Mysuru: Several tourists have alleged that auto-rickshaw drivers operating near major tourist attractions in Mysuru, including Mysuru Palace and Mysuru Zoo, are misleading visitors by falsely claiming that the sites are temporarily closed and attempting to divert them to commission-based businesses.
The allegations surfaced after a social media post on X (formerly Twitter) highlighted the issue, prompting many other tourists to share similar experiences and raising concerns over the city’s reputation as one of Karnataka’s leading tourism destinations.
Social media post sparks debate
A netizen with the user ID ‘SumitM’ alleged that some auto drivers near Mysuru Palace and Mysuru Zoo routinely tell tourists that the Palace is closed for a few hours or that the Zoo is on an “animals’ lunch break”.
According to the post, the drivers then encourage visitors to spend time at shops selling silk sarees, sandalwood products and other items.
“It looks like they earn commissions for bringing tourists there. Many tourists believe them and waste time on unnecessary detours,” the user claimed.
The post quickly gained attention online, with several tourists sharing similar incidents and expressing concern over the alleged practices.
Visitors recount similar experiences
Another X user, Neeraj Nayal, said his group encountered several auto drivers two weeks ago who tried to persuade them to visit a factory supposedly offering discounts for a limited period.
He said some individuals informed them that the Mysuru Zoo was on a lunch break, but the group later discovered that the zoo was functioning normally.
“That’s the reason for a decline in international tourists and India’s image at the international level,” he wrote, criticising the practice of treating tourists primarily as a business opportunity.
Another user, Bharath Jillella, recounted an incident while travelling to Chamundi Hill.
According to him, some drivers claimed that darshan had been suspended because of the Chief Minister’s visit and attempted to convince the tourists to visit other places instead.
He alleged that the drivers followed their vehicle for some distance after the group refused their offer.
Concerns over tourism image
Several social media users expressed concern that such incidents could tarnish Mysuru’s image as one of Karnataka’s most visited tourist cities.
One user claimed that an auto driver allegedly demanded ₹2,000 from a visiting colleague from the United States for an 11-km journey from Mysuru railway station.
According to the user, the driver left after being questioned about the fare.
The allegations have reignited concerns regarding tourist exploitation and the need to maintain transparency and fair practices in the tourism sector.
Calls for stricter action
Many visitors have called for stricter enforcement by the authorities and urged tourists to report such incidents to the police and transport authorities.
Some questioned why such practices were allegedly continuing in tourist areas despite the presence of law enforcement personnel and other regulatory agencies.
Tourism stakeholders believe that maintaining the trust of domestic and international visitors is crucial for preserving Mysuru’s reputation as a premier tourist destination.
Authorities are yet to officially respond to the allegations. However, the social media discussion has highlighted the need for increased monitoring of tourist hotspots and stronger measures to prevent visitors from being misled.