Market+St Philomena Church+Wood Handicraft Demo=Mysore Bazar Walk

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!

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..

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.