Historically celebrated for its heritage industries, Mysuru's economy has rapidly diversified into technology, manufacturing, and education, making it Karnataka's second most vital economic engine after Bengaluru.
**Heritage Industries:** * **Silk:** Home to the Karnataka Silk Industries Corporation (KSIC), which produces the GI-tagged Mysore silk, famous for its pure gold zari. * **Sandalwood:** The Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Limited (KSDL) factory here produces the iconic Mysore Sandal Soap. * **Handicrafts:** The city is a hub for rosewood inlay work, incense (agarbathi) manufacturing, and traditional Ganjifa cards.
**Modern Industries & IT:** Mysuru is a tier-II technology hub with several large IT parks. Major industrial zones include Hebbal, Belavadi, Hootagalli, Koorgalli, and Nanjangud.
**Shopping Districts:** * **Devaraja Market:** A vibrant, historic bazaar famous for flowers, spices, Kumkum, and fresh produce. * **Sayyaji Rao Road:** The city's traditional commercial artery. * **Modern Retail:** Mall of Mysore, Nexus Center City, and Garuda Mall serve the city's contemporary shopping needs.
