Mysore Holidays

Spacious, gracious Mysore seems to have been designed to a completely different template from other Indian cities. The Wadiyar kings who ruled here for more than 500 years until Independence were more passionate about art and culture than conquest, and you can see that preoccupation in the plethora of stunningly maximalist palaces and more that they left behind. And it’s not just about the over-the-top buildings, but the spaces in between, with parks, gardens and avenues broad enough, you feel, for parades of elephants four abreast with bejewelled courtiers on their backs.

But regal influence extended far beyond architecture into other parts of the city’s life. Its signature sweetmeat was born in the royal kitchens, the factory that makes whisper-soft Mysore silk for saris was established by one of the maharajas, and the patronage and participation of many of the princes helped to create a rich and distinctive classical music scene that thrives to this day. They even had a hand in helping a new form of yoga flourish here.

Indulge yourself in the city’s highbrow delights under the guidance of our Mysore specialists, whose little black books have the details of all the best experiential tours and suitably historic hotels.