Nestled in the hills that overlook the backwaters of Khamboli Dam, is an artists’ village called Avanti Kala Gram. Conceptualised 10 years ago by Pune-based architect Deepak Bachal, there’s enough to interest the art lover and just about anyone who loves nature, as we discovered.

Bird-spotting opportunities abound at the backwaters of the Khamboli Dam near Avanti Kala Gram.
Pic courtesy/ C Gangadharan Menon

We reached at sunset, only to be welcomed by prinias, barbets, ioras and bulbuls while they made their way home. This residential centre offers basic workshops that run into two or three days, in many art forms: painting, sculpture, ceramics, bamboo craft and papier mache, among others. Pune’s most well-known artists: Dinkar Thopte, Murli Lahoti and VR Sali designed these courses.