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The city offers itself as an ideal base to explore the fascinating and culturally rich state of Karnataka. Your itinerary to Bangalore should also include a visit to these places.
Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary (3km from Shrirangapatnam)
It is located on one of three islands in the Cauvery River. If you are interested in bird watching then this a right place for you. It is best to visit this place between September and June when you can see all types of birds. Access is by motorable road and boats are available for use on the river.
Bannerghatta National Park (11 km)
Numerous wild animals roam freely in this densely forested, hilly area- bisons, elephants, lions, baboons, panthers, wild boars, and all sorts of buck, jackals and lion-tailed monkeys. It also has over 100 species of birds, a crocodile farm, a serpentarium, pets and many more. 
Chamundi Hills (13km from Mysore)
Overlooking Mysore from a summit of 1062 meters above sea level is temple to Shri Chamundeswari. The temple on the summit is a huge structure with a seven storey gopuram 40meters high which is visible from far away. You can spend a half-day walking up the 1000 odd steps to the top of this hill. It is fairly strenuous climb but you get really wonderful view of Mysore city and surrounding countryside. At three-quarters way one come across the famous Nandi (Shiva's bull) carved out of solid rock and at five meters high, it is one of the largest in India.
Srirangapatnam (16km)
Outside the city to the northwest lie the extensive ruins of the former capital of Mysore, the fortress city of Srirangapatnam, built by Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan on an island in mid-Cauvery. Tipu Sultan fought the last of his battles with the British here in the closing years of the 18th century. It was constructed on a long island in the Cauvery River.
A fort holds the dungeon where Tipu Sultan held British officers captive with a mosque and Shri Ranganathaswamy temple. Another important tourist attractions are Daria Daulat Bagh, Tipu's summer palace and the Gumbaz, Tipu's mausoleum.
Murudeshwar (16 kms) from Bhatkal
This picturesque place has a beautiful temple perched on a hillock by the shore. The temple embodying a linga is believed to have erupted when Ravana flung the cloth covering the Atmalinga at Gokarna while lifting it. This place is a favorite tourist spot bounded by the shimmering sea and rolling hills.
Brindavan Gardens (19km from Mysore)
These ornamental gardens are laid out below Krishnarajasagar dam across the Cauvery River. They are popular picnic spots. The musical foundations are played every night for two hours.
Hesaraghatta (25 km)
This is a popular picnic spot with an artificial lake. You can enjoy boating and windsurfing here in the tranquil environment. For the nature lovers there is horticulture farm and dairy.
The Big Banyan Tree (28km)
The famed four hundred years old big banyan tree is spread over nearly four acres at Ramohalli. A landmark worth visiting, especially for those seeking endless shade!
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