We all suffer through the dreaded writer’s block—a blank mind with no ideas to work on. And, the constant honking in the streets and the distant sound of construction do not make it any better. The monotony of your 9-to-5 job and lifestyle often blocks out all the creativity in you. 

To help those creative juices flow and gain some peace and quiet, here are a few writers’ retreats you can book this winter: 

1.  Art Ichol – Madhya Pradesh

Art Ichol, a commune for every creative mind, is the ideal spot to work on your unfinished masterpiece. 

It is located in the tranquil hills of Maihar in Madhya Pradesh. Art Ichol takes its name from the nearby picturesque village of Ichol. The Centre also fosters skill development and community building in the village. 

Though the heritage property is now occupied by several artists, their Writer’s Cottage, Amariya is accessible to anyone seeking a private area away from the crowds. 

You may also take your work outside and sit on the banks of the Tamas River to compose your great piece of work in the midst of the unmatched beauty of nature.

2. Himalayan Writer’s Retreat – Uttarakhand

The Himalayan Writer’s Retreat is set in the stunning scenery of Uttarakhand. It was formed in 2016 by two published authors, Chetan Mahajan and Vandita Dubey.

Every year, the retreat hosts two writing seminars that authors can join based on their specific needs and interests. They begin with a three-day retreat and can last up to ten days, each curated for the level of assistance you may need. 

The Himalayas’ remoteness and environment may be a fantastic source of inspiration for authors and poets. There is also a personalised writing getaway option where you may travel and stay at any time of year.

3. Bound Writer’s Retreat

This retreat is the brainchild of writer and editor Tara Khandelwal, who has previously also conceptualised Paper House – a Himalayan writers’ retreat. 

Bound Writers’ Retreat offers a week-long program on Goa’s Divar Island. This retreat provides a welcoming environment for writers and poets, helping their inner creativity to come out. 

It also holds in-city seminars and conversations to give authors an effective audience and suggestions. Twelve authors attend this 5-day residential workshop led by three expert mentors, which ignites their creative side and enhances their skills.

4.  Panchgani Writer’s Retreat – Panchgani

Set amid the rolling Sahyadri range, the Panchgani Writers Retreat is a haven to stimulate creativity and get rid of that writer’s block. It is an annual event organized by Social Lite House LLC, a literary and publishing firm in Maryland. 

The retreat’s environment is ideal for spending much-needed time writing and reading. The lodging is a charming bungalow stay with stylish, handcrafted furniture and decor, all hidden by lush greenery. 

The authors are provided with a comfortable guesthouse, home-cooked vegetarian meals, and meditation and yoga sessions for spiritual well-being. The Retreat also hosts optional poetry workshops and memoir writing workshops, in case you are looking for an external literary stimulus. 

5. Preet Nagar – Punjab

Preet Nagar, the village of love, was once a bustling cultural centre and is ascribed to Punjabi writer, poet, and visionary Gurbaksh Singh. He was the founding editor and publisher of Preetlari, the first Punjabi magazine. 

Preet Nagar, Punjab’s pride, was planned in 1933, during the pre-independence era. Renowned Punjabi, Hindi, and Urdu poets, artists, and intellectuals would visit the township since it really represented composite Indian culture at the time, free of British influence. Every year, the season for artist residence begins in September and concludes in early March.

6. Sangam House – Bangalore

Sangam literally refers to ‘going together’ in Sanskrit. Sangam House’s concept is to bring authors from all over the world together in a single venue to foster the genesis of new ideas. 

They want to house writers from diverse nations, faiths, and beliefs because it “broadens the breadth of each individual’s work.” 

The residential programs are intended to provide unsung poets and authors from all cultures and areas of the world with a powerful platform. The one-of-a-kind art-inducing setting fosters fantastic experiences, inspiration, and friendships. 

The retreat also has a poetry community called ‘Poetry at Sangam,’ where budding poets may put their own flavour into a variety of writing subjects. This one-of-a-kind setting is ideal for the free-thinking intellectual seeking new experiences, connections, and inspiration.

Now you can book your tickets and find solace in any of these amazing writers’ retreats. Go get the writing done!

~ Writer Siddhi Gattani