Mysore was once the capital of the Wodeyar kingdom and is still one of the finest cities of southern India. Small, easygoing, sandal wood country, a crafts crazy city, friendly people going about their business in the city of gardens, tree-lined boulevards, art galleries and a palace - that's Mysore. The city lies 140 km from Bangalore (the closest airport), and is connected to it by good highway and rail connections. Lalitha Mahal Palace is the preferred stay option - one of the erstwhile palaces converted to a hotel.