Janapada Loka: Folk Art Museum
Location: Bangalore – Mysore highway, approx. 6 km from Ramnagaram
Distance: 53 kms from Bangalore
Journey Time: Around 90 minutes from Majestic in KSRTC bus. May take less time if you use private vehicle (traffic excused 🙂
How to reach: From Majestic bus stand any bus which goes to Mysore (apart from non stop buses). But before boarding the bus confirm with the bus driver and conductor if they are going to give a stop in front of Janapada Loka. If yes, buy ticket upto that. If not, get down from the bus at Ramnagaram and hire a auto to Janapada Loka. A complete hire will cost you Rs 30 and if shared then it is Rs 10 per person.
If you are using your own vehicle then from any part of Bangalore head towards Bangalore – Mysore highway and follow the route below.
Route: Bangalore – Mysore road – Ramnagaram – Janapada Loka (Bangalore – Mysore highway)
Where to stay: For scholar or people related to folk art room available on prior notice.
Where to eat: Kamat Lokaruchi – just besides Janapada Loka
Language spoken: Kannada, Hindi, English
Various fees:
Entry fee: Rs 10 per person, Kids – Rs 5
Camera fees: Rs 100, charged only if you wish to take pictures inside the museums
Video show – Rs 5
Timmings: 9.00 am To 5.30 pm, Tuesday holiday
Janapada Loka contact # 080-27201143
Email: janapadaparisharh@hotmail.com
Bangalore Office: Karnataka Janapada Parishathh
Janapada Siribhuvana
No.1, Jaladarshini layout
Next to Ramiaha hospital main gate
New BEL Road, Bengaluru-5600054
Phone- Office No.: 080-23605033
Mobile: 9880364358
Janapada Loka is a museum of folk art of Karnataka. It also tries to highlight the rural life in Karnataka. Bangalore university has recognized it as a research center related to folk art. Henceforth, Janapada Loka conducts classes and issues Janapada Diploma and Janapada Certificate courses. It also conducts Folk related development camp, folk research workshop, and seminars. A well equipped library gives huge choice to read from. Annual Festivals like Lokothsava in February – March, Kite Festival in July, Dassera Festival in October are organized which attracts people from all over the world.
Janapada Loka has been founded by Nage Gowda, a prominent Kannada folklorist and author. In 1986 he started work on this project and it was opened to public on 1994.
What to see: Janapada Loka spread over 15 acres of land gives you a blend of nature, folk art and rural outlook of Karnataka.
1. Loka Sarovara: It is an artificial lake created with sand beaches and casuarina plants at the corners. One can get nice pictures around here. Unfortunately as of now the peddle boats are not in use.
2. Video theatre: Located behind the open air theatre, the video theatre offers a big screen and seat to view videos/documentaries on folk art.
3. Saraswathi Mandira: Located near to Loka Sarovara (lake), Saraswathi Mandir is a two storied building. It houses life size dolls, carved pillars etc collected from various parts of Karnataka. Classes are conducted here for students.
4. Loka Mahal: Loka Mahal is a two storied museum featuring Yakshagana artists, Coorgi couples, various old weapons, utensils, local musical instruments, masks etc. This place has also large collection of artifacts from Dakshina Kannada (south Canara) and Udupi.
5. Lokamatha mandira: This is another museum little away from the entrance. It features map of crop cultivation in Karnataka. It also puts on display storage bins, utensils used in cooking etc. It also houses a large statue of the founder H.L. Nage Gowda.
6. Mahadwara: The door at the main entrance is an excellent display of combination of local artifacts bearing horns, trumpets and Harige etc.
7. Chitra Kuteera:
8. Shilpamala
9. Open air theatre
10. Puppet theatre
Things you may give a miss:
1. Dodda Mane: A community hall which can hired for workshops, seminars, weddings and festivities at a nominal rent. It has well equipped kitchen.
Read more about folk art of Karnataka.
Note: Janapada Loka can organize guided tours for corporate companies, visitors or foreign tourists at a prior intimation of 15 days. For more details contact them.
Website: http://www.janapadaloka.org