Mysore is the cultural capital of Karnataka with excellent architectures, historical sites, shrines and scenic beauty. Today proceed on a short tour of Mysore city covering Mysore Zoo, Mysore Palace & Jagmohan Gallery. Visit the Mysore Zoo (closed on Tuesdays) - It was started by Chamaraja Wodeyar X initially as a private Zoo in 1892. It houses a wide range of animals and is one of the oldest zoos of the country. The Mysore zoo is the only zoo in India to have a Gorilla. The zoo is also a house to Chimpanzees and Orangutans. Other exotic animals found in Mysore zoo are Giraffes, Zebras, White Deer, African Elephants, Bears, Porcupines, Rhinoceros, Tapir, Otters etc. Visit the famous Mysore Palace (or Maharaja's Palace). This historical, royal place of residence of the Wadiyars is a splendid architectural feat and houses artefacts from the historic times. The Palace is set in carefully laid out gardens. It is a beautiful three storied stone building of fine gray granite and rich pink marble domes, overlooking this structure is a five-storied 145 foot tower whose domes are gilded in gold. Entry to the palace is through "Gombe Thotti" or Doll's Pavillion with traditional dolls of different times displayed and a wooden elephant decorated with gold. The kingdom's motto, "never be terrified" is written in Sanskrit on the entrance gate and the arch. Visit Jaganmohan Palace, an art gallery built during rule of Krishnaraja Wodeyar III in 1861 and displays largest collections of artefacts in South India. Mysore is also an ideal shopping destination. Explore shopping at the local market. Take home Mysore silk saris, Mysore sandalwood artefacts & handicrafts, incense sticks, coffee, wooden toys and traditional Mysore paintings called Ganjifa paintings. Return back to hotel. Overnight stay at Mysore hotel.