Start your tour by visiting Shilpgram, located on the eastern side of Taj Mahal. It's a crafts village set up by the government to promote traditional Indian arts and crafts. Here, you can explore stalls and workshops showcasing a variety of handicrafts like marble inlay work, wood carving, pottery, and textiles. You may even get a chance to see artisans at work and interact with them.
Walk to Kinari Bazaar, a bustling market in the heart of Agra, known for its vibrant collection of fabrics, trims, and embellishments. This is a great place to find beautiful textiles, embroidered fabrics, zardozi (metallic threadwork), and sequins. You can also find traditional footwear, jewelry, and other handicraft items.
Agra is renowned for its exquisite marble inlay work, known as "Pietra Dura." Many workshops and showrooms in the city specialize in this art form. You can visit some of these workshops to witness the intricate process of inlay work on marble. The artisans will demonstrate the technique of embedding semi-precious stones into marble to create stunning designs.
Head to Sadar Bazaar, one of the oldest and busiest markets in Agra. While it's not exclusively dedicated to handicrafts, you'll find shops selling local handicrafts such as leather goods, embroidered textiles, brassware, and miniature Taj Mahal replicas. It's a lively place where you can haggle for prices and immerse yourself in the local shopping experience.
Agra has several handicraft showrooms where you can find a wide range of traditional crafts andartifacts. Some popular ones include the UP Handicrafts Emporium, Taj Handicrafts, and the government-run Central Cottage Industries Emporium. These showrooms offer a diverse collection of handicrafts from across India, including woodwork, marble work, textiles, pottery, and more.
Remember, this tour is a combination of visiting specific places known for handicrafts and exploring local markets where you can find handicrafts alongside other products. Be prepared to walk and negotiate prices while interacting with local artisans and shopkeepers. Enjoy your handicraft art walking tour in Agra!