Waterfalls

Some of the picturesque waterfalls are found in Mysore region. The most famous of them all is the Shivanasamudra or the Sea of Shiva. Located about 85 km from Mysore, the Cauvery meanders around rocky terrain and plunges with a deafening crescendo making an impressive sight; but you an enjoy its beauty only during the rainy season (June-October).

Bylakuppe

About 90 km from Mysore is the largest Tibetan settlement in India where the followers of the Dalai Lama have converted a vast tract of barren land into their residential colony and springs up a surprise by way of greenery, rolling hills and lakes amidst whom one can see hundreds of Buddhist students with their rosary and sacred texts. It is a “must-visit” for tourists coming to Mysore to soak in a slice of Tibetan culture and support their cause – of freedom from China. The icing on the cake at Bylakuppe is the Golden Temple.

What next ?

Having explored Mysore there are two things one can do. If you are short of time and want to move further down south, then hit the highway to Ooty and enter Tamil Nadu or take a diversion and get into God’s Own Country that is Kerala.

But I will take you further north of Karnataka on an enchanting trip to Hampi.