Visit the sandalwood oil factory

This is not for everyone but be assured that the visit will be worthwhile, especially for those who love fragrances. The Government Sandalwood Oil Factory was established almost a century ago in 1917 to harvest the oil to be used for a variety of purposes, most importantly the state’s signature and iconic sandalwood soap. There are strict restrictions on the felling of sandalwood trees and hence the factory might sometimes be closed, but it is well worth the visit. The set up is largely industrial with boilers, condensers, vats and store rooms though the air is heavy with the scent of sandalwood. A guide usually explains and takes visitors through the process of powdering the wood, then the laborious process of boiling, distilling, condensing and extracting the oil. A store on the premises offers a variety of products made with the oil including soaps, incense sticks, cosmetics and perfumes.