The regal city of Mysore never ceases to enthral people. Apart from the local sightseeing, there is no dearth of places of tourist interest around the city that add dimension to it. Here, we present the best places for a one-day trip from Mysore within 50 km.
1) Venugopala Swamy Temple, Hosa Kanambadi
The scenic location and the architectural beauty of the Venugopala Swamy Temple of Hosa Kannambadi, 28 km from Mysore, make it an interesting tourist spot. A stunning example of the Hoysala architecture, the temple is located near the backwaters of the KRS dam. The 12th-century temple was submerged in water due to the KRS Dam’s construction, only to resurface later due to drought. This stoked philanthropist Sri Hari Khoday to restore it through his Khoday Foundation. The temple was then carefully moved to Hosa Kannambadi, where it was restored. This temple is best suited for meditation. Visiting in the evenings is especially very pleasant due to its tranquil atmosphere. The Venugopala Swamy temple, Hosa Kannambadi, makes it an ideal place for a one-day trip from Mysore within 50 km.
Temple timings: 9 AM to 6 PM
2) Sagarkatte Bridge and Viewpoint
Sagarkatte Bridge, in the tiny hamlet of Sagarkatte, 25 km from Mysore, is a scenic spot across the KRS Dam. The bridge offers scenic views of the backwaters of the River Kaveri and the picturesque surroundings, ideal for photographers and nature lovers. Furthermore, tourists can engage in bird watching and boating.
3) Chunchanakatte Falls
Chunchanakatte Falls is a picturesque waterfall on the River Kaveri, about 50 Km from Mysore. The river divides into two before merging to cascade as one. The waterfall is about 20 meters tall and 400 feet wide, making it one of the widest waterfalls in Karnataka. There is also a Kodandarama temple adjacent to the falls. Chunchanakatte Falls also has mythological connections with the Ramayana.
Furthermore, a strange feature is that the noise of the water cascading is not heard in the sanctum of the Kodandarama Temple. Needless to say, it’s an ideal place for photography and nature walks. People can enjoy the waterfall during the monsoon and post-monsoon periods. However, utmost caution should be exercised while climbing the rocks, as they are slippery. Chunchanakatte Falls is undoubtedly one of the best places for a one-day trip from Mysore within 50 km.
4) Blue Lagoon
As per its name, the Blue Lagoon, the waters of this little island about 23 km from Mysore are beautifully blue. The Blue Lagoon island on the KRS backwaters still stands unexplored; hence, it is less crowded. For the same reason, there are no shops or eateries around. Therefore, keep yourself equipped with clothes, food and water. It is not advisable to stay overnight. You will have to take the help of the locals to take you to the island. It’s an ideal spot to relax and enjoy the surrounding natural beauty. Sunsets in the Blue Lagoon are mesmerising. Since Blue Lagoon can’t be accessed during the monsoon, the best season to visit is during the post-monsoon and summer seasons. As the waters are invitingly blue, one may not be able to resist the temptation to swim. However, it is unsafe to venture too far from the shore because of whirlpools. People can take an auto from KRS Dam and a boat from Blue Lagoon View Point.
5) Mahadevapura Shooting Spot
Mahadevapura Shooting spot, 25 km from Mysore, is ideal for a one-day trip from Mysore within 50 km. The place is a favourite of film-makers owing to its natural beauty. You can relax in the lap of nature away from the hustle and bustle of the city. It’s lush green, and you can walk along the coconut trees lined pathways. River Kaveri has a bund here, and you can relax in its serenity. The beautiful Mahadevapura village is on the Bangalore – Mysore highway near Srirangapatna. You can start from the Sathgully bus station in East Mysore via Ramanahalli village and go to the Mahadevapura bridge.
6) Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary
The Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, 18.5 km from Mysore, will entice bird enthusiasts and nature lovers. It is the largest bird sanctuary in Karnataka, spanning about 40 acres, and is home to about 170 bird species. The sanctuary also houses migratory birds from Siberia and North America. Apart from birds, there are also crocodiles and other wildlife. You can opt for a guided boat ride to get a closer look at the birds and their behaviour. The bird sanctuary is an example of sustainable tourism due to its conservation and eco-tourism attempts. Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary is an ideal getaway for a one-day trip from Mysore within 50 km.
7) Balmuri and Edmuri Falls
Balmuri and Edmuri waterfalls, 16 km and 17.3 km from Mysore, are artificial waterfalls cascading along the Kaveri River. Both these waterfalls are scenic getaways for a one-day trip from Mysore within 50 km. While the Balmuri waterfall stays explored, the Edmuri waterfall is less crowded and suitable for relaxation. There is also an ancient Ganesha temple near the Edmuri Falls. Both places are near the KRS Dam and are ideal for picnics, boating, swimming, bird watching and trekking.
8) Gommatagiri
Gommatagiri, a Jain pilgrimage centre is about 23 kms from Mysore renowned for its historic and spiritual importance. It’s located in Bilikere Hobli of Hunsur taluk of Mysore district. The place features a 20-foot statue of Gomateshwara or Bahubali on a 50-meter-tall hillock called Gommatagiri. The granite statue is from the Vijayanagara times and is similar to the Gomateshwara statue in Shravanabelagola. However, it is less popular than the latter and, hence, less crowded. Many pilgrims flock to this Jain centre during September for the annual Maha Masthakabhisekha. However, quarrying in the surrounding areas has rendered cracks at the base of the statue, and hence, the hillock ought to be strengthened on the Western side. But Gommatagiri is undoubtedly one of the best places for a one-day trip from Mysore within 50 km.
Also read
- 3 Things You Must Do On A One Day Trip To Mysore
- Local Sightseeing in Mysore
- Sightseeing Near Mysore – A Comprehensive List