From the pre-historic paintings in rock shelters like Bhimbetka and later ancient caves found in places like Ajanta and Ellora to the sophisticated expressions of the exquisite Mughal-era miniature paintings, to the patachitra of Odisha and the cloth pichhwais of Rajasthan to the modern day renditions during the 19the century Bengal Renaissance, India’s art heritage is a fantastic reflection of the march of time and astonishing diversity of the artist’s metier. Murals, miniatures, paintings on leaves and paintings on cloth, paintings on leather… this heritage is a rich and abiding force which compels the visitors to learn more and more about it on each visit.

Udaipur

Having explored the gorgeous water palaces and pavilions and vibrant bazaars of this historic capital of the Mewar rulers of Rajasthan, making that quick trip to the nearby temple town of Nathdawara comes highly recommended. Nathdwara is a magnet for its beautiful Krishna Temple, in the sanctum of which is enshrined the centuries-old image of the deity, which was rescued from a temple in Mathura from Muslim iconoclasts. But what is interesting here is a new art form which flourished in the bazaars near the shrine called pichhwai. These are wall hangings are paintings rendered on cloth which feature episodes and anecdotes of Krishna’s life. They hung these as a backdrop to the deity–that’s why they are called pichhwai (at the back). Wander around the bazaars near the shrine to buy one. The Metropolitan Museum, in New York, features an 18th century pichhwai on plain weave, dyed cotton painted with pigments and gold leaf.

Goa

Goa’s Indo-Portuguese history has distilled the most incredible experiences for the visitor through its churches, forts and temples. But now many visitors get round to focusing their attention on the wealth of art that’s serves as a window into Goa’s past and present. The old churches such as the Chapel of Our Lady of the Mount and the Archiepiscopal Palace are unique also for the art of sgraffito. This involves the application of red or black soil to a wall and the design being scratched out and filled in with white lime plaster. The ancient art of kaavi, used on walls of temples and houses, is created by using a paste of red soil and charcoal filled into an etched design. The Santa Monica Monastery features superb art works at the Weeping Cross Chapel. Nuns, strictly restricted from interactions with the outside world, created these in the 17th century. A fabulous treasure trove of rare manuscripts and 18th-century church clothing—the only ones in the world where ivory is used as part of the embroidery, is on display at the Museum of Christian Art.

Kolkata

Calcutta, the first capital of the 200 year British rule in India, witnessed the glory days of the Bengal Renaissance in art and literature in the 19th century. This gave birth to what is contemporary Indian art closely linked to the works of Gagendranath Tagore, Rabindranath Tagore, Jamini Roy, Amrita Sher-Gil, Ramkinker Baij and Benode Behari Mukherjee. Jorasanko, home of legendary poet Rabindranath Tagore in ‘Black Town’, was a lively hub for this great cultural movement which began in the 19th century. While enjoying the Durga Puja festivities make it a point to visit Kalighat, home to the 19th century Kali temple—which inspired Bengal’s Kalighat- style paintings.

Shimla

Following the heritage walking trail in Shimla (Simla of yesteryears) is very much on the cards when unveiling the historic past of this summer capital for over a century of the British in India during their 200 year rule. One of the reason’s Shimla was so important was that it provided the perfect retreat from the blistering summers of New Delhi. Its sylvan beauty and cool environs in the foothills of the Himalaya reminded them of ’home’. Also, the natural beauty–of snowy mountains, forests of pine and fir brooks, meadows, and wild dahlias and roses on hillsides–compelled even amateur artists to pick up a paintbrush to capture the exquisite charms of this hill station. Ramble along a Nature Trail today that takes you past the birthplace of a legendary Hindi writer Nirmal Verma ending Sanat Chatterjee’s art gallery where you can enjoy the display of some of his work.

Inspirational arts forms are some of the most alluring attractions of India’s cultural landscape and over the years have lured visitors, with a creative bent of mind from all over the globe. Make sure your next bucket list for travels in India features at least a couple of places renowned for their painterly traditions, such as the open-air gallery known as Shekhawati in Rajasthan, Tanjore in the south and Thangka Paintings in Ladakh.