Payana Car Museum

Situated on the historic Bangalore-Mysore Highway in Srirangapatna, the Payana Car Museum is one of India’s most exciting new museums of 2024. More than just a collection of vintage cars, Payana is a vibrant celebration of Karnataka’s rich

and technology.

The museum is the brainchild of Dr. D. Veerendra Heggade, the revered philanthropist and hereditary administrator of the Dharmasthala Temple. Dr. Heggade’s lifelong passion for preserving heritage began with the Manjusha Car Museum in Dharmasthala, where his collection grew from just two cars to over 250 vintage automobiles. With Payana, his dream of sharing this remarkable treasure trove with a wider audience has found a grand, accessible, and beautifully designed new home.

vehicles it houses. The museum’s striking façade, inspired by the tread patterns of a car tire, is both a visual landmark and a symbolic invitation to embark on a journey through the evolution of transportation. The building blends classical stone masonry with contemporary glass, creating a visual link between the past and present and instilling a sense of timelessness and respect for history. Elevated on a podium, the museum commands attention and welcomes visitors into a world where history and innovation meet.

Inside, the museum is fully accessible, ensuring everyone can comfortably explore its wonders. The thoughtful layout and clear circulation paths make it easy for families, students, and car enthusiasts alike to enjoy the exhibits at their own pace. Payana’s collection features over 55 vintage cars and more than 31 classic motorbikes, alongside unique attractions like a road roller, farm steam engine, and historic trucks. Each vehicle tells a story-not just of engineering, but of the people and eras they represent.

Payana is more than a car museum – it is a window into Karnataka’s cultural history.

of household artifacts, vintage phones, cameras, typewriters, manuscripts, and armories, painting a broader picture of daily life and technological progress across decades. Interactive exhibits, live models, and easy-to-read panels make learning engaging, while plans for pictorial timelines, engine diagrams, and video screens promise to make each visit fresh and enriching.

True to its name-which means “journey” in Kannada-Payana Car Museum invites every visitor to travel through the wheels of time, discovering the stories, innovations, and spirit that have shaped India’s automotive heritage.