Jaanapada Loka - exploring the rich culture

In this article , we share experience on our visit to Janapaka Loka - one of karnataka's famous cultural center. This spot is near Ramanagar on the Bangalore - Mysore highway - about 50 kms from Bangalore city.

Highlights of this spot

• Started during 1994 - architecture by Nadoja Sri NageGowda - one of the prominent personalities of Karnataka
• Spread over 15 acre area - includes cultural museums with a wide range of collections from many parts of karnataka, auditorium for cultural programs , Videoscope theatre showing documentaries 
• Shilpamala - a wide range of stone carving collections dating 400 years old
• LokaMahal - awesome more than 5000 collection of village culture wears such as Yakshagaana , Daasayya , Goravayya , Pupets , arms , weapons , kitchen ware , marriage items.
• Chitra Kuteera - wide range of photo collections of various cultures of Karnataka
• Loka Sarovara small lake , Children's park
• Dodda mane - village style courtyard big house serving as dormitories for visitors , marriage functions , cultural programs.

Yakshagaana Idol at the entrance

Veeragaase Idol at the entrance

Our team visited here on a Sunday morning. Spot is right on the highway near Kengal Hanumanthaya temple and easily accessible. We parked our car in Kamat Lokaruchi hotel space adjacent to this spot. There is a entrance fee of Rs.20 for adults , Rs.10 for children , Rs,100 for foreigners . Still photography of Rs.100 , Video photography  of Rs.500 is charged extra.

Pottery artist demonstrating

One gets a chance to view here a live demo on pottery work . Visitors may purchase Handicrafts , pottery items at the shopping counters.

Big grinding stone

There was a cultural fest organised when we visited where Pooja kunitha artists from different districts performed at the open theatre supported by good amount of spectators. We really enjoyed their performance cheering with the crowd.

Artists performing at open theatre

White ducks in the park

Kitchen ware inside a village hut 

Spot is open between 9.30 AM to 5.30 PM except Tuesday holidays.  There is a break period between 1.30 to 2.30 PM .

Village park 

One of the best spots to visit on a weekend with family and friends . Sunday visit is preferred as usually some cultural programs would be held.  We had lunch at Kamat lokaruchi serving authentic north karnataka , karavali food. Do visit this spot and share your experience.