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There are several villages and colonies in India that are turned to cultural villages, showcasing traditional arts, cultural shows and local arts and crafts to the public. Nestled near Palampur, we have Andretta Artists' Village which was built by a foreigner who fell in love with the land. Let's explore this beautiful village in the state of Himachal Pradesh.
Andretta Artists' Village is said to have been built by Norah Richards, an Irish writer and dramatist, who had always wanted to live in India. Though she had visited Punjab and had taught drama to the Punjabi students those days, she went back to England after her husband's death, only to return back soon to Andretta, making the place her home and promoting arts, drama and culture as much as she can.
Photo Courtesy: Official site
Since the village was built in 1920s, Andretta has attracted many artists like theatre artists, painters, sculptors and potters from several parts of the world. The village complex include centres worth exploring like Norah's Centre of Arts, Andretta Pottery & Craft Society, Norah's Mud House and Sir Sobha Singh Art Gallery.
Norah, who started living in Andretta in a mud house called Chameli Niwas, started promoting and encouraging arts by inviting some artists to the place. They slowly started developing the region with their works of art and theatre performances.
Photo Courtesy: Official site
The village also offers pottery making classes to students who are serious about the art. Several renowned artists have visited the village, and some have even settled down here for the love of arts and culture.
Located amidst the lofty Dhauladhar range of mountains, Andretta is one of the best travel experiences you could ever have. The place is also a paradise for bird lovers, and it is a home to around 550 species of birds that include cuckoo, dove, flycatcher, minivet, warbler, chat, finch, redstart and barbet among the rest.
Photo Courtesy: Official site
Reaching Andretta Artists' Village
Andretta is located around 14km from Palampur towards Mandi. Palampur is well connected to the cities nearby, Here's how to reach Palampur. From Palampur, you can hire a taxi to Andretta Artists' Village.
Travel to this unique crafts village in Himachal Pradesh to know more about arts, crafts and pottery.
