Every year, the streets of Mysuru come alive with music, color, and tradition as the city hosts its legendary Dasara celebration. For visitors arriving from far and wide, the sheer scale of the event can be daunting. That’s why Karnataka’s tourism authority has stepped in, offering a new way to experience the spectacle without the usual logistical headaches.
At the heart of the initiative is the Ambari double‑decker bus. Designed to ferry crowds to key sights, the vehicle will run on a special schedule during the festival. Daytime rides cost Rs. 250, while evening services—departing at 6:30 PM, 8:00 PM, and 9:30 PM—are priced the same for the lower deck but double, at Rs. 500, for the upper deck. The route is carefully mapped to cover the palace precincts, the bustling Sayaji Rao Road, and other major streets that host the parade and light displays.
Beyond the city limits, KSTDC has unveiled seven distinct tour packages. Each one invites travelers to explore a different corner of Karnataka: the hill station of Ooty, the historic villages of Belur, Halebidu, and Shravanabelagola, the lush landscapes of Kodagu, the serene waters of Shivanasamudra, and the cultural hub of Nanjangud. By bundling these destinations into curated itineraries, the corporation hopes to turn a single festival visit into a broader adventure across the state.
The pricing structure reflects a balance between accessibility and comfort.
The pricing structure reflects a balance between accessibility and comfort. Rs. 250 for daytime travel keeps the service affordable for the mass of festival goers, while the Rs. 500 upper‑deck fare offers a premium experience for those willing to pay for a panoramic view of the celebrations. The seven packages, each with its own itinerary, provide a clear framework for tourists who wish to step beyond the palace gates and discover Karnataka’s diverse heritage.
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The Ambari bus’s path is more than a simple shuttle. By weaving through the palace’s main avenues and the historic Sayaji Rao Road, the service places travelers at the heart of the festivities.
Karnataka’s Minister for Power and Tourism, K.J. George, underscored the initiative’s purpose: “We aim to make the Dasara experience even more memorable for tourists through convenient travel, reliable services, and diverse tour packages via KSTDC.”
Whether they choose the affordable lower deck or the premium upper deck, they’ll find themselves in the right place at the right time. Meanwhile, the seven packages open doors to other attractions, encouraging travelers to linger in Karnataka and experience its varied landscapes and cultural sites.
