Payana Car Museum Brahmapura: Timings, Ticket, Entry Fee, Location

A museum shaped like a giant car tyre stands right on the Bengaluru-Mysuru Expressway in Brahmapura, housing over 69 vintage vehicles collected by Dharmasthala’s Dr. D. Veerendra Heggade — the Payana Car Museum, opened in 2024 and already one of the most talked-about new stops between Bengaluru and Mysuru. The name “Payana” means “travel” or “journey” in Kannada, a fitting title for a collection that traces the evolution of automobiles from vintage Fiats and Morris cars to a vehicle once used by Kannada film icon Dr. Vishnuvardhan. If a road trip between these two cities is on your itinerary, here’s a complete guide to the Payana Car Museum’s timings, ticket price, entry fee, and location.

Quick Facts: Payana Car Museum

A Personal Collection Turned Highway Attraction

Payana Car Museum began as the personal passion project of Dr. D. Veerendra Heggade, the Dharmasthala pontiff known for his philanthropic work across Karnataka. Rather than building a private collection for personal enjoyment alone, Heggade opened the museum to the public in 2024, positioning it directly on one of South India’s busiest highway corridors — the newly built Bengaluru-Mysuru Expressway — where it’s now visible to thousands of travellers making the journey between the two cities.

The building itself has become something of a local landmark, deliberately designed to resemble a car tyre, a detail widely covered in local media coverage of the museum’s opening and one that makes it instantly recognisable from the highway.

What You’ll See Inside

The museum’s collection spans several decades and multiple international car brands, alongside pieces of genuine cultural significance:

• Vintage cars from global brands – Including Fiat, Morris, Austin, Mercedes Benz, Willys, Toyota, Citroën, and Hindustan Motors
• Vehicles once owned by the Maharaja of Mysore – Connecting the collection directly to the region’s royal history
• A vehicle associated with Kannada film actor Dr. Vishnuvardhan – A notable piece for regional cinema enthusiasts
• Heritage vehicles – Including a recreation or example of Mumbai’s iconic double-decker bus and the now-extinct “kaali-peeli” taxi style
• Chariots, carts, and bikes – Rounding out the collection beyond just automobiles
• A separate cultural artefacts section – Showcasing items beyond the core vehicle collection
• Detailed exhibit information – Each vehicle comes with contextual details about its history and origin

Given the range spanning royal history, regional cinema, and genuine international vintage automobiles, most visitors — even those without a deep car-collecting background — find the collection engaging rather than purely niche.

Payana Car Museum Timings

The museum keeps generous, visitor-friendly hours with no weekly closure:

• Open: All seven days, 9:00 AM to 7:30 PM (some listings note closing as late as 8:00 PM)
• Best time to visit: Any time of year, given the museum’s location along a well-travelled highway route

Since there’s no fixed closure day, the museum works well as a flexible stop whether you’re travelling from Bengaluru to Mysuru or making the return journey, regardless of which day of the week you’re on the road.

Entry Fee and Ticket Price

Pricing has increased modestly since the museum’s 2024 launch, so it’s worth being aware of the current rate:

• Adults: ₹75 per person (up from the original ₹50 launch price)
• Children under 12 years: Free entry, with a valid ID card required
• Camera charges: ₹100 for photography inside the museum premises
• Ex-army personnel: Complimentary entry
• Payment: Cash and UPI both accepted

Given the modest fee increase since opening, it’s worth checking the current rate at the counter, since pricing at newer attractions like this one can continue to be revised as the museum establishes itself.

Location and How to Reach

The museum’s standout feature is its direct visibility from the Bengaluru-Mysuru Expressway, making it one of the easiest attractions to spot en route.

• Address: Bengaluru-Mysuru Expressway, next to SKDRDP RO Office, opposite Bharat Benz, Brahmapura, Srirangapatna, Mandya District, Karnataka 571477
• From Bengaluru: Visible on the left side of the expressway when travelling toward Mysuru; requires taking the service road to access
• From Mysuru: A short distance before reaching the city, near Srirangapatna
• By road: Best reached by private vehicle, given its highway location; ample parking is available on-site (200–300 vehicle capacity)

Given its position directly on the expressway route, the museum works particularly well as a rest stop during a Bengaluru-Mysuru road trip rather than requiring a separate dedicated visit.

Tips for a Smoother Visit

• Take the service road from the expressway, since direct highway access isn’t available
• Budget separately for the ₹100 camera fee if you plan to photograph the vehicles
• Avoid carrying large bags, since baggage restrictions apply and small bags face security checks
• Grab a bite at the on-site restaurant, run by Hari Govinda’s, if you’re stopping mid-journey
• Carry ID for children under 12 to access free entry

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Is this a good stop specifically for a Bengaluru-Mysuru road trip, or does it need a separate dedicated visit?

It works especially well as a road trip stop, given its direct location on the Bengaluru-Mysuru Expressway near Srirangapatna. Most visitors combine it naturally with their journey rather than making a separate trip just for the museum.

Q2. Why did the entry fee increase from ₹50 to ₹75 since the museum opened?

Pricing has been revised since the museum’s 2024 launch, which is common for newer attractions as they establish operational costs and maintenance needs. It’s worth confirming the exact current rate at the ticket counter, since further adjustments are possible.

Q3. Is food and drink allowed inside the museum, given the long highway journey?

No, food and drinks aren’t permitted inside the exhibit areas themselves, though the on-site restaurant provides a place to eat during your visit. It’s best to plan your meal stop at the restaurant either before or after touring the vehicle collection.

Q4. Is the museum suitable for children, and are there any restrictions?

Yes, children under 12 enter free with valid ID, though they must be accompanied by an adult at all times. The “do not touch” policy for exhibits and requirement for low noise levels are worth explaining to younger visitors beforehand.