Guidelines for Visitors

 
GUIDELINES FOR VISITORS
 
Persons of all faiths are welcome at Avadhoota Datta Peetham. However, facilities are limited and are primarily maintained to accommodate devotees of His Holiness Sri Sri Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji. Therefore, visitors are requested to obtain hotel accommodations in the city of Mysuru and visit the Ashram daily to attend the programs and activities at the Ashram.
 
Those seeking a brief stay on the Ashram premises should attend Ashram programs consistently for at least a week or more before inquiring about staying. The Ashram Administrator will handle such inquiries. No visitors will be permitted to stay while Sri Swamiji or Sri Balaswamiji are out of the station. During major functions, all newcomers are required to find accommodations elsewhere.
 
Even for those persons known to the Ashram staff and to Sri Swamiji, advance permission should be asked before making arrangements to visit and stay in the Ashram. This permission may be sought by letter, phone, fax, or email to H. V. Prasad, personal secretary to Sri Swamiji. Please seek permission well in advance of your proposed travel plans. Once your plans are finalized, you must notify the Ashram about your arrival date, number in the party, and expected duration of stay. Please carry with you, photocopies of your Government approved identity proof / passports and passport photos of all members in your family/group. You need to submit them to the Ashrama office upon arrival, as it is a government regulation.
 
Traveling to Avadhoota Datta Peetham (from overseas)
First-time overseas travelers may find this section helpful. It is best to begin travel preparations weeks or even months before your proposed journey.
 
Documents
The first step is to procure a current, valid passport from the government of your country. Next, apply to the Indian Consulate (Embassy) in your country for a Visa that allows you to enter and stay in India for a designated time period. Indian Consulates are usually located in major cities. A three or six-month tourist Visa may suffice for your needs. (Please do not list Datta Peetham as the responsible party for your visit to India.) Those desiring to stay longer should apply for a different type of Visa.
 
Travel Agencies
Your travel agent can provide all the information you need for your journey, such as how to apply for a passport, the addresses and phone numbers of Indian Consulates, baggage allowances, and weight limits. Their primary job is to provide you with flight tickets. Prices can vary dramatically depending on the airline you choose.
 
Recommended Travel Route
Regardless of your place of departure, it is recommended that you fly to Bengaluru city in Karnataka state for your first visit. Depending on where you are flying from and which airline you are using, your travel agent may arrange a connecting flight from Mumbai, Delhi, or Chennai to Bengaluru. Several airlines now fly directly to Bengaluru, including Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, Malaysian Airlines, British Airways, Emirates, and Gulf Air. Arriving directly removes the hassle of staying in Mumbai or Delhi at night. At the arrival hall at Bengaluru airport, you will find several taxi stand desks where you can hire a taxi directly to Mysuru. Ashram's gates close at 11 PM, so if you arrive late at night, please stay in a hotel. Traveling by road from Bengaluru to Mysore after 9 PM is not advised.
 
Allow ample time to make your connecting flights to ensure that you can clear customs and change airlines. Keep in mind that you may need to change from an international to a domestic airport, depending on your first entry city.
 
Contact Information:
Tel: (0821)-2486486
Email: mail@dattapeetham.com
Avadhoota Datta Peetham,
Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Ashram,
Dattanagar, Nanjangud Road,
Mysore - 570 025
India
 
Budget Hotels near Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Ashram
1. Hotel Roopa
Address: 2724/C, Bangalore-Nilgiri Road, Mysuru
Description: A budget-friendly hotel offering clean and comfortable rooms, a restaurant, and basic amenities.
Price Range: ₹1,500 - ₹2,500 per night
Distance from Ashram: Approximately 5.5 km
 
2. Hotel Aditya
Address: 1459, Narayana Shastri Road, Mysuru
Description: An economical hotel with well-maintained rooms, a restaurant, and close proximity to major attractions.
Price Range: ₹1,000 - ₹2,000 per night
Distance from Ashram: Approximately 4.8 km
 
3. The Dawn Hotel
Address: No. 15, Kuvempu Nagar, 3rd Stage, Mysuru
Description: A budget hotel offering basic accommodations, a restaurant, and easy access to the Ashram and other sites.
Price Range: ₹1,200 - ₹2,200 per night
Distance from Ashram: Approximately 2.5 km
 
4. Aishwarya Residency
Address: 2932/A, Off Bangalore-Nilgiri Road, Lashkar Mohalla, Mysuru
Description: This hotel offers budget accommodations with essential facilities and services.
Price Range: ₹1,000 - ₹1,800 per night
Distance from Ashram: Approximately 5.8 km
 
5. Hotel KVC International
Address: 1294/B, Jhansi Lakshmibai Road, Chamarajapuram, Mysuru
Description: An affordable hotel with comfortable rooms, a restaurant, and basic amenities.
Price Range: ₹1,500 - ₹2,500 per night
Distance from Ashram: Approximately 4.7 km
 
6. Hotel Royale Heritage
Address: 1976, Chittaranjan Palace, Near Hardinge Circle, Mysuru
Description: A budget hotel providing simple accommodations, a restaurant, and basic services.
Price Range: ₹1,000 - ₹2,000 per night
Distance from Ashram: Approximately 5.3 km
 
Note: These distances are approximate and can vary slightly depending on the exact route taken. Booking in advance and confirming the distance and amenities with the hotel can help ensure a comfortable stay.
 
Luxury hotels near Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Ashram
1. Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Mysore
Address: 1 MG Road, Nazarbad Mohalla, Mysuru
Description: A luxury hotel offering upscale rooms, an outdoor pool, and multiple dining options. Known for its comfortable accommodation and excellent service.
Price Range: ₹6,000 - ₹10,000 per night
Distance from Ashram: Approximately 7.5 km
 
2. The Quorum Hotel
Address: 2257/1, Vinoba Road, Near Kala Mandir, Mysuru
Description: Provides modern rooms, a rooftop pool, a fitness center, and dining options. Popular for both leisure and business stays.
Price Range: ₹3,000 - ₹6,000 per night
Distance from Ashram: Approximately 6 km
 
3. Fortune JP Palace
Address: #3, Abba Road, Nazarbad, Mysuru
Description: Features elegant rooms, a spa, a fitness center, and several dining options. It provides a blend of modern amenities and traditional hospitality.
Price Range: ₹4,000 - ₹7,000 per night
Distance from Ashram: Approximately 6.5 km
 
4. Hotel Sandesh The Prince
Address: 3 Nazarbad Main Road, Mysuru
Description: A well-known hotel in Mysuru offering comfortable rooms, a swimming pool, a health club, and various dining choices.
Price Range: ₹3,500 - ₹6,500 per night
Distance from Ashram: Approximately 7 km
 
5. Hotel Pai Vista
Address: 35/A, Bangalore-Nilgiri Road, Mysuru
Description: Located near major attractions, this hotel offers cozy rooms, a swimming pool, a gym, and multiple dining facilities.
Price Range: ₹3,000 - ₹5,500 per night
Distance from Ashram: Approximately 6.5 km
 
6. Southern Star Mysore
Address: 13-14, Vinobha Road, Mysuru
Description: A well-established hotel offering spacious rooms, a pool, a fitness center, and on-site restaurants.
Price Range: ₹4,000 - ₹7,000 per night
Distance from Ashram: Approximately 6 km
 
7. Roopa Elite
Address: 686, KRS Road, Metagalli, Mysuru
Description: Offers comfortable accommodations with modern amenities and a restaurant serving various cuisines.
Price Range: ₹2,500 - ₹4,500 per night
Distance from Ashram: Approximately 3 km
 
Transportation options for devotees to reach Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Ashram
1. Auto Rickshaws
Availability: Readily available outside the railway station.
Cost: Approximately ₹100 - ₹150 depending on the time of day and traffic conditions.
Time: Around 15-20 minutes.
 
2. Taxis/Cabs
Availability: Available through app-based services like Ola, Uber or local taxi stands outside the railway station and bus stand.
Cost: Approximately ₹150 - ₹300.
Time: Around 15-20 minutes.
 
3. City Buses
Availability: KSRTC buses operate from the Mysuru City Bus Stand, which is near the railway station.
Route: Check for buses heading towards Ooty Road / Nanjangud Road or Ashram-specific routes.
Cost: Around ₹10 - ₹20.
Time: Approximately 20-30 minutes depending on the bus route and stops.
 
City Bus Numbers to Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Ashram
1. Bus Number 119
Route: Mysuru City Bus Stand to Ganapathy Ashram
Description: Direct route to the Ashram, making it the most convenient option for devotees.
 
2. Bus Number 119A
Route: Mysuru City Bus Stand to Ganapathy Ashram via JSS Medical College
Description: This route also goes directly to the Ashram but makes a few more stops along the way.
 
3. Bus Number 118
Route: Mysuru City Bus Stand to Kuvempunagar
Description: This bus passes near the Ashram. You may need to walk a short distance or take an auto-rickshaw from the closest stop.
 
Additional Tips
1. Prepaid Taxi/Auto Booths: Prepaid booths are available at the railway station for a hassle-free experience.
2. Online Cab Booking: Book a cab through Ola or Uber apps for a convenient and comfortable ride.
 
Some notable nearby places to visit in Mysuru near Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Ashram:
1. Chamundi Hill and Chamundeshwari Temple
Description: A famous hill with a temple dedicated to Goddess Chamundeshwari, one of the Ashtadasha Shaktipeethas (eight sacred temples dedicated for the Goddess). It also offers panoramic views of Mysuru city.
Distance from the Ashram: Approximately 12 km
 
2. Mysuru Palace
Description: A historical palace and royal residence of the Wadiyar dynasty, known for its architectural grandeur and rich history.
Distance from the Ashram: Approximately 7 km
 
3. Mysore Zoo (Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens)
Description: One of the oldest and most well-maintained zoos in India, housing a wide variety of animal species.
Distance from the Ashram: Approximately 8 km
 
4. St. Philomena's Church
Description: A majestic cathedral built in neo-gothic style, known for its beautiful architecture and stained glass windows.
Distance from the Ashram: Approximately 7 km
 
5. Karanji Lake
Description: A scenic lake with a park, butterfly park, and aviary, ideal for leisurely walks and bird watching.
Distance from Ashrama: Approximately 7.5 km
 
6. Railway Museum
Description: A museum showcasing the history of Indian Railways with exhibits of vintage locomotives and carriages.
Distance from the Ashram: Approximately 7 km
 
7. Jaganmohan Palace and Art Gallery
Description: A former royal palace that now houses an art gallery with a vast collection of artifacts, paintings, and sculptures.
Distance from the Ashram: Approximately 6.5 km
 
8. Melody World Wax Museum
Description: A museum featuring life-size wax statues depicting musicians and various musical instruments.
Distance from the Ashram: Approximately 6 km
 
9. Brindavan Gardens
Description: A beautifully landscaped garden adjoining the Krishnarajasagara Dam, known for its musical fountain show.
Distance from the Ashram: Approximately 21 km
 
10. Srirangapatna
Description: A historical town near Mysuru, known for its cultural and historical significance, including the Ranganathaswamy Temple and the Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace.
Distance from the Ashram: Approximately 20 km
 
11. Kukkarahalli Lake
Description: A serene lake popular for morning walks, jogging, and bird watching, surrounded by lush greenery.
Distance from the Ashram: Approximately 8 km
 
12. Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary
Description: A bird sanctuary on the banks of the Kaveri River, known for its diverse bird species and boat rides.
Distance from the Ashram: Approximately 16 km
 
13. KRS Dam (Krishnarajasagara Dam)
Description: An impressive dam built across the river Kaveri, offering scenic views and a nearby Brindavan Gardens.
Distance from the Ashram: Approximately 21 km
 
Day Trips from Mysuru
1. Bandipur National Park
Description: A wildlife reserve known for its tiger population, safaris, and rich biodiversity.
Distance from the Ashram: Approximately 75 km
 
2. Nanjangud
Description: Known as the "Dakshina Kashi," this town is famous for the Nanjundeshwara Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Distance from the Ashram: Approximately 25 km
 
3. Shivanasamudra Falls
Description: Stunning waterfalls located on the Kaveri River, featuring twin falls - Gaganachukki and Bharachukki.
Distance from the Ashram: Approximately 75 km
 
4. Talakadu
Description: A historical site on the banks of the Kaveri River, known for its sand dunes and ancient temples.
Distance from the Ashram: Approximately 45 km
 
5. B.R. Hills (Biligiriranga Hills)
Description: A hill range known for its scenic beauty, wildlife sanctuary, and the Ranganathaswamy Temple.
Distance from the Ashram: Approximately 85 km