Andretta Artist Village

There are several villages and colonies in India that are turned to cultural villages, showcasing traditional arts, cultural shows and native arts and crafts to the general public. Nestled near Palampur, we've Andretta Artists' Village which was built by a foreigner who fell crazy with the land. Let's explore this beautiful village within the state of Himachal Pradesh.
Andretta Artists Village, Palampur is claimed to be built by Norah Richards, an Irish writer and dramatist, who had always wanted to stay in India. Though she had visited Punjab and had taught drama to the Punjabi students in 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 the maximum amount as she will.
This village was built in the year 1920. Andretta attracted several artists like painters, sculptors, theatre artist and potters from all over 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 gallery.
Norah, who started living in Andretta during a mud house called Chameli Niwas, started promoting and inspiring arts by inviting some artists to the place. They slowly started developing the region with their works of art and theatre performances.
The village offers pottery classes to people who add seriously interested in art. Several renowned artists have visited the village and some have even settled there because of the love and passion for art. Located in between the beautiful and lofty Dhauladhar range, Andretta village is a great travel experience for all.

Things to do

Bewilderment and wonder are two quite natural things when you chance upon the lovely hamlet of Andretta Artist Village, Palampur. This place is literally an artistic area and soon on your trip, you will discover great things and plenty of fun items to make your vacation great.
A quaint village Andretta occupies a great place in the heart of an artist. One can indulge in several fun activities that are available to take the essence of the place. Here are some of the things which you should definitely do.
Get in touch with the artsy side of yours in the Sobha Singh's art gallery. Get your inner peace in the Bundlamata temple. Go for a picnic in Neugal Khad. Go for trekking through Thampsar Trek. One can even visit the splendid Norah Richard house in the Andretta Village and many more.

History

The history of Andretta Artist Village, Palampur is quite interesting. In the mid-1930s, Norah Richards came from Lahore to Andretta after the death of her husband. She began to teach drama to the students of Punjab and later she became a fellow Punjabi University Patiala. Norah invited B.C. Sanyal, a doyen of Indian modern art and Professor Jaidayal, a pupil of Norah's husband to figure from Andretta.
Sardar Gurucharan Singh introduced studio art pottery in India and established little pottery for summer use in Andretta. During the time of Norah Richards, several discussions about art, drama and therefore the philosophy of living during a rural environment happened in Andretta during which many veterans from distinct fields of art participated.

Festivals

One should visit Palampur during the time of festivals when the whole city is splendored and pumped. Andretta Artist Village also has art mela where you can witness art and even buy the
Palampur has three main festivals which they celebrate with great heart and preparation. One such festival here is Holi. It is the festival of colours that is celebrated all over the country but in Palampur, the celebration occurs in a flamboyant manner. For four days people celebrate Holi here.
Sair is the other festival which is celebrated here in Palampur. It is a local festival that is uniquely celebrated here. During this time people who puja and aarti to the local deity Sair. It is believed that there was a time when this region suffered from floods and earthquakes and net with destruction which is they started following this ritual to keep themselves safe.
Lohri is also celebrated here in Palampur. During this time people come together organise feats for themselves and sing songs that are for Lohri.

Culture

In Himachal Pradesh and in Palampur, Hinduism is followed widely. Around 90% of the people living in the region are Hindu and follow Hindu Practices. But there are some people too who are Buddhist because of the Tibet located nearby. The main Hindu communities that are found here are Brahmins, Rajput, Kolis and Kannets. The state has a great tribal population as well.

Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit Andretta Artist Village, Palampur is in the month of March to June or in mid-September till November. Though the weather here is mild and pleasant always, but during these months the place is a real treat to witness because the place has a comforting temperature to go for a trek.

How to reach?

Andretta is located around 14kms away from Palampur towards Mandi. Palampur is well connected to nearby cities.
Palampur is easily accessible by road. Both the state and private buses will take you to major cities such as Dharamsala, Pathankot and Mandi. The public bus the fare to reach this place is around 2 INR for each kilometre.

The nearest railway to Palampur is Maranda. This is around 2 kilometres away from Palampur. This is a narrow-gauge railway. The broad gauge railways station near Palampur in Pathankot. It is around 120km away. Both these railway stations are well connected to the major cities.
Dharamsala airport or also know and Gaggal is nearest to Palampur. It is around 40kms away from Palampur. The airbase is well connected to major cities such as Delhi and Mumbai. Travellers can simply hire taxi service and reach Andretta Artist Village, Palampur.
This was all about Andretta Artist Village, Palampur. Plan your next holidays in Palampur and know more about this place of your own. You will have a lovely holiday here in Palampur.