Brindavan gardens : The ornamental gardens below the Krishnaraja Sagar dam is a popular picnic spot (Admission Rs 10, camera Rs 25). The garden will be illuminated daily from 7 to 8 pm. The illuminated dancing musical fountain is another attraction.

Bus No 301, 304, 305, 306 and 365 depart from Mysore's City bus stand (Rs 7, 45 minute, 19 km).

Tibettan settlements : Travel by Mysore-Madikeri (Mercara, Coorg) bus and get down at Kushalnagar. Shared autos will take you to Sera at Rs 10. The Namdroling monastery is 5 km from Kushalnagar is the home of Golden temple having a 18 m high gold plated Buddha. When the school is in session and it rings out with gongs, drums and chanting of hundreds of young novices. The spectacular Zangdogpalri temple is nearby.

About 2 km from Namdroling, Sera village is the site of Sera Jhe and Sera Mey monasteries, which houses around 5000 monks here.

Madikeri : Madikeri is the capital of cool town Kodagu (Coorg) region. The green mountainous region is a good base for treks to the nearby peaks - Tadiyendamol (1745 m) and Pushpagiri (1712 m). The trekking season is from Oct to March and a guide is essential for the forested route treks.

The forested hills, whose roads ramble through flowering vines, cardomom plantations, bamboo trees (nibbled by elephants) and coffee estates. In March and April, white blossoms illuminate the hills of deep green coffee plants.

The Kodava wedding ceremonies include complex dances, mock fighting with sticks and symbolic chopping of a banana leaf with a sword can be viewed at Madikeri's Kodava Samaja building.

Abbi falls (7 km) and the Raja's tombs on the route are nice places to visit. The Municipal headquarters (fort), nearby old church and the Omkareshwara temple are worth a visit.