Only 10 kms from Puri, travel influencer finds heritage village where every home speaks through art

The charming town of Odisha beckons travellers with its rich history, architecturally brilliant temples and the powerful rhythm of the sea. A place reverberating with cultural significance, spirituality and wildlife, Odisha makes every corner feel both timeless and alive. You must have heard about the popular landmarks in the state, like the Jagannath Temple, Konark Sun Temple or Chilika Lake. But do you know that tucked away in the serene countryside of Puri lies a vibrant village, famous for its traditional art, craftsmanship, and age-old practices? The name of the village is Raghurajpur.

More about Raghurajpur

Travel influencer and content creator Ankita Kumar recently posted a video on Instagram, exploring the beauty of Raghurajpur, highlighting the warmth of the people living here and offering glimpses of their unique artworks.


The video showcases the dusty lanes of the village roads, winding through the mud houses, each carrying a story of its own. Would you believe that every artist here is a National award-winner? No wonder their homes look like art galleries, decorated with different types of murals. A UNESCO Heritage Village, Raghurajpur is a haven for art lovers and history enthusiasts, home to more than 120 artisans.

Art and the artists of Raghurajpur

As per Raghurajpur’s official tourism website, the village specialises in 4 specific types of art forms. They are as follows:

Pattachitra: These are intricate cloth-based paintings which depict mythological themes from Hindu epics like the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Puranas.

Tala Pattachitra: They are eye-catching palm leaf engravings telling ancient stories.

Gotipua Dance: It is the traditional Odia dance form performed by young boys. The artisans create handmade masks for the performance, which play a key role in the vibrant folk theatre and other traditional festivals.

Stone and wood carvings: Exquisite carvings of deities and mythological figures on wood and stone.

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A post shared by Ankita Kumar 🇮🇳| TRAVEL (@monkey.inc)

The artists ensure that each and every illustration is detailed, often devoting long hours, as long as 8 months, to the craft. The vibrant hues come out of natural dyes and pigments, without the use of stencils or rulers. Children here carry forward the legacy of painting, starting as early as 5 years old.



Travellers can spend an afternoon at Raghurajpur witnessing the artists at work, participating in workshops or immersing themselves in the local festivals and rituals. You can also purchase artworks, be it a painting, wall decor, streamers, lamps, face masks, etc., as souvenirs to take back home. There is no entry fee to the village, and it usually remains open from 6 am to 10 pm.