Mysuru: The maiden Mysuru Trail Treasure Hunt was held on Sunday in the city. This initiative invited citizens to rediscover the city’s forgotten water heritage through an engaging trail filled with clues, stories, exploration, and discovery.Over 140 citizens split into 50 teams participated in the treasure hunt. Participants were challenged with a series of clues, some simple and direct, others tricky, fun, and educative, that guided them to lesser-known yet historically significant sites.The event was jointly conceptualised and organised by Water Forum Mysuru, Mysore School of Architecture, Youth Hostels Association – Gangotri Unit, Aranya Outreach Trust, and Team Unbound & Govt Youth Hostel. The trail was inaugurated at the Govt Youth Hostel, Gangotri Layout, and flagged off by guest of honour Chandreshekhar, president of the Youth Hostels Association.Stops along the trail included the historic sandal wood factory, where water from Kukkarahalli lake was once used in the manufacturing process, the site of the demolished Purnaiah Chatra, and the Purnaiah canal, which was the main feeder line for Kukkarahalli lake. The trail concluded at Madagalli lake.The valedictory session was held at the 800-year-old Sri Mahalingeshwara Temple near Madagalli lake. Expert in water conservation UN Ravikumar delivered a presentation on the Purnaiah canal’s history and its importance in shaping Mysuru’s urban fabric.Champa HS, director and dean of Mysore School of Architecture, young entrepreneur Aryaman Urs, Sukhprit Kaur of Aranya Outreach, and others were present.Winners: Four-wheeler category; 1st prize – Mysurupost (KS Balasubramanya, HN Anil Kumar, Dr Snehashree, Ravindra A); 2nd prize – Insiders (Adarsh Ramesh, Shrinkhala, Sonal); 3rd prize – Bulls of Mysore (Deepak Ramachandra, Sumith, Rajath).Two-wheeler category; 1st prize – Aanchal NB & Harshith SK; 2nd prize – Madhushankar MP & Santhosh; 3rd prize – Berundas (Phani Datta, Sudeep Nabha).
