Bangalore is one of the most sophisticated and developed metropolises in the country. Not only is it headquarters to some of the top corporations and MNCs in India, it is also the melting point of numerous cultures and has one of the liveliest entertainment scenes in our country. Like most burgeoning cities that are teeming with population, however, the green spaces of the city (which were once its lifeline) have now started disappearing.
Visitors to Bangalore, in addition to looking for the best hotels in Bangalore, also look forward to a weekend road trip to chinch their share of adventure, greenery, and natural bounty. Bangalore is blessed in many ways. One of these is the city’s proximity to some wonderful getaways. Mysore, the erstwhile capital of the Mysore Kingdom, is merely 150 kilometres away and this is one favourite road trip that every Bangalorean tries to take at regular intervals.
The Journey and The Destination
It is often said that it is the journey that matters and not the destination. When it comes to taking a Bangalore to Mysore road trip, the journey and the destination both vie for attention. The mesmerising ride – be it a car drive or a motorbike ride – is dotted by the most fabulous places and scenic views. The royal city of Mysore with its grandiose palace, the towering Chamundeshwari Temple, and the beautiful Botanical Gardens is a befitting end to the beautiful journey.
Image Courtesy: Ritwik via Wikimedia Commons
While an ordinary road trip of about 150 kilometres can be covered in about 3 hours, particularly given the excellent conditions of NH275, you may want to stretch this out as long as possible, taking time to enjoy the small communities, the great art and culture scene, the eateries and the views en route.
Some of the wonderful places you are likely to come across on the road trip from Bangalore to Mysore are Ramanagaram, Channapatna, Mandya, Shivanasamudra, Talakadu, and Srirangapatna.
Movie buffs may remember the rocky outcrops of Ramanagaram as the setting in which the epic movie Sholay was filmed. The nearby Ramadevarabetta is a favourite with ornithologists and bird watchers who try to spot the elusive Long Billed Vultures among other birds.
Mandya is often referred to as Sakkara Nadu or the land of Sugar. Not only is it known for its sugar plantations, it is also the cultural hub of Karnataka which was part of the Chola empire, the Vijayanagara samrajya, the Hoysala Kingdom, and the heartland of Tipu Sultan’s kingdom. In fact, Tipu Sultan’s mortal remains are buried in Mandya.
The township of Shivanasamudra, on the banks of the river Cauvery is best known for the Shivanasamudra Falls, one of the many awe-inspiring falls in the southwestern part of the country. The 300-feet segmented falls is the perfect place for photography lovers to exercise their skills. Talakadu is now a ghost town that you will pass through after Shivanasamudra. This settlement once had over 30 temples that speak volumes of a glorious settlement in the 16th century. Take your time and admire the remains of these temples before you proceed to Srirangapatna.
Those who are familiar with the golden history of Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan and their reigns know how important Srirangapatna was in the history and culture of the region. Stop at the grand Ranganathaswamy Temple of Srirangapatna and pay your tribute to Lord Vishnu before you proceed to the green and serene city of Mysore. We have already mentioned some of the top attractions of Mysore but the right time to visit this wonderful city is during the Dasara, the Navratri festival when the entire city decks up in all its splendour.
Colonel Bailey’s Dungeon.
Image Courtesy:
Tom Walsh via Wikimedia Commons
We may list a number of reasons why you must take an exciting road trip from Bangalore to Mysore, but unless you experience the joy of this experience you will miss out on the adventure. If you are looking for places to stay in Bangalore this vacation, it is best to look for a neighbourhood that is easily connected to NH275.
