Mysore

Tailor-made 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.

Plan your holiday withAlfred&

Your journey will start with one of our UK team – someone like Malcolm, who's travelled extensively in India. They’ll shape your ideas into the trip of a lifetime. But they won't do it alone. They'll draw on the expertise of our contacts on the ground, connecting you to the people who'll make your holiday one you'll always remember.

Malcolm Holcroft

India Travel Expert for Alfred&

A wildlife and history fan, Malcolm Holcroft is drawn to India for its national parks and UNESCO-listed monuments. His Indian adventures include traversing the Golden Triangle, taking tiger-spotting safaris in Kanha and sipping beer in Mumbai’s historic cafés. Malcolm will never forget getting stuck behind a wedding party on his way to Jaipur, with revellers dancing to booming music in the streets.
Sharath Kumar

Kathakali Maestro

Sharath began learning the classical dance of bharatnatyam at the tender age of 5 and his kathakali journey began soon after. He has had the privilege of working with several great maestros and has competed in various festivals winning many prizes. He represented India in the World Youth Festival held in Havana in 1978 as India’s youngest cultural ambassador and has travelled the world performing to audiences including Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and former American Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton.
Ishwar Dewani

Tie dye guru

Ishwar Dewani is an expert in the art of Banhani, tie dye, in his hometown of Jodhpur. The tradition was passed down to Ishwar from his grandfather and he still follows their original techniques today, yet with additional colours and designs. Ishwar loves sharing his passion for tie dye through workshops and owns a small boutique store where he sells his colourful clothes.
Chandra Kala Purohit

Cook and host

Chandra Kala Purohit lives in Jodhpur with her husband Lalit, a former tour guide who loved to invite visitors in for tea – which is how the Blue House cooking classes began. An accomplished chef, Chandra learnt her skills from her mother and grandmother, later passing them down to her own daughter. Chandra loves hosting guests in her home and teaching them how to make authentic Rajasthani food.
Ritu Kalra

Founder of Old Delhi Rickshaw Tours, Alfred&'s partner in India

Growing up, Ritu Kalra would visit her grandparents’ Mughal-era haveli in Old Delhi and was fascinated by their stories of the city. After graduating from Delhi University, Ritu worked in the financial industry for many years before launching her passion project in 2010: When in India Tours. Ritu lives in Delhi with her husband and son and is a travel freak who loves cooking, yoga and showcasing her hometown to travellers.
Rajeev Goyal

Co-founder of Delhi Photo Tour, Alfred&'s partner in India

A chef by profession, Rajeev Goyal co-founded Delhi Photo Tour in 2010, the first company of its kind in the city. Rajeev loves to share his passion for photography with guests, helping them capture unique images of everyday life in Delhi. Rajeev specialises in portrait photography and is an expert in framing, lighting and determining advanced shutter and lens settings.