Art & Craft
Andretta Pottery & Art Village
Kangra's Living Creative Legacy
In the 1920s, a group of artists — led by the Irish playwright Norah Richards — chose this quiet Kangra village as their creative sanctuary. A century later, the kilns are still burning.
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Location
Andretta village — 30 km from Bir via Palampur. About 50 minutes by taxi.
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What to See
The Sobha Singh Art Gallery (paintings of Sikh Gurus and Kangra landscapes), working pottery studios, and the colonial bungalow of Norah Richards herself.
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What to Do
Watch potters at work, buy original hand-thrown pottery directly from the kilns, browse local art.
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Entry
Gallery entry is nominal (₹10–20). Pottery and art for sale at various price points.
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Getting There
Hire a taxi from Bir for a half-day trip. Combine with the Wah Tea Estate in Palampur on the way back.
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What to Buy
Hand-thrown terracotta and stoneware — beautiful and affordable. Original miniature Kangra paintings available at the gallery shop.
RestTrail Tip
Arrive around 10am when the potters are in full flow. If you ask nicely, most will let you try the wheel. The Sobha Singh gallery is small but surprisingly moving — his portraits of Heer and Ranjha are iconic.