6 Ways to Travel Responsibly

If you travel responsibly, you will leave a positive impact wherever you go.

Here are ways to travel responsibly.

Do Not Preach

When you are a guest in someone’s home, you are there to interact with your host and enjoy their hospitality, not to rebuild their house.

Similarly, when you are in someone else’s nation—you are there to learn and enjoy. Not to “fix” parts of local culture you do not like.

Choose Eco Lodges

Eco lodges strive to minimize their environmental impact. They celebrate regional culture and support local community.

Even though there are few agencies that certify eco-lodges, there is no agreed-upon industry standard.

I suggest that you look out for Sustainable Travel International, Global Sustainable Tourism Council, The International Ecotourism Society and Rainforest Alliance.

These questions will help you find a good eco-lodge:

• Is the lodge affiliated with a conservation project?
• Do they sponsor scientific research?
• Do they have an education program for foreign volunteers and local employees?
• Do they make an effort to be sustainable and “Green”?
• Do they financially support any conservation causes?
• Does the lodge blend in with the environment?
• What options of accommodation do they offer?
• What do other people say about them on Trip Advisor, Lonely Planet, Facebook, etc?

Eco Lodge Design Concept

Respect Local Culture

One immensely useful guideline of the World Tourism Organization’s “Global Code of Ethics For Tourism” is to open your mind.

Such an attitude transforms your experience. You will earn respect and be more readily welcomed by local people.

Always be tolerant. Respect diversity. Observe social and cultural traditions and practices. It will be an enriching and ennobling experience. It will help you grow as a person.

I suggest that you try to learn local language. For instance you may learn how to say “Hello” and “Thank you” in the local language.

Be aware of local customs. Be sensitive to actions that may be considered offensive (like entering a place of worship with shoes on).

Source

Responsible tourism is traveling with an awareness that we, as travelers, have an effect on the people and places that we visit.

— www.dontforgettomove.com

Minimize Environmental Footprint

Travel with a reusable water bottle. I suggest that you also carry a foldable, reusable bag for groceries and shopping.

Use eco-friendly, reusable, organic bamboo straws instead of single-use plastic straws. Consciously limit the amount of plastic waste you generate.

Buy Locally Made Goods

Purchase products from the people who make them in order to directly support the economy. Opt for locally made handicrafts instead of mass-produced magnets, mugs or keychains.

Volunteer

Whether you are travelling for one week or one year, volunteering a part of your time to useful causes does help you leave a positive impact.

Many reputable organizations offer various opportunities. If you have a skill (like medical care experience) that may be useful in a developing country, use it for the general good.

10 Popular Tourist Attractions Around Mysuru

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Mysuru Is a Fascinating City

Mysuru is an enchanting city; it is the quaint charm of the city that enchants you. This clean city is the cultural capital of Karnataka, a state in South India. It is 770 meters above sea level.

Mysuru Has An Old World Charm

Even though Mysuru is an emerging IT hub, it retains the old world charm. It is one among the top tourist destinations in the world. There are places of interest not only in Mysuru but also around the city.

How to Reach Mysuru?

Even though Mysuru has an airport, it is not a major airport. It has one runway and one passenger terminal. Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru is the nearest major airport to Mysuru.

Mysuru Is Well-Connected By Rail and Road

Mysuru is well-connected by rail and road. It has a railway station, the Mysore Junction Railway Station; and a bus station, the Mysore KSRTC Bus Stand ( Mofussil).

Hotels in Mysuru

After reaching Mysuru, the next obvious step is to find a good hotel. It is advisable to book in advance; if you have not done so, here are some reputed hotels in Mysuru.

Hotels in Mysuru

5-Star Hotels	4-Star Hotels	3-Star Hotels	2-Star Hotels
The Quorum Hotel	Radisson Blu Plaza	Ginger Hotel	Hotel Maurya Residency
Grand Mercure Mysuru	Country Inn & Suites By Carlson Mysore	United-21 Hotel	Aishwarya Suites
	Fortune JP Palace	Hotel MB International	SK Elegance

Places Of Interest Around Mysuru

There are many places to visit not only in Mysuru but also around the city. Here are some tourist attractions around Mysuru.

Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary

Also known as Pakshi Kashi of Karnataka, Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary is 10 kilometers from Mysuru. This bird sanctuary is a paradise for bird lovers. It is located in Mandya District and covers an area of 67 square kilometers. It is on the banks of River Kaveri.

Around 300,000 tourists from all parts of the world visit Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary annually. My interest in birds grew after my visit to this beautiful bird sanctuary.

I have very fond memories of this place. I have visited it many times with my family. I clearly remember enjoying boat rides, watching wonderful birds (perched on trees and rocks) and crocodiles (lazing on the river bank).

During one of our trips, me and my son had lot of fun getting stuck in a large maze made of plants that purify the environment. Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary is open on all days of the week between 9:00 am and 6:00 pm.

Birds That Breed in Ranganathittu Regularly

Bird
Painted stork
Asian openbill stork
Common spoonbill
Woolly-necked stork
Black-headed ibis
Lesser whistling duck
Indian shag
Stork-billed kingfisher
Egret
Cormorant
Oriental darter
Heron

Eastern Cattle Egret in Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary

Wikimedia Commons | Source

Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary Season

Various migratory birds begin arriving at the Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary in December. The breeding season starts during the winter months. These amazing birds migrate back with their nestlings in August.

Brindavan Gardens

Located in Mandya district, this major tourist attraction covers around 150 acres. This celebrated beauty spot, which is around 20 kilometers from Mysuru, is well-known for its symmetric design. This superb terrace garden is a landmark destination. I have visited it many times. Me and my family have fond memories of Brindavan Gardens.

From Mysuru, the garden is easily accessible by bus (route numbers 303, 303A, etc) and cab. It is open between 6.30 am and 9.00 pm. Parking space is available for around 500 cars and 1,000 two wheelers.

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Brindavan Gardens Timings

Opening	Closing
8.00 am	8.00 pm

Chennakesava Temple, Somanathapura

Located 35 kilometers from Mysuru, this architectural beauty was built in the 13th century. This breathtakingly beautiful temple stands as an example of Hoysala architecture. This Trikuta Temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna in three forms – Janardhana, Keshava and Venugopala. I was awestruck by the artwork displayed here.

Chennakesava Temple

Wikimedia Commons

Chennakesava Temple Somanathapura

Bandipur National Park

What was once the hunting reserve for the Maharajas of the Kingdom of Mysuru is today the beautiful Bandipur National Park. This well-managed national park is spread over an area of 874 square kilometers. It is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.

It is replete with a wide range of fauna, including tigers, deer, elephants, hornbills, sloth bears, pythons and leopards. During one of our trips to Bandipur National Park, our safari van was surrounded by around 30 deer. It was a wonderful experience.

Bandipur National Park Safari Timings

Bus Safari	Between 6:30 am and 9:00 am and between 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm.
Elephant Safari	Between 10 am and 11 am.
Jeep Safari	Between 6:00 am and 9:00am and between 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm.

Superb place. Driving through forest area itself is very pleasant. We can see many animals while driving like elephants, wild buffalo, peacocks, etc. I love this place.

— Shiva Kumar

B R Hills

This hill station is located at a distance of around 80 kilometers. This beautiful hill range enables you to stay absorbed in nature. It houses diverse species of plant and animal life, including dry deciduous, scrub, moist deciduous, montane grasslands, shola forests, tigers, elephants, leopards, sambars, gaurs, barking deer, four-horned antelopes and bears. My colleage shared his experience of how, while driving in B R Hills, a tiger crossed his path.

BR Hills from Bangalore

• Bangalore to BR Hills - Distance, Journey Time and Traveller Reviews

Dubare Elephant Camp

This elephant camp is located in Nanjarayapatna, on the banks of River Kaveri. Here you get to interact with these wonderful mammals. Many elephants are trained by experts in this well-maintained camp. I have always enjoyed the serene and pollution free atmosphere of this place.

Dubare Elephant Camp Timings

The camp is open from 9.00 am to 11.00 am, and from 4.30 pm to 5.00 pm.

Nagarhole National Park

Part of Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, this well-maintained national park is one among many "Project Tiger" tiger reserves in India. It is spread across two districts: Mysuru and Kodagu, covering an area of around 571 square kilometers.

It houses Asiatic elephant, spotted deer, tiger, panther, leopard, wild dog, sambar, barking deer, sloth bear, wild boar, bison, mouse deer, slender loris, jackal, langur, porcupine, Malabar squirrel, striped hyena and four-horned antelope. During our family trip I remember seeing many deer, snake eagles, bisons, wild boars and elephants.

Nagarhole National Park Entry Fee

₹250 per person for Indians.

₹1,500 per person for Foreigners.

₹200 per person for Camera.

Shivanasamudra Falls

Located at around 81 kilometers from Mysuru, this beautiful waterfall is a wonder of nature. The best time to visit is between the months of September and January.

This segmented waterfall is formed by River Kaveri. The river winds its way through the Deccan Plateau and drops downstream to form twin waterfalls. The western stream is known as Gaganachukki and the eastern stream is known as Bharachukki.

The breathtaking sight of water gushing down the gorge and plunging into the depths below with a roaring sound will be a feast for your eyes. Mist engulfs the entire place during the monsoon months, when the water will be in full flow. This lends an ethereal beauty to the falls.

Shivanasamudra Falls from Bangalore

Shravanabelagola

Shravanabelagola is world famous for its 58 feet tall statue of Bahubali. This Jain pilgrim destination is around 80 kilometers from Mysuru.

Shravanabelagola Timings

Opens	Closes
6.30 am	11.30 am
3.30 pm	6.30 pm

Ranganathaswamy Temple

Located in Srirangapatna, this temple is one of the five important pilgrimage sites of Sri Vaishnavism. Here the idol of Lord Vishnu is in resting posture on a bed of serpent Aadi Sesha.

Ranganathaswamy Temple Timings

The temple is open on all days of the week.

Timings:

7.30 am – 1.30 pm

4.00 pm – 8.00 pm

Places to Visit in Mangalore

Town Hall in Mangaluru

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Mangaluru Is One Of the Fastest Developing Cities in the Region

Mangaluru, which is named after goddess Mangaladevi, is famous for its charming beaches, sacred temples, Catholic sites and frothy delicious coffee. The city is around 350 km from Bengaluru, the capital of Karnataka. It is one of the fastest developing cities in South India.

How to Reach Mangaluru

Mangaluru is easily accessible by air, rail, road and sea. It has an international airport, two railway stations, two bus stations and an all-weather port.

Air connectivity is limited to few major cities in south and west regions of India. Buses and trains are available to many cities, towns and villages in the region. You can enter the city through the New Mangalore Port with the help of Electronic visa.

Mangalore Railway Station Code

MAJN

Tourist Attractions in Mangaluru

These locations will make you come back to Mangaluru.

Mangaladevi Temple

Built in 9th century CE, This Hindu temple is dedicated to goddess Shakti in the form of Mangaladevi. Mangaluru is named after the diety.

Legend has it that the temple was built by Parashurama, an avatar of Vishnu, and later expanded by Kundavarman, king of the Alupa dynasty.

The temple, which has a two-storied gateway tower, is in Kerala style architecture.

Mangaladevi Temple Timings

Shri Mangaladevi Darshan Timings

Morning : 6.00 am to 10.00 am
Afternoon : 12.00 noon to 12.30 pm. Later at 1.00 pm
Evening : 4.00 pm to 8.30 pm (Fridays till 9.00 p.m)

Daily Pooja Timings

Morning Pooja at 6.00 am
Afternoon Pooja at 1.00 pm
Evening Pooja at 8.30 pm (Fridays at 9.00 pm)

Saavira Kambada Basadi

Saavira Kambada Temple or Tribhuvana Tilaka Cūḍāmaṇi, is a basadi or Jain temple noted for its 1000 pillars.

It is located in Moodabidri, around 35 kilometers from Mangaluru. It was built in 1430.

Saavira Kambada Basadi Timings

The temple is open from 9.00 am to 8.00 pm.

St. Aloysius Chapel

This chapel is located on the Lighthouse Hill, at the heart of the city. Built by Italian Jesuit Antonio Moscheni in 1884, this architectural marvel enthralls you. It is well-known for its beautiful paintings.

Outside View of St. Aloysius Chapel

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St Aloysius Chapel Timings

St. Aloysius Church remains open between 7.00 am and 7.00 pm on all days.

Panambur Beach

Panambur Beach is one of the safe and well-maintained beaches in the Arabian Sea coast of India. Jetski, boating, horse rides, parasailing, camel rides, ATVs, swimming and surfing are among many activities in the beach.

Early Morning in Panambur Beach

Once I visited this beach at 4.30 am and stayed there till sunrise. I spent time walking, letting the waves caress my feet, ankles, calf and knees. It was a wonderful experience.

Panambur Beach Timings

Panambur beach is open 24 hours.

Sammilan Shetty’s Butterfly Park

Set up in 2011 by butterfly enthusiast Sammilan Shetty, this park is a natural habitat for beautiful butterflies. It is located at Belvai, a village at the foothills of the Western Ghats. This treasure house of butterflies is around 40 km from Mangaluru.

A Commander Butterfly in Sammilan Shettys Butterfly Park

Wikimedia Commons | Source

Butterfly Park Belvai Timings

All days of the week:

8.00 am to 1.00 pm

Gokarnanatheshwara Temple

Also known as Kudroli Sri Gokarnanatha Kshetra, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It was built in 1912. Murals in the temple tower depict scenes from great epics.

Mangalore to Kudroli Temple Distance

5.8 kilometers

Aloyseum

Aloyseum, the museum of St Aloysius College, gives you a glimpse of old Mangalorean culture, customs and practices. The first car of Mangalore, animal and fish bones, skulls, horns and skins, copies of paintings by old European masters, mineral specimen, old radios, telegraphic equipment, antique telephone sets, manuscripts on palm leaves, Portuguese statues, an old pulpit from Cordel Church, swords, daggers and other weapons, postal stamps, coins and medals, priestly vestments dating back to 1878, the Old Missal which has the size of a broad sheet newspaper and Mangalore’s first electric generator dating back to 1930 are some attractions of the museum.

A

Aloyseum:

Aloysius College Rd, Hampankatta, Mangaluru, Karnataka 575003, India

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Kadri Manjunath Temple

Located on the hills of Kadri, this beautiful, clean and serene Shiva temple is surrounded by greenery. It was built in the 10th century. You will find many ponds in front of the temple.

Kadri Manjunath Temple Timings

Opening	Closing
6.30 am	2.00 pm
4.00 pm	8.30 pm

Tannirbhavi Beach

This serene beach captivates you with its azure blue sea, golden sand and coconut trees. Swimming and surfing are main activities in this secluded beach, which is far removed from the crowded and polluted city.

A

Tannirbhavi Beach:

Tannirbhavi Beach, Kasba Bengre, Mangaluru, Karnataka 575010

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Sultan Battery

Located around 4 km from the center of Mangaluru city, this location of historical significance is a watch tower was built byTipu Sultan in the 18th century. Sunset viewing is a popular activity here.

A

Sultan Battery, Mangaluru:

Sultan Battery Road, Urva, Gandhinagar, Mangaluru, Karnataka 575003, India

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Kateel Shri Durgaparameshwari Temple

Located around 26 km north of Mangaluru, this sacred temple is on an island in the middle of the sacred River Nandini amidst panoramic scenes and fascinating greenery.

A

Kateel Durga Parameshwari Temple:

SH 67, Kateel, Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka 574148, India

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Milagres Church

Located in Hampankatta, this historic Roman Catholic Church was built by Bishop Thomas de Castro in 1680. The Parish claims some of the leading Catholic Institutions in the District.

A

Milagres Church, Hampankatta:

Hampankatta, Mangaluru, Karnataka 575001, India

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Someshwara Temple

Located around 13 kilometers from Mangaluru, this temple is in the sea shore. It is also known as Rudrapada Kshetra. It is one of the 12 sacred Shiva Kshetras in India. The beach is clean and pristine.

Climate

Classified as Am by Köppen and Geiger, Mangaluru has tropical climate. Average annual temperature is 27.0 °C and rainfall 3783 mm. January is the driest month and July the wettest.

Hotels in Mangaluru

4 Star Hotel	3 Star Hotel	2 Star Hotel
The Gateway Hotel	The Ocean Pearl	Hotel Prestige
Goldfinch Hotel	Ginger Hotel
	Hotel Deepa Comforts

Safety Tips

Mangaluru is in tropical region, so you need to be prepared to deal with mosquitoes. Malaria is an endemic in the city; it is advisable to check with your physician for advice on malaria prophylaxis before you leave for Mangaluru.

Ensure that you are vaccinated for Hepatitis A. Drink only filtered water. Go for foods that are steaming hot. It is a good idea to use a hand sanitizer. Avoid uninhabited locations during night hours. Mangaloreans are very proud of their language, so avoid making fun of their culture and language.

Mangalore, the coastal Indian town where I lived until I was almost 16, is now a booming city of malls and call-centres. But, in the 1980s, it was a provincial town in a socialist country.

— Aravind Adiga

Famous People from Mangaluru

George Fernandes, former Indian trade unionist, politician, journalist, agriculturist, and member of Rajya Sabha from Bihar, is a native of Mangaluru.

Dr Devi Shetty, cardiac surgeon and Founder, Chairman and Executive Director of Narayana Health, was born in Mangaluru. He completed his graduation in Medicine and post-graduation in General Surgery from Kasturba Medical College in Mangaluru.

Aishwarya Rai, Suniel Shetty and Shilpa Shetty are some famous people from Mangaluru.

Languages

Sl No	Language
1	Tulu
2	Kannada
3	Konkani
4	Beary
5	Haveeka

Many people in Mangaluru can speak and understand English and Hindi