Mysore Forests

The city of Mysore boasts of nearly six centuries of princely grandeur. Although the city is proudly dotted with several forts and mansions, it is in fact called the city of Palaces, but the region is aplenty with flora and fauna of various kinds, exotic and exuberant. The city is enclosed with amazing forests that is discussed in this article.
Karnataka forests are a good option to explore this vacation because of:

• The world-famous sandal and rosewood trees
• 25% of India’s elephant population
• 10 % of India’s tiger population
  
  
  
  
  

Most of the forests in Mysore are located along the Western Ghats. Roughly about 23% of the geographical area in Mysore is covered by forests. The jungle safari is the attraction most people look out for liberal doses of pure excitement and adventure. You will have more about all the adventures you can enjoy once the destinations where you may head to are nailed down:

Bandipur National Park is about 75 km south from Mysore city which takes about 2+ hours by road. You can hire a cab or drive your own jeep or any four wheelers. The best time to visit this place is from November to March.
The route to the forests is less trodden path full of beautiful foliage ready to be explored for a no fuss date with nature. A lot of green beauty is on a sprawl to be exposed. If you are packing extra bags to accommodate your shopping, here is a reminder- there are NO SHOPPING OUTLETS, only natural glory!
Visiting time: From 6:00 am to 9:00 am & 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm

This Nagarhole National reserve is 96 km towards North-West of Mysore and is spread over enclosing districts of Kodagu and Mysore. By road the track will stretch up to about 3 hours. River Kabini flows through the forest giving it a damp luster and soothing sights. You can visit the place in just one day if you are staying in Mysore.
The best time to visit the Nagarahole National Park is from November to March. The Reserve is home to an intoxicating beauty of Karapur Forest which supports a huge variety of wild animals. This place is about 80 km from Mysore.
Visiting time- From 6:00 am to 9:00 am & 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm

Useful Information to Consider

Both the Bandipur National park and Nagarahole reserve are perfect weekend getaways from Mysore. The most enchanting activities you can indulge in the forests are the elephant rides and the jungle safari. And if you are keen, do seek forest Officials company for trekking and camping. The wildlife roams kingly in the forest, so you will have ample opportunities to share your fun with wild life including deer, tiger, cheetah, elephants, monkeys, wild boar etc. This will be your best adventure trip!

Jungle Lodges and Resorts are available in Bandipur and Nagarahole National Park. But for that you will have to book your lodging prior to your visit. There are several places in Mysore you can contact for the boarding and lodging at the jungle.                                  

Leave your heavy garments and expensive jewelry for the forts and malls if you please, just slip into your cottons and sock up in your sneakers for a whole world of real exciting adventure of trekking. So keep your luggage to minimum and the Most Important Rules is- NO PLASTIC!

This bird sanctuary is a fascinating cluster of islets comprising about 0.67 km sq which is about 40 acres in area. It’s about 13-14 km from Mysore. The Sanctuary is dotted along the banks of Kaveri River near the Srirangapatna town. The best time to visit the bird sanctuary is during March to May.

Main Attraction

Crocodiles, fruit bats, and a huge variety of birds including  kingfishers, swallows, cormorants, white ibis, darters, several variety of storks, egrets, terns, herons, sandpiper etc. co-mingling in a natural harmony is a mesmerizing sight.  The best part while visiting this sanctuary is the hop on and hop off boat ferries that make the visit a memorable feat.

Travel Warning!

This may disappoint you, so read on your own peril!
The Important Travel Warning is that you are not heading to any party so –

• NO HORN
• NO FIRE
• NO ALCOHOL OR SMOKING ALLOWED!

The reminder honks once more: NO PLASTIC PLEASE!

The article cannot be complete without mentioning the Zoo, given that the objective of visiting Mysore Forests is to be one with natural glory, here is the wild life is in its closest natural scape. The Mysore Zoological Park was established by the royal patrons in 1892 enlisting it among the oldest zoos in the world.

The Location

Located in the outer circles of the city, the Zoo is not a mere picnic spot for school goers, but hosts a wide variety of wildlife and is an exotic experience in itself. The Mysore Zoo is the very Large is spread over 245 acres of land. The zoo also has a bandstand and an artificial lake which makes it quite a view.
Visiting Time: From 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Main Attraction

Zoos give a childlike sensation even when one grows old enough to have his/her own children. A visit to the Zoo gets our vote because it does fills you with warm memories of childhood you would not want to miss.

Plus, the vivid variety of animals and birds is the basic reason why you may want to visit the place. The zoo supports exquisite species of animals including white tiger, cheetah, elephant, gorilla, chimpanzee, penguin, giraffe etc.