Mysore is known for its traditional silk sarees, sandalwood and rosewood carvings, incense, and handicrafts. Other popular items to shop for in Mysore include Mysore Pak (a sweet dish made from gram flour, ghee, and sugar), Mysore Silk (silk sarees with traditional designs), and Mysore painting (a traditional South Indian style of painting). Additionally, there are several shops and bazaars that sell traditional jewelry, spices, and other souvenirs.

Mysore city is famous and also synonymous with Mysore Silks, Mysore Jasmine (Mysore Mallige), Mysore Sandalwood (Mysore Srigandha), and Mysore Eggplant (Mysore Badane). Shopping in Mysore is a fantastic experience, it has traditional shopping complexes and streets. The prominent shopping centers are Krishnaraja Circle (KR Circle), Devaraja Market, Devaraj Urs Road, Sayyaji Rao Road, Dhanvantri Road, and Ashoka Road.

For a shopping spree in Mysore, some ethnic Mysore items are:-

 

Mysore Silk

Mysore Silk is known for its high quality and traditional designs. The silk used in Mysore Silk sarees is produced in the city of Mysore and the surrounding areas and is considered to be some of the finest silk in India. The sarees are often adorned with intricate zari (gold thread) work and traditional motifs such as paisleys and temple borders. Mysore Silk sarees are also considered to be a status symbol and are often worn on special occasions such as weddings and festivals. These sarees are very famous and have a high demand in the market not only in India but also internationally.

Mysore is also famous for its Silks. Silk sarees are huge favorites with South Indian women and are believed to reveal feminine grace most perfectly. Silk sarees and Magutas are being traditionally worn for a long time, both on religious and auspicious occasions. Silk sarees come in a large variety, the cost of a silk saree depends on the amount of 'zari' or gold in it. There are private weavers in Mysore and there is a Government Silk Weaving Factory that produces beautiful silk sarees, silk fabric, and ties. Mysore crepe silk sarees are the most sought-after ones.

Government Silk Factory
 

The Government Silk Factory in Mysore, also known as the Karnataka Silk Industries Corporation Limited (KSIC), is one of the most famous silk factories in India. It is known for its high-quality silk products and traditional designs. The factory is known for producing a wide range of silk products, including sarees, dupattas, and fabric. They use the finest silk from the region, and the sarees are adorned with intricate zari (gold thread) work and traditional motifs such as paisleys and temple borders. The factory also has a showroom where one can purchase these products directly.

The factory is also famous for its traditional method of silk production which is done manually and not by machines, this gives the silk a unique texture and shine. Additionally, Government Silk Factory is a Government run unit that assures the authenticity of the product and also it is reasonable in price. All of these factors make the Government Silk Factory a popular destination for those looking to purchase high-quality silk products in Mysore.

The Maharaja of Mysore started the Government Silk factory in 1932 to obtain the finest hand-loomed silks for his royal family, now it's run by the Karnataka Silk Industries Corporation. The silk products of the factory still commend wide acceptability for their genuine quality, gold lace, and color. Right from taking out yarn from the cocoon up to weaving the yarn into colorful garments takes place in Mysore. The Factory has a showroom on its premises at Manandavadi Road and also at the shopping area of Krishnaraja Circle(KR Circle) at the heart of the city.

Phone: 0821-2481803

Government Silk Factory Timings

10. 30 am to 05.00 pm Monday to Saturday
(except 2nd Saturday of the month)

Government Silk Factory Entry Fee

Free Entrance.

 

Agarbathies

Mysore is well known for its Agarbathies (incense sticks) production. The city is home to many small and large-scale agarbathi manufacturing units. These incense sticks are made of natural ingredients such as sandalwood, jigat powder, charcoal, and other natural perfumes. The scent of Mysore Agarbathies is considered to be very pleasant and refreshing, and they are popular among people of all age groups.

The city is also famous for its Sandalwood incense sticks, which are made from the wood of the sandalwood tree, which is known for its natural fragrance. These incense sticks are widely used in religious ceremonies and meditation practices.

Mysore Agarbathies can be found in many shops and markets in Mysore, and are also widely available for purchase online. The products of Mysore Agarbathies are exported globally and are considered to be of high quality.

Mysore city is the home of the world-famous Agarbathies or incense sticks. Incense sticks are lit in the houses during the morning and evening prayer or pooja timings and on all auspicious occasions. Many varieties of agarbathies are manufactured by leading large and small agarbathi manufacturers. Mysore is the home of the best variety of incense sticks, it's still traditionally manufactured like the age-old times. Most of the branded agarbathies are of excellent quality and have established a good export market too. Some of the popular brands are Cycle Pure Agarbathies and Vasu Agarbathies.

  Mysore Paintings

Mysore paintings are a traditional South Indian style of painting that originated in the city of Mysore, in the state of Karnataka, India. These paintings are known for their intricate details, vibrant colors, and use of the gold leaf. They typically depict Hindu gods and goddesses, as well as scenes from Indian mythology and epics such as the Ramayana and Mahabharata.

Mysore paintings are made using a combination of natural and synthetic colors, and are traditionally painted on cloth or canvas using a pen or a brush. The painting is then framed with a wooden frame and glass. The paintings are also known for their rich colors and intricate details and are a popular form of decorative art.

The Mysore painting style has its own characteristics, which makes it different from other styles of painting. It is known for its use of vibrant colors and its attention to detail, which makes it stand out from other styles. Mysore paintings are also famous for their use of gold leaf.

Many shops and art galleries in Mysore sell Mysore paintings, and they can also be found at art and craft fairs and exhibitions. They are also available online and are considered popular souvenirs among tourists visiting the city.

Mysore is a reputed place for good paintings with a historical past of over 500 years. There are a number of artists who produce excellent art pieces in the traditional Mysore and other styles, including watercolors and oil paintings. Mummadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar (Krishnaraja Wodeyar III) was instrumental in the growth of the Mysore painting. The main attraction of the traditional Mysore style of paintings is gesso work in which gold foils were pasted on appropriate regions on the painting. Stories from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, Bhagavata Purana, and Jain epics formed the basis of these paintings.

Ganjifa is another unique style of painting. Ganjifa is similar to the miniature painting, generally circular and sometimes rectangular in shape. These paintings on cards were used during the period of Krishnaraja Wodeyar III (1799 to 1868) as playing cards, this game was known as "Chadd" (God's play). Cards made for royalty were inlaid with precious stones and were also made of ivory, mother-of-pearl, and wafers of lac. The cards had on them miniature paintings mostly related to Hindu mythology, like Dashavathara (10 incarnations of Vishnu) and of other gods and goddesses. Ganjifa is now known more for the artwork on the cards than the game itself. One of the finest exponents of Ganjifa Art, Ganjifa Raghupathi Bhatta is a resident of Mysore and has set up an International Ganjifa Research Center at Mysore.

 

Mysore Handicrafts

Mysore is known for its rich tradition of handicrafts, which includes a wide variety of items such as sandalwood and rosewood carvings, wooden toys, lacquerware, and ivory carvings. These handicrafts are made by skilled artisans using traditional techniques passed down through generations.

Sandalwood and rosewood carvings are particularly popular in Mysore and can be found in many shops and markets in the city. These carvings are made from the wood of sandalwood and rosewood trees, which are known for their natural fragrance and durability. They are often carved into intricate designs such as statues of Hindu gods and goddesses and are popular among both tourists and locals.

Lacquerware is another popular handicraft in Mysore. This traditional art form involves applying layers of lacquer to wooden or metal objects to create intricate patterns and designs. The lacquerware items in Mysore are known for their vibrant colors and intricate designs and are often used as decorative items.

Ivory carvings are also famous in Mysore, but it should be noted that the sale of ivory products is illegal in India and also globally, due to the harm caused to elephants.

Handicrafts are widely available in the city, both in shops and at local markets. Some government-run emporiums also sell handicrafts, these emporiums ensure the authenticity of the product and are also reasonable in price. They make for a great souvenir or gift, and also support the local artisans.

Mysore is a reputed place for handicrafts. Mysore is famous for elegant and attractive items of handicrafts, made out of sandalwood, rosewood, and teak wood. Figures of god and goddesses, candle stand, ashtray, and even furniture made of sandalwood and rosewood can be prize purchases. A variety of articles, including figures of gods and goddesses, are available either in sandalwood or rosewood. The inlaid works of rosewood like teapoys, coffee tables, and other items of furniture are attractive. Different sizes of elephants are also crafted out of rosewood, sandalwood, and teak wood. Jewel boxes, and table-top items like candle stand, and ashtray, ideal for gifts and presentations, are also available.

Cauvery Handicrafts Emporium of the Karnataka Handicrafts Development Corporation is an ideal place for purchasing genuine handicrafts articles like ivory, sandalwood carving, silver, brassware, etc. It is located on Sayyaji Rao Road.

 

Mysore Stone Carving

Mysore is also known for its traditional stone carving. Stone carving is a traditional art form that involves shaping and carving natural stone into intricate designs and figures. The stone carvings of Mysore are typically made of soapstone, which is a soft and easily workable stone. The carvings are usually made by skilled artisans who use chisels, hammers, and other tools to create intricate designs.

The stone carvings of Mysore are known for their intricate details and are often inspired by Hindu gods and goddesses, as well as other religious and cultural motifs. Some of the popular items for stone carving in Mysore are idols of Hindu gods and goddesses, decorative statues, and architectural elements such as pillars and friezes.

Stone carvings can be found in many shops and markets in Mysore, and also in some government-run emporiums. They are a popular souvenir among tourists visiting the city, and also make for a great decorative item in homes and offices. Due to the intricate nature of the craftsmanship and the durability of the stone, these carvings are considered to be long-lasting and valuable items.

Stone carving is another traditional art item of manufacture in Mysore. There are a number of traditional sculptors, who carve excellent pieces of idols of gods and goddesses, apart from other figures, mainly needed for temples and other auspicious places on granite and soft stones. Some of these master sculptors, who have their own centers in the city, have won State and National awards and are reputed for their masterly works in stone. Some of their works have been installed in other places in the country and have also been exported to other countries, mostly for installation in temples and religious centers.