If you are looking to travel as lightly as possible and don't mind purchasing duplicates of things you may have at home, than the bare-bones suggestions for items to bring to Mysore include the following list:
Bring It
Bathing Suit - If you plan on hitting the hotel pools, bring your bathing suit because you may not find one here that you like. Bikinis are fine; thongs are pushing the envelope.
Yoga Sticky Mat - The only place selling sticky mats in 2006 was AYRI and that will run you approximately US $30. Bring a lightweight travel mat - it's easy to pack and carry and since most shala floors are covered by rugs, thick mats are not necessary.
Yoga Clothing - If you practice in stretchy, lycra or spandex yoga clothing, bring it with you as it's nearly impossible to find in Mysore except for the occasional shala t-shirt. Also, bring any clothing that you would like duplicated by the wonderful and inexpensive tailors in Mysore.
Sunscreen, Bug Repellent & Tampons - There are basically only 2 - 3 brands of bug repellent and sunscreen easily available in Mysore and they are usually past their expiration date. However, you can purchase essential oil of water lily which is reputed to be a natural bug repellent and smells lovely. You can also purchase tampons here, but if there's a brand you like, it's best to bring your own.
If you need to save your pennies to pay for those shala fees, than in addition to the above you should consider bringing:
Consider It
Adaptors/Converters - If you are bringing electrical devices that are not 220 volts/50 hertz.
Camera - For the requisite snapshot with Guruji to show all your friends back home.
Cell Phone - Check with your provider for international service plans and to find out if your model will work in India. If your cell phone is unlocked, you can buy a local SIM card in Mysore.
Flashlight - Useful for walking in the dark or during a power outage.
Grapeseed Extract - Use a few drops in purified water to clean your fruit and vegetables.
Triphala and Activated Charcoal - Just in case you have stomach issues
Herbal Tea - Very difficult to find different flavors of tea here except for regular black tea.
iPod - In case you need a break from Indian music, it's always nice to travel with your tunes.
Kitchen Utensils - Vegetable peeler and fork/knife/spoon travel set are useful but remember to pack it in your checked-in luggage so that it doesn't get confiscated.
Laptop Computer - Internet cafés are everywhere, but some students opt to bring their own laptop. Some ways to access the Internet with your laptop are through a local dial-up connection at Dishnet, the wireless network at the Southern Star Hotel, broadband cable through Net Online (984-501-2734) or a landline phone connection with Touchtel (821-525-1234).
Mysore Rug - You can easily purchase a high-quality rug here for Rs. 500 so you might want to invest in one to bring home instead.
Padlock - Most likely you will need it to lock your room. A good luggage padlock can do double-duty. Also, if you will be travelling by train, you might want to have a chain lock to secure your baggage to the luggage racks.
Sheets - Unless you are staying in a hotel, you will probably need some sheets but they can be purchased here cheaply.
Towel - Most towels in Mysore are thin and different than the terry cotton towels you may be used to.
Yoga Mat Bag - Comes in handy for your mat, rug, keys, camera etc. but almost every shala sells them if you prefer to buy it here cheaply.
Things that you probably don't need to bring with you to Mysore are:
Leave It
Sneakers - Unless you plan on running or jogging. A good pair of sport sandals will be easier to slip on and off.
Books - There are lending libraries at Tina's, Mysore Mandala and The Kev Inn.
Dressy Shoes or Clothing - Got a wedding to go to? If not, don't bother.
Mosquito Net - If your room doesn't have screened windows, than you can buy a mosquito net here easily.
Toiletries - Bring your favorites. Otherwise, you can purchase shampoo, conditioner, soap, etc., in Mysore.
Rosemary "Kali Lilla" Vargas created the website mysoreashtanga.com Mysore Ashtanga founded on the book she published in 2005 "Ashtanga City: The Westerner's Guide to Mysore" after studying yoga in Mysore, India. Mysore Ashtanga is a comprehensive source of news and happening in the Ashtanga Yoga community from around the globe, as well as providing the largest resource of travel information for ashtangis and visitors venturing to Mysore, India. Mysore Ashtanga broadcasts daily on topics covering Ashtanga events, studios, teachers, retreats, books, video, music, news, travel advice and more. Kali Lilla's mission is to make the website a "travel wiki" that is kept up-to-date through comments and contributions by its readers. Guest bloggers are encouraged to submit articles for publication to: contact (at) mysoreashtanga (dot) com
Kali Lilla's also has another website on health, nutrition and exercise entitled healthysimpleliving.com Healthy Simple Living
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