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Getting
To Mysore |
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by
air |
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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. |
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by
train |
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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
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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)
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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) |
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| For updates and more
information, check out www.southernrailway.org
or www.srailway.com |
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by
taxi |
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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. |
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Maps |
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India |
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Mysore |
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Local
Travel Agencies |
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| 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: |
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| Bharath
International Travels |
Seagull
Travels |
| #576
Dewan’s Road |
#8
Hotel Ramanashree Complex |
| Lakshmipuram,
Mysore |
BN
Road, Mysore |
| Phone:
91-821-333501 |
Phone:
91-821-529732 |
| Email:
bittravmys@yahoo.com
or |
Email:
Seagulltravels@yahoo.com |
| bittrav@sancharnet.in |
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For accommodation & travel requirements, contact
Krishna Murthy; (0091)9880265622 - email:
tskittymurthy@yahoo.co.in |
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Visas |
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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.
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Shots |
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| If
you feel you need shots, check out www.cdc.gov/travel/indianrg.htm
for information on those specifically suggested and
required for India. |
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Weather |
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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. |
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What
to Bring |
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Suggestions:
Yoga mat/blanket (Sharath is now selling both sticky mats
and Mysore-style blankets, as well as AYRI tees and tank
tops); 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.
Things you might miss: Grapefruit seed extract;
Herbal tea; Tampax; Magazines, Soy milk, Braggs, Quality
hair conditioner. |
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Communication
and Cash |
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| 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. |
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