Summary
- Dastkar Nature Bazaar, Delhi
- MESH, Delhi
- Sambhali Boutique, Jodhpur, Rajasthan
- Kripal Krumbh, Jaipur, Rajasthan
- Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu
- Raghurajpur Heritage Village, Puri, Odisha
- Hiralaxmi Memorial Craft Park, Kutch, Gujarat
- Must Art Gallery and Gallerie AK, Delhi
- Tilonia Bazaar, near Ajmer, Rajasthan
- Channapatna, Karnataka
- Devrai Art Village, Panchgani, Maharashtra
- Deshaj Store and Cafe, Kolkata
There’s something undoubtedly magical about Indian handicrafts. Unique, intricate, eye-catching and expressive, each item has a story behind it. It’s impossible to come to India and return home empty-handed. Forget the ubiquitous handicraft emporiums and check out these interesting places to buy handicrafts in India instead!
1. Dastkar Nature Bazaar, Delhi
Address: Nature Bazaar venue, Anuvrat Marg, Kisan Haat, Andheria Modh, G55H+H76, Desu Colony, Chhatarpur, New Delhi, Delhi 110074, India
Phone: +91 99108 02970
Skip Dilli Haat and head to Dastkar Nature Bazaar, near Qutub Minar and Mehrauli Archeological Park, for a wide variety of gorgeous handicrafts. Dastkar is an NGO that works with artisans across India to promote and revive their crafts. You can explore different themes and artisans throughout the year. It’s open daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., except Wednesdays.
2. MESH, Delhi
Address: 5, Local Shopping Centre, South Extension II, Uday Park, New Delhi, Delhi 110049, India
Phone: +91 11 4166 1499
MESH collaborates with disabled artisans to create beautiful high-quality handicrafts including bags, bed covers, and home decor. The items are crafted with care in their design studio, ensuring each product is unique. It’s open from 9.30 a.m. to 7 p.m., daily except Sundays.
3. Sambhali Boutique, Jodhpur, Rajasthan
Address: Sambhali Trust, Bungalow No. 1-A, Old Public Park Lane, Near, K.N.College Rd, Rai Ka Bagh, Jodhpur, Rajasthan 342001, India
Phone: +91 78499 07439
Sambhali Boutique is a vibrant space showcasing stunning Rajasthani handicrafts and textiles, crafted by underprivileged women. The range includes silk and cotton items, block-printed scarves, and shoulder bags. Custom orders are also welcome. Conveniently located near the clock tower in Jodhpur’s market area, it’s a must-visit for anyone exploring the city.
4. Kripal Krumbh, Jaipur, Rajasthan
Address: B, 18 A, Shiv Marg, Banipark, Kanti Nagar, Bani Park, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302016, India
Phone: +91 141 220 1127
Jaipur is renowned for its blue pottery, a craft introduced during the 19th century. Kripal Singh Shekhawat established Kripal Kumbh to promote this art form. The atelier offers both classical and contemporary pottery designs. Visitors can even take workshops to learn this exquisite craft. Additionally, you can find other outlets like Aurea Blue Pottery and Neeja International if you’re looking to explore more pottery options.
5. Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu
Address: Cholamandal Artists Village, Injambakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600115, India
Mahabalipuram is a seaside town known for its rock-cut temples and stone sculptures, dating back to the 7th and 8th centuries. Recognized as a World Heritage Site, artisans continue to produce stone carvings in a variety of styles. Make sure to visit Cholamandal Artists’ Village, India’s largest artists’ community, where you can witness unique art being created and even purchase pieces directly from the artists.
6. Raghurajpur Heritage Village, Puri, Odisha
Address: 7RHR+73M, Unit 3, Madhusudan Marg, Ekamra Vihar, UNIT- 9, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751001, India
Raghurajpur Heritage Village is a hub of skilled artisans who engage in traditional crafts such as Pattachitra painting and more. Each artist showcases their work in front of their beautifully painted homes, and many have received national recognition for their craftsmanship. Don’t miss this colorful village if you’re traveling to Odisha or Puri!
7. Hiralaxmi Memorial Craft Park, Kutch, Gujarat
Address: Near Bhujodi Village, Off. Bhuj-Anjar Highway, 6P9P+VHP, Bhuj, Gujarat 370001, India
Phone: +91 95121 20006
The Kutch region is renowned for its diverse handicrafts, and Hiralaxmi Memorial Craft Park provides a platform for artisans to display their work. Here, you can find a variety of crafts including Mashroo weaving, embroidery, and pottery. If you’re passionate about local arts, this is the perfect stop to explore the craftsmanship of the region.
8. Must Art Gallery and Gallerie AK, Delhi
Address: S- 67, Block S, Panchsheel Park South, Panchsheel Park, New Delhi, Delhi 110017, India
Phone: +91 11 4107 9632
Must Art Gallery is a dedicated space for tribal art, showcasing contemporary works from India’s Gond community. Gallerie AK features various forms of traditional and modern Indian art. Both galleries open daily from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., providing an enriching experience for art enthusiasts.
9. Tilonia Bazaar, near Ajmer, Rajasthan
Address: Via, Madanganj, Tiloniya, Patan, Rajasthan 305816, India
The artisans at Tilonia Bazaar produce beautiful handicrafts, blending traditional techniques with contemporary designs. Their products range from textiles to educational tools. The store in Patan is open daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., making it a perfect stop for unique gifts.
10. Channapatna, Karnataka
Address: No. 1580, Behind Azeez Complex, Sathanoor Road, near Sathanoor Circle, Shahi Circle, Channapatna, Karnataka 562160, India
Phone: +91 80 2659 4547
Channapatna is known as “toy town” due to its vibrant wooden toys, a craft that dates back to the 18th century. Many artisans work in collaborative workshops, and NGOs such as Maya Organic provide support for design and skill development. Visitors can explore the local craftsmanship and purchase unique toys directly from artisans.
11. Devrai Art Village, Panchgani, Maharashtra
Address: Devrai, panchgani CHS, opposite On Wheelz Amusement Park, Ganeshpeth, Panchgani, Maharashtra 412805, India
Phone: +91 99233 39726
Devrai Art Village focuses on tribal artistry with an emphasis on exploration and community development. The village encourages artists to create unique designs influenced by nature. Visitors can engage with the artists and purchase intricate pieces that reflect the rich cultural heritage of Chhattisgarh.
12. Deshaj Store and Cafe, Kolkata
Address: 32, Old Ballygunge 1st Ln, P. Circus, Ballygunge Park, Ballygunge, Kolkata, West Bengal 700019, India
Phone: +91 90739 90661
Deshaj is an artisan-led brand that promotes indigenous crafts by artisans from Bengal, providing them with sustainable livelihoods. The store features a cafe serving a variety of teas and snacks, making it a perfect place to relax while exploring handcrafted products. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.