Market+St Philomena Church+Wood Handicraft Demo=Mysore Bazar Walk
This walking tour takes you on a colorful journey through the lanes and bylanes of Mandi Mohalla in Mysore. We start with the highly animated Devaraja Market, which throbs day in and day out with its fruits, vegetables, and flower sections. We then walk along the Sayyaji Rao road for half an hour, where we come to Arun Fine Arts, where we watch the artisans working on wood inlay work. We then walk through the vibrant local markets, which showcase clothes, bangles, shoes, bags, perfumes, dry fruits, gift shops, jewelry, tea shops, restaurants, etc. We also pass by GM Gemstones, which is an exclusive shop for precious and semi-precious stones, where we can learn a lot from the owner. We end the tour with a visit to St. Philomena's Church, which is prominent on the skyline of Mysore. No other bazar walk in Mysore brings these components together. Experience it for yourself! Of course, the person who walks the talk would be passionate and well-versed about Mysore and its history.
Options
Market+St Philomena Church+Wood Handicraft Demo=Mysore Bazar Walk
What's included in Market+St Philomena Church+Wood Handicraft Demo=Mysore Bazar Walk
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Devaraja Market
The Govt licensed guide will meet and greet you at the venue. One of the most fascinating visits to South India, especially in the eyes of Western travelers, is this colorful and vibrant Devaraja market. A visit to this market has become a quintessential part of Mysore itineraries. So much so that sometimes international travelers seem to prefer a visit to this market more than other well-known monuments. This 365-days-a-year market is laid out on a rectangular grid and has separate sections for Vegetables, Fruits and Flowers. It is so photogenic that tourists let loose themselves often forgetting the paths they took. Add to this the street vendors, perfume makers, chai-wallahs, garland makers, color pigment sellers, etc. all vie with each other to garner your attention and sell their wares to you. If ever you want to see a microcosm of India at work, visit a market such as this. Come and experience it yourself!
Arun Fine Arts
Wood working and wooden handicrafts has been a major contribution of Mysore to the world of Arts since centuries. Proof of this is seen in the various palaces, museums and temples of Mysore and surrounding places. Three types of wood are generally used for making wooden handicrafts - the all-weather Teak wood, the exotic Rose wood and the one-and-only Sandalwood. Wooden handicrafts can be seen as religious sculptures, furniture, decorative items, etc. Wood inlay work, for which Mysore is particularly famous for, makes use of natural wood harnessed from Mango tree, maple, ebony, walnut, jack fruit, cedar, mahogany, Deodar, etc. We shall be visiting a showroom cum workplace of Wooden handicrafts shop in Mysore to watch artisans at work. You may have the opportunity of shopping there too if you are interested..
St. Philomena's Church
One of the finest buildings in Mysore but belonging to a different architecture than its palaces is the St. Philomena's Church (now called St. Joseph's Cathedral). It was built in the Gothic style in 1941 with ample contribution from Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV the then Mysore King. The Cathedral has a bone relic from the body of St. Philomena, a 4th CE Saint martyr from France. The philanthropic activities of the Church are in full view as we see educational institutions and orphanages supported by the Church. The church also has beautiful stained glass ceilings and windows apart from a crypt and classic furniture.
Inclusions
- Only guiding and escorting is included
- Tips/gratuity to the guide
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You will make your own way to the meeting points
Meeting Points
- This place is found at about 100 m from K R Circle on Sayyaji Rao Road on the left. The guide would be stationed at the eastern side of the Clock.
End Points
- This is a famous church in Mysore and the tour ends here after the visit.
