Buy authentic Mysore silk sarees at KSIC showroom on Manandavadi Road where government-certified sarees start 16,000 with holographic tags. Private sector alternatives at Kauvery Silk Emporium near Nazarbad offer genuine silk from 6,000 with proper authentication marks.
KSIC – Official Government Source
Karnataka Silk Industries Corporation (KSIC), established 1980, is the only authentic government source for Mysore silk sarees. The factory operates 44 looms using imported Swiss machinery since 1912. Every saree carries holographic identification ensuring 100% authenticity with 65% pure silver and 0.65% gold zari work.
KSIC Showroom Details:
. Location: Manandavadi Road, near KR Circle
. Timings: 10:30 AM – 6:30 PM, closed Sundays
. Price Range: 16,000 – 50,000+
. Contact: 0821-2423550
. Features: Government certification, fixed pricing, no bargaining
Authentic Private Sector Shops
Several verified private retailers sell genuine Mysore silk sarees with proper certification. These shops source directly from government-approved weavers and provide authenticity certificates. Prices start 6,000 for basic designs, reaching 30,000 for heavy zari work pieces.
Kauvery Silk Emporium:
. Location: Hotel Sandesh Complex, Nazarbad Main Road
. Speciality: Direct KSIC authorized dealer
. Price Range: 8,000 – 25,000
. Features: Silk mark certification, authentic government tags
Sri Chamundeshwari Silk & Handicrafts:
. Location: Near Mahishasur Mandir, Chamundi Hills Road
. Established: 1985
. Price Range: 12,000 – 35,000
. Speciality: Traditional designs, custom orders available
How to Identify Authentic Mysore Silk
Genuine Mysore silk sarees have specific identification markers. KSIC mark or Silk Mark certification guarantees authenticity. The fabric feels smooth, lightweight with natural shine. Real gold/silver zari passes burn test – synthetic zari melts, pure metal doesn’t burn completely.
Authentication Checklist:
. KSIC Hologram: Government seal with unique serial number
. Silk Mark Tag: Official certification authority mark
. Texture Test: Smooth, soft feel without loose threads
. Zari Test: Real gold/silver zari tarnishes, synthetic doesn’t
. Price Factor: Authentic pieces never sold below 5,000
Price Ranges and Categories
Mysore silk saree pricing depends on silk purity, zari quality, design complexity, and brand reputation. KSIC sarees are most expensive due to government standards. Private sector offers competitive pricing while maintaining quality through proper certification.
Price Categories 2025:
. Basic Plain: 6,000 – 12,000 (minimal zari)
. Medium Designs: 12,000 – 25,000 (moderate zari work)
. Heavy Work: 25,000 – 50,000 (extensive gold zari)
. Bridal Collection: 50,000+ (pure gold/silver zari)
. KSIC Premium: 16,000 – 75,000 (government certified)
Traditional Design Patterns
Mysore silk sarees feature iconic motifs inspired by nature, mythology, and temple architecture. Paisley (mango) patterns symbolize fertility and abundance. Gopuram designs represent South Indian temple towers. Coin patterns indicate prosperity and wealth.
Solid color sarees with contrasting borders remain most popular. Traditional combinations include maroon-gold, navy-silver, green-gold, and royal blue-silver. Modern designs incorporate contemporary colors while maintaining classical elegance.
Online vs Physical Store Shopping
Physical stores allow texture examination and authenticity verification impossible online. Reputable online retailers like Pothys, Nalli, and Vannamayil offer genuine Mysore silk with return policies. Always check seller credentials and customer reviews before online purchases.
Established stores provide fitting assistance, style guidance, and after-sales service. Online purchases save time but risk receiving inferior quality or fake products. Combine both – research online, verify physically for expensive purchases.
Care and Maintenance Tips
Genuine Mysore silk sarees last generations with proper care. Dry clean only – never machine wash. Store in cotton cloth, avoid plastic bags. Keep away from direct sunlight to prevent color fading. Iron on low heat with cloth barrier over zari work.
Best Shopping Seasons
Wedding season (December-January) offers maximum variety but higher prices. Avoid Dasara period (September 22 – October 2, 2025) for inflated rates. Post-festival periods February-March provide better deals as shops clear inventory for new collections.
- Peak Season: November-January (wedding demand)
- Festival Season: September-October (premium pricing)
- Best Deals: February-April (inventory clearance)
- New Arrivals: July-August (fresh collections)
Export and Shipping Services
Major silk retailers provide international shipping with proper documentation. Packages require silk export certificates for customs clearance. Shipping costs 2,000-5,000 depending on destination and insurance coverage.
Bridal Silk Saree Packages
Many stores offer bridal packages including saree, matching blouse piece, jewelry designs, and styling consultation. Package deals start 75,000 for complete bridal ensemble. Advance booking recommended 3-6 months before wedding date.
Silk Weaving Factory Tours
KSIC factory tours available weekdays 10 AM-4 PM. Witness silk production from cocoon sorting to finished saree. Photography prohibited inside. Free guided tours explain traditional weaving techniques and quality control processes.
Shops to Avoid
Avoid street vendors selling “silk” sarees at suspiciously low prices. Shops without proper certification or reluctant to show authenticity marks likely sell synthetic alternatives. Tourist-focused shops near Palace often charge inflated rates for ordinary quality.
FAQs About Mysore Silk Sarees
What is the price range for authentic Mysore silk sarees?
Authentic Mysore silk sarees range 6,000-75,000. KSIC government sarees start 16,000. Private sector alternatives begin 6,000 with proper certification and silk mark tags.
Where can I buy genuine KSIC Mysore silk sarees?
Official KSIC showroom on Manandavadi Road near KR Circle. Authorized dealers include Kauvery Silk Emporium and Sri Chamundeshwari Silk with proper government certification.
How do I verify if a Mysore silk saree is authentic?
Check for KSIC hologram, Silk Mark certification, smooth texture, and proper zari quality. Authentic sarees never sold below 5,000. Avoid shops without official seals.
Can I get custom-designed Mysore silk sarees?
Yes, several authentic shops accept custom orders. Minimum 30-45 days required for bespoke designs. Additional charges apply for special patterns and heavy zari work.
Do authentic shops provide international shipping?
Major retailers offer worldwide shipping with export documentation. Costs 2,000-5,000 depending on destination. Insurance and customs certificates provided for international orders.
Last Updated: March 2025
Next Update: Pre-wedding season inventory