This time round for the kids holidays we were not able to take them out anywhere due to both of our busy schedules. We have decided that we should take the kids for a short break somewhere and think that somewhere near Mysore would be good. It won't take much time to get to the place, and kids will get to have a holiday. I need some ideas on places to visit around Mysore.
There are quite a few good places around Mysore. I would highly recommend a visit to the Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary which is close to Mysore and is an awesome experience (especially if you are a bird enthusiast). It is a good location for photography too. Srirangapatna is another popular location and very close to Mysore. BR Hills is another good destination. I am just assuming what you mean by ‘around’ here. I can give a few more suggestions if you mention how far you are willing to venture.
Hello there, welcome to the forum! Here are some places near Mysore that you can visit with your family: Places Under 100 Kilometres Away from Mysore to Visit 1. Srirangapatna - This historical city is about 25.7 kilometres away from Mysore. The city is located in an island in the Cauvery River. There are numerous temples around the city but the most important and revered one is the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple. This temple has an ancient history which can be traced back to the 984 AD. Its high imposing tower with numerous carvings is quite apparent in the city. It is also one of the most important pilgrimage sites for the Vaishnavites. You can also visit historical sites like the Dariya Daulat Palace and Gumbaz Burial Chamber. A more gruesome attraction is Captain Bailey's Dungeon, the name can be deceptive though as this prison/torture chamber was actually built by Hyder Ali. This is where several British offices, including Captain Bailey, were imprisoned and tortured. Alas, Captain Bailey died in this prison and the dungeon was then named after him. Srirangapatna is a great place to visit to learn more about the history of the region. Its proximity to Mysore is an added bonus and it can even be visited as a day trip. Must visit places - Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Dariya Daulat Palace, Gumbaz Burial Chamber and Captain Bailey's Dungeon. Related thread - n/a 2. Somnathpur - This city is about 35 kilometres away from Mysore. Somnathpur is home to the Chennakesava Temple, a grand example of the brilliance of the Hoysala style of architecture. The temple is located right on the banks of the Cauvery River and it has three main sanctums along with three towers. From a distance, the beauty of the temple is apparent and as you get closer, you get to see the wonderful and intricate carvings. It was built around the 12th century and is one of the best preserved Hoysala temple in the country. Make sure to take a glimpse of the wonderfully decorated ceilings and walls as well. You can also combine a visit to Shivanasamudra, about 27 kilometres away from Somnathpur. Here you can visit the Shivanasamudram Waterfalls and Shimshapura Waterfalls. Must visit places - Chennakesava Temple and Shivanasamudra. Related thread - Somnathpur Travelogue & Shivanasamudra Travelogue 3. Talakad - This city is about 45 kilomerets away from Mysore. Although the Curse of Talakad is well-known, don't dismiss visiting this mysterious city all together. When Almelamma cursed the city and its rulers, the curse took place immediately upon her death. Until now, the Mysorean royals fail to beget heirs, the city of Talakad is submerged in sand and the region of Malangi still suffers from whirlpools. Despite this quite disturbing curse, the city of Talakad is worth a visit. The Talakad Panchalinga Temples are comprised of the temples of Pataleshwara, Maruleshwara, Arkeshwara, Vaidyanatheshwara and Mallikarjuna. Together, these temples can give a glimpse of the architectural brilliance of the bygone era. These five temples also represent the five faces of Lord Shiva. Must visit places - Talakad Panchalinga Temples. Related thread - Places to Visit Around Bangalore 4. Bandipur - The Bandipur National Park is about 77.4 kilometres away from Mysore. It is one of the best weekend getaways near Mysore as it can be a great wildlife experience especially for families. This national park is home to the elusive tigers, about 60+ tigers reside in here. It is also home to about 3,000 Asian elephants. Other animals that you can spot here are chitals, sambars, leopards, langurs and sloth bears. You can opt for a jeep safari, bus safari or elephant safari to tour the entire national park. There are also plenty of resorts outside the national park that you can stay in. These resorts can be budget ones or luxury ones. Children would enjoy the jungle experience and at the same time, the experience of living near the forests, even for just a short while. Must visit place - Bandipur National Park. Related thread - Bandipur Travelogue 5. Ramanagara - This is about 99.4 kilometres away from Mysore. Ramanagara is a bird watcher's haven as it is home to numerous bird species like the critically endangered long-billed vulture and yellow-throated bulbul. Some of the best places here for bird-watching are the Kanva Reservoir and the Ramadevarabetta Vulture Sanctuary. If your family is into trekking, then Ramanagara also has many trails for that like the hills of Yatirajagiri, Shivaramagiri and Somagiri. Thus, if you're seeking for some adventure along with wildlife, then Ramanagara would be a great destination for you and your family. Must visit places - Kanva Reservoir, Ramadevarabetta Vulture Sanctuary, Yatirajagiri Hill, Shivaramagiri Hill and Somagiri Hill. Related thread - One Day Trip Places from Bangalore 6. Mudumalai - This is about 84.4 kilometres away from Mysore. Although the national park is home to the famed Bengal tigers, there is lots more to explore and see here than just the tigers. In fact, the entire national park has a varied and diverse habitat with swamps, waterfalls, streams and dense forests. It's not just pleasing to the eyes, it can rejuvenate one's spirit. The thrill of maybe being able to spot a tiger or a leopard adds to the excitement of visiting the national park. You can also spot other animals like sambars, bonnet macaques, gaurs and the Indian giant squirrels. Whatever you choose, whether it's an elephant safari, jeep safari or van safari, you are sure to enjoy your time in Mudumalai. Must visit places - Mudumalai National Park. Related thread - Mudumalai Hotels There you go, I hope this helps you! Have fun!