Exploring Manipal's Hasta Shilpa Heritage Village: A Tribute to Cultural Legacy

India is full of heritage sites that you don’t even know about. These heritages help us recognize our history’s presence through several objects. It is pretty essential to know our rich Indian culture. We can also gather more knowledge about your previous culture through these heritages.

In Karnataka, near Manipal town, a museum village is teeming with our rich cultural and glorious heritage stories to be told. Hasta Shilpa Heritage Village is a fascinating museum with immense cultural significance through architecture, artifacts (etc.)

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How this stunning Hasta Shilpa Heritage Village was established?

All credit goes to Vijayanath Shenoy, the man behind the establishment of Hasta Shilpa Heritage Village. He was born in Udupi. To construct his house with a unique traditional architectural style, he looked for materials and designs from ancestral homes in nearby places.

This simple banker started to build his heritage house by collecting discarded old pieces. During that time, he observed owners selling out many ancient heritage abodes because they could not care for them. Sometimes he also found that owners sell these things due to westernization or high maintenance costs.

That may be the reason why he started this project at the age of 60. In 2017, Mr. Shenoy was successfully restoring 17 ancestral homes. Along with priceless artifacts, a monastery was established. The homes are made with Karnataka-style architecture. This guy’s keen interest in agriculture and heritage gave birth to Hasta Shilpa Kala village.

Later, the government of Karnataka provided 6 acres of land on lease to complete this project. Nowadays, Karnataka is home to 18 heritage houses. On the other hand, according to some people, nearly 26 structures of historical and architectural houses exist. The Karnataka government does not just support this heritage village but is also supported by some other private agencies for maintenance.

How to Reach Hasta Shilpa Heritage Village?

This beautiful place is nearly 63.9 km from Bangalore and 60.6 km from Mangalore. The distance of this unique Heritage Village from Manipal is nearly 2 km. This place is easily accessible via Air, railway, and Roads.

Through Air

To reach Manipal, you must fly to Mangalore Airport, the closest and major international airport near this place. Tourists must book a cab or private vehicle from this airport to reach the Hasta Shilpa Heritage Village.

Through Railway

Manipal is located near the Udupi Railway Station. This railway station is approximately 2 km from the Heritage Village.

Through Road

Buses from Mangalore and Bangalore City can reach Hasta Shilpa Heritage Village. Moreover, you also have to take a local bus service to reach this museum village.

Most Suitable Time to Visit Hasta Shilpa Heritage Village

According to experts, the most suitable time to visit this Heritage Village is between October and February. Summer days can be intense in this place, so try to avoid visiting during summer. On the other hand, Monsoons are heavy here, so it is also not a good season to visit this place.

Duration of visiting

This unique heritage village remains open for visitors from 10 am to 5 pm. One can lastly get an entry at 3 pm to this place. Tourists can visit this place on all days except Monday because Monday is their weekly holiday. Most interestingly, the Hasta Shilpa Heritage Village offers unique guided tours only on Saturdays and Sundays. This weekend tour is nearly three hours and starts at 10 am.

The unique displays you can explore at the Manipal Heritage Village

In this village, you can explore India’s rich heritage and culture. Moreover, it also takes you into ancient architecture and supreme craftsmanship. To witness the beauty of 18 heritage houses from South to North Karnataka, you must visit this unique Heritage Village.

This village also provides fantastic views of traditional Shrines from various parts of Karnataka. In this place, tourists can also explore the rare collection of Tribal Art from Bastar-Chhattisgarh. One of the main attractions of this heritage village is the folk deities of South Canara.

1. Harihara Mandir

This unique temple was built to house Goddess Parvati, Lord Shiva, and Lord Vishnu. In 1216, this mysterious wooden temple was brought to Hasta Shilpa Kala Village.

The idols are pretty beautiful and have spiritual significance. The main doors of the sanctum sanctorum are built based on mythological stories of Vishnu Purana and Shiva Purana.

2. Raja Ravi Varma Archival Museum

This art museum portrays a homage to Raja Ravi Varma. He was a famous Indian Painter from Kerala State. Impressions of Varma’s paintings have been displayed here; it was made from hundreds of litho stones.

In this museum, tourists will also find German printing machines and calendars. Most interestingly, here you can also explore a particular colour ink powder made in Germany.

3. Garadi Mane

This beautiful architecture represents a community courthouse where Dharma, Nyaya, and Satya prevail. As per the information, these three qualities created three different deities in these tiny homes.

4. Deccan Nawabi Palace

This beautiful place portrays the lifestyle of the Nawabs of the Barid Shahi dynasty, which was near a village named Humnabad.

You will notice beautiful German tiled flooring and Belgium glass windows in this place. Empty jars of imported wine and chandeliers from Austria are also prime attractions of this heritage house.

5. Mudhol Palace

In this heritage house, you can observe a beautiful blend of Rajasthani and Martha styles of architecture. This architecture was transported from the Bagalkot district.

This 19th-century marvel has colourful, vibrant windows and carved doors. With all the grandeur, it is restored to its original glory.

Apart from these museum houses, tourists can also find other heritage houses in this village, which include:

Peshwa Wada
Kunjur Chowki Mane
Bazaar Street
Nandikeshwara Shrine
Miyar Hebbagilu Chawadi
Mangalorean Christian House
Vishnu Shrine
Sringeri House and many more.

Some valuable tips to make your journey at Hasta Shilpa Heritage Village more convenient

For specially-abled persons and senior citizens, special electric vehicles are available.
On the premises, few restrooms are available.
While entering these houses, you must remove your shoes, so wear comfortable footwear, preferably slip-on when needed.
You can refill your drinking bottle from earthen pots available at a few places.
No foods are available inside the premises, and also not allowed to carry.
Tourists can also collect their tickets online, and if they carry a camera, they have to pay a separate charge (etc.)

Where to stay while visiting this village?

Tourists will find plenty of luxurious hotels and budget homestays in Manipal town. However, you can also choose five stars hotels in Udupi which is just 3 km away from Manipal city. These luxurious hotels are comfortable and provide you with modern facilities.

On the other hand, budget homestays also provide you with the necessary facilities and clean rooms. Most interestingly, tourists can find many restaurants here which offer delicious local meals.

Conclusion

The Hasta Shilpa Village is a proud bastion that helps us deeply understand our rich culture and heritage. The primary purpose of building this heritage village is to remind us of what existed earlier. As per the information, the State Directorate of Archaeology and Museums declared this place a protected monument and started its restoration work.

Apart from tourists, nowadays, several visitors come to explore this place, including architecture students and designers. Most interestingly, researchers and scholars also come to this place to complete their research on this museum village.

Explore More:

Exploring Manipal’s Hasta Shilpa Heritage Village: A Tribute to Cultural Legacy

How this stunning Hasta Shilpa Heritage Village was established?