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Aura Pottery

Aura Pottery
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Aura Pottery is a private pottery retreat and working ceramics studio near Chandigarh, Punjab, India, offering 1- to 8-week immersive retreats in wheel throwing, hand-building, and glazing, alongside daily yoga and farm-to-table meals. Below, we’ve answered the questions our guests ask most — about the studio, your stay, travel, and life on the farm — so you can arrive knowing exactly what to expect.

About Aura

Aura Pottery is a private pottery retreat and ceramics studio near Chandigarh, Punjab, India. Aura was built in 2012 by Atul and Anuja, a couple with a creative background, as a home for themselves and their daughters, Ada and Anya. Anuja (a.k.a Andy) was introduced to pottery in 2015 and, as a largely self-taught potter, built the studio into what it is today, evolving from a single wheel and a bag of clay into a full retreat destination.

Aura Pottery is run by Anuja (Andy), founder and head instructor, alongside her daughter Anya, who coordinates operations, the online presence, and the guest experience. The wider team includes Prince (Production In-charge), Komal (Studio Assistant), and a visiting instructor.

Aura is home to four dogs called Fifi, Bosch, Bono and Mylo, along with two cats named Monkey and Chicklet. They are considered part of the Aura family, and guests are warmly welcome to spend time with them throughout their stay.

Aura is run by a small, close-knit team. Andy, Anya, the kitchen staff and the housekeeping staff live on the property. Other support staff that manages the studio and property reside in the local village and come to work on a daily basis.

Aura is set on fenced, private land at a secret, undisclosed farm location, with an in-house caretaker on site. We have a 9 ft high boundary wall topped with an additional 2 ft of concertina wire. The main gate is manned 24/7, and there are 4 security dogs that do the rounds. As a solo, or first-time woman traveller, please be assured that this is our home and has always been a safe and secure place.

Aura sits on 3 acres of farmland including a swimming pool, fruit orchard, organic kitchen garden, ponds, and a meditation circle. The property is home to a range of birds, insects, and reptiles, including white-throated kingfishers, sunbirds, Indian spotted owlets, and checkered keelbacks (a harmless, non-venomous water snake) — sightings vary with the season.

Aura Pottery is an internationally loved and visited studio, with about 65-70% of our guests travelling to us from across borders. Aura Pottery has been featured in many publications including Ceramics Now, Elle and Condé Nast, and has hosted guests from around the world, including returning groups from the UK, USA, Australia, Germany, and Switzerland.

Your Experience at Aura

Aura offers a personalized pottery retreat with a relaxed, flexible curriculum shaped around your own goals and pace. Days are spent on a working farm, combining studio time with daily yoga, home-cooked meals, and space to slow down and disconnect from daily life.

Aura is intentionally small, deeply personal, and centred around slow, meaningful learning. Rather than following a rigid curriculum, Andy focuses on helping each guest develop their own creative voice while living in a peaceful farm setting surrounded by nature, animals, and a close-knit creative community.

Each retreat is capped at a maximum of 8 guests, keeping the experience small and personal.

Yes, Aura’s retreats are designed for beginners and intermediates, and no prior pottery experience is required, especially for the 1 and 2 week programs.

Yes, alongside retreat guests, Aura offers a separate Pottery Studio Rental option for independent artists, professional potters, and sculptors who want dedicated studio time, with stay, meals, and daily yoga included.

Guests leave with specific skills, confidence, mindset shifts, friendships and plenty of food for thought. Since all guests come with a different agenda in mind, we have found that they all get something different and satisfying out of their time with us at Aura.

A Typical Day at the Pottery Retreat

8.00–9.00 AM: Morning yoga & meditation
9.30 AM: A slow, nourishing breakfast
11.00 AM: Studio time to build, explore, and experiment
2.00 PM: Lunch break and rest
2.30 PM: Open studio time—work, pause, or simply snooze
4.30–6.30 PM: Reviews and guidance with Andy
7.45 PM: Dinner and wind-down

Yoga is offered daily from Monday to Saturday, creating a steady rhythm to your mornings. Weekends are instruction-free, allowing you to work independently while the studio remains open. Arriving on a Monday is ideal—it lets you settle in smoothly and step straight into the retreat flow.

Studio & Pottery

No, the studio is fully equipped with pottery wheels, a slab roller, and all necessary tools, and materials are included in every retreat package. If there are specific tools that you are accustomed to working with, you are more than welcome to carry them with you and take good care of them while you are here.

We provide aprons at the studio and you do not need to carry your own.

The studio is open 24/7 for use and work, although we recommend enjoying a good nights rest and using the day time for studio work.

Guided instruction timings at the studio are from 11 AM to 2 PM, followed with a review of progress from 4PM to 6PM. Guests are welcome to use the studio whenever they like; as it is open 24/7.

The studio is a roughly 4,000 sq. ft. space divided into a throwing area (three electric wheels), a handbuilding area, extensive shelving for drying pieces, a dedicated glazing area, and an outdoor workshop table for groups. All sides of the studio open onto surrounding courtyards. The studio also has a coffee and tea lounge, perfect for catching breaks between studio sessions.

Aura’s studio uses a gas kiln, with a dedicated kiln loading and unloading area designed for safe, efficient handling of pieces.

We have a selection of more than 12+ glazes that were made within the studio as part of an over/under glaze experiment. We also have a large selection of colored slip, stains and oxides to use for washes, sgraffito or painting.

Aura works primarily with stoneware clay which is fired at 1240 degrees Celsius.

Aura teaches both hand-building (pinching, coiling, slab work, surface decoration, carving, sgraffito) and wheel throwing (centering, coning, pulling, trimming), with glazing introduced from the 4-week retreat onward, including gas kiln loading and firing basics in the 6- and 8-week programs.

Retreat groups are capped at no more than 8 guests at a time. The primary host, and teacher is Andy, who is assisted by Prince, Komal and a visiting instructor.

Retreat Structure & Duration

It depends on your goals. If you’re looking to experience pottery for the first time, one week is a wonderful introduction. If you’re hoping to build confidence, develop your skills, and create a substantial body of work, we recommend four weeks or longer. Most guests leave wishing they had stayed longer.

Our 4 Week Pottery Retreat is by far our most popular program. It offers enough time to slow down, learn at a comfortable pace, and experience both the creative and everyday rhythm of life at Aura.

Yes. Longer stays are possible depending on studio availability and your learning goals. Please get in touch with us to discuss a customised program.

If we have availability, absolutely. Many guests decide to stay longer once they settle into studio life. We recommend letting us know as early as possible, as accommodation can fill up well in advance.

Not at all. We welcome complete beginners, hobby potters, practicing ceramic artists, and professionals. Your programme is tailored to your experience level and personal goals.

Yes. While you’ll be learning alongside a small group, everyone receives personalised guidance, demonstrations, and regular feedback throughout their stay.

We intentionally keep our retreats small, usually hosting no more than 8–10 guests at a time. This allows for individual attention and creates a relaxed, supportive studio environment.

No. Rather than following a rigid syllabus, we tailor the experience to your interests, skill level, and pace. Whether you’re interested in wheel throwing, handbuilding, sculpture, glazing, or developing a personal body of work, we’ll help you work towards your goals.

Most guests spend between 5 and 8 hours a day in the studio, although there’s no requirement. Some people happily lose themselves in clay all day, while others balance studio time with reading, exploring Chandigarh, or simply relaxing.

We have a gentle daily rhythm rather than a strict timetable. Shared meals, yoga sessions, demonstrations, and reviews happen at set times, while much of your studio time is self-directed with guidance available throughout the day.

Yes. Saturdays and Sundays are generally lighter. Formal instruction is limited, giving you time to continue your own projects, explore the city, visit nearby attractions, or simply rest. The studio remains open for independent work.

We generally have fixed check-in and check-out days to help the retreat run smoothly. If you require different dates, please contact us before booking and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.

Absolutely. Many guests arrive with personal ideas or projects they’d like to develop. We’ll help you refine them while introducing techniques that support your creative direction.

Most guests complete several finished pieces during their stay. Depending on the length of your retreat and the complexity of your work, some pieces may still be drying or awaiting firing when you depart. We’ll arrange firing and shipping afterwards if required.

That’s completely normal. Many guests arrive with no plan at all. We’ll help you discover your interests, introduce techniques, and guide you towards projects that match your experience and curiosity.

Of course. This is your retreat, not a boot camp. You’re welcome to take breaks, explore Chandigarh, visit nearby attractions, or simply spend a quiet afternoon reading under a tree. The experience is designed to be restorative as well as creative.

Accommodation & Food

Yes, every room at Aura has an en-suite, attached bathroom.

Rooms open onto private porches rather than balconies. The Luxury Rooms in the Main Residence also have large picture windows with a pool or garden view. If you are assigned room #5 or #6, you will not have a private porch but you will have a slightly larger bedroom.

There is no room service, and we do not encourage eating meals inside your room. All meals are served in the main residence and are meant to be enjoyed with the rest of the group, as part of the retreat’s social rhythm.

There’s a shared pantry and coffee station in both the Potters Villa and the Main Residence, stocked with tea, coffee, a toaster, crockery, cutlery, and a fridge, along with plain cookies. You are welcome to carry any tea-time snacks along with you.

Housekeeping is mandatory for all rooms on a daily basis. It will be conducted between 11 AM to 2 PM so that we can maintain cleanliness and a pleasurable stay experience.

Yes, towels and toiletries are provided as part of every stay – which includes soaps, shampoo, and toilet rolls. Please carry additional toiletries as per your preferences.

Yes — housekeeping can arrange laundry, drying, and ironing on request, at INR 500 per load. It’s best to save up a full load rather than sending one or two items at a time.

All rooms are air-conditioned. Heaters and heated blankets are provided for the winter months. We thank you for respecting our environmental policies and switching off heating and cooling devices when not in use.

The Potters Villa and the Main Residence have hot water geysers with running hot water 24/7.

A hairdryer is available upon request from the housekeeping team. Laundry and ironing services are available at the Potters Villa and the main residence at INR 500 per load – simply request for it and it will be taken care of.

Yes, the Potters Villa has a central lounge that all rooms open onto, with a TV and a sofa set, board games and socialising with the group. The Main Residence has its own large common space with low seating, a TV room, library, fireplace, dining area, bar, dry kitchen, and even a piano.

Yes, there is a TV in the potters villa and the reading room in the Main Residence. Ask our team for recommendations on classic Indian films not to be missed!

Yes, there is complimentary Wi-Fi available at Aura, with multiple connections across the property. We suggest connecting to all of them upon arrival for seamless connectivity during your time with us at Aura. Please note, that since we are located in the countryside, there are often hiccups in the connectivity.

Yes, Aura has a dedicated parking space that you may use if you have a vehicle. We request you to let us know in advance if that is the case.

Yes, towels are provided as part of every stay. They are replenished as and when needed.

Guests choose between the Potters Villa – a cosy building near the studio housing up to 6 residents with a shared central lounge – or the Main Residence, home to the founders, offering Luxury Rooms (2 large double-occupancy rooms, up to 4 guests) with pool or garden views. All rooms are air-conditioned with ensuite bathrooms and private porches.

Simple, home-cooked food made with farm-grown and locally sourced produce. We believe good meals nourish the work as much as the body.

Breakfast brings savory staples like dalia, poha, upma, parantha, and daily eggs. The kitchen surprises us.

Lunch is a wholesome Indian spread: seasonal vegetables, pulses, roti, rice, yoghurt, and a fresh overnight soaked salad.

Dinner leans lighter and continental: baked vegetables, pastas, Turkish veggies, casseroles, and the occasional indulgent burger.

We provide safe, filtered drinking water throughout your stay. We recommend using the drinking water provided rather than drinking directly from the tap.

Please let us know before your arrival. We’re happy to accommodate most dietary requirements, allergies, and food preferences with advance notice.

Travel & Location

Aura is located on the Siswan-Kurali Highway near New Chandigarh, Punjab, India. The exact location is shared with guests directly (Google Maps: Aura Pottery, Village Kubheri Rd, Punjab 140110).

The nearest airport is Chandigarh Airport (IXC), about 45–60 minutes away by taxi. Most international guests fly into Delhi (DEL) first, then take a short 30-minute connecting flight to Chandigarh. The nearest railway station is 45–50 minutes away, and Sector 17 Bus Station is about 30 minutes away.

Aura arranges airport and railway transfers at a flat rate of INR 2,000 through trusted taxi partners — just mention it when booking your retreat. Guests are also welcome to book their own Uber, which is frequently available at the airport exit.

Please check your flight details for luggage limits. For domestic internal flights, there is a 15 kg check-in allowance along with a 7 kg carry on. Extra luggage charges are applicable basis different flight carriers.

If needed, Aura is happy to provide a letter of invitation for visa purposes.

You may apply for an Indian Visa via the official website – https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/

If you are visiting Aura Pottery for a longer duration, such as for the 6, 8, or 12 week retreat, you may use a few weekends to explore other cities like Amritsar, Shimla, Delhi, etc. If you would like our recommendation on a trusted travel partner, take a look at https://www.royalexpeditions.com/

Yes – Uber operates in the area, and guests are welcome to book their own rides to and from the property. However, since Aura is located in the countryside, Ubers can be unreliable or delayed for important travel, such as catching flights and trains. If you would like to use Uber for important travels, we recommend booking an advance taxi via the ‘scheduling’ option.

Yes, Aura works with trusted local taxi partners for both airport transfers and any trips during your stay.

Weather & Packing List

Aura is located near Chandigarh in Punjab, a region with hot summers, a monsoon season, and cool winters. We’re lucky to enjoy the best of all seasons – including spring and autumn. 

January: High 18° / Low 7°(°C) – The studio remains closed all of January and reopens in February. 

February: High 23° / Low 10° (°C) – The studio reopens on February 1st, with sunny days and chilly evenings. Carry a light jacket with you for the evenings, full sleeve tshirts, shoes, socks, a scarf, and a cap. 

March: High 28° / Low 14°(°C) – One of the more pleasant months at Aura. 

April: High 35° / Low 20° (°C) – Warm, sunny days with comfortable mornings and evenings. Pack light, breathable clothing, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. A light layer is useful for early mornings.

May: High 39° / Low 25° (°C) – One of the hottest months of the year. We schedule a short studio break in mid-May. Lightweight cotton clothing, a reusable water bottle, sunscreen, and a cap are highly recommended.

June: High 38° / Low 28° (°C) – Hot and humid, with the monsoon usually arriving towards the end of the month. Loose clothing, sandals, an umbrella, and a light rain jacket are useful.

July: High 34° / Low 27° (°C) – Peak monsoon season with frequent rain showers and lush green surroundings. Pack quick-dry clothing, waterproof footwear, an umbrella, and insect repellent.

August: High 33° / Low 26° (°C) – Warm, humid, and rainy. Expect intermittent showers throughout the month. Bring light clothing, waterproof shoes or sandals, an umbrella, and a light rain jacket.

September: High 34° / Low 24° (°C) – The rains begin to taper off, leaving pleasant mornings and greener landscapes. Light clothing is ideal, with a light layer for cooler evenings.

October: High 32° / Low 18° (°C) – One of the best times to visit, with warm days and crisp evenings. Pack comfortable daytime clothing along with a light sweater or jacket for the evenings.

November: High 27° / Low 11° (°C) – Cool, sunny days and noticeably colder mornings and nights. Bring a warm jacket, full-sleeve clothing, closed shoes, and a light scarf. The studio also closes for approximately one week in early November.

December: High 21° / Low 7° (°C) – Winter arrives with cold mornings, evenings, and occasional fog. Pack warm layers, a winter jacket, sweaters, socks, closed shoes, and a scarf. The studio closes from December 28th for the winter break.

As a farm property, Aura is home to local wildlife including birds, insects, and reptiles such as checkered keelbacks. We do recommend being careful during night walks, and use a flash light for extra safety.

The best months to visit Aura Pottery are February to April and August to December.

Our studio is located on a working farm, so comfort is far more important than fashion. Pottery can be wonderfully messy, and your clothes will likely end up with clay on them, so we recommend packing items you’re happy to work in.

Here’s what we suggest:

  • Comfortable clothes you don’t mind getting dirty
  • Cotton T-shirts, tank tops, and full-sleeve tops (depending on the season)
  • Comfortable trousers, leggings, or shorts suitable for working in
  • Closed-toe shoes or sturdy sandals with good grip
  • Flip-flops or slippers for around your accommodation
  • A hat or cap for sunny days
  • A reusable water bottle
  • Sunscreen and insect repellent
  • A small daypack for carrying your essentials around the studio and farm

If you have long hair, bring hair ties or a clip to keep it out of the way while working. We provide aprons in the studio, so you don’t need to bring one.

Most importantly, pack clothes that allow you to move freely, get your hands dirty, and fully enjoy the experience. The best pieces made here usually begin with someone who isn’t worried about keeping their clothes clean.

Activities Beyond Pottery

Beyond pottery, Aura offers daily yoga, an infinity pool, hammocks scattered around the property, and a walking path around the 3-acre grounds through the fruit orchard, organic kitchen garden, ponds, and meditation circle.

Yes, Aura has a beautiful swimming pool with a maximum depth of 5ft. Pool hours are 6 AM to 8 PM. It is perfect for cooling off in the summers and chilly winter dips in the winter months. The pool is cleaned daily and uses chlorine. We advise all guests to use the pool at their own risk. 

Yes – the city of Chandigarh is an architectural marvel and there are many things to do, see, and explore. Over the years, our team has put together an intensive list of recommendations on things to do in Chandigarh. 

Yes — the retreat curriculum is intentionally relaxed and flexible, shaped around each guest’s own pace, with plenty of unstructured time for the pool, hammocks, and farm walks. Sundays are perfect days to step out of Aura and explore the beautiful city of Chandigarh.

Pets & Farm Life

Yes. Aura is home to a friendly family of four dogs – Fifi, Bosch, Bono and Mylo; and two cats – Monkey and Chicklet. If you’d like to know more about them, read this blog about our pets. Our pets are a much-loved part of daily life and often become everyone’s favourite studio companions.

Only if you’d like to; the animals roam freely around the property, and many guests enjoy spending time with them between studio sessions. If you prefer your space, that’s perfectly fine too.

Please don’t feed any of the animals unless a member of our team invites you to. They are on carefully managed diets, and some human foods can be harmful to them. We strictly do not feed them processed food out of plastic packets – and request you not to do so either.

Unfortunately, no. As Aura is home to resident animals and located on a farm, we aren’t able to accommodate guest pets.

Yes. Being surrounded by nature means you’ll occasionally encounter butterflies, dragonflies, birds, squirrels, insects, and other local wildlife. During the warmer months, we recommend bringing insect repellent. You will also see the occasional snake at Aura, and so we recommend being careful in the monsoon months and using a flash light at night.

Depending on the season, particularly during and after the monsoon, mosquitoes can be present in the evenings. We recommend packing insect repellent, and your accommodation is equipped with mosquito protection where needed.

Occasionally, yes. Birds, insects, and wild dogs are part of other surrounding farms. Most guests quickly grow to love the sounds, but if you’re an especially light sleeper, we recommend bringing earplugs.

Some outdoor areas can become muddy after heavy rain. Comfortable footwear with good grip is recommended if you’re visiting during the monsoon months.

While our team looks after the animals each day, guests are welcome to observe and occasionally join in if opportunities arise. If you’re interested, simply ask a member of the team during your stay. During your visit, you are welcome to care for the pets with cuddles and kisses!

No. While some of our resident pets may wander around the studio and outdoor spaces, they are not permitted inside guest rooms. Only FIFI is allowed inside the main residence, thanks to her status as a senior dog.

If you have allergies to animal fur, feathers, or hay, please let us know before booking. We’ll be happy to discuss whether Aura is the right fit for you and recommend ways to make your stay more comfortable.

This section does more than answer practical questions; it also helps attract the kind of guests who appreciate the slower, nature-filled rhythm that makes Aura unique.

Our dogs are friendly, social, and accustomed to guests. If you’re uncomfortable around dogs or have had negative experiences in the past, Aura Pottery may not be the right place for you.

Pricing And Booking

Every retreat, regardless of length, includes stay, meals, mentorship, daily yoga, workshops, materials, and taxes.

Firing charges (INR 100 per 100g of fired work) and shipping of finished pieces (which varies by destination) are billed separately. Flights and personal travel expenses are also not included.

Pottery Retreats can be deferred up to 12 months from the original booking date; all cancellations must be submitted in writing to hello@aurapottery.com.

Aura Pottery requires a 100% deposit to confirm your booking. 

Since international guests tend to book much ahead of time, we recommend making a booking with us 2-6 months ahead of time, especially for bookings intended for August onward. 

Prices scale by duration and room type: a 1-week retreat starts at USD 805 (shared room) up to USD 1,190 (luxury single); a 2-week retreat runs USD 1,610-2,380; a 4-week retreat USD 2,898-4,284; a 6-week retreat USD 4,347-6,426; and an 8-week retreat USD 5,474-8,092. GBP and INR pricing is also available on request.

Practical And Policies

Yes. We strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance that covers trip cancellations, medical emergencies, lost luggage, and personal belongings.

Pottery Retreats can be deferred up to 12 months from the original booking date; all cancellations must be submitted in writing to hello@aurapottery.com.

Depending on availability and how much notice is provided, rescheduling may be possible. Please contact us as soon as possible if your plans change.

Many guests balance remote work with their pottery retreat. The Wi-Fi is reliable for emails, video calls, and general work, although we encourage you to disconnect whenever possible and immerse yourself in the studio experience.

Yes. Major Indian mobile networks work well at the property.

Smoking is only permitted in designated outdoor areas. Smoking is not allowed inside the accommodation, studio, or shared indoor spaces.

You’re welcome to enjoy alcohol responsibly during your stay. We simply ask that you remain respectful of other guests and the peaceful atmosphere of the retreat.

Absolutely. The majority of our guests travel alone, and many leave with lifelong friendships. Our small group size makes it easy to settle in and feel part of the community.

Our retreats are designed primarily for adults, and we have an 18+ policy.

Pottery is enjoyable but can be physically engaging. You’ll spend time standing, sitting at the wheel, lifting clay, and using your hands throughout the day. If you have any injuries or mobility concerns, please let us know in advance so we can advise you.

Parts of the property are accessible, while other areas of the farm and studio include uneven ground, steps, and natural pathways. Please contact us before booking so we can discuss your specific accessibility needs.

Yes. Grocery stores, pharmacies, cafés, restaurants, and ATMs are all within a short drive from the studio.

Yes. If you’re expecting a parcel or online delivery, let us know and we’ll help ensure it reaches you.

Once your booking is confirmed, we’ll send you a detailed pre-arrival guide with everything you need to know, including directions, packing recommendations, weather information, and arrival instructions.