Shopping In Mysore

Snuggled within Karnataka, Mysore is abuzz with magnificent structures, heritage buildings, sacred shrines, majestic palaces, and not to forget, some great shopping spots. Every lane of Mysore carries a scent of old charm and impeccable grandeur that is hard to put into words. This second largest city of Karnataka is renowned for its melt-in-the-mouth Mysore Pak, picturesque Brindavan Gardens, and palatial Mysore Palace. The people here are deeply rooted in their customs and traditions. Mysore is a shopper's paradise and some of the notable shopping places worth visiting are Sayyaji Rao Road, Janata Bazaar and Mysore Market, to name a few. Mysore silk, ivory jewelry boxes, paintings, Mysore sandalwood soaps and aromatic incense sticks top the list of must-buy items. The best time to visit Mysore is from September to April when the temperature is most pleasant. Given below is the list of top shopping destinations in Mysore to make your shopping experience more fun-filled and enjoyable.

Shopping Places In Mysore

Government Silk Factory
Government silk factory located on Jhansi Lakshmi Bhai Road is stocked with authentic Mysore silk saris that have gorgeous zari borders. In addition, you can also see and buy crepe saris, embroidered saris, tissue saris, stoles, handkerchiefs, neckties and more. The silk factory, officially known as Karnataka Silk Industries Corporation (KSIC) Factory, charges no entry fees for tourists. However, taking pictures here is strictly prohibited.

Devaraja Market
Devaraja market is Mysore's most happening and ever-bustling bazaar. The stalls are colorful and make for great photography subjects. Mostly crowded, the items sold here ranges from fruits, vegetables, kumkum (colored powder) and New Zealand apples to banana leaves, incense sticks, spices, flower garlands and other related stuffs. Besides local inhabitants, foreign tourists can also be spotted here curiously checking out the tiny shops filled with colorful collectibles. This 100-year-old market houses fruit market that sells varieties of flowers like rose, marigold, jasmine and chrysanthemum.

Cauvery Arts And Crafts Emporium
To buy authentic handicraft products, heading out to Cauvery Arts And Crafts Emporium is the best and safest option. This well-maintained emporium stores rosewood and sandalwood items besides exotic jewelry boxes, paintings, tabletop items and other lovely souvenirs. Although the prices of these artifacts are a bit expensive, they are completely worth every penny. Cauvery Arts And Crafts Emporium is located near Sayyaji Rao Road City Center and remains open to visitors from 10:00 am to 7:30 pm.

Sandalwood Oil Factory
Shopping in Mysore is incomplete without stuffing your travel backpacks with sandalwood powder and oil. Situated on Ashokapuram off Mananthody Road, the factory is kept open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm on all days except Sundays. Besides buying sandalwood items, you can also see how exactly incense sticks are made and sandalwood oil is extracted. Photography is strictly prohibited inside the factory premises.

Veena Musical Works
Music lovers must check out this interesting place located at Irwin Road city center. The shop has an array of rare traditional musical instruments. If not Veena Musical Works, you can visit the nearby Shruthi Musical Works. Veena Musical Works is open from 10:00 am to 8:30 pm on weekdays and from 10:00 am to 1:30 pm on Sundays.

Ramsons Handicrafts Sales Emporium
This is a one-stop shopping point for buying Mysore handicrafts. Here, you can find elegant marble vases in different shapes and sizes, eye-catching paintings, delicate wooden boxes, trinkets, leather items, metal crafts and many more. Also, on display are the gold and silver jewelry and exotic collection of saris. Ramsons Emporium is located right opposite to the Mysore zoo and is easily accessible. Other important handicraft shops in Mysore are Shariff N Curios, Silk Emporium, Pankaj Art Gallery and Sri Murugesh Handicrafts Center.