Dasara heritage treasure hunt on Oct 17

This Dasara, explore, understand and appreciate heritage monuments and structures of Mysuru the fun way through an amazing Dasara Heritage Treasure Hunt which will be held on October 17 across numerous heritage buildings in the city.

The district administration, Tourism department and DWIJA Conservation Society of Art and Cultural Heritage have organised the treasure hunt under four categories — automobiles, hotel groups, students and open (families or tourists). Under each category, six teams can participate and each team can comprise up to four members. The teams need to have a car in good running condition. Based on the clues, each team should explore and reach at least 11 monuments to win the game.

Girish Koti, executive director of DWIJA, said, “The game will make us revisit the cultural heritage of Mysuru. Even though we live in a city that boasts of invaluable heritage, we seem to have forgotten the grandeur that it epitomises. The initiative is an opportunity to revisit forgotten structures and also revive our love for the city.”

“Mysuru seems to be a busy tourist and heritage city, but there is a lot more to be explored by experiencing, rather than browsing on the internet. The treasure hunt is a platform to test the knowledge and ability of the participants. Its theme is ‘Urban meets Heritage’, with focus on Mysuru’s heritage and how nature is incorporated and expressed in its buildings, activities and culture.

The game aims to introduce the residents and visitors to Mysuru’s vibrant heritage, so that they can appreciate it and understand why it should be managed for the future generations,” Koti said.

“The clues will enable the teams to navigate some of the city’s special heritage features. It will give the participants an opportunity to explore 12-15 heritage buildings and monuments with a mission, to ‘Know Mysore – Cherish the Heritage’. The game will begin at the main entrance of the Mysuru Palace, Jayamarthanda Gate, at 10 am. The clues will be a mixture of straight, puzzle and cryptic ones. It will unfold through a series of clues, stories and dollops of drama. It would be a great hunt for friends, family and colleagues,” he added.

The teams should register on http://www.mysoredasara.gov.in/events/dasara-treasure-hunt/ before October 15, by paying Rs 1,000. This trail will be approximately 4 miles, required to complete within 3 hours. It is suitable for people in the age group of 18-35.