Devrai Art Village

Devrai Art Village (the non profit artisan collective and creative craft sanctuary set amidst the hillside orchards of Panchgani) in Satara district (celebrated across sustainable design, indigenous tribal craft revival, and social enterprise as the birthplace of the patented 'Devrai Rock Dhokra' art form fusing lost wax brass casting with natural river stones), world famous for its open air artisan workshops, handcrafted brass sculptures, bamboo craft, ironwork, stone art, and an intensely peaceful, deeply inspiring creative atmosphere), located in Panchgani in Maharashtra, stands as Western India's premier tribal art center.

Founded by Mandakini Mathur and Atul Mathur to provide sustainable livelihoods to master tribal craftsmen from conflict affected regions of Gadchiroli and Bastar, this artistic haven celebrates the sacred connection between human creativity and nature (Devrai meaning 'sacred forest grove').

It's the home of open air foundries where artisans shape beeswax models around smooth river rocks, the courtyard galleries displaying sculpted wildlife figures, contemporary brass lamps, and tribal wall panels, the shaded verandahs where apprentices learn traditional metalsmithing, and an intensely peaceful, deeply restorative village ambiance filled with the rhythmic tap of metal chisels, the earthy scent of drying clay, and the spirit of artistic innovation.

It represents a rich Maharashtra tribal craft revival heritage apex, patented Rock Dhokra metallurgy innovation, and eco artisan tourism where live craft demonstrations, sculpture studios, heritage galleries, and Panchgani cultural circuits unite in Devrai Art Village.

Located along the scenic perimeter of Panchgani hill station near MTDC resort, it sits 98 km from Pune Railway Station (PUNE), 108 km from Pune International Airport (PNQ), 2 km from Panchgani town center, 18 km from Mahabaleshwar, and 4 km from Table Land, easily reached by auto rickshaw or taxi.

The Patented Devrai Rock Dhokra & Craft Forms

The hallmark innovation of Devrai is Rock Dhokra, a patented craft technique where 4,000 year-old lost wax brass casting is melded with unpolished river stones to produce organic art pieces that appear to have grown directly out of living rock.

Master artisans also create intricate iron artifacts using repurposed scrap metal, hand woven bamboo lighting fixtures, terracotta pottery, and wearable art pieces made from natural seeds and brass beads.

Truth is, watching a tribal artisan pour molten golden brass into a clay mold enclosing a river rock and witnessing the sculpture emerge after cooling is pure magic.

Live Workshops & Sustainable Tribal Livelihoods

Live Studio Tours: Visitors can stroll through active artisan courtyards, observe every stage of the 12 step lost wax process, and interact directly with skilled tribal sculptors.

Artisan Empowerment: Every purchase directly supports tribal artisan families, funding fair wages, healthcare, safe housing, and traditional skill preservation across generations.

Devrai Art Village & Panchgani Creative Day Plan

The Panchgani Art & Heritage Trail: Morning visit to Devrai Art Village (9:30 AM to 11:30 AM: experience live Rock Dhokra metal pouring & browse art gallery) -> explore the volcanic expanse of Table Land (11:45 AM to 1:30 PM: enjoy pony rides & cave views) -> gourmet wood fired pizza and strawberry shakes at Mapro Garden (1:45 PM to 3:30 PM) -> visit ancient Rajpuri Caves (4:00 PM to 5:15 PM: explore Pandava rock sanctums & Ganga kunds) -> sunset tea and strawberry tasting at Parsi Point overlooking Krishna Valley (5:45 PM to 6:45 PM).

Visiting Code & Shopping Advice: Guided craft walkthroughs are conducted freely by resident volunteers; custom sculpture commissions can be shipped worldwide; card and digital UPI payments are accepted at the on site craft gallery.

After experiencing the inspiring craftsmanship of Devrai Art Village, visit Table Land, tour Mapro Garden, or explore Parsi Point.