So many questions - Mysore / Day-trips / Kerala /

Hi there,

I have approximately three weeks to spend in India and would like to spend two of those weeks in Mysore for a yoga course. At the same time, I%26#39;d like to visit some other sights around the area, both while staying in Mysore, and then for another week, while travelling around. Please keep in mind that I am young female traveller going alone...first major international trip.

Some questions:

1. I%26#39;d like to go to Bylakupee. Should I think about staying overnight here or doing this as a day trip from Mysore? What other %26#39;day trips%26#39; can I do if I were to have a yoga class in the morning and want to get to bed early at night?

2. During my %26#39;free week,%26#39; I was hoping to explore Kerala. Is this close enough to travel to from Mysore? What are the transportation options?

3. I%26#39;d also like to see the Tiger Reserve (Thekkady) and do a trip along the Kerala backwaters, as well as visit a hill station and a beach area... Is it possible to leave Mysore and do these things in a week? Or tell me which hill station/beach to go to? I%26#39;d love to do some hiking...I hike the Rockies here in Canada but as I%26#39;m backpacking I%26#39;m not sure if I will be bringing my hiking shoes as they will be a huge weight.

4. Right now I%26#39;m flying in and out of Bangalore but I%26#39;m wondering if there is a closer city to fly out of? I am flying in from Canada but will be flying to Bangkok so perhaps there is another airport which does regional flights?

5. If anyone could offer any other tips for my intinerary, that would be wonderful! Thank you!

So many questions - Mysore / Day-trips / Kerala /

its good but

So many questions - Mysore / Day-trips / Kerala /

Hi,

Bylakuppe:

You can easily see Bylakuppe in a day. I think staying the night is not necessary. It%26#39;s just about 2 hours away, driving from Mysore.

Free week in Kerala / hill stations:

Yes, Kerala is quite close to Mysore. Depending on which part of Kerala you want to go to, driving could be 1 option. Else, you could take a train from Bangalore to Kerala. As far as I know, there are no direct trains from Mysore to Kerala....please verify this.

You could post in the Kerala forum for opinions on which hill station / beach to go to in Kerala. But, if you are also looking at hill station options in Karnataka or Tamil Nadu: There%26#39;s Coorg, which is quite relaxing (Bylakuppe is part of Coorg). Then, there%26#39;s Red hills, which is a quieter place in Tamil Nadu, offering lots of hiking possibilities as well. Ooty is another popular hill station near Mysore, but it%26#39;s a tad too crowded for my liking.

Another hiking option close to Mysore that%26#39;s been recommended to me, but I%26#39;ve never tried, is the Moyar Gorge. It%26#39;s lush, quiet %26amp; off the tourist track. Supposed to be beautiful! You can google it up...

Flying into India:

Bangalore is the closest option from Canada / Bangkok. Mysore too has an airport, but, it%26#39;s not internationally connected. Instead, fly into Bangalore like you plan to %26amp; then drive down to Mysore.....it takes just 90 to 120 minutes.

Hope this helps.

Pixie,

I think I know the place that you are coming to for Yoga in Mysore. There are lots of visitors from all over the world coming to this particular Yoga teacher.

1. Bylakuppe is a day trip

2. Kerala is very close to Mysore. I would not recommend driving in India given that you are from Canada (we drive on the left side, British legacy). Given that you are travelling alone, my suggestion would be to go in a group. It is more convenient, that%26#39;s all. Kerala%26#39;s north-east (see a India map online, or even better buy an India book, the ones by Donna Kerling-DK are pretty accurate) is known as Wayanad. This is hilly area, and has one of the oldest found caves in southern India - it is said that pre-historic man lived there. Stay at Edakkal Hermitage (www.edakkal.com), and try to get the tree house - though they mostly put honeymooners into it!

3. Thekkady is much further south - at least a 8-12 hour drive from Mysore. Lovely place to go to. The entire eastern strip of Kerala is mountain teritory, but nothing tough - so drop the heavy shoes. All the beaches are on the west side. North Kerala has some beaches that are rarely visited.

4. Bangalore is the closest airport, and from there you have to take a taxi diret to Mysore, or a taxi/bus to the Railway Station and then a train to Mysore. The second option may be too much of a shock to your system, as it is your first visit. :)

5. Closer to Mysore in Karnataka state is the Kabini River Lodge run by Jungle Lodges - you could spend a day or two there too. Another suggestion already provided is to visit Coorg. There are home stays available, search for them on google with the right key words and you could stay at a coffee estate owners home, and get a personal tour too of the cofee estate and spice gardens. Karnataka also has lots of beaches, but one very popular among visitors from abroad - Gokarna - about 8-12 hours drive from Mysore. Alternately, take a night train to Mangalore, and a connecting train towards Goa.

Please do take care of yourself. I wish you a pleasant stay in Mysore, and in India. All the best.