Immersing ourselves into wildlife can show us a different side of nature, one that is undomesticated by man and roams freely amidst lush beauty, away from the noise and pollution of urban settlements. To spot an animal in the wild requires a lot of patience and can be meditative in its own way, sharpening your sense of focus as you wait eagerly for a creature to saunter into view. Often when we go wildlife watching, we might not catch sight of any of the forest wildlife and this is part of the magic, motivating you to go back again and again.
You might think wildlife tours in Mysore is limited to the magnificent Sri. Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, but there’s plenty to explore in and around the city that will keep your love for wildlife buzzing. It’s no surprise that wildlife is best found away from the city, in the quiet havens of towering trees, shrubs and open blue skies, so hop into your car and head to the beautiful Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary filled with vibrantly coloured species of birds or Nagarhole National Park where you can find different types of deer and the glorious Indian Tiger.
Wildlife tours in Mysore aren’t complete without a stop at Sri. Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens which is one of the oldest zoos in India. Mysore’s iconic zoo is home to a variety of indigenous and exotic amphibians, reptiles, mammals and birds. The zoo was created from the King’s private menagerie and has completed over a 100 years of existence so dropping by its spectacular enclosures is a must.
Whether you go on a short drive around the city or walk through its zoo, the wildlife tours in Mysore will give you a satisfying glimpse into the bounty of Karnataka’s wildlife.
Karnataka is well known for its rich biodiversity, with flora and fauna that enthralls travelers from across the globe. Pack a picnic hamper, pull on your trekking shoes and bring your binoculars along as you explore the different spots in and around Mysore that showcase the glory of wildlife that the state has to offer.
Campingground offers you a glamourous camping experience complete with roomy Jungle Safari Tents. The tents feature chairs, cots, wardrobes, shelves and even bathroom facilities. You can take a dip in the swimming pool, play indoor games and play outdoor games in the activity centre. At night, you can cook your...
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One of the oldest and most loved Zoos, Mysore Zoo was originally called Sri. Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens in 1909 and was created from the Maharaja’s personal menagerie. For animal lovers, you can watch the pages of your wildlife books come to life as you walk through avian sanctuaries, reptile enclosures...
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The largest bird sanctuary in Karnataka, Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary encompasses six islets on the banks of the majestic Kaveri River. Located 16 kms from Mysore and 3 kms from Srirangapattana, the islets are an integral nesting ground for a variety of birds and was declared a protected area in 1940...
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Nagarhole National Park, also known as the Rajiv Gandhi National Park, is one of the best reserves in South India. The park is 85 kms from Mysore and a road trip to this beautiful reserve takes you through long roads studded with trees. You can also visit the Bandipur National...
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Constructed in 1974 as a tiger reserve under Project Tiger, Bandipur National Park has the second highest tiger population in India. Bandipur is known for its wildlife and dry deciduous forests stretch across the region, providing a home to the creatures in the area. Located 80 kms from Mysore, the...
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Campingground offers you a glamourous camping experience complete with roomy Jungle Safari Tents. The tents feature chairs, cots, wardrobes, shelves and even bathroom facilities. You can take a dip in the swimming pool, play indoor games and play outdoor games in the activity centre. At night, you can cook your...
Read more
One of the oldest and most loved Zoos, Mysore Zoo was originally called Sri. Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens in 1909 and was created from the Maharaja’s personal menagerie. For animal lovers, you can watch the pages of your wildlife books come to life as you walk through avian sanctuaries, reptile enclosures...
Read more
The largest bird sanctuary in Karnataka, Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary encompasses six islets on the banks of the majestic Kaveri River. Located 16 kms from Mysore and 3 kms from Srirangapattana, the islets are an integral nesting ground for a variety of birds and was declared a protected area in 1940...
Read more
Nagarhole National Park, also known as the Rajiv Gandhi National Park, is one of the best reserves in South India. The park is 85 kms from Mysore and a road trip to this beautiful reserve takes you through long roads studded with trees. You can also visit the Bandipur National...
Read more
Constructed in 1974 as a tiger reserve under Project Tiger, Bandipur National Park has the second highest tiger population in India. Bandipur is known for its wildlife and dry deciduous forests stretch across the region, providing a home to the creatures in the area. Located 80 kms from Mysore, the...
Read more
The winding roads of Mysore are lined with sprawling trees and these cobbled paths are perfect for exploring this cultural hub, taking you to heritage sites and shopping centres filled with exquisitely crafted handicrafts that hail from centuries past.
Sightseeing in Mysore begins with a visit to its iconic Mysore Palace that is still the official residence of the Wadiyar dynasty. As you walk through the great halls and rooms, it feels as though you have opened the door to the past with delicate paintings and filigree on the walls. Other palaces in the city that are sure to delight your love for history include the Jaganmohan Palace, Lalitha Mahal Palace, Jayalakshmi Villa and Cheluvamba Mansion. If you also want to hear the fascinating stories behind these lovely architectural masterpieces, you can embark on a heritage tour while you’re sightseeing in Mysore, and listen to the tales that will bring these monuments to life.
Walking through the city as you gaze at its popular hotspots can make your tummy rumble. For food lovers, sightseeing isn’t complete without a quick snack at the many eateries that dot Mysore. Give your taste-buds a bite of delicious South Indian flavours with crispy vadas, bondas, fluffy idlis, Bisibelebath and Poori Saagu. Afterwards, don’t forget to buy a box of the rich, sweet Mysore Pak, that originated decades ago in the kitchen of the King of Mysore and has since become a beloved sweetmeat throughout the country.
Drop by the shopping centres as you’re sightseeing in Mysore to purchase the fragrant sandalwood items the city is known for, silk saris, gorgeous Mysore paintings with gesso work (gold foil is used in these unique paintings) and traditional toys.
Sightseeing in Mysore is an experience that stays with you and for good reason, as this enchanting city is known as the ‘Cultural Capital of Karnataka’.
How far is Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary from Mysore?
How many species of birds are found in Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary?
What are some of the unique creatures found in Mysore Zoo?
What are some of the top Jungle Resorts in Bandipur?
Are there any camping spots in Mysore?
What homestays are available in Mysore?