Mysore

Distance: Mysore is 140 Km from Bangalore

Journey Time: 3 hours by Bus, 2 and 1/2 hours – 3 hours by train and 2 and 1/2 hours by private vehicle

Route: Bangalore – Mysore state highway via Muddur, Mandya, Channapatna, Srirangapatna

How to reach there: Throughout the day KSRTC buses are available from the Majestic bus stand. Economy Suvarna buses cost Rs 75 per head, Rajhamsha buses(deluxe with push back seat) Rs 100 per head, a/c bus without push back Rs 160 and Airavatha(A/c volvo super deluxe bus) Rs 190 per head. Half ticket for kids below 12 years.  Buses are available every half an hour.

where to stay: Budget Hotels – Hotel Gupta(0821 – 2449002), Hotel Gayathri (opposite railway station, 2425654), Hotel Kalinga(opposite city bus stand, K.R circle 2431310, 070, 019), Hotel Ritz (B.N road, 2422668, 2429082)

Average Hotels: Hotel Shringar International(0821 – 2493294), KSTDC Mayura Yatri Nivas (Karnataka government run hotel at No. 2, Jhansi Laxmi Bai Road, ph – 2423492), KSTDC Mayura Hoysala (No. 2, Jhansi Laxmi Bai Road, ph -2425349, 2425597)

Luxuary Hotels: Nalapad Residency(New Bannimantap Extn, ph – 2491117), Lalitha Mahal Palace(ph – 2526100 to 2526198), The Viceroy( ph – 2424001, 2428001), Hotel ramanashree

Where to eat: Kairali Hotel (opposite KSRTC bus stand, ph – 2434211), Hotel kalinga (opposite to city bus stand)

Mysore is known as the heritage city of Karnataka and is the cultural center. Before independence(1947) it was the kingdom of Mysore and were ruled by the Wodeyar kings. The city of Mysore has a royal touch all over. There are a lots of things to see in and around Mysore. Lets start with Mysore:

1. Mysore Palace: The is the royal palace of the Mysore Wodeyar kings. The palace is a majestic building in the heart of Mysore city. It is a must see for the tourists. Entry fee Rs 20 per head and kinds below 12 years seems to be free. Photography inside the palace is prohibited, so please deposit your camera at the camera deposit counter for Rs 5. Also, you need to open you shoes before entering the palace. shoe/bad deposit counter are available. 1 pair of shoe 50 paise and 1 bag Rs 3. Read more…..

To view more pictures, click here.

2. Chamundi Hills: Chamundi hills is abode of goddes Chamundeshwari (goddes Durga). Hindu mythology has it that a demon Mahishasura was killed by goddes durga on this hills. These hills rises more than 3,800 feet. Atop the hills there is a temple of goddes Chamundeshwari and on the way down one can see a monolithic statue of Nandi(bull). There also various other small temples on these hills. One can get a panaromic view of all Mysore city from here. One remainder, please be cautious of money menace. Parking fee is Rs 10. Buses are available from the city bus stand, cost Rs 15 for ordinary buses and Rs 25 for Volvo buses.

To view more pictures, click here.

3. Brindavan garden: The Brindavan garden is one of the most beautiful ornamental gardens one can see. It also features various fountains and a musical fountain show in the evening. Idealy one should visit here by the evening. After dark it is a treak to the eyes. Earlier one could walk on the dam but now that is prohibited due to security. Entry fees is Rs 25, camera fee is Rs 50 amd Video camera Rs 100. Buses are available from city bus stand – ordinary bus cost Rs 10 and volvo buses cost Rs 35.

Brindavan garden is just besides Krishnaraja Sagar dam(KRS) on river Cauvery. The fountains harness the water pressure from the dam. The dam was constructed under the guidance of Sir Mirza Ismail, the then Dewan of Mysore.

To view more pictures, click here.

4. Sri Jayachmarajendra Art Gallery: Earlier known as Jagmohon palace was convert to this art gallery in 1875. The art gallery is one of the best in India and is unique in style. It is located opposite the city bus stand.

5. Mysore Zoo: The Mysore zoo is popular tourist destination among the locals as well as outsiders. The zoo has been quite well kept and animals seems to be in good condition. The zoo has a nice website, check the tariffs there. Tuesday is weekly holiday and is open from 8 am to 5.30 pm.

6. Karanji Lake: Karanji lake is one of the oldest water bodies in Mysore. After it revival, it has transformed into huge tourist attraction. Once can see migratory birds, butterfly park, do boating. The Regional Museum of Natural History is nearby. To check tariff and other info click here.

Courtesy: Nagesh Kamath

There are quite a few ways to see Mysore you can try like bus, auto, package tour and hired vehicle. If you are alone I suggest you go for package tour which cost around Rs 80 – 100 per head. If you are a group of 4 or more, then I suggest you hire a taxi which will show you all places in Mysore and nearby Srirangapatna for Rs 800 – 1000. Do bargain to get a good price and hire directly from the taxi stand near the KSRTC bus stand.

One of the best time to visit Mysore is during Dassera, when the city turns into a grand festival. However, make sure you book your hotel well in advance, if you visit around this time.

Also, visit the Mysore official tourism website: http://www.mysoretourism.org/

Around Mysore

1. Srirangapatna

2. Nanjangud

3. B.R Hills

4. M.M Hills

5. Talakadu

6. Balmuri and Edmuri falls

7. Bandipur National Park

8. Madhumalai Scantuary(Tamil nadu)