Buy genuine sandalwood products in Mysore at Government Sandalwood Oil Factory on Manandavadi Road where authentic sandalwood oil costs 2,500-5,000 per 10ml. Cauvery Arts & Crafts Emporium on Sayyaji Rao Road is the only direct Karnataka Government outlet avoiding fake sellers.
Government Sandalwood Oil Factory
Established 1916 by King Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar and Sir M. Visvesvaraya, this factory pioneered sandalwood oil extraction in India. Located 2 km southeast of Mysore Palace, the facility offers guided tours showing traditional steam distillation process using century-old machinery.
Factory Store Details:
. Location: Manandavadi Road, Ashokapuram
. Timings: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM, closed Sundays
. Tour Timings: 10:30 AM, 2:30 PM, 4:00 PM
. Contact: 0821-2483946
. Features: Factory tours, wholesale pricing, authentic certificates
Authentic Government Outlets
Karnataka government operates official outlets selling genuine sandalwood products with proper certification. These stores offer fixed pricing, quality assurance, and authenticity guarantees. Avoid private shops claiming “government approved” status.
Cauvery Arts & Crafts Emporium:
. Location: Sayyaji Rao Road, near Palace
. Established: Official Karnataka Government outlet
. Timings: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
. Speciality: Only authorized government dealer
. Website: cauveryhandicrafts.net
Karnataka Soaps & Detergents Ltd (KSDL):
. Location: Multiple outlets across Mysore
. Products: Mysore Sandal Soap, oils, cosmetics
. Features: Government enterprise, fixed prices
. Online: mysoresandal.karnataka.gov.in
Authentic Product Categories and Prices
Genuine sandalwood products carry government certification seals. Pure sandalwood oil contains minimum 47.5% ?-santalol and 20.4% ?-santalol meeting ISO 3518:2022 international standards. Prices reflect authenticity – extremely cheap products indicate synthetic alternatives.
Authentic Sandalwood Products 2025:
. Pure Sandalwood Oil (10ml): 2,500 – 5,000
. Mysore Sandal Soap: 50 – 150 per bar
. Sandalwood Powder (100g): 800 – 1,500
. Incense Sticks (pack): 100 – 300
. Body Lotion/Cream: 200 – 500
. Carved Figurines: 1,000 – 25,000
How to Identify Genuine Products
Authentic sandalwood products have distinct characteristics. Pure oil appears pale straw color with sweet, woody aroma lasting 400+ hours. Government certification includes holographic seals, batch numbers, and manufacturing dates. Synthetic oils have sharp, artificial scents disappearing quickly.
Authentication Methods:
. Government Seals: Karnataka State emblem with serial numbers
. Aroma Test: Natural woody scent, not sharp/chemical
. Color Check: Pale straw to light golden, never bright yellow
. Price Verification: Genuine products never sold at street vendor rates
. Packaging: Professional labels with ingredient lists
Mysore Sandal Soap – The Original
First introduced 1918 under brand name “Mysore Sandal Soap,” this remains India’s premium sandalwood soap. KSDL produces multiple variants including baby soap, millennium super premium (150), and regular bars (50). Look for government manufacturing seals avoiding duplicates.
Factory outlet near government facility offers 20% discount off MRP on bulk purchases. Soap contains pure sandalwood oil, coconut oil, and traditional ingredients. Shelf life 3 years when stored properly away from heat and moisture.
Sandalwood Oil Manufacturing Process
Traditional steam distillation extracts oil from 25+ year old sandalwood heartwood. Process takes 15-20 hours producing 3-6% oil yield from raw wood. Government factory follows centuries-old methods ensuring purity and potency meeting international standards.
Avoiding Fake Sellers and Products
Tourist areas around Mysore Palace have numerous shops selling “sandalwood” products at inflated prices. Street vendors offer synthetic oils and fake soaps at seemingly attractive rates. Always buy from authorized government outlets or verified dealers with proper certification.
Red Flags to Avoid:
. Street Vendors: No certification, suspiciously low prices
. “Government Approved”: Claims without official seals
. Tourist Shop Premiums: 300-500% markup on regular products
. Synthetic Oils: Bright yellow color, harsh chemical smell
. No Documentation: Reluctance to show authenticity certificates
Bulk Purchase and Export Services
Government factory provides wholesale rates for quantities above 10 pieces. International shipping available with proper export documentation. Customs certificates provided for sandalwood products crossing international borders.
- Wholesale Rates: 15-25% discount on bulk orders
- Export Documentation: Phytosanitary certificates provided
- Shipping Costs: 1,500-3,000 depending on destination
- Insurance Coverage: Available for high-value shipments
Traditional Uses and Benefits
Sandalwood oil has medicinal and spiritual significance in Indian traditions. Anti-aging properties benefit skincare routines. Aromatherapy applications include stress relief and meditation enhancement. Religious ceremonies use sandalwood paste and incense for purification rituals.
Carved Sandalwood Artifacts
Master craftsmen create intricate figurines, decorative items, and religious sculptures. Prices vary 1,000-25,000 based on size, complexity, and wood quality. Cauvery Emporium stocks traditional designs including Ganesha figures, temple replicas, and jewelry boxes.
Seasonal Availability and Pricing
Sandalwood oil production continues year-round but prices fluctuate based on raw material availability. Tourist season (October-March) sees slight price increases due to demand. Best deals available during monsoon months when tourist footfall reduces.
Factory Tours and Educational Visits
Free guided tours explain sandalwood cultivation, harvesting, and oil extraction processes. Tours include demonstration of steam distillation and quality testing methods. Photography prohibited inside factory areas for security reasons.
Product Care and Storage
Store sandalwood products in cool, dry places away from direct sunlight. Pure oil maintains potency for 10+ years when properly sealed. Soaps last 3 years, incense sticks 2 years. Carved artifacts require occasional conditioning with light sandalwood oil application.
FAQs About Sandalwood Products in Mysore
Where can I buy authentic sandalwood oil in Mysore?
Government Sandalwood Oil Factory on Manandavadi Road and Cauvery Emporium on Sayyaji Rao Road. Avoid street vendors and tourist shops claiming “government approved” status.
What is the price of genuine sandalwood oil?
Pure sandalwood oil costs 2,500-5,000 per 10ml at government outlets. Cheaper alternatives are likely synthetic or adulterated. Always check for official certification seals.
How can I identify fake sandalwood products?
Genuine products have government seals, proper documentation, natural woody aroma, and pale straw coloring. Fake products show bright yellow color, chemical smell, and lack certification.
Do government stores offer international shipping?
Yes, official outlets provide export services with phytosanitary certificates. Shipping costs 1,500-3,000 depending on destination. Insurance available for valuable shipments.
Can I visit the sandalwood oil factory?
Free guided tours available at 10:30 AM, 2:30 PM, and 4:00 PM on weekdays. Tours show traditional oil extraction process using century-old machinery. Photography not permitted inside.
Last Updated: May 2025
Next Update: Post-monsoon pricing review