Weaving Success: Anegundi’s Craft Village Sets the Standard for Sustainable Tourism
Nestled beyond the ancient ruins of Hampi, across the Tungabhadra River, lies the village of Anegundi—a hidden gem in Karnataka, known for its thriving community of artisans. While it may seem modest in comparison to Hampi’s UNESCO-protected grandeur just five kilometers away, Anegundi is leading the way in sustainable tourism. At the heart of this transformation is The Kishkinda Trust, whose innovative approach has turned the town into a flourishing craft village, ensuring local artisans not only survive but thrive.
The journey began in 1998 when Sharma Pawar, founder of The Kishkinda Trust, observed that while Hampi attracted throngs of tourists, the economic benefits rarely extended to the surrounding villages like Anegundi. She launched a project to empower local women, teaching them how to weave banana fibres into marketable products. What started as a humble initiative with just eight women has since evolved into a bustling craft village supporting around 300 artisans—most of them women.
Visitors to Anegundi can explore a variety of hand-woven goods crafted from natural materials like banana fibre and water hyacinths. From beautifully designed purses and baskets to placemats, each item reflects the skill and creativity of the artisans. Every purchase directly supports these women, helping them transform their craftsmanship into entrepreneurial success.
Become a Premium Member to access our exclusive contents: https://authindia.com/premium-community-membership/ Sustainability is woven into every aspect of the Craft Tourism Village. While water hyacinths may look enchanting with their lilac blooms, they are an invasive species that threaten the aquatic ecosystem of the Tungabhadra River. By harvesting and repurposing these plants into crafts, Anegundi’s artisans help restore the river’s balance while creating eco-friendly products. Similarly, banana fibres, known for their biodegradability and durability, contribute to a zero-waste production process.
But sustainability isn’t just about being environmentally conscious. Tourism often brings the risk of exploitation, with outsiders reaping the rewards while local communities are left behind. Anegundi, however, has turned this model on its head. Through The Kishkinda Trust’s efforts, the women of the Craft Village have transformed from artisans into entrepreneurs, building a sustainable creative industry that benefits both the people and the land.
Anegundi’s Craft Village stands as a shining example of ethical tourism. By turning environmental challenges—such as the overgrowth of water hyacinths—into opportunities, the village has created a self-sustaining ecosystem where both nature and the community flourish. Their story demonstrates that when tourism shifts its focus from personal profit to collective growth, long-term sustainability is not only possible but inevitable.
Images by The Kishkinda Trust (https://www.instagram.com/kishkindatrust)
