Craftsmen's Village in Gandhinagar
· Summer: February-May (22°C - 40°C)
· Winter: October-January (10°C - 22°C)
· Monsoon: June-September
Best time to visit:
October-March
Opening Time:
Closing Time:
Weekly Holiday:
Entry Fees for Indians
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Children:
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Entry Fees for Foreign Nationals
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On the bank of River Sabarmati, there are hundreds of skilled craftsmen relentlessly engaged in crafting wooden printing blocks with unbelievably stunning designs and patterns. Originally called Village Pethapur, this centuries old tradition has helped the place gain the celebrated status of Craftsmen’s Village. Wooden blocks created here for textile printing are in great demand not only within India, but also in Singapore and many other foreign places.
Craftsmen’s Village was once also popular for the tying and dyeing practice called Bandhani which would result in gorgeous sarees and other textiles. The practice is still popular and the visitors can buy Bandhani sarees on visit to the village. However, the most astounding aspect of the tour would be to explore the mesmerizing designs of wooden blocks that boast of exclusive motifs.
Teak wood collected from Gujarat’s Valsad region is used these blocks. A variety of hand tools like bow, driller and chisels are used to carve different patterns and shapes. Craftsmen residing in the village belong to Gujjar Suthar clan and are happy to share their techniques with the visitors.
Connectivites
Road:
Pethapur is located about 6 km. from the main centre of Gandhinagar. The Gandhinagar-Vijapur road leading to the village is in good condition and can be travelled in a taxi or auto-rickshaw.
Railway:
About 8 km. from the village is the Gandhinagar Railway Station offering good train connectivity. Hire an auto-rickshaw from here to conveniently reach the village.
Airway:
Ahmedabad International Airport is about 26 km. from the Craftsmen’s Village. Tourists are recommended to hire a taxi from the airport to reach their destination hassle-free.