Mysuru taxis double up as sellers of unique city products

Tourists visiting the City of Palaces needn’t roam places in search of unique Mysuru products.

Vision Group of Mysore Travel Mart, has introduced a system ‘Shopping on Wheels’ to sell such products in taxis.

Former minister S A Ramdas launched the initiative on Sunday to mark May Day, at Jayamarthanda Gate of the Amba Vilas Palace (facing football grounds).

Taxi drivers will double up as traders selling ‘The Royal Mysore Treasure,’ a box containing range of unique products synonymous with the city.

The box consists of carved wooden models of the Amba Vilas Palace, ‘Ambari Aane’ (howdah elephant), elephant carrying logs, ‘Sandook’ (jewellery box), ‘Gandabherunda’ (an imaginary bird, now the symbol of state government, and also the emblem of Wadiyars, the erstwhile rulers of Mysuru) key chain and other unique handmade wooden products made of teak and rosewood totalling 11 items, which spread the vibrant heritage, culture and grandeur of Mysuru, are available in the city taxis. The box is priced at Rs 4,500, and the products are also available in separate pieces.

Chandru, a taxi driver attached to Safe Wheels, a travel operator, who got the product, said the move helped him to earn extra money. The products are very much attractive and also spread the history and tradition of the royal city.

“As I cater to many foreign customers, and many among them ask for a variety of traditional products, it is ideal for me. I can earn money even if I sell the products during waiting time,” he said.

Drivers will get 12% commission on selling each box and products, Chandru added.

The intention is to introduce a new dimension to both shopping and travelling in the city. This initiative looks at inculcating soft skills, social skills and workmanship in drivers, thus improving the overall customer experience, ensuring additional income to drivers, said Mysore Travel Mart president B S Prashanth.

The customers can buy the products directly or also online on ‘www.desiadda.in’, from where the products are sourced for ‘Shopping on Wheels.’