Introduction

If you want to escape the bustle of city life, enter the portals of Janapada Loka near Ramanagaram, around 53 kilometers (33.12 miles) away from Bangalore. Spread out over 15 acres, the institution works towards preserving and promoting folk art and culture. The brainchild of the late H L Nage Gowda, Janapada Loka recreates rural milieus and brings together folk literature, music, dance, festivals, sculpture and lifestyle. The imposing main entrance is the chief attraction of Janapada Loka, adorned as it is with hariges and trumpets and tall brass Nandidwajas.

Annual festivals like Lokothsava in February-March, the Kite Festival in July and Dasara in October attract visitors from all over the country. Tourist attractions within Janapada Loka are many. The Lokamatha Mandira houses a collection of objects of daily use in a rural household such as cooking vessels, storage bins and farming equipment among others. There’s also a community house called Doddamane built in the traditional rural style with a courtyard in the middle. Around it are rooms used for workshops and seminars and dormitories for visiting artists.

Aayagara maala is an open-air exhibition of tools of rural artisans like the potter, blacksmith, sugarcane juice extractor, rice pounder, fishermen, boatmen etc. Also exhibited are weapons used in hunting, carts and even a palanquin done up with beads.

The Video Scope theatre screens documentaries and entry fee is Rs 5. The Chithra Kuteera chronicles the different stages of founder Nage Gowda’s literary achievements and struggle during the making of Janapada Loka. It also tells picture stories of Karnataka’s varied folk art. The Loka Mahal is a two-storied building where more than 5000 folk artifacts are aesthetically displayed. On the ground floor, you’ll find life-size dolls dressed as Yakshagana artists, a couple from Coorg, village characters, and the legendary Pied Piper to name a few. The Central courtyard in the ground floor could spook you out – here are large wooden idols depicting 'Bootha' or ghost worship. On the first floor, is a collection of folk instruments, parts of chariots and stone idols.

Shilpamaala is where special stones dating back to a period more than a thousand years tell their stories. These are all inscribed stones erected in honor of brave people.

There’s also a temple devoted to Lord Ganesha and an open-air theatre built in Grecian style, with a capacity of 1,000 people. The theatre comes alive with folk art performances on the last Sunday of every month.

The Halasuru chariot on display here was a part of the Someshwara Temple in Bangalore. But it was discarded after it was damaged in a fire. Since it was considered inauspicious to use it for puja, the chariot was brought to the centre and restored.The centre also boasts of a beautiful artificial lake - Loka sarovara – that stretches for about an acre. It offers boat rides at the rate of Rs 5 for adults and Rs 3 for children. On the bank of the lake stands the two-storied Saraswathi Mandira.

The information Center sells cassettes, CDs, DVDs and books related to folk art forms and literature.

After you’re done with the sightseeing, stop for a meal at the Loka Ruchi Upahara Mandira. They serve local and ethnic food that includes Ragi mudde, made famous by former prime minister H D Deve Gowda, Jolada Rotti, Soppina Saru, Shavige and Kayihalu.

Special Attributes

An institution, set amidst natural beauty, and given wholly to the preservation and promotion of rural art.

Nuisance

The site is peaceful, and free of irritants.

Dressing restrictions

Dress in whatever you find comfortable.

Connectivity

All buses barring the non-stop ones, which ply on the Mysore-Bangalore Highway, stop at Janapada Loka.

Enjoyed by

All

Exposure

While you are protected from the elements indoors, it may get a little hot if you choose to linger out around afternoon. Plan your round in such a way that you take in the outdoors either in the morning or evening.

Avoidable Season

If you have to get back to Bangalore, remember that traffic could get bad in the evenings. Entering the city is especially tiresome.

Facilities

Restaurant, washrooms STD facility

Things Not Allowed

No such restriction

Tip

Keep a few hours at hand to enjoy this activity.

Type of site

Cultural centre