Andretta is a hidden heritage that invites tourists to explore its enchanting beauty and glamour. This quaint village in Himachal Pradesh is home to traditional art and will prove to be the perfect retreat for those who want to experiment with the brushes while witnessing the allure of the mountains.
It won’t be wrong to say that Andretta is an offbeat location that offers peace and tranquillity. Most of the artists prefer to come here to tap into their talent while enjoying the picturesque views of the valley. This is where you can shrug off the stress and breathe unpolluted air. Also, you can go on to see the artwork that is a surprisingly perfect juxtaposition of traditional and contemporary styles.
Not many would expect a lot from a small village amidst the hills but Andretta begs to differ!
Read on to find out more about this lush green village that will prove to be the apt vacation spot for rejoicing and rejuvenating.
Also Read: Why Keylong in Himachal Pradesh Should Be Your Next Travel Destination!
Where is Andretta and what is its History?
For those who are looking for a serene getaway in the Himalayan foothills, Andretta will prove to be the right travel destination. This stunning village is located in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. Surrounded by the Dhauladhar mountain range, it has the best climate for sightseeing and also offers the right environment for creative rendezvous. Andretta village is approximately 13 km southwest of Palampur, another well-known village in Himachal Pradesh.
So, what’s special about Andretta and why is it called an artistic village?
Andretta became the care of address for modern art and traditional Punjabi culture because of Nora Richards. She was also referred to as the Lady Gregory of Punjab. She was an Irish actress and theatre artist who moved to India in 1908 along with her husband. They used to reside in Lahore where Punjabi culture was more prominent. Her husband was an English teacher in Dyal Singh College, Lahore and this served as a way for Nora to interact with the local students. She tried to develop a love for Punjabi drama among students and encouraged them to write their own plays. This was the point in time when people started to take dramatic arts seriously in the region.
Her husband died in 1920 and Nora Richards went back to England. But eventually, she came back to India in 1924 and that’s when the fate of Andretta changed for the good. Several British men bought properties in Indian hill stations and one such gentleman gave his property away to Nora Richards. This has come to be known as the Woodland Estate or the infamous ‘Nora Richard’s House’.
Nora Richards dedicated her time to teaching drama to Punjabi students, helping them understand the importance of literature, and urging them to improve their creativity. She asked students to express themselves fearlessly while they acted in dramas. She played a very important role in strengthening the Punjabi culture and thus received an honourary doctorate from Punjabi University, Patiala.
She conducted her artistic activities in Andretta and also invited other renowned figures like B.C Sanyal, a modern art expert. Later, artists like Sir Sobha Singh also reached Andretta to display their art. Owing to the peaceful environment of the hill station, actors like Prithviraj Kapoor also built their homes here.
Why visit Andretta for a Vacation?
You are mistaken if you think that Andretta is only meant for artists or people with a creative drive. This is also a great place for sightseeing, exploring the colonial past of our country, and also to witness the sheer elegance of nature.
The village is known for its artist colony but people from all spheres of life can come here to see how beautifully the locals make art come to life. Andretta is known for its breathtaking pottery art and the experts here also conduct workshops to educate the visitors. You will see foreigners coming here for extended vacations, to learn farming, and to understand Indian art and craft.
There is a sense of calm and harmonious beauty in this place. You wake up to the chirping of birds, can hear the rustling of the leaves, feel that tender breeze brush your cheek, and see the valleys glow under the faint sunlight. Andretta will prove to be the perfect escape from everyday hustle and bustle.
Be it for creative inspiration or to fulfil the desire to take a break, Andretta is the perfect tourist destination for families, friends, couples, and solo travellers.
Things to Do in Andretta
Here’s a list of entertaining and worthwhile things to do while you are in Andretta village.
Explore your artistic flare in the Sobha Singh Art Gallery
Sobha Singh Art Gallery holds her pristine original paintings. When she moved to Andretta, she indulged in producing her finest pieces and all of them are displayed in the museum. You will also see other paintings, sculptures, posters, and pottery work from other renowned artists. However, this gallery stands as a commemoration of her art. From the infamous Guru Nanak painting to that of Heer-Ranjha, and Sohni-Mahiwal, Sobha Singh’s artwork shows you a side of Punjab that you will not find anywhere else in the contemporary world.
Location – Village, Andreta, Himachal Pradesh 176103, India
Timings – 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Seek blessings at the Bundlamata Temple
Bundlamata temple is not just a religious shrine but also a picturesque location that offers the best view of the valley. The pilgrimage site is present next to the Bundla stream and overlooks tea plantations and the Dhauladhar mountain range. The Goddess Bundlamata is believed to be the caretaker of Andretta and people believe her to be the supreme power who solves all their problems. You need to hike a short distance to reach the temple so the adventure lovers will definitely enjoy the visit. The architecture is fairly simple and the place is completely open, inviting the fresh valley air to soothe your soul. It is believed that the Bundlamata temple was built somewhere around the 14th and 15th centuries.
Location – Bundlamata Temple, Palampur, 176061
Timings – 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Picnic time at the Neughal Khad
Neughal Khad is the place where the Bundla stream flows with force and there is an iron bridge overlooking the water body and the mountain ranges. With towering mountains on one side and the boulders on the other, the place offers stunning views of Andretta and is also popular as the best picnic spot. You will see photography enthusiasts with cameras, trying to capture the beauty of the valley from the bridge. If you walk a little further, there is Neughal Park which has tall and healthy trees, lush greenery, and a pleasant environment for taking a stroll with your loved ones.
Location – Neugal Khad, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh 176061, India
Timings – 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Norah Richard’s House
The main tourist attraction in Andretta is Norah Richard’s house! We have already told you that this house was gifted to the Irish woman by a British man who left for England after living in India for a while. She resided here until her death and people used to say that she was very fond of the place. Nora always preferred to keep the surroundings clean and urged her staff to use eco-friendly ways to dispose of the waste. Nora Richard’s house was renovated by the government later but it still stands as the perfect example of simple colonial constructions. There is a theatre space outside where she used to teach students Punjabi plays and theatre arts. We suggest that you visit the residence around October 29th, Nora’s birthday, when the local Punjabi artists and students from Punjab University perform plays and celebrate her legacy.
Location – 2HP7+JR9, Andreta, Himachal Pradesh 176103, India
Timings – Open 24 hours but visiting during the day time is ideal
Learn pottery at Andretta Pottery and Craft Society
Andretta Pottery and Craft Society is not just a place that displays traditional pottery art but also invites students from across the world to try their hand at Pottery. The place offers a three-month course that includes food, lodging, and classes. People can either pursue pottery post this time or wave their goodbyes and head back home. Also, the place is open for tourists who can come here to see the impeccable work of the Late Sardar Gurucharan Sing, the founder of the society. Students here not only get to learn pottery but also gather to enjoy bonfires, trekking, share life stories, and enjoy a peaceful time in the mountains. As soon as you enter, you can see an open verandah with pottery wheels, pots of clay and mud, displays of designs and impressive natural greenery. The teachers also conduct classes for tourists who can learn pottery for an hour when they visit the place.
Location – SH 17, Andreta, Himachal Pradesh 176103, India
Timings – 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Shopping at the Panchrukhi Village Market
The shopaholics should definitely visit the Panchrukhi village market which is at a walkable distance from the heart of Andretta village. There is nothing posh about this place and you will hardly find any crowd. However, this is the perfect spot to get your hands on traditional pottery, art pieces, freshly grown fruits and vegetables, local liquor, and daily groceries. Also, you get them at such a reasonable price! People on a road trip must definitely take those sacks of fruits and vegetables home, seeing how they are grown within the valley and are high in nutrients.
Location – Panchrukhi village, near Andretta, Himachal Pradesh
Timings – 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Thampsar Trek
Once you are done exploring everything within Andretta, we suggest that you embark on a trekking expedition that can transform your life! However, this is not a trek for the faint-hearted and the route can prove to be challenging in places. The narrow paths and rocky terrains can tire you but the thrill of reaching the end point will keep you motivated. The trek usually begins from Dharmshala and you will be trekking a distance of roughly 98 km over 10 days. Once you reach the Thampsar Pass at 4550 metres, you can see the undulating charm of the Kangra and Ravi valleys, smell the exotic alpine flowers, and witness the glory of the thick pine trees. The best time to go on this trek is from mid-June to mid-October.
You May Also Like to Read: Traversing the Trials: the 10 Most Gorgeous and Captivating Treks in Himachal Pradesh
How to reach Andretta?
By Air
Dharmashala’s Gaggal airport is the closest to Andretta at a distance of about 40 km. From here, you can find transport to Palampur and then board a bus to Andretta. Alternatively, you can hire cabs or taxis to take you to Andretta directly. If you are planning to take a pitstop at Dharamshala, we suggest you book your rooms with Hotels in Dharamshala for a comfortable stay.
By Rail
The best way to reach Andretta through the railways is by booking your tickets to Pathankot. Vande Bharat runs from Jammu, and Delhi toward Pathankot on all days except Wednesday. The simplest way would be for travellers to reach Delhi first and head toward Pathankot. Andretta is about 90km away from this place and taxis are available to take you to the artistic village.
By Road
People must reach Delhi or Chandigarh first and then travel toward Palampur. This journey is soothing with mesmerising sceneries lining the course of the route. From Palampur, Andretta is only a 13 km ride.
If you are looking for picturesque places that offer peace of mind and will let you bask in the lap of nature, Andretta is the perfect place to be. Prepare your itinerary to explore this offbeat destination in the Himalayas!
