Channapatna

One of Karnataka’s very unique craft towns, Channapatna is known for its colourful wooden toys. The main roads and the highway are lined with stores selling these toys; it is far more interesting to head to the interiors to see how these are produced. Lying almost halfway between Mysore and Bangalore, Channapatna is also known for its silk filatures. So a walk around the town will reveal examples of both these industries though the toys are more eye-catching. Made essentially from ‘hale’ wood, craftsmen use the turnery method and lac to produce the toys. Apart from toys, it is also common to find other kinds of products as well such as household, kitchen and stationery items. Also visible on the streets are huge woven bamboo frames with small spirals that breed silk cocoons, which are fed to the growing silk industry.