Mysore (overnight or day trip from Bangalore)

The old capital of the old state of Mysore, Mysore city is one of South India’s most popular tourist destinations, for history buffs, culture vultures, and wildlife enthusiasts. From Bangalore, Mysore is about 140 km driving distance. En route you can visit the silkworm culture that feeds one of the state’s most thriving traditional industries, the Channapatna toy factories, the sugar mills, the natural sanctuaries for birds and crocodiles that offer quaint organized experiences, and the historic town of Shrirangapatna where the big battles between the Indians and British were fought before India fell into the hands of the British Empire. The journey is twice as interesting as Mysore city the destination!

In the city, there’s plenty to learn and experience, but a day trip normally calls for a quick visit to the palace, a coffee with erstwhile royalty, and a drive up to Chamundi hill by Sunset before heading to the highway again, for a 3-hour long drive back to Bangalore.

You may also consider staying overnight in one of the charming boutique hotels in Mysore. Or if you are into yoga, there are also a few Yoga retreats to choose from

Sample Itinerary

• A silk village, where worms are bred and cocooned.
• A silk cocoon market and auction house.
• Visit a toy factory where traditional wooden toys are crafted by artisans.
• Visit a traditional Indian Village and see people’s lifestyles.
• An ancient Hindu temple built in the 9th century.
• Sunset Prayer on Chamundi hill.
• Boatride among migratory birds and marsh crocodiles.
• Mysore Palace
• A silk      factory, where you see the silk-making process.
• An old      palace converted into an art gallery.
• Sugarcane      fields and a sugarcane factory.
• Traditional      South Indian/Karnataka coffee and a snack.
• Riverside      lunch
• Mysore      flower and bangle bazaar.

• Guidance by a Culture Rings culture ambassador
• Refreshment      basket in the car

• Cost of      drinks & food, tax, car with the driver
• Taxi for thr trip or hotel pickups
• Train tickets to Mysore
• Hotel expenses in case you are staying overnight
• Personal      expenses: In      case you choose to buy things along the way, you are encouraged to spend      your own cash so that reimbursements aren’t invoiced to you with added      taxes. Otherwise please let us know in advance if you would like us to      pick up any bills along the way and invoice them to you in the end.

Note: Accompanying officials including bodyguards, are charged the same way as tourists.

SOME UNIQUE POSSIBILITIES (subject to availability)

· An exclusive Mysore private tour by a Mysore princess

· A private meal with the erstwhile royal family of Mysore State

· A cookout with a Mysore Princess

· Bicycle Tour of Srirangapatna