A Perfect Day in Karnataka, July 2023

1. 9:00AM: Mysore Palace
   Located in the heart of Mysore city
   20 minutes (5.6 km) from the railway station

   Visit the official residence of the Wadiyar dynasty and experience the opulence of the bygone era. The palace is an amalgamation of Hindu, Islamic, Gothic, and Rajput styles of architecture. The entry fee for Indians is INR 70 and for foreigners is INR 200. The palace is open from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM.

2. 11:00AM: Chamundi Hills
   South of Mysore city
   20 minutes (8.5 km) from Mysore Palace

   Take a half-hour hike or drive up the Chamundi Hills to explore the ancient Chamundeshwari Temple. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga and is one of the most important landmarks in the city. It offers a panoramic view of the Mysore cityscape. You can also take a guided tour of the temple. Entry to the temple is free, and it is open from 7:30 AM to 2:00 PM and 3:30 PM to 6:00 PM.

3. 1:00PM: Hotel RRR Restaurant
   Located on Krishnaraja Boulevard Road
   20 minutes (8.3 km) from Chamundi Hills

   Try the authentic Karnataka cuisine at this restaurant that is famous for its biryani and fish fry. The restaurant is known for its reasonable prices and is a favorite among the locals. A meal for two people costs around INR 500. It is open from 11:30 AM to 3:00 PM and 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM.

4. 3:00PM: Brindavan Gardens
   Located on the banks of the KRS Dam Reservoir
   25 minutes (20.7 km) from Hotel RRR Restaurant

   Experience the mesmerizing beauty of the Brindavan Gardens, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Karnataka. The garden is spread across 60 acres and has fountains, terraces, and water bodies. The garden is open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and the entry fee is INR 30 for adults and INR 10 for children.

5. 5:00PM: Srirangapatna Fort
   Located in Mandya district
   30 minutes (19.8 km) from Brindavan Gardens

   Visit the historic Srirangapatna Fort, which is famous for its role in the Anglo-Mysore Wars. The fort has a mosque, dungeon, and a secret escape route. It also has a museum that houses artifacts and weapons used during the wars. The entry fee for the museum is INR 5, and it is open from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM.

6. 7:00PM: Dubare Elephant Camp
   Located on the banks of the Kaveri River
   1 hour 15 minutes (44.5 km) from Srirangapatna Fort

   End your day by visiting the Dubare Elephant Camp, where you can interact with elephants and learn about their behavior. You can also take a coracle ride in the Kaveri River or go on a nature walk. The entry fee for Indians is INR 30 and for foreigners is INR 100. The camp is open from 8:30 AM to 11:00 AM and 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM.

Recommendations

If you have time, visit the Bandipur National Park, which is around 2 hours from Dubare Elephant Camp. You can also take a side trip to Coorg, which is known as the Scotland of India. To maximize your fun, hire a local guide who can show you around and give you insights about the places you visit. Don't forget to try the filter coffee, which is famous in Karnataka.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Mysore Palace (1.5 hours, INR 70/200)
• Chamundi Hills (1 hour, free)
• Hotel RRR Restaurant (1 hour, INR 500 for two people)
• Brindavan Gardens (2 hours, INR 30/10)
• Srirangapatna Fort (1 hour, INR 5)
• Dubare Elephant Camp (1.5 hours, INR 30/100)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 805 for two people

To check hotel and flight prices, visit https://booking.tp.st/VhZsadPo.