Question 1

What is the ""Palace is closed" rickshaw rerouting" scam in Mysore?

Accepted Answer

Touts and autorickshaw drivers approach tourists near Mysore Palace and falsely claim it is shut for a ceremony, darshan, or 'till 10 am / noon', then offer to drive you to other 'open' attractions. In reality they steer you to commission-paying silk, sandalwood-sculpture, and handicraft shops. The Mysore Palace Board has confirmed written complaints from tourists dissuaded this way. The palace is open daily roughly 10am-5.30pm; ignore anyone outside saying otherwise and walk to the official ticket counters yourself to verify. Do not let a driver decide your itinerary, and refuse 'I'll take you somewhere better' offers.

Question 2

What is the "Fake 'government-approved' emporium redirect" scam in Mysore?

Accepted Answer

Cab and rickshaw drivers tell tourists they will take them to 'the only government-approved emporium', then deliver them to a private shop that merely imitates the state Cauvery brand name (Cauvery/Kaveri/Cavery). Shopkeepers insist goods are 'original' while paying the driver commission. The genuine state-run Cauvery Arts & Crafts emporium is on Sayyaji Rao Road. Go directly to the official Cauvery emporium on Sayyaji Rao Road or the KSIC outlet yourself; ignore any driver who 'recommends' a different government shop. Real government stores have a plain, run-down look and non-aggressive staff.

Question 3

What is the "Unlicensed fake guides at the palace" scam in Mysore?

Accepted Answer

Men posing as official guides loiter at palace approaches and exhibition gates, speaking visitors' regional language to build trust, then attach themselves and demand payment for unwanted 'help' or steer you to commission shops. They are not appointed by the Tourism Department or Archaeological Survey of India. Hire only guides with official Department of Tourism / ASI identification at the palace, or use the official audio guide. Decline anyone who approaches you first outside the gates and agree any price and scope in advance.

Tour & Activity Scams in Mysore

"Palace is closed" rickshaw rerouting

Fake 'government-approved' emporium redirect

Unlicensed fake guides at the palace

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