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Cauvery Handicrafts Emporium Mysore

4.2
·6k reviews·Mysuru, India

Discover authentic Mysore silks, sandalwood carvings, and wood crafts at this government-run emporium, ensuring quality and supporting local artisans.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, relaxed browsing

CrowdLow
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store frontage

Cauvery Handicrafts Emporium Mysore

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, relaxed browsing

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover authentic Mysore silks, sandalwood carvings, and wood crafts at this government-run emporium, ensuring quality and supporting local artisans.

4.2
(6k reviews)

"The original and authentic Cauvery emporium, don't get fooled by auto walas and go to other privately owned emporiums."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Beware of Fake Emporiums

Only visit the official Cauvery Handicrafts Emporium. Auto drivers may take you to private shops with inflated prices.

💰 Prices Reflect Quality

Authentic items are pricier but guarantee quality and support artisans.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Authentic Mysore Silk Sarees

Authentic Mysore Silk Sarees

Textiles Section

Drape yourself in the elegance of genuine Mysore silk sarees, known for their lustrous sheen and intricate zari work.

Sandalwood Masterpieces

Sandalwood Masterpieces

Sandalwood Section

Marvel at intricately carved sandalwood artifacts, from deities to decorative pieces, filling the air with a divine fragrance.

Exquisite Wood Crafts

Exquisite Wood Crafts

Woodwork Section

Discover stunning wooden artifacts, including rosewood inlay work and decorative items, showcasing traditional craftsmanship.

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Planning Your Visit

Authenticity is Key

Beware of private shops with similar names! Stick to the official Cauvery Handicrafts Emporium on Sayyaji Rao Road for genuine Mysore silks, sandalwood, and wood crafts. Auto-rickshaw drivers may try to steer you elsewhere, so be firm and confirm your destination.

Budgeting for Quality

Authentic handicrafts and sandalwood items come with a price. While prices might seem high, they reflect fair compensation for artisans and guarantee of quality. Consider it an investment in genuine Mysore heritage.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, relaxed browsing
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Artisans might still be around
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The Kaveri (Cauvery) River is a major river in South India, originating in the Brahmagiri hills of Kodagu district in Karnataka. It flows for approximately 800 kilometers through Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, eventually emptying into the Bay of Bengal. The river is known for its fertile delta region and has been a vital water source for ancient kingdoms and cities. #fortyshadesofmadi #devaayathana
@madinathan77
10.9K likes • 140.1K views

🎯 Beware of Fake Emporiums

Only visit the official Cauvery Handicrafts Emporium. Auto drivers may take you to private shops with inflated prices. Reddit

💰 Prices Reflect Quality

Authentic items are pricier but guarantee quality and support artisans. Reddit

Istana Mysore, juga dikenal sebagai Istana Wadiyar atau Istana Amba Vilas, adalah sebuah istana yang terletak di Mysore, Karnataka, India. Istana Mysore adalah salah satu contoh arsitektur yang paling indah dan megah di India, dengan perpaduan antara gaya Indo-Saracenic dan gaya lainnya. Istana ini dibangun pada tahun 1912 oleh Raja Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV dan arsitek Inggris, Henry Irwin. Istana ...
@iniliciaaa.34
6.6K likes • 46.4K views
reddit.com

Mysore shopping

👃 Wonderful Sandalwood Scent

The entire shop has a delightful sandalwood aroma. Enjoy the sensory experience! Reddit

📜 Check for Labels

Look for official labels and fixed price tags to ensure authenticity. Reddit

reddit.com

Need to take a gift while visiting relatives in another state.

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Beware of Fake Emporiums

Only visit the official Cauvery Handicrafts Emporium. Auto drivers may take you to private shops with inflated prices. Reddit

💰 Prices Reflect Quality

Authentic items are pricier but guarantee quality and support artisans. Reddit

👃 Wonderful Sandalwood Scent

The entire shop has a delightful sandalwood aroma. Enjoy the sensory experience! Reddit

📜 Check for Labels

Look for official labels and fixed price tags to ensure authenticity. Reddit

⏳ Digitalize Billing

Hoping for faster purchases with a digital billing process soon. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.2
(6k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Cauvery Handicrafts Emporium for its authentic Mysore silks, sandalwood carvings, and wood crafts, appreciating the genuine quality and support for artisans. However, some find the prices to be on the higher side, and the billing process could be more efficient. The emporium's commitment to authenticity is a major draw, though navigating away from potential tourist traps is crucial.

"This is the original and authentic Cauvery emporium. Don’t get fooled by auto walas and go to other privately owned emporiums.

Prices are generally on the higher side but that’s coz the items are sourced from artisans and the emporium pays them respectfully for their skills. Also the items are authentic."

Varun Jain

"Best place to buy authentic hand crafted and original sandal wood works. One can buy authentic sarees. Wood crafts are super and mind blowing. Thus institution ensures that the artisans get their due benefits.
The place also sells paintings.
But all these authentic crafted items comes with a price.
It is justified as the benefits are going to the real artisans and the there is guarantee of authentication."

Himangshu

"Very nice shop with a lot of variety of products. Whole shop smells wonderful. The product seems expensive but that's okay for the price for real sandalwood. I hope they digitalise their billing process as it will make purchases faster."

nuclear j

What People Like

Authentic handicrafts
Genuine sandalwood
Mysore silk quality

What People Dislike

Higher prices
Billing process

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Cauvery Handicrafts Emporium is located on Sayyaji Rao Road in Mysore, easily accessible by auto-rickshaw or taxi. It's a central location, about 1 km from Southern Star hotel, making it a convenient stop. Reddit

Yes, it's relatively close to the Mysore Palace, making it easy to combine your visit to both attractions. It's a short ride away. Reddit

Yes, the emporium is about a kilometer away from Southern Star hotel, making it a pleasant walk if you prefer. Reddit

Limited parking might be available, but it's best to rely on local transport like auto-rickshaws or taxis for convenience, especially if you plan on making purchases. Reddit

If you're coming from the Mysore Silk Factory, an auto-rickshaw or taxi is the most efficient way to reach the Cauvery Handicrafts Emporium. The journey should be relatively short. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, there is no entry fee to browse and shop at the Cauvery Handicrafts Emporium. It's open for visitors to explore its collection. Reddit

The emporium typically opens in the morning and closes in the evening. It's advisable to check the exact timings closer to your visit, as they can vary. Reddit

Entry to the Cauvery Handicrafts Emporium is free. You only pay for the items you wish to purchase. Reddit

As a government undertaking, prices are generally fixed to ensure fair compensation for artisans. Discounts are unlikely, but the value is in the authenticity. Reddit

Advance booking is generally not a standard service offered. It's best to visit the emporium to select and purchase items directly. Reddit

🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Products

You can find authentic Mysore silk sarees, sandalwood carvings, rosewood inlay items, incense, traditional paintings, and handmade soaps. Reddit

Yes, the emporium is known for genuine sandalwood products, though they come at a premium price reflecting their authenticity and quality. Reddit

The Cauvery Handicrafts Emporium is a reliable place to buy authentic Mysore silk sarees, ensuring you get genuine products. Reddit

Prices are generally fixed as it's a government-run institution aiming to provide fair value. Negotiation is typically not possible. Reddit

You'll find a variety of wood crafts, particularly rosewood inlay work, decorative items, and carved wooden figures, showcasing traditional artistry. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography rules can vary. It's best to ask for permission before taking pictures, especially of specific items or if it seems to disrupt other shoppers. TikTok

While general browsing is encouraged, it's wise to be discreet with your camera. Avoid flash photography that might damage delicate items or disturb the ambiance. TikTok

The intricately carved sandalwood pieces, vibrant Mysore silk sarees, and detailed wood crafts make for excellent photographic subjects. TikTok

Selfies are generally acceptable as long as they don't interfere with other customers' shopping experience or involve touching the merchandise. TikTok

The emporium itself offers a great backdrop for photos of the handicrafts. For broader Mysore heritage, consider the Mysore Palace grounds. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Families visiting the Cauvery Handicrafts Emporium can find a variety of interesting items that might appeal to different ages. While the focus is on traditional crafts, the vibrant colors of the Mysore silk sarees can be captivating. The sandalwood carvings and wood crafts offer a glimpse into intricate artistry. It's a good opportunity to teach children about traditional Indian crafts and the importance of supporting local artisans. Keep in mind that some items might be delicate, so supervision is advised. The pleasant sandalwood scent throughout the store can also be a unique sensory experience for kids. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

While the Cauvery Handicrafts Emporium is known for authentic, quality items, it might not be the first stop for those on a very tight budget. However, you can still find affordable options like handmade soaps, smaller sandalwood incense sticks, or simple wooden trinkets. These items offer a taste of Mysore's craftsmanship without a significant financial outlay. It's worth visiting to appreciate the artistry even if you're not making a large purchase. Look for items with fixed price tags and compare them to understand the value proposition of genuine handicrafts. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating the Emporium: What to Expect

The Cauvery Handicrafts Emporium is a government-run institution dedicated to promoting and selling authentic handicrafts from Karnataka, with a special focus on Mysore's rich artistic heritage. Upon entering, you'll likely be greeted by the distinct, pleasant aroma of sandalwood, a signature scent of the region. The emporium is organized into sections, making it easier to find what you're looking for. You'll find dedicated areas for Mysore silk sarees, showcasing their vibrant colors and intricate zari work, as well as a wide array of sandalwood products, from small decorative items to larger, more elaborate carvings. Don't miss the wood crafts, especially those featuring the traditional rosewood inlay technique.

While the prices might seem higher than in private shops, remember that these reflect the genuine artistry and fair compensation for the artisans. The emporium ensures that a significant portion of the profit goes back to the craftspeople, making your purchase a contribution to preserving these traditional skills. It's a place where you can trust the authenticity of the items, unlike many other shops that might use similar names to attract tourists. Take your time to browse, appreciate the craftsmanship, and don't hesitate to ask staff for details about the products and their origins. Reddit

The Allure of Mysore Silk and Sandalwood

Mysore is globally renowned for its silk sarees, and the Cauvery Handicrafts Emporium is a prime spot to acquire them. These sarees are characterized by their soft texture, vibrant colors, and the use of pure gold or silver zari (thread) for intricate patterns. The weaving process is a labor of love, passed down through generations, and purchasing one from the emporium ensures you're getting a piece of this rich textile heritage. The emporium also boasts an impressive collection of sandalwood items. The fragrant wood is carved into various forms, including religious idols, decorative boxes, figurines, and even incense sticks. The unique aroma of Mysore sandalwood is unmistakable and highly prized, making these items not just souvenirs but also pieces of art with a distinct sensory appeal. Reddit

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