Bengaluru (Bangalore) began as a 16th-century mud fort, later blossoming into the “Garden City,” and today anchors India’s tech boom. That layered story lives in its tree-lined parks, flower markets, colonial-era institutions, and a culinary scene that runs from century-old tiffin rooms to experimental regional plates and craft breweries.

Just 145 kilometers away, Mysuru (Mysore) is the old-world counterpoint: an elegant city of palaces, broad boulevards, sandalwood workshops, and the storied Chamundi Hill. Together, the cities sketch Karnataka’s arc—from empire and princely states to modern innovation.

Expect mild, dry weather from October to February; hotter days March–May; and monsoons June–September. Dress modestly for temples, carry cash for small eateries (UPI is widely accepted), and start markets early. Trains between Bengaluru and Mysuru are frequent and fast, and metro plus ride-hailing make Bengaluru days efficient.

Bengaluru

India’s startup hub still feels neighborly in its parks and breakfast queues. Lalbagh and Cubbon Park bookend a day of color-drenched KR Market, stately Vidhana Soudha, and galleries. Evenings pivot to Church Street bookshops, microbreweries, and long conversations over filter coffee.

• Top sights: Lalbagh Botanical Garden, Cubbon Park, KR (City) Market, Bangalore Palace, Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace, National Gallery of Modern Art.
• Food hall-of-fame: MTR (rava idli origin story), Vidyarthi Bhavan (crispy butter dosa), Brahmin’s Coffee Bar (idli–vada and chutney), Nagarjuna (Andhra meals), Karavalli (coastal Karnataka), Meghana Foods (biryani), Shivaji Military Hotel (donne biryani).
• Brews & night: Byg Brewski Brewing Company, Geist Brewing Factory outlets, Windmills Craftworks (jazz + craft beer).

Where to stay (Bengaluru): For curated hotels, browse Hotels.com Bengaluru or apartments on VRBO Bengaluru. Standouts: The Leela Palace Bengaluru (resort-like grandeur near business hubs), Taj MG Road, Bengaluru (Central + excellent dining), and Treebo Trend Raj Premier (value pick near ULSOOR/central areas).

Getting in: Fly into BLR (Kempegowda). Compare fares on Trip.com Flights and Kiwi.com. Airport to MG Road takes 60–90 minutes by taxi; the metro “Purple Line” now reaches the airport transfer point (KIA Halt/Blue Line extensions rolling out; check current ops). For domestic rail into Bengaluru, see Trip.com Trains.

Day 1: Arrive, Settle In, and Church Street Stroll

Afternoon: Land at BLR and check in. Shake off jet lag with a gentle walk in Cubbon Park—banyans, bamboo groves, and red-brick Attara Kacheri framing the skyline.

Evening: Head to Church Street and MG Road. Browse Blossom Book House (a beloved maze of secondhand finds) and pause for filter coffee at Indian Coffee House or Matteo Coffea. Dinner at Karavalli for appam with Mangalorean crab, kane rava fry, and coastal veg thalis. Finish with “Death by Chocolate” at Corner House—an old Bengaluru indulgence.

Day 2: Gardens, Markets, and Heritage

Morning: Breakfast at MTR near Lalbagh—order rava idli (born here in the 1940s) and a ghee dosa. Wander Lalbagh Botanical Garden for lake reflections, the Glass House, and rock outcrops with city views.

Afternoon: Visit Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace (teak pillars, 18th-century frescoes) and the vivid flower market at KR (best for photos and jasmine garlands). For a dosa interlude, CTR/Shri Sagar in Malleshwaram plates the iconic benne (butter) dosa; alternately, Brahmin’s Coffee Bar for idli–vada with coconut chutney.

Evening: Bangalore Palace adds Tudor-style whimsy to your golden hour. Dinner at The Permit Room (South Indian-inspired small plates—ghee roast chicken, jackfruit kebabs) or Oota Bangalore (regional Karnataka thalis). Nightcap at Geist Brewing Factory or Byg Brewski—ample outdoor seating and seasonal IPAs.

Day 3: Wildlife + City Highlights (Guided)

Make today a guided, full-day combo to see wildlife and Bengaluru’s essential landmarks without logistics stress.

Featured activity: From Bangalore Bannerghatta Park and City Sights Private Tour — Bannerghatta Biological Park (safari zones and rescue center) plus a half-day city loop through Lalbagh, Tipu’s Palace, and more. Note: Bannerghatta typically closes on Tuesdays—confirm before booking.

Meals to try today: Breakfast at Vidyarthi Bhavan (butter-crisp masala dosa), quick lunch near market lanes (try Shivaji Military Hotel’s fragrant donne biryani if you’re nearby), and dinner on Church Street—try modern Indian at Farzi-style spots or keep it classic with Nagarjuna’s Andhra meals served on banana leaves.

Day 4: Bengaluru → Mysuru (Morning Train), Palace Walks

Morning (travel): Take an early train from KSR Bengaluru or Yeshwantpur to Mysuru Junction. The Shatabdi does it in ~2:10; standard expresses take 2.5–3.5 hours. Expect ~INR 500–1,000 ($6–12) for AC chair car, or INR 100–250 ($1–3) for non-AC. Book via Trip.com Trains. A private car is ~3.5 hours via NH275.

Afternoon: Check in and lunch at Hotel RRR (hearty Andhra thali or biryani). Tour Mysore Palace (Amba Vilas): stained glass peacocks, Durbar Hall pillars, and gilded ceilings; hire an audio guide to enrich the visit. Continue to Jaganmohan Palace Art Gallery for Mysore school paintings and the famed Raja Ravi Varma works.

Evening: Browse Devaraja Market—pyramids of kumkum powder, jasmine garlands, and seasonal fruit. Sample local sweets: Mysore Pak at Guru Sweet Mart or Bombay Tiffanys Annexe. Dinner at Oyster Bay (al fresco grills and coastal curries) or The Old House (wood-fired pizzas, pastas, and a cozy cafe vibe).

Mysuru

Mysuru feels ceremonial: palace domes at dusk, sandalwood incense on the breeze, and wide avenues lined with heritage facades. It’s perfect for slow travel—temples at sunrise, markets at noon, fountains after dark.

• Top sights: Mysore Palace, Chamundi Hill & Nandi, Devaraja Market, Jaganmohan Palace Art Gallery, St. Philomena’s Cathedral, Brindavan Gardens (KRS) music fountain.
• Short escapes: Srirangapatna (Tipu Sultan’s capital) and Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary boat rides.
• Local plates: Vinayaka Mylari (soft-set dosas), Mahesh Prasad (veg tiffin and meals), RRR (Andhra), Depth N Green (healthy veg), Guru Sweet Mart (Mysore Pak).

Where to stay (Mysuru): Find central stays near the palace and market via Hotels.com Mysore or space-for-groups homes on VRBO Mysore. Look for walkable spots around KR Circle, Lashkar Mohalla, or Jayalakshmipuram.

Getting there from Bengaluru: Prioritize the morning Shatabdi (fastest) or a mid-morning express via Trip.com Trains. Taxis are handy for door-to-door with luggage.

Day 5: Hilltop Temples, Stories, and Street Eats

Morning: Beat the heat at Chamundi Hill—climb steps to the Chamundeshwari Temple, then visit the monolithic Nandi statue (a classic photo stop). Breakfast at Vinayaka Mylari: a feather-soft dosa folded over a dollop of butter with coconut chutney.

Afternoon (guided walk): Dive into anecdotes and flavors with this storytelling-forward walk:

Mysore Walking Tour - Stories, Culture and Food galore! — a mix of history, lanes you’d otherwise miss, and tastings that decode local snacks and sweets.

Evening: St. Philomena’s Cathedral for neo-Gothic arches at twilight. Dinner at Mahesh Prasad (veg North–South staples) or Depth N Green (bowls, juices). Try a late chai near the palace—vendors set up with kettles and small steel cups.

Day 6: Srirangapatna, Birdlife, and Brindavan Lights

Morning: Drive 30–45 minutes to Srirangapatna. See Daria Daulat Bagh (Tipu’s frescoed summer palace), Gumbaz mausoleum with its serene gardens, and the island fortifications. History lovers can add Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, a major Vaishnavite site.

Afternoon: Continue to Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary (boats with life jackets; look for painted storks, spoonbills, and crocodiles sunning on rocks). Snack stop: Maddur Tiffanys on the highway for the eponymous Maddur vada—crisp, onion-flecked, perfect with filter coffee.

Evening: Time your return to Brindavan Gardens (KRS) for the musical fountain (typically after sunset; schedules can be seasonal—confirm locally). Dinner back in town at Oyster Bay or a simple South Indian “meals” joint near KR Circle.

Day 7: Mysuru → Bengaluru (Morning), Brunch & Departure

Morning (travel): Board an early train to Bengaluru (2–3 hours). If you’re catching an international flight, aim for a train arriving before noon. Tickets via Trip.com Trains.

Afternoon: Brunch at Koshy’s (old-school clubby vibe; cutlets and coffee) or Airlines Hotel’s garden tables (masala dosa, lime sodas). Last-minute shopping on Commercial Street for fabrics, ready-to-wear, and sandals. Ride to BLR with buffer time—weekday traffic can add 30–45 minutes.

Depart: Compare fares and check-in reminders on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com. If you’re overnighting again in the city, use Hotels.com Bengaluru or VRBO Bengaluru for a quick stay near MG Road or Indiranagar.

Good to know: Many temples require shoulders/knees covered; carry a light scarf. Market photography is welcome—ask vendors, tip when appropriate. Bannerghatta is popular—avoid Tuesdays and arrive early. Brindavan fountain runs post-sunset with seasonal variations.

In a week, you’ve traced Karnataka’s throughline from Bengaluru’s leaf-dappled avenues and new ideas to Mysuru’s royal heritage and riverside sanctuaries. Keep this itinerary handy for future trips—you can layer in Coorg’s coffee country or Hampi’s ruins next time for an even wider arc of the state.