Getting to Mysore

Coming to Mysore: Everything You Need to Know Before You Arrive

Mysore — officially Mysuru — is a city in Karnataka, South India, and the birthplace of Ashtanga yoga. Gokulam, a quiet residential neighborhood in the northwest of the city, is where most of the yoga shalas are located and where most visiting practitioners stay. If you are coming to practice at Sachidananda Ashtanga Yoga Shala, this guide will help you get here and get settled.

The nearest major airport is Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru (BLR), approximately 150 km from Mysore. There is no direct flight into Mysore — all international and most domestic travelers arrive into Bengaluru first.

From the airport, the easiest option is the KSRTC FlyBus, which runs directly from the airport to Mysore City Bus Stand. The journey takes approximately 3 hours depending on traffic. Buses run regularly throughout the day and evening. Buy your ticket at the prepaid counter inside the arrivals hall before exiting — it is clearly marked.

Alternatively, you can take a taxi from Bengaluru airport directly to Gokulam, Mysore. Expect the journey to take 3–4 hours and cost approximately ₹2,500–3,500 depending on the service. Book through the prepaid taxi counter at the airport or through Ola/Uber.

From Mysore City Bus Stand, an auto-rickshaw to Gokulam costs approximately ₹150–250. Agree on the price before you get in.

Getting a SIM Card

Pick up an Indian SIM card at the airport or in Mysore. Airtel and Jio are the most reliable networks in Mysore. You will need your passport and a passport photo. Plans are inexpensive — expect to pay around ₹300–500 for a monthly plan with data. If you are getting your SIM in Mysore rather than at the airport, go to a shop in Gokulam — shopkeepers there are familiar with the process for foreign visitors and can walk you through the registration without hassle.

If you prefer to arrange data before arriving, eSIM services like Airalo offer India coverage and can be set up from home, but most won’t allow for calls or an Indian phone number.

Money

India runs largely on cash, especially for day-to-day expenses like auto-rickshaws, local restaurants, and market shopping. ATMs are available in Gokulam and throughout Mysore city. Inform your bank before you travel to avoid your card being blocked.

You can pay the shala via bank transfer or cash. Cards are not accepted.

When to Come

Mysore has a relatively mild climate year-round. The coolest and most comfortable months for practice are October through February. March through May gets hot. The monsoon runs roughly June through September — the city stays green and beautiful but humidity is high.

For Ashtanga practice, plan to stay a minimum of one month. This is enough time to establish a rhythm, deepen your practice, and begin to understand the Mysore method. Many students return season after season. Our shala remains open all months for students to practice.