Bangalore (Bengaluru), the capital of Karnataka, is known for its gardens, old palaces, temples and cool evenings. Mysore (Mysuru), about 145 km to the south-west, was the seat of the Wodeyar kings and is famous for its palace, Chamundi Hills and the Dasara festival. GoldBox Holidays runs one-day bus and car tours in both cities, plus Wonderla tickets and an evening Ambaari double-decker ride during Dasara. Most start from Bangalore, and a few from Mysore.
Popular Bangalore and Mysore packages
All of these are one-day trips.
- One Day Bangalore City Tour - a bus tour of the main city sights, good for first-time visitors on a budget.
- Bangalore Sightseeing By Car - your own cab for the day, easier for families with small children or elders.
- Full Day Bangalore Sightseeing with Bannerghatta by Car - city sights plus the national park, a good pick for kids who love animals.
- Bangalore to Mysore Sightseeing - a long day by bus from Bangalore, for travellers with only one free day.
- Bangalore To Mysore Tour Package By Car - the same trip in a private car, for small groups who want to set their own pace.
- One Day Mysore City Tour - a bus tour that starts in Mysore, for people already staying there.
- Bangalore To Adiyogi Chikkaballapur Package - a car trip north of the city to the 112-foot Adiyogi statue, liked by devotees.
- Mysuru Ambaari Double Decker Bus - Dasara Illumination - an evening ride past the lit-up city, only in the Dasara season.
Places you will visit
Main sights in Bangalore include Lalbagh Botanical Garden, Cubbon Park, the Vidhana Soudha, the Bull Temple at Basavanagudi and Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace. In Mysore, the big draw is Mysore Palace. Other favourites are Chamundi Hills with the Chamundeshwari temple, St. Philomena's Church, the zoo and Brindavan Gardens, where a musical fountain plays in the evening. Srirangapatna, Tipu Sultan's old island capital, lies on the Bangalore-Mysore road. Nandi Hills and the Adiyogi statue are about 60 to 65 km north of Bangalore.
Best time to go
October to February is the most pleasant time for both cities, though Bangalore stays mild most of the year. March to May can be hot in Mysore, and June to September brings rain but green gardens. Dasara, usually in September or October, is the busiest and most colourful time in Mysore. The palace is lit up on Sunday evenings and public holidays from 7 PM to 7:45 PM.
How to choose the right package
Bus tours cost less and follow a fixed route with a group. Car tours cost more but let you stay longer where you like, which helps with elders and small children. Mysore is a full day from Bangalore, with about three to four hours on the road each way. With two days, see Bangalore first and Mysore the next day. Bannerghatta National Park is closed on Tuesdays, so book that tour for another day.
Frequently asked questions
Can I see Bangalore and Mysore in one day?
Not comfortably. Each city needs its own day. With only one day, pick either a Bangalore city tour or the Bangalore to Mysore trip.
Does the Ambaari bus run all year?
The Ambaari package on this page is for the Dasara lights only. KSTDC runs these evening trips during the festival, so check the dates on the package page first.
Which tour is best for young children?
The Bannerghatta car tour and Wonderla Amusement Park Bangalore tickets suit families with kids.