Karnataka

The Western Ghats come alive from July to September. Coorg and Chikmagalur turn misty and green, Agumbe earns its title as the "Cherrapunji of the South," and Jog Falls reaches full force from August to October. The coast gets very heavy rain, so beach holidays suit October to March, and Hampi is most comfortable from October to February.

A practical loop starts in Bengaluru (Bangalore), heads to Mysuru, climbs to Coorg and Chikmagalur, drops down to the coast at Udupi, Murudeshwar and Gokarna, and then crosses inland to Hampi before returning. The full loop takes 12 to 14 days. With five or six days, Bengaluru, Mysuru and Coorg make a compact southern circuit.

Mysuru is about 145 km away, roughly two and a half hours on the expressway. Coorg and Chikmagalur are around 250 km, a five to six hour drive. Hampi is about 340 km, reachable by overnight train to Hosapete. Gokarna, at about 480 km, is often easier to reach from Goa's airports or via the Konkan Railway.

The Vijaya Vittala Temple, with its stone chariot and musical pillars, deserves the longest visit, followed by the Virupaksha Temple, which is still in active worship. The Royal Enclosure, Lotus Mahal, Elephant Stables and Queen's Bath form the royal centre. End with sunset from Hemakuta Hill or Matanga Hill, and take a coracle ride on the Tungabhadra.

Mysore Palace is lit with nearly 100,000 bulbs every Sunday and on public holidays, usually for about 45 minutes from 7 PM. During the ten days of Mysuru Dasara, the palace is illuminated every night, and the festival ends with the Jamboo Savari, a grand procession of decorated elephants. On other evenings, a sound and light show runs at the palace.