The Ultimate Dussehra Travel Experience: 2023 Edition

Lalitha Mahal Palace Hotel

The Lalitha Mahal Palace, which was built in 1931, has stood for over 100 years. This stunning heritage hotel was once a royal palace and offers a regal experience. Its architecture and beautiful gardens make it a fantastic choice for a luxurious stay. Despite its antiquity, the palace provides the ultimate in luxury while also giving the impression that you have gone back in time. The palace was originally built to accommodate the erstwhile Maharaja's most important visitor, the Viceroy of India. 

The palace is now one of India's most lavish hotels, giving visitors the opportunity to live the royal life in an authentic Maharaja's castle.  This gleaming white mansion is located close outside Mysore, at the foot of the Chamundi Hills. The palace was built in the style of an Italianate palazzo, with double columns supporting the domed ceiling, and it is surrounded by magnificently terraced and planted gardens. Explore every little corner of the palace, and you'll find snippets of history everywhere you look. The palace has 30 Deluxe Rooms, 2 Duplex Suites, 2 Viceroy Suites, and 2 Executive Suites. 

The Wellness Spa, which provides a range of services including full body massages, scrubs, and facials administered by qualified therapists, is a place where you may unwind and revitalise.

Distance from Mysore: 6.5 kms (15 mins- drive)

Distance from Bangalore: 145 kms (2.5 hour- drive)

JLR Kings Sanctuary 

Just a short drive from Mysore and Bangalore, JLR Kings Sanctuary is an intriguing wildlife jungle resort on the northern boundaries of Rajiv Gandhi National Park. This resort is renowned for its pristine natural surroundings, which serves as the habitat for several different animal species. Visitors may witness wildlife like leopards, Asiatic elephants, gaurs, and a wide variety of other exotic animals. The property offers an incredible fusion of luxury and nature and is situated on 40 acres of lush mango orchards and gorgeous meadows. 

The resort offers a luxurious and fashionable stay in its 24 air-conditioned spacious suites and cottages, which are all equipped with handmade furnishings brought from Thailand and Indonesia. Visitors may relax by the pool and go on a jungle safari with knowledgeable naturalists, providing an up-close and personal encounter with animals. Whether you're a devoted wildlife enthusiast or looking for a peaceful getaway, JLR Kings Sanctuary offers a pristine stay where the wonders of nature and upscale hospitality come together. It is a great option for family vacations, corporate retreats, and anybody wishing to reconnect with nature in a stunning and serene setting. 

Accommodations at JLR Kings Sanctuary include the Standard Package and Maharaja Package. You will ride along with knowledgeable naturalists on a Jeep Safari into the Nagarhole National Park.

Distance from Mysore: 64 kilometres (1.5 hour-drive) 

Distance from Bangalore: 200 kilometres (4 hour-drive)

Kabini River Lodge

Kabini River Lodge was once a hunting lodge for the Maharaja of Mysore. Its architecture and design exude a regal and historic charm, providing guests with a glimpse into the royal past.  You can expect a regal stay amidst the lush wilderness of Nagarhole National Park. The lodge is situated on the banks of the Kabini River, surrounded by dense forests and abundant wildlife. The picturesque setting is serene and offers a sense of tranquillity that is fit for royalty. Choose from the Viceroy Package, the Tented Cottages, or the Maharaja Package as your lodging option. 

The lodge offers gourmet dining options with a variety of cuisines. You can savour delectable meals in a charming and rustic setting at the Golghar. Kabini is renowned for its wildlife, including elephants, tigers, leopards, and a variety of bird species. The lodge organises guided wildlife safaris, giving you the opportunity to explore the national park and witness these magnificent creatures up close. There’s a spa and wellness facility where you can rejuvenate and relax in a serene environment.

Distance from Mysore: 70 kilometres (1.5 hour- drive)

Distance from Bangalore: 220 kilometres (4 hour-drive)

Bandipur Safari Lodge

Bandipur Safari Lodge is known for its rustic and eco-friendly charm, offering comfortable and clean accommodations that are more in tune with the natural surroundings. The lodge typically provides cottages and rooms that blend with the environment and provide a more immersive jungle experience. You may take part in a range of activities while staying at the lodge, such as safari trips, birding, nature walks, and cultural encounters. The resort provides both the chance to independently explore the local region and guided safari and activities. At the lodge, you may also just unwind and take in the tranquil surroundings. Bandipur Safari Lodge offers the chance to see the natural beauty and animals of the Bandipur National Park, as well as a comfortable and delightful stay overall. 

Every room is uniquely themed, offering choices such as The Gaur Room, The Elephant Room, and The Tiger Room. The lodge strives to ensure a pleasant and eco-conscious stay for visitors, blending comfort and sustainability as its core commitment.

Distance from Mysore: 72 kilometres (1.5 hour-drive)

Distance from Bangalore: 218 kilometres (4 hour-drive)
 

Dubare Elephant Camp

Dussehra in Coorg, also known as Kodagu, is celebrated with traditional fervour and cultural significance. Madikeri has a unique tradition where it celebrates the victory of Goddess Kali over the demon Mahishasura, which is slightly different from the traditional Dussehra celebration in some other parts of India.  Elephants have played a significant role in the history of Dubare Elephant Camp. The camp was first built as a training facility for the elephants utilised by the Karnataka Forest Department. The elephants from Dubare were once trained for logging operations. But recently, the authorities stopped all logging activities. 

A key cultural occasion in Karnataka, the big Mysore Dussehra celebration, was another honour bestowed upon the trained elephants of Dubare. The elephants would participate in the customary procession each year, signifying the area's rich history and culture. The camp is essential to the preservation and defence of elephants. The camp actively participates in the rescue and rehabilitation of elephants and raises awareness of conservation issues.

The camp offers lodging choices that mix in with the surrounding environment. The Dubare Elephant Camp offers rooms in comfortable cottages with a cosy, country-style environment. They are the River View Cottage and Forest View Cottage. The cottages are often constructed of wood and provide contemporary conveniences like beds, private bathrooms, and simple furniture. 

Distance from Mysore: 103 kilometres (2.5 hour-drive)

Distance from Bangalore: 240 kilometres (4.5 hour-drive)

K Gudi Wilderness Camp

The Kyathadevara Gudi temple, constructed by the Maharaja of Mysore, is the origin of the name K Gudi. The Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple (BRT) Wildlife Sanctuary is embodied in the K Gudi Wilderness Camp, giving guests an exclusive and immersive experience. Being one of the few properties in India that permits guests to remain inside a tiger reserve's centre makes this K Gudi Jungle Lodges location special. The campsite offers several activities including jeep safaris, nature walks, and birding trips, while the lodgings are generally tented cottages and log cabins. 

Tourists are taken on a 1- to 2-hour long vehicle safari in the BRT woodland area. Animal footprints can be seen in the mud. Visitors may unwind with a campfire in the evenings or watch a nature film in the audio-visual area. Visitors can also hike inside the refuge with the help of our naturalists. To discover more about adjacent tribal villages' customs and way of life, go there. To educate guests about the value of conservation and environmentally friendly methods, the camp offers interactive workshops with naturalists 

Distance from Mysore: 87 kilometres (2 hour-drive)

Distance from Bangalore: 185 Kilometres (4.5 hour-drive)

Bheemeshwari Adventure and Nature Camp 

The Bheemeshwari Adventure and Nature Camp is a renowned vacation spot in Karnataka. It is located on the banks of the Cauvery River, surrounded by the region's lovely woods and hills. The camp provides guests with a number of housing options, including tents and cottages, as well as a variety of activities and services. This facility is well-known for its outdoor activities, which include river rafting and kayaking. The Cauvery River is ideal for adventure sports owing to its current and gorgeous environment. The camp also provides nature hikes and birding, allowing guests to learn about the local flora and animals. 

The lodging includes a welcome drink, three buffet meals, an evening BBQ with a campfire, morning and evening tea / coffee, a nature walk, and a coracle ride. The months of October through January are good for travel since the weather is cooler. There are various lodging options, including the Executive Tent Package, Mud Hut Package, Cottage Package, and Log Hut Package. All of the cottages are very big and well-kept, with hot water. 

Distance from Mysore: 85 Kilometre (2 hour-drive)

Distance from Bangalore: 103 kilometre (2.5 hour)
 

In simple words, travelling during Dussehra in 2023, which is on October 24th, can be an amazing adventure. Avathi can assist you in creating the ideal travel plan for this occasion. So, if you're thinking about a trip, Dussehra is a great time to go.