Janapada Loka, also known as the Folk Art Museum, is a renowned cultural destination near Bangalore. Located in the Ramanagara District, just 53 km off the Bengaluru-Mysore Highway, this cultural haven was established by the Karnataka Janapada Parishath. The initiative aims not only to conserve the slowly diminishing art forms but also to educate and inspire future generations with their poise, power, and sheer beauty.
Janapada Loka houses around 5000 folk artefacts, including a variety of mighty hunting equipment, rustic agricultural tools, traditional household wares, colorful puppets, and artefacts that reflect themes of folk literature, music, sculptures, festivals, and lifestyle. These artefacts are meticulously divided among several wings, such as the Folk Art Museum, Loka Mahal, Chitra Kuteera, Doddamane, Shilamala, and Ayagaramala.
Spanning over a vast 15 acres, the complex features a sparkling blue lake, lush greenery, local eateries serving specially prepared and regionally popular Karnataka dishes, and even a small children’s play park. Expansive and beautifully maintained area offers a serene and immersive experience into the folk traditions of Karnataka.
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Janapada Loka History
Janapada Loka, also known as “Folk Universe,” was inaugurated on 12 March 1994. Cultural center creates a charming village atmosphere with its lush greenery and serene environment. Construction of this museum involved an expenditure of ₹10 million (US$120,000).
Museum showcases a vast collection of folklore artifacts, meticulously gathered by H.L. Nage Gowda and his friends over three decades. Artifacts provide a rich and immersive experience into the folk traditions and cultural heritage of Karnataka, making Janapada Loka a unique and invaluable repository of the state’s vibrant history.
Visiting Tips for Janapada Loka
- Take note of the museum timings
- Plan the itinerary carefully, dotted with all the major attractions in Bangalore to explore
- Look after your kids in the play area
- Take care of your personal belongings.
Janapada Loka Entry Fee
- Adults: INR 10
- Children: INR 5
Janapada Loka, one of the most renowned folk art museums in Bangalore, charges a nominal entry fee to ensure accessibility for all sections of society. The entry fee for adults is INR 10, while for children it is INR 5.
If visitors wish to carry a camera inside the museum premises, there is an additional charge of INR 100. Additionally, those interested in watching the spectacular video show can do so by paying an extra INR 5 at the ticket counter.
Janapada Loka Timings
Timings for Janapada Loka are very convenient for visitors. Folk art museum is open from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM every day, providing ample time to explore its rich collection of artefacts and enjoy the serene surroundings.
Important Note: Museum remains closed every Tuesday and on all national holidays. Therefore, it is advisable to plan your visit accordingly to avoid any inconvenience.
Timings:
- Monday to Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Janapada Loka Location
State Highway 17, Bengaluru, Doddamannugudde Forest, Karnataka 562159
Janapada Loka Photos
How to Reach Janapada Loka?
If you’re wondering how to reach Janapada Loka, we’ve got you covered. Located on the Bangalore-Mysore Highway, Janapada Loka is easily accessible from nearby cities via various modes of transport. Here’s a detailed guide:
Distance and Travel Time:
- From Bangalore: Approximately 53 kilometers, which can be covered in about 1 hour and 40 minutes.
- From Ramanagara: Just 6 kilometers away, making it a quick trip.
By Bus:
- Regular buses operate from the Majestic bus stop in Bangalore. It’s advisable to confirm with the driver if the bus will halt at Janapada Loka.
- If the bus does not stop directly at Janapada Loka, you can deboard at the Ramanagara bus stop and hire an auto-rickshaw. Fare is around INR 30 for a personal ride or INR 10 on a sharing basis.
By Car:
- For those driving from Bangalore, head towards the Bangalore-Mysore Highway via Ramanagara. The route is straightforward and well-signposted.
Tips:
- Ensure to check the bus schedules and confirm stops with the driver to avoid any inconvenience.
- If traveling by car, using a GPS or map application can help navigate the route efficiently.
Janapada Loka Nearby Places
- Ramanagara: 6 km
- Ramadevara Betta Hill: 7.9 km
- Shilhaandara Resort: 8.5 km
- Thimappana Betta: 8.9 km
- SRS Hills: 10.6 km
- Navaneetha Krishna Temple: 13.8 km
- Kadu: 14.4 km
- Channapatna: 14.4 km
- Ramnagaram Museum: 4.6 km
- Narayana Giri: 3.4 km
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Janapada Loka is one of the best places to visit near Bangalore, offering a rich cultural experience. Enjoy your visit!
By planning your itinerary with these timings in mind, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit to Janapada Loka.