Day Trip to Pingla

Why visit Pingla?

Pingla (Naya village) in Paschim Medinipur is one of Bengal’s most important living centres for Patachitra (also spelt Pattachitra) — an ancient scroll-painting tradition practised by artist-families known as Patuas. The village is famous for painted house-walls, community museums, and seasonal fairs that showcase the painters’ scrolls and songs. Visiting Pingla gives travellers face-to-face contact with artisans, a chance to learn about locally-made natural pigments, and an opportunity to purchase authentic handicrafts directly from makers.

• The Patachitra tradition in Bengal has been formally recognised and promoted; the craft community around Pingla hosts an annual cultural fair (Pot Maya / Patamaya) and benefits from craft-centres and rural craft initiatives.

• Naya (Pingla) lies roughly 116–130 km from Kolkata and is commonly done as a one-day trip by road (typical drive time: 3.5–4.5 hours each way depending on traffic).

Target travellers: art lovers, cultural & experiential travellers, small private groups, artists & photographers, and anyone who wants a slow, human-scale cultural encounter outside city tourist circuits.

At-a-glance

• Duration: Approx. 12–14 hours (Kolkata → Pingla → Kolkata)
• Distance from Kolkata: ~116 km (one way); travel time ~3.5–4.0 hrs each way.
• Best months: October–March (pleasant weather; November hosts Pot Maya festival) — festival dates vary.
• Group size: Max 12 for best village experience (private tours)
• Difficulty: Easy (walking in the village, short steps)
• What’s included: Private vehicle (A/C), English-speaking guide, village walking tour, patachitra demonstration, 60–90 minute hands-on mini workshop, traditional Bengali lunch, bottled water, shopping time, and all entry fees.

Full Itinerary

06:00 — Pickup from your hotel in Kolkata

Early departure is recommended to avoid city traffic and reach the village with daylight for mural walks and the workshop. Early pickups work best for a full day.

06:30–10:00 — Scenic drive to Naya (Pingla), Paschim Medinipur

The drive passes parts of rural Bengal with green paddy fields, roadside temples and small bazaars — a gradual change from the city to the quieter countryside. Use this time for an on-route briefing: history of Patachitra, what you’ll see, and a short safety/orientation talk.

10:00 — Arrival & welcome tea; short village orientation

Arrive in Naya (Pingla). Meet village hosts and the local Patua co-operative or community museum. A short welcome tea (chai) and boiled snacks are served — a good moment to meet the lead artist and local coordinator.

10:15–11:15 — Guided walk: painted houses, murals & community museum

Walk the painted lanes: many houses and walls in Naya display intricate murals and motifs from myth and folk tales. The community museum displays scrolls, tools, and old patas — your guide (local Patua or cultural guide) narrates stories associated with these images and the tradition of Pater Gaan (the song that accompanies scroll performance). This is a photographer-friendly stretch; ask permission before photographing people or inside homes.

11:15–12:30 — Live patachitra demonstration & Pater Gaan

Experience the unique Patua performance: the painted scroll is unrolled as the Patua sings the story behind each panel. Learn about the brushes, handmade pigments (vegetable and mineral), and how myth, social messages and modern themes are blended in contemporary patachitras. This live storytelling session is a highlight for experiential travellers.

12:30–14:00 — Bengali lunch with a local family / curated village lunch

Enjoy an authentic Bengali meal — a home-style spread with seasonal vegetables, dal, rice, and a fish option (machher jhol) plus vegetarian alternatives. Offer a cooked-for-you, family-style meal (or a curated picnic with regional snacks) to provide the warm hospitality experience. This is an excellent time to ask informal questions about everyday life and patronise the community. (All dietary preferences and allergies can be accommodated with prior notice.)

14:00–15:30 — Hands-on mini workshop (make your own mini-pata)

Participate in a supervised 60–90 minute workshop where visitors make a small patachitra or decorate a hand-fan / tea-towel with Patua motifs. The artist will demonstrate sketching, mixing natural pigments and simple line work. Travellers keep their modest artwork as a souvenir. (Workshops can be scaled: short demo for larger groups or 1:1 session for private travellers.)

15:30–16:15 — Open market & shopping time

Browse local handicraft stalls: original scrolls, printed T-shirts, hand-painted bags, fans, and small framed patas suitable for carry-on luggage. Buying directly from makers supports the community — ask for a certificate or artist card to verify origin.

16:15 — Farewell & village wrap-up

Short closing chat with the lead Patua: discuss preservation, craft economics, and how tourism helps. Option to donate to community programmes (voluntary).

16:30–20:00 — Drive back to Kolkata (drop off)

Return to Kolkata. Drop off at hotels. Estimated arrival 20:00–21:00, depending on road conditions.

(All Times are Indicative, this itinerary is executed in a relaxed manner, and actual time may vary)

Professional photographs of your tour: On request and against an extra charge, we arrange a professional local photographer to document your village visit quietly and unobtrusively.

Inclusions & Exclusions

Included: Private A/C transfer from Kolkata (point-to-point), English-speaking guide, village walking tour, patachitra demo, hands-on workshop material and instruction, traditional Bengali lunch, bottled water, basic first-aid kit, local taxes.
Excluded: Personal shopping, gratuities, travel insurance, any extra overnight stays.

Good to know: logistics, accessibility & tips

• Fitness & accessibility: Easy walking on village lanes; small steps and uneven pathways—help may be needed for wheelchair users.
• Cash & purchases: Small stalls may accept cash only; carry small notes (INR). International cards are unlikely to be accepted in the village
• Photography: Always ask permission before photographing people or inside homes; some artists may ask a small fee for posed portraits.
• Health & hygiene: Bring hand sanitiser and a small anti-bacterial pack. Street toilets are basic; we recommend using vehicle facilities during transit stops.
• Customs & purchases: If you buy antique scrolls or very old pieces, check export rules (declare at customs if required). Modern patas and prints are usually fine to carry home.
• Group size & booking: Max 12 recommended; private tours for couples/friends give the best experience.

Responsible travel & community impact

This trip directly supports artisan incomes by channelling sales and workshop fees to the Patua families. We recommend:

• Buying directly from artists or certified stalls.
• Avoid asking artists for free performances — offer an honorarium.
• Respecting private property & wearing modest clothing during home visits.
• Consider adding a small donation or tool-fund contribution to community craft centres.

Packing list (suggested)

Comfortable shoes, light layers (mornings can be cool during winter), sunhat, sunscreen, small cash in INR, notebook/sketchbook if you like drawing.

Suggested tour price and booking policy (example)

• Price: USD 120 per person (group of 2–3), USD 100 per person (group of 4-6), USD 80 per person (group of 7 to 12).
• Deposit: 50% at the time of booking. Balance on arrival or via secure online payment.
• Please Note: NBTT holds the right to change the pricing without prior notice. Please reconfirm present price from our team.

Why travellers love this trip

• Direct contact with a unique living tradition (Patachitra) and its storytellers.
• Hands-on creativity — walk away with your own artwork.
• A slow, authentic rural day out contrasting Kolkata’s urban energy.
• Great photo & cultural storytelling opportunities.

FAQ

Q: How long is the drive?
A: Expect ~3.5–4.5 hours each way, depending on traffic.

Q: Can vegetarians be accommodated?
A: Yes — please let us know at booking, and we’ll arrange a purely vegetarian Bengali menu.

Q: Is the Patua performance in English?
A: The traditional Pater Gaan is sung in Bengali; your guide will provide English translations and cultural context.

Q: Are credit cards accepted in the village?
A: Not usually — carry small INR notes for market purchases.

Booking

Ready to book this Pingla Patachitra day tour or want the itinerary customised for your travel dates and group? Contact NBTT Travel Solution Pvt. Ltd. to reserve your spot and arrange transfers:

Call / WhatsApp: +91 9733300696

We’ll handle pickup from your Kolkata hotel, dietary requests, and any add-ons (photographer, private workshop, festival timing).