Bandipur National Park

Bandipur National Park is a wildlife sanctuary located 80 km from Mysore with several species of animals and birds. It was chosen as a tiger reserve by the WWF’s Project Tiger launched in 1973 to save the tiger. There are guided safaris so you can watch these animals in their natural habitat. The best time to catch a glimpse of wildlife is between May and October. There are also a few wildlife resorts in the area where you can stay such as Water Woods.

Brindavan Gardens

15 km from Mysore, Brindavan Gardens was constructed alongside a dam, covering several acres with manicured gardens on multi-tiered terraces. The garden and paths surround an artificial lake where visitors can take a boat ride. If you’re into dancing fountains (and who isn’t?), then you’ll love the musical fountain shows. You can get there via city bus #365, and there is a small entrance fee.

Bylakuppe Tibetan Settlements

Two generations of exiled Tibetans call India “home” at the Bylakuppe Settlements located approximately 2.5 hours from Mysore. It is a town in itself, rich with Tibetan culture that can be reached by bus, followed by a rickshaw or car ride. Artist cooperatives are scattered throughout where you can view and purchase traditional Tibetan arts and crafts.

Sera Je is Bylakuppe’s largest monastery with over 2,000 resident monks. Here you can stay at the guesthouse and be part of the morning puja if you wake early. Also, try and catch the debates that occur between the monks – these can be very interesting.

The largest Tibetan Buddhism teaching center is Namdroling monastery, which houses the Golden Temple where three golden images of Sakyamuni Buddha, Padmasambhava and Avalokitesvara have been placed facing Tibet. These statues stand approximately 40 feet tall and are made of gilded bronze. Visits to the Golden Temple can be arranged in advance by calling 822-369-4318.

Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary

A group of islands in the Cauvery River form a bird watcher’s paradise just 18 km from Mysore. This is home to many exotic birds, some from as far away as Siberia, Australia and North America. The best time to visit is between July and September. Boats take tourists around the tiny islands to view the birds and the occasional crocodile lying about.

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Chamundi Hill

On the outskirts of Mysore city is Chamundi Hill. You can get there by auto-rickshaw or city bus 201. Entrance is free, but be prepared for all the vendors anxious to sell you postcards and trinkets.

You can either ride most of the way or take the 1,000 steps to the top. Along the climb, there are vantage points to park and take in the view of Mysore City. Halfway up is a 5-meter high granite statue of Nandi, Shiva’s mount. At the apex is the beautiful Gopuram of Chamundi Temple. Also, nearby are the temple of Mahabaleswara and a statue of Mahishasura, the demon slaughtered by goddess Chamundi, a form of Kali.

Government Silk Factory

Telephone: 821-248-1803
The famous Mysore silk is woven here. You can tour the factory and then visit the showroom and purchase silk at factory prices. However, you must get permission in advance in order to visit.

Government Sandalwood Oil Factory

Telephone: 821-248-3651
As with the silk factory, you must get permission in advance to visit the factory where aromatic sandalwood oil is produced.

Jaganmohan Palace Art Gallery

Telephone: 821-242-3693
Built in the mid 1800s, this auditorium and pavilion have since been converted into an art gallery. Paintings of the royal family show their genealogy. Also on display is some of the personal property of the maharajas such as furniture, glass, chinaware, sculpture and musical instruments.

Lalitha Mahal Palace

Telephone: 821-247-4266
Telephone: 821-247-4268
Near the base of Chamundi Hill, is the Lalitha Mahal Palace, which was originally built for guests of the royal family. It now serves as one of the most luxurious hotels in Mysore.  Occasionally, you will find yoga students visiting the pool here for the day. It is quieter than the Southern Star pool and much less of a scene, but a bit of a drive to get to.

Mysore Palace

Telephone: 821-243-4425
After the old palace was partially destroyed by fire in 1897, the new Mysore Palace was built of granite on the old foundation. The palace has a gilded dome tower and is surrounded by a large courtyard. The architecture inside the palace is amazing! Stained glass, intricately decorated domes, murals, beautiful doors, carved figures and friezes are only of few of the captivating details. One of the most prized possessions of the palace is the royal throne made of figwood, ivory, gold & silver that is only displayed during the Dasara celebration.

Every Sunday night between 7 – 8 pm and during the 10-day Dasara festival in October, Mysore Palace is lit up with thousands of white lights, almost reminiscent of a Disney attraction. People gather on the lawn on Sunday evenings to watch dance or musical events that take place at this time.  The inside of the palace is open for public viewing from 10 am – 5:30 pm for a small entrance fee. Cameras and shoes are not allowed inside.

Mysore Zoo

Telephone: 821-244-0752
Just like any zoo, it’s sad yet intriguing at the same time. The zoo was started in the late 1800s and has grown into 91 acres. The tigers are quite impressive. They are huge and with a roar that will forever be imprinted in your memory. It’s open 8:30 – 5:30 pm except Tuesdays.

Rail Museum

Telephone: 821-242-8750
Established in the 1970s, the Rail Museum is a collection of royal family coaches, engines, railway signals and railway memorabilia. The museum is open 9 am – 6 pm every day except Tuesdays.

St. Philomena’s Church

Telephone: 821-256-3148
St. Philomena’s Church is one if the largest churches in India. Built in the Gothic style with beautiful stained glass windows, the church is open from 5 am – 6 pm. On the outside of the church is the entrance to an underground  chamber worth exploring.

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Besides your passport, you will need a visa to travel to India. Requests for visas are now handled by Travisa Outsourcing, a private contractor to the Indian Embassy. For US citizens applying for a tourist visa, you will need the following.

1. The online visa application form.
2. Your passport with a minimum validity of six months from the date of application with at least two blank visa pages. (Last 2 amendment pages are not acceptable.)
3. 2 current identical passport size photographs (black/white or color) depicting front pose against light background on photographic paper.
4. Proof of residence/address. Photocopy of driver license or utility bill is acceptable.

The tourist visa fees for US nationals as of 2008 are 6 months for US $73, US $98 for 1 year, and US $163 for 5 to 10 years. Irrespective of the duration of validity of visa, the maximum period of stay in India is limited to 6 months (180 days) with multiple entries allowed. But you MAY be able to bypass this limitation by taking copies of your visa and your passport along with four passport size photos to the Foreigner Registration Office at the Mysore district police (see “Directory”) and applying for a registration certificate and residential permit within 15 days of arrival. This way there is no need to leave the country every 6 months. Upon finally exiting India, every foreigner must surrender the certificate of registration either to the original Registration Office or to the Immigration Officer.

There are also different types of visas such as for business or study, but the most hassle-free way is with the tourist visa. For detailed information on applying for your visa, visit the India Visa website.

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Local Mysore Bus

Buses run frequently and are often crowded but very cheap at Rs. 2 – 4 so it’s best to carry coins. Once you board the bus, an attendant comes around to collect fares. For information on bus schedules and fares, you can contact the Mysore Main Bus Stand at 821-252-0853 or the City Bus Stand at 821-242-5819.

Rickshaws

An auto rickshaw is a 3-wheeled motorized “taxi.”  Getting a rickshaw in Mysore is rarely a problem except early in the morning or late at night. Ask to make sure that the meter is working first. If the meter is not working, agree on a price beforehand or get another rickshaw. Most one-way rickshaw rides within Mysore will cost approximately Rs. 10 – 40. After 10 pm, the drivers typically charge 50% over the meter and after midnight double the meter, but this can often be negotiated. If you ask a rickshaw to wait for your return, the driver will most likely expect to be compensated for his time.

There aren’t many street signs in Mysore and some streets can go by a few names. So don’t be surprised when your driver tells you he knows where you want to go, but then pulls over three times to ask for directions. Rickshaw drivers are also notorious for not having change; so make sure to travel with small bills or coins.

A good, reliable rickshaw driver is Krishna in Gokulam. He is available 24 hours a day and provides rickshaw transportation, sightseeing services and airport pick-up or drop-off.

Bike and Moped Rental

If you can manage the traffic in Mysore, you can drive anywhere! Driving here entails dodging cows, maneuvering through clouds of exhaust, driving on the left-hand side of the road, avoiding potholes, crawling over speed bumps, using hand signals and honking your horn frequently and often unnecessarily. An international driving permit is a legal requirement for mopeds and scooters and can result in a fine if you fail to present one. You can rent a bike for approximately Rs. 15 per day or a moped/scooter for around Rs. 1,500 per month. The facilitators listed in the “Services” chapter can help you rent a bike or moped.

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The nearest airport to Mysore is Bangalore International Airport about 140 kilometers in Bangalore, the capital of the Indian state of Karnataka and the third most populated city. Several airlines now service Bangalore either by direct or connecting flight.

Domestic

Indian Airlines
Cauvery Bhawan, Kempe Gowda Road,
Bangalore-560009.
Phone:+91-80-141, 224 6793
Airport Phone: +91-80-522 5973,522 2533.

Jet Airways
1/4, Unity Bldg, JC Rd, Block M
Bangalore – 560002.
Phone : +91-80-2291613.
Airport Phone: +91-80-5220671.

Sahara India Airline
Church Street, Bangalore – 560001.
Phone: +91-80-558 4147.
Airport Phone: +91-80-522 1287.

International

Air India
Unity Building, J.C Road, Bangalore – 560002.
Phone: +91-80-227 7752

Air Lanka
G5, Imperial Court, Cunningham Road,
Bangalore – 560002.
Phone: +91-80-226 7613.

British Airways
St.Marks Road Bangalore – 560001.
Phone: +91-80-227 1205.

Bulgarian Airways
Cunningham Road, Bangalore – 560002.
Phone: +91-80-226 2814.

Cathay Pacific
The Taj West End, Race Course Road,
Bangalore – 560001.
Phone: +91-80-220 2713.

Ethopian Airlines
Cunningham Road, Bangalore 560002.
Phone: +91-80-226 2814.

Japan Airlines
Devatha Plaza, Residency Road,
Bangalore – 560025.
Phone: +91-80-227 8757.

KLM Airlines
The Taj West End, Race Course Road,
Bangalore – 560001.
Phone: +91-80-225 9281.

Kuwait Airways
Sunrise Chambers, Ulsoor Road,
Bangalore – 560042.
Phone:+91-80-558 9841.

Lufthansa
Dickenson Road, Bangalore – 560042.
Phone: +91-80-558 7545.

Malaysian Airlines
Richmond Circle, Bangalore – 560025.
Phone: +91-80-207 5011.

Pakistan International Airlines
Brigade Road, Bangalore – 560001.
Phone: +91-80-558 3074

Quantas
West Minister, Cunningham Road,
Bangalore – 560052.
Phone: +91-80-226 4719.

Singapore Airlines
Richmond Road, Bangalore – 560025.
Phone: +91-80-286 7868.

Swiss Air
Richmond Road, Bangalore – 560025.
Phone: +91-80-221 1983.

Thai Airways
Richmond Road, Bangalore – 560025.
Phone: +91-80-221 9810.

Orbitz has a search engine that provides price comparisons regarding flights, but you can usually find better rates elsewhere. It’s a good Web site to start searching and then shop around from there. Besides the airline Web sites, there are many consolidators that can often provide cheaper rates. Make My Trip and Air Gorilla offer decent rates, to name a couple. From the continental US, expect to pay approximately US $1,200 – $1,800 for a restricted round-trip economy class ticket.

Bangalore Taxi

Probably the easiest way to go door-to-door from Bangalore to Mysore is to hire a taxicab. This way you don’t have to deal with getting to or from the train or bus station. You can pre-arrange a car by contacting one of the facilitators below or a travel agency. The ride is approximately four hours long due to the poor road conditions rather than the actual distance. If you are landing in Bangalore in the late night/early morning, the traffic won’t be as bad as in the daytime. The taxis are big white cars called Ambassador and the fare will cost you about Rs. 2,000 (approximately US $50) one way plus another Rs. 200 for an air-conditioned vehicle. If this is your first experience driving in India, be prepared for lots of horn honking, lane changing and head-on games of chicken.

Facilitators:
Shiva: 9844226082
Murthy: 9880265622 or tskittymurthy@yahoo.co.in
Ganesh: 08214288120 ganeshmysore@gmail.com

Bangalore Bus

Buses from Bangalore to Mysore depart often from the central bus station. You will need to get a rickshaw to take you there from the airport. Visit India Interstate Transit for fares and bus schedules from Bangalore to Mysore. The cheapest fare starts at Rs. 70.

Train

There are express and regular trains to Mysore from Bangalore. For the “Shatabdi Express” you will need to make reservations. You can check the train schedule at Indian Railways for up-to-date information. The Mysore Railway Station can be reached by telephone at 821-252-1751.

See Ashtanga City – The Westerner’s Guide to Mysore for sample train and bus schedules.

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