Short on time (well who is not), here is a quick way to see and understand Mysore and see the Sights Mysore has to offer through a 2 minute video. Enjoy a quick Video Guide to Mysore.
Mysore is known as the City of Palaces. Having been the Capital of Karnataka before it shifted to Bangalore, a large many royal families ruled here. Out of the many palaces built, those from the Wodeyar Dynasty are said to be quite noteworthy.
This former state capital is a seamless blend of old-world charm and modernity. It retains its tradition in music and dance, art and literature, and time-honoured crafts. Mysore today, is a pleasant and growing city in Karnataka with an old world charm, owing to its broad avenues, picturesque gardens, exceptional edifices and a salubrious climate .
Few Mysore resources
Map of Mysore
Mysore Hotels
Reviews of Mysore Tourism
Photos of Mysore
Videos of Mysore
Question & Answers on Mysore
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Video Guide to Mysore - Royal City of Palaces
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Karnataka Home stays - tariff, quality ratings and reviews.
Tariff and Reviews for HomeStays at Coorg, Chikmagalur, Hassan, Bangalore, Mysore, Hampi, Mangalore and Dandeli.
Karnataka and especially coorg have pioneered the concept of a Home Stays in India. The idea of giving the traveler a home away from home has started to gain momentum across the state.
Homestay facilitate you to get an insight into local people and their traditions. It gives you an opportunity to mingle and enjoy the local culture and hospitality. Homestays give tourists easy access to local cuisine, colorful festivals and intricate handicrafts of the local people. Home Stays are good options for single travellers especially females or women offering them great security. Some homestay’s allow the guest to be even share activities such as cooking in their kitchen. From the exapnsive coffee estates of Coorg, Chikmagalur and Shimoga to the tiny ancestral homes in Hampi Home Stays they are changing the way people in Karnataka experience places in our state.
Karnataka latest guidelines for HomeStays exempts taxes for Liquor served in Home Stays.
HomeStays are considered environmentally friendly since they promote commercial activity that does not disturb the fragile ecosystem of regions such as the Western ghat.
Finally, in a true HomeStay the families offering home-stay facilities to tourists will have to stay with the tourists and share their homes. It is not the spirit of home-stay when the family that owns the house stay away leaving the tourists to fend for themselves.
No standardization or ratings model yet for Home Stays - Reviews only solutions.
One problem with Home Stays is how do you research about their quality and standards before you travel. It will be a while before there is a model to certify home-stay facilities or classify them into categories which could be used by tourist to choose the good ones from the not so good home stays. A popular internet travel site HolidayIQ has evolved a model where they provide reviews from real travllers you have stayed in home stays and have rated them based on various parameters from food to service. Using these review travelers can make sure their chosen Home Stay is well-equipped and maintains minimum hygiene standards.
There are currently around 800 homestays in Karnataka. The goal is to take the number of homestays to 1,500, this will work out to 7,500 new room options for tourists.
Some of the popular home stays in tourism hotspots are covered below to guide you on your next stay away from home.
Top Home Stays in and around Coorg
Coorg HomeStays Costs and Reviews
In Coorg instead of constructing luxury hotels more coffee estates and traditional houses are being converted into HomeStays where tourists get to know the culture and tradition of the area. Previous post on how Homestays are the fastest growing hospitality sector in coorg.
Top Home Stays in and around Hampi
Hampi HomeStays Costs and Reviews
Top Home Stays in and around Mysore
Mysore HomeStays Costs and Reviews
You can find more about Mysore homestays in this few post a few months ago
Top Home Stays in and around Hassan or Sakleshpur
Hassan HomeStays Costs and Reviews
Top Home Stays in and around Chikmagalur
Chikmagalur HomeStays Costs and Reviews
Top Home Stays in and around Mangalore
Home Stays in Arecanut plantations coming soon in Mangalore
Top Home Stays in and around Bangalore or Nandi Hills
Bangalore HomeStays Costs and Reviews
Top Home Stays in and around Kabini Wildlife Reserve
Kabini HomeStay Costs and Reviews
Top Home Stays in and around Gokarana
Nimmu Guesthouse
Top Home Stays in and around Udupi
Apna Holiday Home Stay
Top Home Stays in and around Dandeli
Dandeli Home Stay
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Island Tourism in Karnataka
Quick Travel Guide to Islands and Islets of Karnataka
Karnataka’s Tourism has always been know for its World famous Heritage sites but very little information is available in one place on all the Islands one can hop and the related activities from beach picnics to water sports.
The famous Rivers of Karnataka River Kali and River Cauvery not only create some the world’s greatest waterfalls in Karnataka they also carve out beautiful islands and Islets. These desolate and sometimes inhabited islands create some of the most unique travel experiences for Nature and Beach enthusiasts.
Island around Karwar
An archipelago of islands along the coast of Karwar offer some of the most beautiful coastal beaches, enchanting natural splendor and arguably the best diving sites in India. Making Karwar and further up on the West coast Gokarna the new hotspots for beach Tourism in India.
Popular islands near Karwar are DevBagh Island, Anjadiv Island, Kurumgad Island, Oyster Rock (Devgad Island), Sanyasi Island, Sadashivgad Island and Madlimgadh Island. Karwar know for its sparkling azure waters is where there is confluence of the Kali river with the Arabian sea.
DevBagh Island
The most beautiful of all the Karwar Island, this resort is just 22 km south of the Goa border and 2 and half hours from Goa. It can be reached by boat from Karwar. The beaches are pristine and private.
Thickly populated with green casuarinas trees the name literally means the garden of gods.
A great spot to watch Dolphins, it is also a popular Water sports destination. Alternatively you can take a Trawler trip and Island hop across the Kumaragarh Island, Oyster Rock, Anjadiv Island or Anjudeep Island and Sanyasi Islands.
An extremely serene and romantic place it is very popular with Honeymooners. Devbagh also had a great influence on Rabindranath Tagore who stayed here in his younger days. He also penned a poem “Prakritir Pratishodh” about this place.
Devbagh's most popular resort is the Jungle Lodges Devbagh Island Beach Resort
Kurumgad Island
A tortoise shaped island 4 km off the coast of Karwar (it takes a 20-minute motorboat ride to reach this desolate Island).
The Island is now privately owned and belongs to a Coffee Planter Suresh Mathias. It was ruled by different dynasties including the Vijayanagar Empire.
Atop a hill there is an old Narasimha temple that draws thousands of devotees every year during a annual jatra.
An ideal place to spot seals this rock formation according to Geologists was formed from Earthquake activity 300 million years ago.
The Kurmagad Island nearby has an old fort and a Narasimha shrine, worth a visit.
Great Outdoors Island Resort at Karwar is located at Kurumgad Island at 45 mins ferry ride from Karwar
Sadashivgad Island
This Island is connected with a 1 Km long bridge. This densely populated hamlet is a few Km from the mainland of Karwar. The Island has a famous fort and Durgadevi temple. The fort leads to a hill from where you get great views of the sea and Islands including Devbagh. The fort itself is quite dilapidated and very little remains.
Estuary View Resort is an Ayurveda Resort located at on a hill overlooking the Devbagh Island and Kali River at Sadashivgad, Karwar (Karnataka, India).
Anjadiv Islands (Anjadip or Angediva)
With an area of 1.5 sq km, it is the largest of the karwar Panchdiva chain of five Islands. Anji stands for five in Tamil and it denotes the fifth Island.
It is a 30 min boat ride 4 Km. This idyllic Island is home to the Indian Navy.
The island has some remains of the bygone Portuguese era, some old houses and Chruch ruins. Portuguese poet Luis de Camoes described it as the "Island of Amours".
Map of Anjadiv Islands
Madlimgadh Island
This Island is used as a Picnic spot; both Wild Buffalos and the British have inhabited this small island.
Sanyasi Island
Most of the Island resorts provide a complimentary boat trip to the Sanyasi Island. There is an interesting legends about this Island, in ancient times, a sage sought refuge on this island for penance and hence the name.
Devgad Island
Also know as Oyster Rocks these are a group of islands and rocks, There is a Lighthouse on the main summit at Devad gudda. There is thick forest growth on this hill top.
Map for Devgad Island
Map of Kawar
Best time to Visit Karwar and Karwar facts
Islands around Murudeshwar, Bhatkal and Honowar
Nethrani Island (Netragudo, Netrani or Pigeon Island)
Nethrani is a small uninhabited island, 18 km southwest off a small fishing village Murdeshwar and is shaped like a upturned boat with some vegetation along the rocky outcrop. The Island is famous for its Shiva temple and for having some of the best dive sites in world (You do have to travel to far of sites in Andamans or Lakshadweep).
You can see everything from Turtles to Barracuda. The diversity of marine life here is truly amazing and great spot to watch whales (August is the season when Tiger sharks come to Netrani Island).
Nethrani is also an excellent picnic spot.
The dive sites range from 6 to 40 metres deep and are famous for their clear waters (Visibility from 15 to 30 meters). Nethrani’s rich coral reefs are teeming with schools of marine life including Barracuda, Jacks, Snappers, Red tooth triggerfish, Indian Bannerfish, large shark- like Cobia, Groupers, Honeycomb Moray Eels, Pufferfish and Napoleon Wrasse.
Netrani Island, a coral reef, 18 km off Murdeshwar in the Arabian Sea, will be a national marine park, according to a proposal to be submitted to the Centre.
To reach the island you can take a boat from Murudeshwar or optionally hire a trawler from Bhatkal/Honowar. (Watch the colour of the sea change from turquoise to crystal clear dark deep blue as you cross 9 km range from Murdeshwar)
Distances from closeby travel destinations
Goa 220 Km (Four hour drive)
Bhatkal 16 km
Mangalore 165 Km
Bangalore 465 km
Karwar 120 Km
Shimoga 195 Km
BMIC and Barracuda Diving, Goa, organises weekend tours to the island.
Basavaraja Durga Island
It is situated about 3 kms from Honnavar. The island is famous for its historical Island fort, built during the regime of Shivappa Nayaka, king of Keladi dynasty.
Island of Mallikurve
Islands around Udupi and Malpe
St. Mary’s Island, Panna Island and Darya Bahadurgadh Island are few of the Islands you can visit from Maple.
St. Mary’s Island
St. Mary's Island is 300 m long and 100 m wide and its uniqueness is in the basalt rock formations that rise abruptly from the sea bed in various shapes.
It is a popular picnic spots with locals and tourists alike.
More about Boat rides to St. Marys Island in this post.
Panna Island
This is small situated nearly 5 kms from St. Mary's Island
Darya Bahadurgadh Island
Daria-Bahadurgad Island the northern-most island also close to near Udupi or Malpe is famous for its export of processed fish. While on this Island you can visit the Balarama Temple and Malpe's oldest tile factory.
Map of Udupi
Best time to Visit Udupi and more Udupi Facts
Islands around Dandeli
Dandeli is famous for the many tiny islets that exist in the midst of the extensive back waters from the Supa reservoir. All these islands are uninhabited and provide a serene environment for Camping.
You can find more about Boat rides in this post on Water sports.
Resorts near Dandeli – (Jungle Lodges Kali Wilderness Camp, Bison River Resort, Jungle Camp Resort)
Map of Dandeli
Best Time to Visit Dandeli and Facts about Dandeli
Islands around Mysore and Bangalore
The river Cauvery and its tributaries form many islands along the way from Coorg down to Tamilnadu. The main islands of Srirangpatnam and Sivasamudram are easily accessible from both Mysore and Bangalore. It is recommended that you base yourself in Mysore if you plan to visit these islands.
Srirangpatnam Island
Srirangpatnam 140 Km from Bangalore and 15 Km from Mysore is one of the Islands formed by the river Cauvery. The Island is 5 kms long and 1 km wide with the River Cauvery forming a natural moat. The breach on the Islands’s fort wall made by the British forces, which brought down the Sultan, can still be seen near the bridge. (The original bridge called the Wellesley Bridge is the only link with the fort).
All the dynasties, of whose kingdom this island had formed a part, have left their relics and monuments here – the Hoysalas of 11th century, the Vijayanagar kings of Chanidragiri in 17th century, the Hyder Ali-Tipu Sultan clan, then the French and finally the British. Thankfully after the battle for Sriragpatnam the Britsh ransacked the city and destroyed Tipu’s palace but they left the religious structures intact Popular relics are the temple of Shri Ranganatha which is a blend of Hoysala and Vijayanagar architecture, a Jain basdi dedicated to Adinatha, houses images of all the 24 tirthankaras and the Jama Masjid with two minarets built by Tipu(He lies buried beside his father in the tomb Gumad-e-Ala).
To have complete view of the island, you can go up to Karighatta Hill where the British had placed their cannons during the siege of Srirangapattana. From this hill about five kilometres away you will get a good view of entire landsacpe. There is also a small temple on top.
Some Home Stays and Hotel options in Mysore
Map of Srirangapattana
Best time to visit Srirangapattana and Facts about Srirangapattana
Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary Island
Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, 4 Kms to the South West of Srirangapatna is situated on the banks of the Cauvery River. Ranganathittu attained the status of a bird sanctuary in 1940, courtesy of the visions of India ’s famous ornithologist. Dr. Salim Ali who, during his survey of the birds of Mysore , advocated for the establishment of such a sanctuary.
It includes six isolated islets, which provides abundance of aquatic insects during the monsoon making Ranganathittu a favorite destination for migratory birds. Some species of birds that have made Ranganthittu their home are spoonbills, open bill storks, darters, white Ibis, little cormorants, egret, heron, partridge, river tern, stone plougher, snake bird, and other exotic bird species that fly to the sanctuary in large flocks. The birds begin arriving in the sanctuary in December every year, breed and move out with the little ones in August.
The best time to visit this Sanctuary is between June - November.
Ranger-guided boat tours of the isles are available throughout the day, early mornings and evenings are best times to catch all the birds. You can also get to see crocodiles, otters and bats
Sivasamudram Island
80 km from Mysore, 27 km from Somanathapura and 40 km from Mandya is the island town Sivasamudram. The river Cauvery bifurcates forming the sacred islands of Sivasamudram,
Around Sivasamudram are the scenic twin Sivasamudram Falls of Bhar Chukki and Gagana Chukki, plunging 320 ft and reaching a width of 1,000 ft in the rainy season (the most alluring sights on the Island). The falls supply hydroelectric power to Mysore and Bangalore. There are temples dedicated to Ranganatha, Someswara, Veerabhadra and Mariamma.
Islands around Coorg
Cauvery Nisargadama
The river Cauvery originates at the foot of Brahmagiri hills at a place called Talacauvery, the meandering river has created a cluster of islands and islets teeming with greenery, flora and bird life. Nisargadhama is one of the biggest and most picturesque.
2 km from Kushalnagar lies on the highway linking Madikeri and Mysore is where you can find this riverine island carved by the Cauvery river in the plains. Nisargadhama teems with lush foliage, thick bamboo groves, teak, and rosewood trees. A wooden bridge (75-metre high), fixed with steel cables to trees at both the ends, is the only approach to this islet from this mainland. The snady beds of the river provide for a great picnic spot, you find deer, elephants and can take boat rides. Do not miss the 45-min walk along the rim of the island.
Map of Coorg
Best time to Visit Coorg and more Coorg Facts
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Top Home Stays in Mysore
Homestay facilitate you to get an insight into local people and their traditions. It gives you an opportunity to mingle and enjoy Mysore's culture and hospitality. Homestays give tourists easy access to local cuisine, colorful festivals and intricate handicrafts of Mysore.
Palysden # 252, A Block, 3rd Stage, Vijaynagar, Mysore
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Mysore Dasara Highlights and Tourist Guide
Mysore Tourism's FlagshipEvent Mysore Dasara is all set to take of Oct 12th
Dates of the Festival – 12th Oct to 21st Oct
Festival Inauguration from Chamundeshwari or Chamundi Hill – Oct 12th
Number of Tourists expected to attend the Dasara Festival – 1.2 Million
Key Performers – Hema Malini, Sonu Nigam, Usha Uthup and Kunnukkudi Vaidyanathan
Vintage Car Rally from Bangalore to Mysore – Oct 13th
21st Oct 2007 Afternoon - Dasara Procession (Jumbo Savari)
21st Oct 2007 Evening – Torchlight Parade
Palace will be illuminated with more than 96,000 bulb lights.
Illumination Time: 7.00 PM to 10 PM from Oct 12th to Oct 21st
Entry to the Palace will be restricted between 1.30 PM to 5.30 PM on Oct 12th and Oct 20th and no Entry on 21st on the day of Vijayadashmi procession.
Must know key telephone nos for Dasara Information Centre 9900801675, 9900804061
Most convenient and hassle free way to see the Dasara is to buy the Gold Card
Official Website
Saturday, October 6, 2007
Mysore Dasara 2007, Quick Guide - History and Highlights
Mysore Dasara 2007 in a NutShell
Dasara is Karnataka’s State festival know as Nadahabba. It is part of Navarathri the 10 day pan-india Hindu festival and with the last day Vijayadashmi being the most auspicious day of Dasara. The Dasara festivities were first performed by Wodeyor King, Raja Wodeyar I (1578-1617 CE) in the year 1610. Since then it has been a tradition for the celebration of the festival to be steered by the Royal Family of Mysore. The royal family of Mysore performs special pooja on the occasion of Dasara. During Dasara, the entire City is gaily decorated and illuminated.
Tip: Most convenient and hassle free way to see the Mysore Dasara is to buy the Mysore Dasara Gold Card
Mysore Dasara 2007 Festival Dates – 12th Oct to 21st Oct 2007
Key Dasara 2007 Progams
- 21st Oct 2007 Afternoon - Dasara Procession (Jumbo Savari)
- 21st Oct 2007 Evening – Torchlight Parade
Rest of the events & program guide can be found at the Mysore Dasara Site and the Mysore Tourism Guide.
New Home Stay options in Mysore for Dasara 2007
Home Stays are accommodation options that help the local community to showcase the ethnic culture and heritage to Tourists both domestic and international. Home Stays were launched during the last Mysore Dasara to help bridge Mysore's peak Tourist season accommodation crunch. Unfortunately Mysore Tourism has not been as fortunate as Coorg or Kodagu when it comes to creating sustaining affordable Home Stays which have become symbols of Eco-Tourism in Karnataka State. The Mysore Tourism dept.’s initiative derived from the age old Indian tradition of Atithi Devo Bhava (the guest is an embodiment of God) has never really taken root in this Tourist friendly town. The reason reasons being clearly linked to the new Boom town that Mysore is fast transitioning into very similar to the Bangalore of the early 90’s. Unlike Coorg where there are few options to monetize one’s house or space, in Mysore Home Stays are less sustainable when compared to other commercials options available to property owners. Most of last year's Home Stay property owners in Mysore have rented/converted their Home Stays to Corporate Guest Houses.
Mysore’s peak Tourism is just from October to February unlike Coorg which is popular round the year. This results in property owners having to sustain the long tourist lean period when there are few takers for Home Stays. There is tremendous short fall in accommodation during the Dasara period and Atithi or Home stay options are a boon for budget travelers. Here are few functioning Home Stay options in Mysore that will let you experience the local culture and authentic Mysore food. Home Stays for Dasara 2007.
In addition there are more expensive Top Rated Hotel and Resort options at Mysore for this year’s Dasara.
Wind Flower Resort & Spa, Mysore
Royal Orchid Metropole, Mysore
Regaalis Hotel, Mysore
Ginger Hotel, Mysore
Lalitha Mahal Palace Hotel, Mysore
Have a great Dasara.
