When you think of Rajasthan, the first thing that strikes your mind will be the colourful attires and eye-catchy handicrafts. Here is Shilpgram in Udaipur welcoming the art buffs to witness the traditional Rajasthani culture with a dash of Mughal and European architecture and it is one of the places in Udaipur you shouldn’t miss.
Udaipur is not only a city with beautiful lakes but also a city that projects the rich culture and heritage through arts and crafts. Also, for a fact, we all know that handicrafts and traditional art forms never go out of style. You cannot simply miss visiting a city full of vibrant ethos and vivid colours. You can witness the lifestyle of tribal people of Rajasthan at Shilpgram, the rural hub of art and crafts.
Location
Shilpgram is placed in the Western Udaipur. It is present under the beautiful backdrop of the Aravalli hills. This 70 acres of undulating terrain is at a distance of just 3 km from Udaipur city near the Havala Village. Gifted with unspoilt nature and central geography, the place stands strong despite natural calamities and disasters.
Address: Shilpgram, Udaipur, Rajasthan, 313001, India
Best Time to visit Shilpgram
The best time to visit Shilpgram Udaipur is during the month of December. The place turns into a colourful paradise during the last ten days of the year. It is by this time, the annual fair is conducted by the state government of Rajasthan. You can get both educational benefits and boundless entertainment here. Make your way to Udaipur on the 21st of December and enjoy the Shilpgram till the 30th of December. Experience the realtime fun at Shilpgram Udaipur where art speaks louder than words.
How to reach Shilpgram?
Shilpgram is comfortably situated in an easily accessible location. You can reach the place from Lal Ghat which is at a distance of 10 km from Shilpgram. You can opt for a flight, train or a bus to reach there.
Airport
At a distance of 23.3 km is the Maharana Pratap Airport, which is connected to all the airports in Rajasthan. You can take a private cab from the airport to reach the Shilpgram.
Train
At a distance of 2.4 km from the Udaipur railway station is the art village. From there, you can jump into an auto-rickshaw to reach there.
Public Transport
You can also take a deluxe and non-deluxe bus that is available from Udaipur. It is a safe and comfortable option as the buses are run by the state government
History of Shilpgram
If you are interested in the age-old culture of India, then Shilpgram is the go-to place. It projects history, culture, and heritage with a ravishing image of the glorious past of the country. It was inaugurated by Rajiv Gandhi in the year 1989. The artisans and performers flock here from all over to the country in order to showcase their talent during the Shilpgram festival. This has been followed for several years since 1989.
Things to do at Shilpgram
Shilpgram has a plethora of things to do, that you’ll run short of time every time you visit here. The place looks like a colourful paradise during the ten-day festival. Enjoy the unforgettable glimpse of rural lives of different parts of the country in terms of artworks, dances, songs, stunts, and dramas.
• Dance your heart out
You can dance to the local beats, taste exotic foods, amaze at the breathtaking stunts like balancing on the ropes, swinging and walking on the pans.
• Explore art exhibitions
You can witness the rich intricate artworks displayed in the exhibitions. Interact with the carpenters, potters, blacksmiths, weavers, needleworkers, and get to know about their age-old tradition, challenges and success stories.
• Shop some Jewellery, Souvenirs and interior decors
You can witness the mind-blowing mirror works, beadworks, weaving, pottery and embroidery. You will be amused by the intricately carved hut made of wood which belongs to the Gandhinagar region of Gujarat. Shop in the markets and get back to your home with amazing products.
• The marvellous wall paintings
Take some cool Instagram worthy pictures with the backdrop of the marvellous paintings housed in Maharashtra hut. This ancient and traditional lost-wax casting works, leather slippers and Dokras will definitely grab your attention.
• Learning sessions at the art workshop
If you are highly interested in learning about the ancient artistic skills, you can attend the workshops and caps held at Shilpgram. Learn and observe the art of metal crafting, terracotta design, textile, wooden and bamboo artefacts.
Sightseeing Places near Shilpgram
Shilpgram has the advantage of being located amidst several tourist attractions. Some of the places you can explore nearby are as follows:
• Shilpi Restaurant
Treat your tastebuds in the authentic restaurant of Shilpgram which is located just outside the place. You will be served delicious continental, vegetarian and non-vegetarian cuisines here.
• Bhartiya Lok Kala Mandal
You can pay a visit to the famous Bhartiya Lok Kala Manda. It is located at close proximity to Shilpgram. The place portrays singers and folk dancers from various towns of Rajasthan.
• Sajjangarh Palace or Monsoon Palace
If you are very interested in venturing out monuments and historical architecture, visit the Sajjangarh Palace. It is located at a distance of 4 km away from Shilpgram. Also, the place boasts a rich culture and well-preserved tradition of the state. Take in the richness, legacy and glory of the Mewar dynasty at this beautiful palace.
• Lake Fateh Sagar
At just a small distance of 5.8 km from Shilpgram flows the beautiful lake of Fateh Sagar. Take a boat ride during the evenings and admire the brimming beauty of the lake with the colourful night lights of the city. The reflection of festive lights on the lake takes the beauty of the place to the peak.
• Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary
The Sajjangrah wildlife sanctuary is nestled at a 20-minute distance from the Sajjangarh Palace. It is considered as a paradise for animal lovers as the place act as a home for rich wildlife and rare plants.
Shilpgram Udaipur Entry fee, contact, timings
Entry Fee
- 30 per adult (Indian)
- 15 per child (Indian)
- 50 per pax (Foreigner)
Contact
You can contact any of the two numbers to plan your visit to Shilpgram.
Ph: 02942 431304, 08511 068969
Timings
You can visit the place from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM. The place is open for all days of the week. Thus you can plan your visit during this time accordingly.
To sum up, this place is a beautiful destination with a vivid and lively atmosphere. Hence, you can drench all your thirst for music, dance, art and education at one stop. Make your way to this happening place in Udaipur to enjoy the best possible entertainment in a traditional fashion. Head to the Pickyourtrail website and start planning your trip to Rajasthan right away!
