Folklore Museum Mysore - A Journey into Karnataka's Folk Heritage

Mysore, KarnatakaMUSEUM

Explore Karnataka's rich folk culture through a vast collection of puppets, masks, instruments, and artifacts housed in the historic Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion.

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MUSEUM

Info

1-2 hours

Accessibility

Not Wheelchair Friendly

Parking

No Parking

Photography

No Photography

About the Destination

Overview

The Folklore Museum is located within the University of Mysore's Manasagangotri campus, inside the impressive Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion. This museum is dedicated to preserving the folk arts, crafts, and culture of Karnataka. The collection is extensive, featuring over 6,500 artifacts that provide a deep look into the state's rural life and traditions. Visitors can walk through galleries displaying a wide range of items, from large ceremonial headgear and vibrant masks used in folk performances to intricate leather puppets and costumes from Yakshagana theater.

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Location & Address

Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion, Manasagangotri Campus, University of Mysore, Manasagangotri, Mysore, Karnataka, India

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Best Time to Visit

The ideal time to visit is from October to February. During these months, Mysore's weather is cool and pleasant, making it comfortable to explore the university campus where the museum is located. The summer months, from March to May, can be very hot. The monsoon season, from June to September, is also a good time for an indoor activity like visiting the museum, though moving around the city can be affected by rain.
Peak Crowd: October-December, weekends, and during the Dasara festival when tourist footfall in Mysore is high.
Moderate Crowd: January-March, July-September on weekdays.
Low Crowd: April-June due to summer heat, and weekday mornings throughout the year.

How to Reach

Air

The nearest major airport is Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (BLR), about 175 km away (3-4 hours by road). Mysore's own airport (MYQ) has limited flight connectivity.

Train

Mysore Junction (MYS) is the nearest railway station, located about 4 km from the museum. It is well-connected to Bangalore, Chennai, and other major cities. You can hire an auto-rickshaw or a cab from the station.

Road

Mysore is connected by an excellent expressway and national highways to Bangalore (140 km, 2-3 hours) and other cities in Karnataka. KSRTC and private buses run frequently from Bangalore.

Local Transport

Within Mysore, auto-rickshaws are a common mode of transport. App-based services like Ola and Uber are also available. City buses frequently ply to the Manasagangotri campus from the city center.

Food & Dining

Nearby restaurants near Folklore Museum

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