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Cauvery Handicrafts Emporium, Bengaluru
Cauvery Handicrafts Emporium is the showroom of the Karnataka State Handicrafts Development Corporation, a state government company set up in 1964, at 45 MG Road in Bengaluru. It is the place to buy when authenticity matters more than a bargain: sandalwood carving and oil, rosewood inlay, Bidriware, bronzes and Channapatna lacquer toys at fixed prices.
The flagship of the Karnataka State Handicrafts Development Corporation at 45 MG Road, and the address to use when authenticity matters more than a bargain: sandalwood carving, rosewood inlay, bronzes, Mysore-style painting, channapatna toys. Prices are fixed and higher than the stalls outside, but they carry a government guarantee, which counts for a great deal with sandalwood in particular. No haggling, no theatre, no guessing what you are holding. MG Road metro is a short walk.
Guaranteed-genuine sandalwood and Karnataka crafts, at a fixed price and without guesswork
What to buy
Prices are fixed and higher than at the stalls outside, but the goods come with a state government guarantee, which matters most with sandalwood. No haggling and no guessing what you are holding.
Sandalwood
Carvings, plus sandalwood oil, attar and incense (agarbathi). The main reason most people come.
Rosewood
Rosewood pieces, including inlay work.
Bidriware
Blackened metal inlaid with silver, a craft of Bidar in north Karnataka. Pieces start at about Rs 300.
Bronze and metal crafts
Cast bronzes and other metalwork.
Lacquerware
Channapatna lacquered wooden toys.
Paintings and textiles
Mysore-style painting, dhurries (flat-woven rugs) and batik.
Address, hours and how to get there
- Flagship: 45 MG Road, Bengaluru 560001. MG Road metro station is a short walk.
- Second showroom: New Jayanagar.
- Phone (MG Road): 080 2558 1118.
The contact page lists Monday to Saturday, 10:00–18:00 next to the showroom phone numbers and gives no Sunday hours, so call before a Sunday visit.
Buying online
The emporium also sells through its own website: minimum order Rs 600, delivery within two weeks, free delivery to more than 100 locations in India, and returns or exchanges within 30 days. The site carries a warning to beware of cheats and impersonators, so buy through the official site or the showrooms rather than through look-alikes.
❓ FAQ
Where can I get original sandalwood in Bangalore?
Cauvery Handicrafts Emporium at 45 MG Road is the state government's own showroom, so its sandalwood carries an official guarantee.
What are the popular items at Cauvery Emporium?
Sandalwood carvings and oil, rosewood inlay, Bidriware, bronzes, Channapatna toys and Mysore-style paintings.
Can you bargain at Cauvery Emporium?
No. Prices are fixed.
Does Cauvery Emporium sell online?
Yes, through its official website, with a minimum order of Rs 600 and delivery within two weeks.