Shilpgram, Udaipur – The Cultural Village of Rajasthan

History of Shilpgram

Shilpgram was established in 1989 under the West Zone Cultural Centre (WZCC), Udaipur, with the goal of preserving and promoting India’s rural arts and crafts. Inspired by Rajasthan’s rich heritage, the cultural village was created to provide a platform for local artisans and folk performers to sustain their livelihoods.

The complex was designed to recreate an authentic village setting, featuring 26 traditional huts, each representing the architecture, lifestyle, and art forms of different states. These huts serve as workshops for weavers, potters, leather craftsmen, and painters, allowing visitors to interact with artisans and witness their work firsthand.

Over the years, Shilpgram has evolved into a major cultural and artistic destination, attracting tourists, art lovers, and researchers from across India and the world.

What to See and Do at Shilpgram

Shilpgram offers a unique mix of cultural performances, craft demonstrations, and interactive experiences, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in traditional Indian arts.

1. Explore Traditional Village Huts

The complex features 26 huts designed to represent rural life in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Goa. Each hut is built using locally sourced materials like mud, straw, and wood, showcasing the distinctive architectural styles of each state. Visitors can walk through these huts to observe the daily lives of artisans and craftsmen.

2. Watch Live Handicraft Demonstrations

Shilpgram is a paradise for art and craft lovers, offering live workshops on pottery, block printing, miniature painting, and embroidery. Visitors can:

• See skilled artisans creating traditional Rajasthani paintings.
• Watch potters shaping clay into beautiful earthenware.
• Learn about Bandhani (tie-dye) and block printing techniques.
• Buy authentic handicrafts directly from artisans.

3. Enjoy Folk Music and Dance Performances

Shilpgram is known for its vibrant folk music and dance shows, featuring:

• Kalbeliya Dance – The famous snake dance of Rajasthan, performed by Kalbeliya women in swirling black skirts.
• Ghoomar Dance – A graceful Rajasthani folk dance, performed by women in colorful ghagras (skirts).
• Terah Taali Dance – A unique dance form where performers play cymbals (manjiras) tied to their hands and feet.
• Puppet Shows (Kathputli) – Traditional Rajasthani puppeteers narrate folktales using handcrafted wooden puppets.

4. Visit the Rural Museum

Shilpgram has a small museum displaying:

• Traditional Rajasthani jewelry, textiles, and metalwork.
• Antique farming tools, musical instruments, and household items.
• Miniature paintings and murals depicting rural life and mythology.

5. Shop for Handmade Souvenirs

Shilpgram is a shopper’s paradise, offering a variety of handcrafted goods, including:

• Handwoven textiles, woolen shawls, and embroidered fabrics.
• Terracotta pottery, wooden carvings, and metal handicrafts.
• Leather footwear (mojris), lac bangles, and silver jewelry.
• Traditional Rajasthani paintings and wall hangings.

6. Taste Local Rajasthani Cuisine

The village has small food stalls where visitors can enjoy:

• Dal Baati Churma – The signature dish of Rajasthan.
• Gatte Ki Sabzi – Gram flour dumplings cooked in spicy yogurt gravy.
• Makai Roti with Chutney – Corn flatbread with traditional chutneys.
• Sweet Ghevar and Malpua – Popular Rajasthani desserts.

7. Experience the Annual Shilpgram Festival

The Shilpgram Festival, held every December, is the biggest highlight of the year. This 10-day cultural extravaganza features:

• Over 400 artisans showcasing their crafts.
• Folk musicians and dancers from all over India.
• Food stalls serving regional delicacies.
• Interactive workshops on pottery, painting, and weaving.

How to Reach Shilpgram

Shilpgram is located 3 km west of Udaipur, near Fateh Sagar Lake, making it easily accessible by road.

• By Car/Taxi: Just 4 km from Udaipur City Railway Station and 26 km from Maharana Pratap Airport.
• By Auto-Rickshaw: A convenient and budget-friendly way to reach Shilpgram from the city center.
• By Bus: Local buses and shared tempos run from City Palace and Fateh Sagar Lake to Shilpgram.

Best Time to Visit Shilpgram

• Timings: Open daily from 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM.
• Entry Fee: ₹30 for Indians, ₹100 for Foreigners.
• Best Season: October to March, when the weather is pleasant.
• Best Time of Day: Morning or evening, to enjoy cultural performances and shopping.
• Special Note: Visit during the Shilpgram Festival in December to experience the best of Rajasthan’s folk culture and craftsmanship.

Nearby Attractions

After exploring Shilpgram, visit these nearby attractions:

• Fateh Sagar Lake (2 km away) – A beautiful lake offering boat rides and sunset views.
• Moti Magri (2 km away) – A historic hilltop featuring a statue of Maharana Pratap overlooking Fateh Sagar Lake.
• Saheliyon Ki Bari (3 km away) – A charming royal garden with fountains, marble pavilions, and lush greenery.
• Monsoon Palace (6 km away) – A hilltop fort with panoramic views of Udaipur and Aravalli hills.

Cafés & Restaurants Near Shilpgram

• Panna Vilas Restaurant & Lounge – A lakeside restaurant serving traditional and continental dishes.
• Jhumar Restaurant – Known for its authentic Rajasthani cuisine and peaceful ambiance.
• Sai Sagar Coffee House – A perfect stop for kulhad coffee and snacks.

Essential Travel Tips for Shilpgram

• Visit in December to enjoy the Shilpgram Festival.
• Carry cash, as many artisans do not accept digital payments.
• Wear comfortable footwear, as you’ll be walking on uneven paths.
• Bargain politely while shopping for handicrafts.
• Try local food stalls to experience authentic Rajasthani flavors.

Feature	Details
Location	Man Sagar Lake, Jaipur, Rajasthan
Built In	18th Century by Maharaja Madho Singh I
Architectural Style	Rajput and Mughal
Material Used	Red Sandstone
Floors	Five (Four submerged underwater)
Entry Fee	Free (No entry inside the palace)
Timings	Open all day for viewing
Best Time to Visit	Sunrise or Sunset
Nearby Attractions	Amer Fort, Nahargarh Fort, Kanak Vrindavan Gardens
Photography	Allowed