10 Beautiful Places to Visit Near Mysore within 150 KM

Disclaimer: Some links in this post are affiliate links. If you book through them, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. See our Privacy Policy for details.

When I say 3 days is a minimum and 7 days is ideal to stay in Southern India’s Mysore city, some people wonder why!

I say so because there are many things to do in the city and also plenty of places visit near Mysore.

A half-hour drive from the city can take you to the riverside. If you cycle for an hour, you are in the countryside of Mysore.

Historical places and temples are not just part of Mysore but also dot the surroundings like Srirangapatna and Talakadu.

During my four years of university life in Mysore, I went on many rides and weekend trips, exploring amazing places.

Some online junkies state you can make a day trip to places like Coorg, Wayanad and Bandipur from Mysore. But trust me, these places need more than just a day.

In this blog post, I will show you beautiful places to visit near Mysore within 200 km. Some of them are good as a day trip and few other places are worth two to three days trip.

Let us plan your trip to places near Mysore!

Places to Visit Near Mysore Within 100 km for a Day Trip

1. Srirangapatna

Highlights: Historical town with Ranganathaswamy Temple, Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace, Gumbaz Mausoleum, and bird sanctuary.
Total one way distance of all the places you will visit in Srirangapatna – 43km.
Get Directions : Google Map

Srirangapatna is a charming riverside town steeped in history and culture, just a short drive from Mysore. From temples to Persian-influenced mansions and mausoleums, you will find plenty of things to do in Srirangapatna.

A grand white mausoleum with intricate architectural details stands against a blue sky with scattered clouds — Gumbaz-e-Shahi, a Mausoleum in Sri Rangapatna

Srirangapatna Day Trip Itinerary

Have breakfast at GTR – the best dosa place in Mysore and my favourite and by 8:30 am start driving or cycling to Srirangapatna.

Head to Gumbaz-e-Shahi, Tipu Sultan’s father Hyder Ali’s mausoleum, which reminds you of Bijapur. Check out their museum to learn if Tipu really fought the British and got the title “Tiger of Mysore,” and how he contributed to Mysore silk production.

Visit Paschima Vahini, a riverside temple town where Hindus perform rituals for the dead. The place is surreal with a small temple and stunning riverbank.

Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace and Museum – One of the most colourful palaces in and around Mysore, with Persian-influenced motifs and intricate work. It has a collection of royal outfits.

Ornate and colourful carvings and decorations adorn a doorway in Tipu summer palace. — Tipu Sultan Summer Palace

Have lunch at Thotada Mane or Halli Mane.

Head to Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple – A gorgeous 9th-century temple with a beautiful gopuram.

If you have time, you can also add Nimishamba temple. The Ganjam village here is serene and ideal to witness rural life near Mysore – my favourite.

Go to Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary by 4 pm. Catch a boat ride (you can go for private boats if you are ready to spend more money).

Spot hundreds of crocodiles while boating, and watch birds like Painted Stork, Kingfishers, Cormorants, Darter, Herons, River Tern, Egrets, Indian Roller, Black-headed Ibis, Spoonbill, Great Stone Plover, and Spot-billed Pelicans.

A group of birds, including storks, stands on a rock with lush green trees in the background — Hello Storks!

Back to Mysore.

2. Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta

Highlights: Hilltop temple, panoramic views, misty hills
One way Distance from Mysore: 75 km /2hr journey
Get Directions : Google Map

Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta is a charming hill with a simple temple on top. It’s one of my favourite places to visit near Mysore. The scenery is beautiful, and you might even spot wild elephants if you’re lucky (I’ve seen them thrice during my many trips), as it’s close to Bandipur.

A small pond surrounded by green hills and distant mountains under a cloudy sky — Near the temple

Most people who visit Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta stick to the temple on the hilltop. But you should explore behind and around the temple where the views are stunning.

Rolling green hills stretch out into the distance, covered in lush greenery. When it gets misty, the area around the small pond feels like a hidden gem in heaven.

As much as I love the hilltop, the reason why Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta remains my go-to place for a bike or car drive for many years is the scenic route.

There are sunflower and marigold fields along the way. A famous spot is the “banyan tree” where bikers stop and rest.

A lone tree stands in a field of sunflowers under a cloudy sky with the sun setting in the background — PC : Unsplash

The best part is the road before starting the uphill journey, so be ready to stop at many points en route to the hill. Take it slow.

It’s best to leave early in the morning and return to Mysore for lunch because the crowd starts pouring in after 11 am. Plus, there are no good places to eat here, so it’s best to get back to Mysore for lunch.

3.Talakadu, Somnath Pura, and Mudukuthore

Highlights: Ancient temples buried in sand, scenic river views, Hoysala architecture
One way distance: 62 km
Get Direction : Google Map

A day trip from Mysore to Talakadu, Somnath Pura, and Mudukuthore is the my spouse Sahana’s favourite.

Though all three places are temples, they’re not your usual ones.

Talakadu temples are submerged in sand! Just 50 km from Mysore, it feels like you’ve entered a desert with temples!

There’s a story about why Talakadu got submerged in Sand – Alamelamma chieftain of Mysore region got cheated by Wadiyars when they borrowed her precious jewels to decorate goddess Chamundi in their gorgeous Mysore palace.

She cursed Talakadu to be buried in sand, Malangi to be full of whirlpools, and the Mysore Wodeyars to never have kids.

And guess what? All these curses came true!

Then comes, Somnath Pura – a fine example of Hoysala architecture. The temple has a 3-foot-high, star-shaped platform called a jagati. The outer walls are covered with intricate carvings, showcasing amazing stone artwork.

Lastly, Mudukuthore is a simple hilltop temple offering the nicest view of the River Kaveri. The hike and the view from the top are amazing.

Ancient ruins of a temple complex surrounded by greenery with a sandy area in the background. — Keerthi Narayana Temple surrounded by sand dunes

Talakadu, Somnath Pura, and Mudukuthore day trip itinerary

Have breakfast at New Refreshments Mysore near the zoo with a view of giraffes. Then go to “Tea Corner” near by to drink masala or chocolate chai. Start driving to Somnath Pura at 9 am.

Reach Somnath Pura by 10 am. Spend about 1 to 1.5 hours here – Admiring the real Hoysala architecture. Hire a local guide if possible, who can explain the intricate architectural details.

Head to Mudukuthore temple and reach there by 12:15 pm. You can either take 100 steps to the temple top, which I recommend as the walkway is shaded and you get nice views, or drive up to the hilltop.

Spend about 30 minutes at the temple top.

Bright red flowers bloom on trees framing a distant view of fields and a river Kaveri seen from Mudukuthore hilltop — Mudukuthore hilltop

Drive 4 km to Talakadu and reach there by lunchtime. Since it’s a sacred place, non-vegetarian options are rare.

We usually eat at a priest’s house, but now Udupi Mess, run by priests, offers delicious meals. It’s nothing fancy, just simple home-cooked banana leaf meals with chapati and rice.

Explore Talakadu until evening.

Devotees do the “Panchalinga Darshana,” visiting five temples. As a traveller, you can visit the following :

Vaidyanatheshwara Temple for its stunning architecture,
Pataleshwara Temple, which is often excavated due to sand cover.
Keerthi Narayana Temple surrounded by sand dunes where you can slide down to the temple,

A white temple with intricate carvings and a golden spire under a cloudy sky at Taladau — Vaidyanatheshwara Temple in Talakadu

The Talakadu river beach is popular among local travellers for getting into the water and taking coracle rides. But I definitely suggest you avoid it?the crowd is crazy, and you can’t enjoy much.

Keep in mind that the Kaveri River in this area is known for strong currents and mysterious whirlpools. So even if you stop to enjoy the river view, be careful if you decide to get into the water.Back to Mysore post-sunset.

Back to Mysore post sunset.

Want to know where to stay in Mysore while making all these day trips? I got you covered in a detailed post

4. Melukote

Highlights: Temple town, stepped well, hiking to hilltop
One way Distance from Mysore: 55 km
Get Directions : Google Map

Melukote is a religious place where people from all around India come to visit the main deity, Cheluvanarayana Swamy, as part of their annual rituals.

But for travellers, this is a charming temple town with a step well that reminds you of Hampi. My personal favourite is a half-constructed royal gateway that stands in the middle of nowhere.

Melukote Day Trip from Mysore Itinerary

Have an early breakfast at the Original Vinayaka Mylari and leave for Melukote by 7:30 AM. You’ll be climbing a lot of steps at Melukote, so start early to avoid the harsh sun.

Reach Melkote by 9 AM and start climbing the 500 steps to the Melukote Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple. Enjoy the breathtaking view from the top and explore the temples.

Descend before it gets too sunny and head back to town for lunch.

Have lunch at Subbanna Mess, a great spot for typical South Indian vegetarian food. Melukote is known for a rice dish called puliyogare (tamarind rice). Make sure to try it here.

Spend some time at the most beautiful place in Melukote, Bhuvaneshwari Mantapa. This series of stone pavilions with a stepwell at the centre is perfect for a relaxing break. If it gets too hot, take shelter in one of these temples and enjoy people-watching.

Next, visit the Melukote Cave Temple. This unique temple, with stout columns carved into the cave, is one of the most unusual yet fascinating temples you will ever see.

Lastly, head to Raaya Gopura, an unfinished and iconic entrance tower in Melukote. Though incomplete, Raaya Gopura’s towering pillars and intricate carvings are truly magical, especially during sunset. This place will surely remind you of Hampi, just like it did for me.

Head back to Mysore and have dinner at Poojari Fish Land before reaching the city. It’s one of the very few places where I like seafood outside of coastal areas.

Tall stone pillars and ruins of an ancient structure under a vibrant sunset sky at Melukote — Raya Gopura during sunset. PC : Unsplash

5. Ramanagara and Channapatna

Highlights: Rock climbing, silk town, scenic landscapes, toy town, wooden crafts, cultural heritage.
One way Distance from Mysore: 95 km
Get Directions : Google Map

If you love rock climbing or hiking on rocky mountains and are interested in visiting one of the handicraft towns in Karnataka where they handmade wooden toys, a day trip from Mysore to Ramanagara and Channapatna is your best option.

Ramanagara, the “Silk City” of India, is famous for its silk production and stunning rocky mountains, perfect for trekking, hiking, and bird watching.

A calm lake with a rocky hill covered in green vegetation under a clear sky. — Ramanagara Lake

Local travellers love it, and it even has a Bollywood connection?the iconic movie “Sholay” was filmed here.

Channapatna is known as the “Toy Town” of Karnataka. It’s traditional wooden toys made from ivory wood and natural dyes are highlights. The craftsmen here make beautifully crafted dolls, rattles, and puzzles.

Leave as early as possible from Mysore. The sooner you get to Ramanagara, the better the hiking experience before it gets too hot by noon.

Ramanagara and Channapatna Day Trip Itinerary from Mysore

Leave early in the morning at 4.30AM from Mysore to Ramanagara with a breakfast packed. Sooner you reach Ramanagara, easier to hike.

Reach Ramanagara by 6, start the the 7 km/3 hr hike to Ramadevara Betta. It is a moderate hiking trail with some steps in the beginning and boulders at the end.

Reach the hilltop by 9 AM, have your packed breakfast while enjoying the unique landscape dotted with lots of boulders, rocks, and greenery. Visit the temple and Kalyani nearby.

Start the hike down by 10:30 AM, and reach the foothill before lunchtime.

Have lunch either at Kamat Lokaruchi, which serves buffet vegetarian meals in North Karnataka style, or at Taj Biryani Paradise for non-vegetarians.

Post lunch, leave for Mysore and visit the Channapatna toy factory on the way.

Bharath Art and Crafts is one of the best places to see Channapatna toys being made and to buy them. Call before you go so that the artists are free to show you around and explain the process.

Return to Mysore by evening.

olourful display of traditional wooden dolls and figurines at a market stall in Mysore, India — Channapatna Wooden Toys

The image shows a serene water body with bare tree trunks emerging from the water at Kabini backwaters, with text on it that says Beautiful Places to Visit Near and Around Mysore. — Pin it for Later

6 Cycling or Road Trip to Balmuri surroundings

Highlights: Kaveri river Backwater view points, rural Mysore, waterfalls
One way Distance from Mysore: 35 km
Get Directions : Google Map

To the north of Mysore is Krishna Raja Sagar Dam, built in 1932 across the Kaveri River. The river and dam backwaters create stunning viewpoints and waterfalls in rural Mysore.

There aren’t specific checkpoints, but there are many pretty places, especially for sunsets. So Balmuri and surrounding places are one of the coolest places to visit near Mysore by cycling.

If you are travelling with family and don’t want to go cycling, surely you can rent a taxi with driver to around.

Carry lunch packed from Mysore as there aren’t great places to eat in this area.

Field of vibrant yellow flowers with palm trees and power lines in the background, under a partly cloudy sky near a village in Mysore — Don’t you want to see the flower carpets in the outskirts of Mysore?

Cycling day around Balmuri itinerary

Have breakfast at Original Mylari, a great dosa place in Mysore and start driving or cycling north by 9 am.

Stop at Balmuri and Yadamuri Falls for a coracle ride if it’s not crowded.

Spend time at Kolbayi Katte, which is less crowded than Balmuri Falls, and you can even get into the water here.

Have packed lunch at a backwater viewpoint.

Visit Sri Venugopalaswamy Temple, rebuilt in 2003 using blocks from the original 12th-century temple submerged by the dam. The vast complex is on the banks of the river Kaveri and has a replica of Hampi stone chariot.

Watch sunset at KRS North Backwaters Sunset view point .Back to Mysore

KRS (krishna raja sagara) and Brindavan Gardens used to be one of the favourite tourist spots long ago. Although I found the musical fountains of Brindavan outdated and not very interesting, it is still a popular place among tourists travelling with kids.

So, it’s up to you if you want to watch the dancing fountains at Brindavan, which start at 7 pm.

You can also have dinner at Brindavan Royal Orchid and then return to Mysore.

Places to Visit Near Mysore Within 150 km for a 2 to 3 Days Trip

7. Kabini

Highlights : Wildlife and Natural Landscape
One way distance from Mysore : 63 km
Get Directions : Google Map

Kabini is the best weekend getaway option from Mysore. The narrow Kabini River widens like a lake with its backwaters surrounded by flat green lands and woods.

A jeep with people on a wildlife safari parked by Kabini backwaters with forest in the background. — Evening scenes at Kabini

These backwaters are a favourite spot for wild animals like elephants, Indian gaurs, and the mighty Indian tigers.

A must-do activity while in Kabini for two days is to go on a safari twice – once in the evening by jeep and the next morning by boat on the backwaters to spot tigers and elephants.

If you’re lucky, you might see tigers both times. Most people get lucky at least once.

Two boats docked at a pier on a cloudy day with a woman holding an umbrella watching from the shore. — That is my MIL waiting for her boat safari to start in Monsoon

I love the morning boat safari in Kabini more than anything else. The way the mist uncovers the lake in the morning is magical. I felt truly fortunate that day.

As the mist moved, I saw the black, white, and yellow stripes of an Indian tiger sipping water from the backwaters, just 70 meters away from me.

Naturally, with such stunning landscapes and wildlife, the woods are dotted with a few good resorts.

You can indulge in luxury by staying in resorts like The Serai or Evolve Back Kabini, which cost about Rs 30,000 per night.

Alternatively, you can keep it on budget in Kabini by staying in smaller homestays.

A group of deer resting and grazing by a water body in a lush green forest. — The deers are as common as flies in Kabini

8. Bandipur National Park

Highlights : Tigers in their natural habitat
One way distance from Mysore : 72 km
Get Directions : Google Map

Bandipur National Park is the real deal for wildlife enthusiasts. It is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

A jeep on a safari trail in a forest with a distant view of an elephant.

You can spot more than 200 bird species here, but elephants and tigers are the true stars of Bandipur National Park.

It has the second-highest number of tigers among all national parks in India. So, a two to three days trip to Bandipur from Mysore is perfect for those looking to see tigers in their natural habitat.

A tiger walking on grass beside a dirt path in a forest. — Bandipur Tigers. pc : Unsplash

This way, you can fully immerse yourself in the Bandipur experience and have a better chance of spotting wildlife.

You may not believe it, but last time when my in-laws visited Bandipur, they met a family from Mumbai who had been staying in Bandipur National Park for five days! So, the key is to stay for at least two nights and go on safaris.

This increases your chances of spotting the amazing wildlife, especially the tigers and elephants.

9. Coorg

Highlights : Coffee plantations, Misty landscapes, Waterfalls
One way Distance from Mysore : Approximately 120 km
Get Directions : Google Map

Planning a road trip from Mysore to Coorg is a fantastic idea for a short getaway. It has always been and continues to be a popular weekend escape among Mysoreans.

The journey from Mysore to Coorg is a treat, with scenic views and charming little towns along the way.

Coorg’s landscape is similar to that of Chikmagalur, with coffee plantations and misty surroundings. The best part about visiting Coorg from Mysore is that you can make it as adventurous or as relaxed as you like.

A waterfall surrounded by lush green trees and hills under a partly cloudy sky near Madikeri — Abbey falls during off season.

You can opt for a cosy homestay and take leisurely walks in the forest for a “do nothing” vacation.

For me, the most special thing about visiting Coorg is discovering the waterfalls hidden in these coffee estates and jungles.

Spend at least two full days in Coorg and visit places like Bylakuppe, a Tibetan colony, Barapole for river rafting, Dubare Elephant Camp, and Mallalli Waterfalls.

Misty green hills with patches of grass and trees under a cloudy sky. — Mugilpete near Madikeri

If you plan to stay for more than three days, make sure to add Tadiandamol Peak, the highest peak in Coorg, to your list. The 12 km trek is definitely worth it!

Make sure to stay in a cosy homestay. The locals, known as Coorgies, have a rich hunter history and take great pride in making their homes inviting and beautiful.

Staying in a homestay in and around Madikeri allows you to experience the flavour of Coorg, with local cuisines like pork curry and akki rotti.

A house with a traditional roof nestled among dense green foliage in a tropical setting. — Typical Coorg style Homestay

10. Wayanad

Highlights : Tea plantations, Caves, Lakes, Mountain Peaks, cultural heritage
One way Distance from Mysore : Approximately 140 km
Get Directions : Google Map

One of the most scenic places to visit near Mysore is Wayanad in Kerala. With its lakes, waterfalls, misty hills, and tea plantations, topped with Kerala’s traditional charm, Wayanad is everyone’s favourite. Of course, Kerala’s non-vegetarian food is a delicacy.

You can easily spend three days in Wayanad trekking to Chembra Peak, exploring Edakkal Caves, and relaxing at Pookode Lake.

Like Coorg, you can opt for homestays here. There are also resorts, many of which arrange cultural shows in the evening.