Janapada Loka

Just outside Ramanagara about 95 km from Mysore, on the Bangalore-Mysore road, is Janapada Loka (literally the world of folklore) which is a treasure trove of Karnataka’s folk heritage. A museum of sorts, the complex houses a museum, an open-air theatre, studio and other related structures set amidst trees and greenery. Spread over 15 acres, the complex is the culmination of the efforts of folklorist HL Nage Gowda who established it to house whatever he had collected during his various sojourns to the countryside. The museum has over 5000 exhibits spanning many aspects of the daily life, art, craft and culture of tribal and rural folk across Karnataka. On display are a variety of agricultural tools, hunting and fishing gear, weapons, household articles, masks and shadow puppets.