Urban Haat stands out in a village like ambient in stark contrast with the hoopla of other seasonal fairs and exhibitions in Mysore. The idea of Urban Haat is noble, to promote the business of artisans in the country. In someway it replicates the good old bazaar concept, albeit in a modern way.

It's is a wonderful experience to explore and shop at Urban Haat. First of all you get to talk to the craftsmen, rather than to the typical sales staff . Coming from various parts of the country, many won't even speak anything other than their native direct. It seems that is not a deterrent in showcasing and selling their wares.

Secondly, the authenticity. You are sure of what you are buying. And lastly the price is right, though you can bargain a bit.

So what do you get to see at Urban Haat? A lot depends on the theme of the ongoing exhibition. On display are anything from textile to brass wares to terracota to leather goods.
At the expo could see and buy Dhokra castings from Madhyapradesh, palm leaf engraving and applique works of Orissa, Madhubani / Maithili painting of Bihar, jute crafts of West Bengal, Kantha stitches,crochet lace work, Kalamkari painting and leather lampshades from Andhra Pradesh, gold foil gilded Tanjore paintings, embroidery shawls from Jammu and Kashmir, Bidriware metal craft, wooden toys from the nearby Channapatna and even Mysore's own traditional paintings to list a few.
The expo schedule is announced in the local editions of the new papers periodically.

As mentioned earlier the whole exhibition center is tastefully designed like a village complete with the stalls looking like the rows of traditional homes. The terraced landscape adds to the ambient. The open terraces are connected with both steps and ramps. At the far end is an open arena where they conduct entertainment programs in the evening. Next to it is a restaurant.

The Urban Haat is established in 2003 by JSS Mahavidyapeetha, an educational institution based in Mysore with support of Ministry of Textiles, Govt. of India and Dept. of Industries and Commerce, Govt. of Karnataka.
Urban Haat is located on the Outer Ring Road in the industrial neighborhood of Mysore city. It is easy to visit on the way to Brindavan Gardens from Mysore. On the KRS Road take the left turn on to the Outer Ring Road at the signal near Royal Inn hotel ( the same deviation for Infosys campus).

On the other hand if you are traveling on the ring road, cross KRS Road at the above junction ( that appears after GRS Fantasy Park) and continue on the Outer Ring Road.
Just about half a km from the junction you'll find the entrance to JSS Urban Haat on your right. The expo is open between 10 am and 9.30 PM. Entry is free.