6 Top Destination For Indian Handicrafts

Art and craft is an integral part of the lives of Indians. India  is a true blue shopper's paradise. Your trip to India would be incomplete without getting a glimpse of the beautiful Indian handicrafts that depict the mind-blowing talent of its craftsmen. Here is a list of top 6 destinations to get Indian Handicrafts.

Located in the state of Uttar Pradesh, Saharanpur is well known for its wood carving industry. Some of the best wood carvers in the world work out of Saharanpur, where wood working expertise is passed on as a family tradition from father to son. Items are made from the woods of the Sheesham, Dudhi and Sal trees. They also produce and work with Teak, Mahogany and Ebony. Other materials such as metal changed into design to make it all the more attractive. The finish of wooden handicrafts from Saharanpur is worth buying. A number of tiny, easy to carry toys, carved key chains, vases and boxes are also easily available.

The state of Orrisa boasts of a strong ethnic Indian handicrafts industry. It has carved out a niche for itself in the spheres of applique work, metallurgy and silver filigree. The technique of applique embodies artistically superimposing cut patches of cloth on top of, or alongside, each other. A base fabric is also used, which is normally very colorful. The use of tiny mirrors in such work is very common and provides a vibrant look to the end products. This form of handicraft is very popular throughout the state of Orissa. In Tarva district, craftsmen fashion beautiful utilitarian and decorative articles such as plates, ashtrays and bells, from good old white metal. On the other hand, the town of Cuttak is famous for the inimitable delicate craft of 'Tarkashi', or silver filigree work. Silver is beaten and drawn into fine wires and foils which are then joined together to form articles (usually ornamental) of great beauty.

The word Terracotta has been derived from Latin and Italian words - 'Terra', which is Latin for 'earth' or 'soil', and 'Cotta', which is Italian for 'statue'. Back in the day, Assamese craftsmen used to focus heavily on making figurines of religious symbols. The village of Dhubri in the Golpara district of Assam occupies a prime position in the terracotta market of the world.