A Vintage Experience: All About The Payana Car Museum In Mysuru

Driving along the Bengaluru-Mysuru highway, you will notice the intriguing structure resembling a car tyre, which marks the Payana Vintage Car Museum entrance. This museum, located on the outskirts of Mysuru, was inaugurated in April 2024 and is the brainchild of Dharmasthala Dharmadhikari D. Veerendra Heggade, a member of the Rajya Sabha. Spread over 23 acres, the museum showcases a carefully curated collection of automobiles over the last five decades. Notably, it is an extension of the renowned 'Manjusha' car museum in Dharmasthala. Enthusiasts of vintage automobiles are encouraged to visit this museum to marvel at the exceptional and valuable cars it houses.

Wheels Within Wheels

The Payana Vintage Car Museum has 69 vintage cars and galleries that enchant visitors and unveil the captivating narratives behind each vintage masterpiece. The museum located near Mysuru features an innovative facade mirroring the silhouette of a car tyre. Established by Dharmasthala Dharmadhikari D. Veerendra Heggade, a distinguished member of the Rajya Sabha, this museum proudly showcases a thoughtfully curated collection of automobiles from the past five decades. The word 'payana' in Kannada means ‘journey’. Each car here tells a unique story, and every exhibit unveils a new chapter in the history of automotive excellence, inviting visitors to explore, learn, and draw inspiration from the timeless heritage of these classics.

On Display

Prepare to be captivated by the extraordinary exhibits at the museum. As you enter, a shiny black 1962 Standard Herald, a rare sight due to the lack of spare parts, greets you. Enthusiasts of Rolls Royce can trace all the models produced from 1904 to 2022. Consider the cars used by eminent personalities such as Mahatma Gandhi, the Mysore Maharaja, and Sir CV Raman. Feast your eyes on the 1946 Ford Perfect, the 1947 French Citroen Traction, and an American Buick from the same year. Furthermore, witnessed the progress of automobiles in India with the 1955 Chevrolet Belair, the 1956 Indian Hindustan Landmaster, and the 1961 Hindustan Ambassador. This is a journey through history that you won't want to miss.

At the museum, you'll encounter not only an impressive array of cars, but also a showcase of heritage vehicles like the iconic double-decker bus of Mumbai and the extinct 'kaali-peeli' taxis. Get up close with Willy trucks, World War 2 jeeps, a Dodge Power Wagon, and recent classics such as a 1980s Mercedes Benz, a 1991 Contessa, and even an electric Reva.

Not Just Vehicles

Step into a world of wonder at the museum, where interactive exhibits bring history to life through captivating live models. Delve into the fascinating world of automotive technology and its profound impact on society with our engaging educational resources and interactive displays. As you explore, immerse yourself in the events at the open-air theatre, delight in the food court offerings, and let your imagination run wild in the vibrant play area.

The Information

The museum is open from 9 AM to 8 PM daily. For a nominal fee of 50 rupees, adults can immerse themselves in our captivating exhibits, while children below 7 years enter for free. The spacious parking lot at the entrance ensures convenient access.

Address: Bengaluru - Mysuru Expressway, Brahmapura, Srirangapatna, Mandya District-571477