the sick, bestow heavenly blessings, peace and joy to the visiting pilgrims and tourists. Special Novena Prayers and Holly Masses are offered every Friday. The annual feast is on 3rd May every year.

Kamaraj Sagar (Sandynallah Reservoir): The Kamaraj Sagar dam is a good picnic spot and can be reached via. Kandal amidst every old trees and green shrubs of various terrains and via Hindustan Photo films in Gudalur road. It is a very good picnic spot on the slopes of the Wenlock Sagar Downs. Apart from studying nature and the environment, fishing provides excellent game in Kamaraj as well as in Upper Bhavani and Avalanche, whose waters are especially rich in trout fish.

he Mukurthi Peak & Mukurthi National Park: Mukurthi Peak is about 40 km from Ooty. The Mukurthi National Park is located on the South Eastern corner of the Nilgiris . The area contains a viable population of Nilgiri Thar(Hamitragus hilocrius). The silent valley is located on the western side of these ranges. Fascinating feature of the Mukurthi Sanctuary is its variety and similarities to Himalayan Flora and Fauna.

Pykara: Situated about 21kms on the Ooty-Mysore Road, Pykara boasts of well-protected fenced Sholas, Toda settlements, undistributed grassy meadows and also a good wildlife habitat. The Pykara Dam, Pykara falls and the reservoir attracts many tourists. A boathouse with Restaurant is available. It is maintained by T.T.D.C.

Avalanche: Located at a distance of 28kms from Ooty. A beautiful lake surrounded by a thick shola where even sunlight cannot penetrate and abundant with a wide variety of avifauna is a Nature Lover"s Paradise.

Western Catchment: It is about 20 kms from Parsons Valley. It contains Rolling Grassy downs interspersed with termperate sholas occupying depression and valleys.