Karnatka

Bangalore - The Garden City : Bangalore was the cynosure of all eyes across the world in 1996 when it hosted the Miss World Pageant. Every Indian watching the proceedings on the television fervently hoped that the Indian representative would wear the crown as Aishwarya Rai had done before. While that was not to be, the people of Karnataka had yet another reason for being proud of their Capital. More recently, Bangalore has pioneered a new phase in the digital revolution by becoming the first city in the country to use the TV cable network for the convergence of computers, television and telecommunications.

Although in recent years it has grown into one of India's premier industrial centres, Bangalore still lives up to its well-known epithet as the Garden City. Lying 1000m above sea level, it has a pleasant and cool climate - almost perpetual and perfect picnic weather! Little wonder then that the hustle and bustle of industrial growth has not been able to replace the relaxed and easygoing atmosphere which remains its hallmark. The many pubs that have come up in recent years on the posh MG Road and Brigade Road, each with its own special ambience, are the favourite haunts of both the young and the not so young!

Mysore : The capital of the erstwhile Wodeyar Maharajas, lying 140 kms southwest of Bangalore, Mysore has managed to retain its easy-going charm and heritage. The city is most famous for its beautiful silks. Also well known are the imposing and opulent Royal Palace and Jaganmohan Palace (which houses the Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery), as well as the Brindavan Gardens (19 km) with their cascading and musical fountains. However, the lasting memory of a visit to this charming city is the all pervading fragrance of sandalwood, musk, jasmine and rose. The city is a major manufacturing centre for 'agarbatti* (incense sticks) which find their way to homes right across India, being lit near each family's deity.