By Air

Bangalore is the closest international airport. Air India, Indian Airlines, Lufthansa and Malaysian Airlines fly here direct. Otherwise, connecting flights on any of the domestic airlines - Jet Airways, Sahara, Indian Airlines or Air India - through Mumbai (Bombay), Delhi or Chennai (Madras) are available.

Mysore is roughly a 4-hour ride from Bangalore. You can take a bus, train, airport taxi or pre-arrange for a private car pick-up.

By Train

The Shatabdi Express runs daily (except Tuesday).

Reservations are required.

Leaves Chennai: 6:00 am - Arrives Bangalore: 11:00 am

Leaves Bangalore: 11:15 am - Arrives Mysore: 1:00 pm

Costs

(Chennai to Mysore: 650 rps AC/chair class; 1320 rps AC/Executive)

(Bangalore to Mysore: 300 rps AC/chair class; 600 rps AC/Executive)

The following, slower and less sophisticated trains depart Bangalore for Mysore for 200 rupees, no reservation required:

Departs 2:15 pm (arrives 4:45 pm)

Departs 6:15 pm (arrives 9:00 pm)

For updates and more information - www.southernrailway.org or www.srailway.com

 

By Taxi

Booking a taxi from the government stand at the airport can be more expensive than bargaining with the drivers of the white Ambassador cars outside. The 4-hour drive should cost anywhere from 1000-1500 rupees.

 

Local Travel Agencies

Arranging an airport pickup from a local travel agency is another option for traveling from Bangalore to Mysore. A driver from Bharath, for example, runs about 1350 rupees. Reserve by e-mail a week in advance. The following companies are yoga-student friendly and familiar:

Bharath International Travels

57 Dewan's Road, Lakshmipuram, Mysore

(t): 91 821 333501

email:bittravmys@yahoo.com or bittrav@sancharnet.in

 

Seagull Travels

8 Hotel Ramanashree Complex, BN Road, Mysore

(t): 91 821 529732

email: seagulltravels@yahoo.com

 

For accommodation and travel requirements contact:

Krishna Murthy

(t): (0091) 988 026 5622

email: tskittymurthy@yahoo.co.in

 

Visas

For visa information and applications, consult www.passport.nic.in or www.indianembassy.org. 
Be sure to get your visa BEFORE you arrive in India.

Shots

If you feel you need shots, check out www.cdc.gov/travel/indianrg.htm for information on those specifically suggested and required for India.

Weather

Winter
(November - January): Mysore's dry winters chill the tropical city with pleasant, but cool mornings and evenings, with lows reaching around 60F (16C). Bring a sweater, fleece, scarf or hat for keeping warm to and from a pre-dawn practice. The sunny afternoons warm up to an average of 77F (25C).

Summer (February - May): A scorching sun beats down, especially in March and April, the hottest months, when walking down the street midday can be a challenge. Average temperatures generally rise above 95F (35C).

Monsoon (June - October): India's monsoon season means random rainstorms that range from heavy, hard-hitting drops to the sporadic sprinkle. Come prepared for cool mornings, hot afternoons, wet, muddy roads and a relentless mildew odor that can be quite a challenge to your yoga wardrobe.

 

Suggestions what to bring

Yoga mat/blanket; Yoga garb; Bathing suit (bikini is acceptable); Flashlight for frequent blackouts; Mosquito net, although you can buy them here; Sunscreen; Clothing appropriate for India means long skirts or pants, and covered shoulders for women (yoga wear and tight tank tops around town are not recommended). Keep in mind that textiles are a good value here and many students have clothes made by local tailors.

 

Communications and Cash

ATMs have sprouted all over Mysore, so there is no real need to haul around bundles of traveler's checks. Cellphones are also available and not too expensive, and internet cafes can be found on just about every street corner.