Artist Villages

The terra-cotta Bankura horse is often used as shorthand for Indian handicraft, and the credit for this goes to Bishnupur. This village’s craft developed as much as it did because of the lack of stone in the area. The village is equally well-known for its handwoven Baluchari silk sarees with intricate designs.

BEST TIME TO VISIT: October to April

STAY: There are a few guest houses and hotels in the village

GETTING THERE: The nearest airport is Kolkata, 155km away. Buses and trains run from Kolkata to Bishnupur.

ANDRETTA >

Founded by Irish woman Norah Richards in 1935, Andretta has remained a haven for theatre artists, potters and other creative types. Richards invited master potter Gurucharan Singh from Delhi to move to Andretta. Today, his son Mansimran ‘Mini’ Singh and his wife Mary run 3-week-long residential programs here for serious students. Its theatre scene has had a revival too.

BEST TIME TO VISIT: Throughout the year

STAY: The Andretta pottery centre offers homestays

GETTING THERE: Take an overnight Deluxe bus from ISBT Delhi to Palampur, 13 km from Andretta.

SAPUTARA >

Apart from being one of the very few hill stations in the state of Gujarat, Saputara is committed to tribal art and all residents living there are taught how to draw, paint and craft. Visitors are encouraged to try their hand at some art or craft.

BEST TIME TO VISIT: October to February

STAY: There are many hotels and guest houses in the village

GETTING THERE: Railway is the best mode. The Waghai railway station at Billimora - well-connected to Mumbai and Ahmedabad - is the nearest railhead, about 50 km away. From here, hire a taxi or hop on to a bus

Even in today’s times, this Orissa village has kept the art of writing on scrolls, known as Patachitra, alive. But the villagers are experts in other art forms such as stone craft,