Remember that time in school it was art period, and that one hour spent with crayons, paint and clay would ease the trauma of the awaiting math homework? That’s because art is not only for those who are good at it or want to do it as a living; art is therapeutic, art is for self-expression or even just pure pleasure.
If you are looking for a way to get art back into your life or make time for an art project that has stayed way too long in your mind and needs urgent execution, then Aura Art Stay should be your go-to spot. Whether you are big in the art world or have not picked up a paintbrush since kindergarten; traveller or artist or looking to be both, you are welcome at Aura Art Stay, that claims to be India’s foremost art hostel!
This three acre farm-house turned art stay located 30 minutes from Chandigarh in Punjab, is a year-old endeavour of an art loving family. It can house up to twelve guests at a time and offers a room for two with single beds on a sharing basis. Their well equipped art studio; complete with a pottery wheel, is open everyday for guests to explore and discover themselves through art. On prior notice they can also arrange for specific art supplies and local artisans whom you might need for your project. Surrounded by nature, with an orchard for long walks and a scenic pond nearby Aura can be the place for your creative juices to start churning or your answer to that frustrating writer’s block.
Ada, one of the members of the Aura Art Stay family says, “While travelling and meeting new people is a way of self-discovery, we at Aura believe that self-introspection through artistic expression is equally important to know one self better. At Aura we encourage all our guests to give a go at art in some way or another, without judgement.” Aura also does collaborations and exhibitions with artists looking for joint ventures along with occasional workshops for those who want to learn a skill while they are on holiday. For details on their intensive pottery workshop this August click here.
All meals served at Aura are vegetarian except for the eggs that they source from their own farm chickens. All their food is organic; grown on their own vegetable patch or bought from the local organic food market.They avoid packaged food, though you are free to bring your own snacks and alcohol.
Besides the endless creative pursuits at Aura, you can also experience the local life of the surrounding village; Manakpur Sharif with its vast farmlands, vibrant cottage industries and traditions that give you a taste of rural Punjab! If you wish to go to the quaint popular tourist town of Chandigarh, it is just 20kms away from Aura.
Location: Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar, Punjab (31 kms from Chandigarh and Mohali International Airports.)
Cost: INR 1000 per person per night
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