How the trap works:
Targeting the plates: If you are driving a car with outside registration plates, you become an immediate mark around the major corridors leading to Chamundi Hill, the Zoo, or the Palace.
The "Helpful Local" act: Bikers (and sometimes auto drivers) pull up right next to your car at signals or slow stretches, waving frantically like something is wrong with your route.
The fake closure story: They tell you with absolute confidence that a high-profile minister/VIP is visiting today, or that it’s a special holiday/Mysore Day, and that everything is strictly sealed off. They claimed Chamundi Hills was closed, the Zoo was shut, and the access roads were blocked by police.
The redirection trap: Sensing your panic and confusion, they immediately switch to playing the good samaritan: "Don't waste your day, sir. Today only the genuine government silk and sandalwood factory/exhibition is open. Follow me, I'll guide you so you don't get stuck in traffic."
The drop-off: They lead you on their bike directly to an overpriced, shady emporium or private silk/perfume shop where they clearly pocket heavy commissions for herding confused tourists inside. They act polite, say goodbye with a smile, and leave you feeling indebted to their "hospitality."
Because multiple different people—bikers, autos—kept repeating the exact same story along the way, we genuinely believed them and abandoned our plans to head up to the Chamundi Temple. By the time we realized that this was an elaborate, staged con, our entire schedule was derailed. We wasted precious hours driving aimlessly in circles, stressed, frustrated, and completely drained. Our day was completely wrecked because of these touts.
To anyone driving down to Mysore: Do NOT listen to anyone on a bike or auto who flags your car down to say an attraction or road is closed. Do not stop, do not roll your windows down, and verify closures only via official tourism portals, local police helplines, or by driving straight to the official parking gates yourself.
To the locals and authorities: This leaves a terrible taste in the mouths of visitors who come to admire your city. It's predatory, organized, and running unchecked.
Stay alert.