Government Sandalwood Oil Factory, Mysore - Timings, Entry Fee, History & Artifacts

At a distance of 5 km from Mysore Railway Station, the Government Sandalwood Oil Factory is a government-owned factory located in Mysore. It is one of the most famous places to visit during your Mysore - Coorg tour packages.

The Government Sandalwood Oil Factory was established in 1916 by the Maharaja of Mysore, Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar, and Diwan Sir M. Visvesvaraya. It was set up with an aim to explore resources in Mysore and produce the best natural sandalwood oil to be used for a variety of purposes, most importantly the state's signature and iconic sandalwood soap. Currently, the factory is managed by Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Limited (KSDL), an organization working under the state government of Karnataka.

The first experiment conducted for the extraction of sandalwood oil was carried out at the Indian Institute of Science (Bangalore), under the supervision of Professor Suddourough and Professor Watson. The first sandal soap was introduced under the brand name 'Mysore Sandal Soap' in the year 1918. Presently, sandalwood oil is used at this factory to make cosmetics, toilet soaps, incense sticks, talcum powder, cologne powder, and baby powder.

On a guided tour of this factory, you will see the various stages involved in the extraction of sandalwood oil and preparation of varied products using it, including the process of powdering the wood, then the laborious process of boiling, distilling, condensing, and extracting the oil. There is also a store on the premises where you can buy a variety of products made with oil, including soaps, incense sticks, cosmetics, and perfumes.

Timings: 9.30 AM - 6.30 PM

Entry: Free