Mysore

Mysore, the capital of the erstwhile Mysore State, teems with reminiscences of a glorious past. Once ruled by the royal Wodeyar family, Mysore is a city of wide roads, lovely suburbs, laid-back extensions, sprawling gardens, and of course, palaces. The Mysore Palace, built in Indo-Saracenic style with domes, turrets, arches and colonnades, is a treasure trove of works of art from across the world. The Dasara Festival, celebrated every October with great pomp and pageantry, revisits the splendour of the past and attracts visitors from all over the world. Processions, parades and music create a riot of colour and excitement. Crowds jostle to catch a glimpse of the illuminated palace.

On the ninth and last day of the festival, a colourful procession of soldiers in ceremonial attire: Cavalry, infantry, caparisoned elephants, prancing horses and colourful tableaux wend their way from the palace gates to Bannimantap Stadium, where a torchlight parade and magnificent displays of horsemanship and fireworks mark the grand finale.