A day trip to Channapatna and Janapada Loka was organized by India Tourism Bengaluru to explore the rich heritage of Karnataka. The trip was organized for travel writers, travel bloggers, social media influencers and tour operators under the “Dekho Apna Desh” and “Vocal for local” promotion campaign. The day trip to Channapatna was organized for promoting the indigenous toys of India under the “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” campaign. It was a significant programme for exploring and promoting the rich heritage of Karnataka. The familiarization tour was organized in association with the Karnataka Tourism, Karnataka Tourism Society (KTS), and Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO).
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Bangalore to Channapatna – A Day Trip To Channapatna And Janapada Loka
Karnataka is a state with a very rich heritage and culture. From the famed sandalwood craft to the Channapatna woodcraft, from Yakshagana to other esoteric folk arts, Karnataka is an ocean with priceless pearls. A Familiarization Tour to Channpatana, Janapada Loka, and Sula Vineyards was organized by India Tourism Bengaluru on the 30th of July, 2021.
A Day Trip To Channapatna And Janapada Loka – Exploring Karnataka’s Heritage
The objectives of the tour included promoting Channapatna toys along with other tourism products. The tour also sought to promote the inclusive growth of tourism which includes local community and craftsmen. With this goal in mind, travel writers, travel bloggers, social media influencers and tour operators visited a manufacturing facility of Channapatna toys, the Janapada Loka which is a unique museum of Karnataka’s folk art and lifestyle. The tour ended with a relaxing visit to the Sula Vineyard, where certificates and mementoes were presented to all the participants by Shri. Mohamed Farouk, Director, India Tourism Bengaluru.
Day Trip To Channapatna – The Land Of Toys
Channapatna toys and lacquerware are well known for the unique quality of their products. These products are part of the rich tangible and intangible heritage of Karnataka and have a history of more than two centuries. The Channapatna products have been recognized with a GI tag by the World Trade Organization. With increased focus on Channapatna toys under Prime Minister’s #VocalForLocal, #DekhoApnaDesh, and #AtmaNirbharBharat, the importance of developing Channapatna as an off-beat tourism destination cannot be underlined enough.
The participants of the familiarization tour had an opportunity to observe closely the making of Channapatna toys. They had an immersive experience of the different stages of manufacturing and learned how the product is eco-friendly, organic, and child-safe.
They visited the Bharath Art And Crafts, a manufacturing facility of Channapatna toys and other wooden crafts. The facility is owned by a family whose 5 generations have been involved in the manufacture of Channapatna toys. The participants interacted with the owners and also the staff to get a better understanding of the processes involved in the making of the Channapatna toys.
Janapada Loka – A Slice of Karnataka’s Heritage
The participants were enchanted by the vibrant and rich folk art and culture that was showcased at the Janapada Loka. The participants were given a rousing welcome through a pulsating performance of Dollu Kunitha by local artists. Dollu Kunitha is a traditional dance form of the Kuruba community of Karnataka and is highly energetic and riveting.
The Janapada Loka is the brainchild of Shri. H.L Nagegowda and is an open-air museum set in a lush and sprawling 15-acre campus. It showcases the different folk art forms of Karnataka that include Yakshagana, Veeragase, Suggi Kunitha, Puja Kunitha, Beesu Kamsale, and others.
The participants of the familiarization tour had an immersive experience of the folk heritage of Karnataka through museum exhibits and live demonstrations. They were enthralled by the folk songs of Karnataka and the rich collection of over 5,000 heritage artifacts.
Inside the Janapada Loka, the visitors spent time at the Loka Mahal, which is an indoor museum with a rich collection of life-size dolls of the rural folk of Karnataka, Musical Instruments, old household items, and weaponry.
Model village houses inside the Janapada Loka, recreate the rural ethos of Karnataka and provided the visitors an opportunity to get a feel of the rural Karnataka of the past.
After another round of tribal folk dance – Dollu Kunitha, there was a felicitation ceremony at the Janapada Loka.
A Visit to Sula Vineyard
After a very enriching experience at Channapatna and Janapada Loka, the participants of the Familiarization tour headed towards the Sula Vineyard. Here they were taken on a tour of the Vineyards and the wine-making process was explained. They also visited the wine-making plant and had an opportunity to do understand the entire process.
The Day trip to Channapatna and Janapada Loka ended with the visit to the Sula Vineyards. In the picturesque and lush locale of the vineyard, the participants received certificates and mementos from Mr. Mohamed Farouk, Director, India Tourism Bengaluru.
The familiarization trip from Bangalore to Channapatna and Janapada Loka left a deep impact on the participants, who returned with wonderful memories, proud of the rich heritage that they had experienced, determined to do their bit to promote the places through their writing and social media channels.
We hope you liked this post and are looking forward to exploring Channapatna and Janapada Loka on your next outing.
We were hosted by India Tourism Bengaluru – Ministry of Tourism Government of India. However, the views and opinions expressed here are our own.
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I have been to Janapadaloka many times. Still drool thinking of their lovely breakfast. Chanapatna is still on the to-do list. Sigh!
The costumes of Janapada Loka look really fascinating. I will look up YouTube to find out what the performances look like. A trip to familiarise with the local craft sounds like a great opportunity to know more about the ignored heritages.
Channapatna looks truly to be a toy wonderland and visiting Sula Vineyards was a perfect ending to this trip
This is an outstanding place to visit. The people and their clothes-everything is so colourful and bright.
I really liked the toys. I would love to see this Village where the craftsmen are so skilled. We are truly lucky to live in a country where handicrafts get so much attention.
I have been to Channapatna many times, on the way to Mysore and I have bought so many toys from here. These toys do get me back a lot of childhood memories. I have never seen Janapada Loka before but would love to go there some day.
Wow. I have been to Sula but never heard about the toy factory. How cool is that!
Wow. I have been to Sula but hadn’t heard about the toy factory. How cool is that!
We have so many Channapatna toys with us. I adore the beautiful colours and real depictions in these toys. There are so many folk & tribal arts in India. This is a great initiative by the Tourism Board to educate our rich heritage.
This place looks so heritage with the right amount of serenity.
Channapatna looks amazing and I am sure you enjoyed it there. It is truly to be a toy fairyland and Sula looks awesome. Great tips.