The Department of Tourism, Government of Kerala, is the driving force behind the establishment of the Sargaalaya Arts and Crafts hamlet at Iringal. It is a unique location where you can not only choose a product made by Kerala’s traditional craftspeople but also take one or two classes on the nuances of craft creation. Sargaalaya was created and operated using the Responsible Tourism approach, with the intention of becoming a tourist attraction.
History of Sargaalaya Arts and Crafts Village
You encounter history at Iringal in many ways. It may reverberate in your tympanum as the squall of the spirits of enormous granites, shattered mercilessly by gunpowder, or it may come to you as a hint of a fight waged in the past, the famous resistance of Kunjali Marakkar against the Portuguese.
Iringal, a charming tiny village in Kozhikode close to Vadakara, holds a unique place in Keralan history. We invite you to Iringal to taste and savor the unparalleled abilities of the State’s traditional craftspeople, not to be awed by the place’s magnificent past.
Located on a 20-acre plot of land on the banks of the Moorad River near Iringal in Kozhikode, the craft village features 60 stalls spread over lovely, ethnically and environmentally designed houses. The Uralungal Labour Contract Cooperative Society (ULCCS) is in charge of running the village.
The village creates a comprehensive platform for exhibition, sales, and craft-making by fusing the streams of art and business. The craft village is special since it is the only location where visitors may observe and understand firsthand the subtleties of Keralan traditional craftspeople’s techniques. You wouldn’t pass up this opportunity, especially if you’re passionate about arts and crafts.
At a fair fee, you can also take these intriguing creations home as a memento. Additionally, you can build enduring business relationships with Keralan artists if you are interested in the craft industry. The initiative, which was established by the Department of Tourism, guarantees local craftspeople and international business owners brand protection.
The vast array of goods on exhibit are made from a variety of raw materials, from contemporary alloys to less costly natural alternatives. Banana fiber, coir, bamboo, sand, coconut shells, husks, palm fronds, coconut leaves, and screwpine have all been used to create these structures. The Sargaalaya Crafts Design and Technology Development Centre promotes innovation in the conventional system while teaching artisans the newest manufacturing methods.
Exploring the Charm of Mananchira Square: A Slice of Kozhikode’s Heritage
Additionally, Sargaalaya gives visitors the chance to appreciate Keralan folk and classical art forms as they see fit. Boating in the Moorad River is another activity that tourists can enjoy. Soon, a tourism route linking Vadakara Sandbanks, Kolavipalam Turtle Hatchery, and Kunjali Marakkar Museum will be constructed.
Getting there
Nearest railway station: Iringal (1.5 km)
The nearest airport: Calicut International Airport, about 23 km from Kozhikode town.
