Mysore or Mysuru, the city of palaces, has a lot of interesting destinations for visitors. There are a number of destinations situated in the city within a short distance from it. Visitors can easily reach these spots from Mysore in less than two hours. These destinations are ideal for group outings or one-day trips and offer a refreshing time away from the busy city life.
Let us take a look at 5 such destinations that you can drive to in less than 2 hours from Mysore:
Kabini Forest Reserve
Kabini Forest Reserve is one of the most popular wildlife destinations of Karnataka. It is located at a distance of 80 km from Mysore, on the Mysore-Manathavady Road. Kabini Forest Reserve forms the south-eastern part of the famous Nagarhole National Park. Situated on the banks of the River Kabini, it was once the private hunting ground for the Maharajas of Mysore.
The Kabini Dam stands near the the Reserve and is a lovely place to visit.
- Activities: Bird watching, boating, cycling, walking, etc.
- Best time to Visit: Between October and February
Bheemeshwari
Bheemeshwari is a small town in the Mandya district of Karnataka that has emerged as one of the popular tourist destinations of the state. It is located at a distance of 67 km from Mysore. Bheemeshwari is a great place for eco-tourism. The main attraction of Bheemeshwari is that it is a natural habitat for the Mahseer fish found in the waters of the River Kaveri (Cavery).
Mahseer is one of the finest game fishes in the world. Bheemeshwari is a major fishing hub where fishing camps are organised for the enthusiasts.
- Activities: Fishing, boating, trekking, river rafting, bird watching and coracle ride
- Best time to visit: Between September and February.
Chamarajanagar
Chamarajanagar is a beautiful town in Karnataka that is situated along the River Kaveri (Cauvery). It is located at a distance of 60 km from Mysore. The town is famous for the Chamarajeshwara Temple, one of the ancient temples of the state. The temple in itself is an evidence of the rich cultural heritage of this southern state.
The temple dates back to 1826 when it was constructed under the reign of Mummadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar (Krishnaraja Wadiyar III).
The small town has a few other tourist attractions, such as the Vijaya Parsvanath Basadi, a holy Jain shrine that was constructed in 1117 A.D. It is also famous for the mulberry crop production and the rearing of silk worms.
- Activities: Sightseeing
- Best time to visit: Throughout the year.
Dubare
Dubare Elephant Camp. Photographer Dhruvaraj S
Dubare is a famous tourist destination of Karnataka. It is popular for its elephant camps located on the banks of the River Cauvery or Kaveri. It is situated in the Kodagu district of Karnataka, at a distance of about 97 km from Mysore. The place holds attraction for wildlife enthusiasts as well as tourists. Visitors can get close to the elephants and enjoy spending time with them.
- Activities: Elephant rides, fishing, river-rafting and trekking
- Best time to visit: Between September and May
Sravanabelagola
Sravanabelagola is a well-known tourist destination in Karnataka. The ancient city is located at a distance of 84 km from Mysore. It is a chief pilgrim centre and has many attractions for the religious minded tourists.
One of the main attractions of the city is the 58 feet tall statue of Bahubali. It is the world’s tallest monolithic figurine of the Jain saint, Lord Gomateshwara.
There are several ancient temples and Jain monasteries that attract visitors regularly. The Mahamastakabhisheka, a major Jain festival, is celebrated with great enthusiasm every 12 years at Sravanabelagola.
- Activities: Sightseeing, temple visit
- Best time to visit: Between October and March.
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