If you’re looking to get away from the hustle of Mumbai and explore the scenic hill stations of Panchgani or Mahabaleshwar, don’t forget to stop by Devrai Art Village (230 km from the city). Tucked away in the hills, between these popular destinations, this non-profit initiative is a gem for preserving and celebrating tribal art and heritage.
At Devrai Art Village, you’ll find a thriving community where tribal artists, craftsmen, and designers come together to create stunning artwork using age-old techniques and traditional crafts. It’s a unique blend of culture and creativity, that’s well worth experiencing on your trip!
Rock Dhokra and immersive art experiences at Devrai
At Devrai Art Village, the focus is on preserving and promoting traditional Indian art forms. One of the standout crafts is Rock Dhokra, an intricate fusion of stone and brass. In addition to Dhokra, you can also explore beautiful bamboo and wood crafts. Each piece reflects the rich artistic heritage of India, making it a perfect souvenir for your visit.
Visitors can stroll through the gallery, watch artists at work, and purchase unique handcrafted items. If you’re intrigued by the art forms, the village offers residency programs where you can learn directly from the artisans.
For those looking to extend their visit, Devrai Art Village offers a cosy home stay on a bed-and-breakfast basis. Spend a few relaxed days immersed in the serene environment, exploring the garden forest and work areas. It’s a perfect way to fully experience the spirit of Devrai!
Started by Mandakini Mathur in 2008
Devrai Art Village was born from the dream of Mandakini Mathur, a filmmaker, teacher, writer, and poet. In October 2008, she provided a safe haven for three Dhokra artists from the Naxalite-affected Gadchiroli region under a Ficus tree in Panchgani. Soon, master craftsmen from Chhattisgarh joined them, establishing Devrai Art Village.
What began with three artisans has now blossomed into a community of over 50 talented men and women.
Knock Knock!
So, make sure to add Devrai Art Village to your itinerary for a memorable experience and to witness the beauty of Indian traditional arts.
Address: Devrai, panchgani CHS, opposite On Wheelz Amusement Park, Panchgani, Maharashtra 412805
Hours : 10:30 am – 5:30 pm
Gallery is open all days
Distance from Mumbai: 230 km
