Karnataka

Karnataka is a four hour flight from Jaipur to Bangalore. We spent time in Mysore and at Coorg. Mysore is a small city of "only" 1 million people with a pleasant climate popular with middle class retirees. The city is steeped in history with the Summer Palace of the fabled Tipu Sultan lying to the north on its island. The fabulous Maharajah's Palace and the wonderful temple complex at Chamundi Hill were also in focus.

From Mysore we moved to the bucolic World Heritage Global Biodiversity area of the Western Ghats at Coorg and the wonderfully relaxing Evolve Back resort with its coffee plantation and wonderful birdlife. Nearby is the Namdroling Buddhist Monastery which is worth a visit for its colour and humanity.