More Than a Pottery Studio
Bolcha began with a homecoming.
After over two decades in design education, founder and Creative Lead Babita Belliappa returned to her roots in Kodagu with a desire to create something that brought together design, culture, craftsmanship and community. Along with partner and educationist Urvashi Muddaiah, she envisioned a studio where clay could become more than a material—it could become a medium for designing meaningful experiences.
The name Bolcha, meaning lamp in the Kodava language, reflects this intention: to spark curiosity, celebrate making by hand and create moments that illuminate the joy of creativity.
Inspired by the forests, coffee estates, native flora and everyday rituals of Coorg, Bolcha is a design-led creative studio where contemporary ceramics, thoughtful products and immersive experiences come together. Every object we create and every workshop we design begins with the same question: How can this become a meaningful experience for the people who engage with it?
Three years on, Bolcha continues to evolve as a place where visitors discover not only handcrafted ceramics, but also the stories, culture and quiet beauty of Kodagu through design, making and shared experiences.
More Than a Pottery Studio
Bolcha began with a homecoming.
After over two decades in design education, founder and Creative Lead Babita Belliappa returned to her roots in Kodagu with a desire to create something that brought together design, culture, craftsmanship and community. Along with partner and educationist Urvashi Muddaiah, she envisioned a studio where clay could become more than a material—it could become a medium for designing meaningful experiences.
The name Bolcha, meaning lamp in the Kodava language, reflects this intention: to spark curiosity, celebrate making by hand and create moments that illuminate the joy of creativity.
Inspired by the forests, coffee estates, native flora and everyday rituals of Coorg, Bolcha is a design-led creative studio where contemporary ceramics, thoughtful products and immersive experiences come together. Every object we create and every workshop we design begins with the same question: How can this become a meaningful experience for the people who engage with it?
Three years on, Bolcha continues to evolve as a place where visitors discover not only handcrafted ceramics, but also the stories, culture and quiet beauty of Kodagu through design, making and shared experiences.
Beyond the Studio
While Bolcha is rooted in Virajpet, its work extends across Kodagu through collaborations with resorts, homestays, schools,
community organisations, and local events. We collaborate with resorts, homestays and hospitality partners to design creative experiences that allow visitors to engage with Coorg in a more meaningful way. Rather than simply taking home a souvenir, they leave with the memory of having made something by hand—an experience that becomes part of their journey.
Equally important to us is creating opportunities closer to home. Through community pop-ups, seasonal gatherings and
collaborations with local organisations, we invite the people of Kodagu to reconnect with their own creativity. These moments often coincide with quieter periods between the rhythms of plantation life, after sowing, harvest or festivals, when people have the time to slow down, gather and make together. We hope these experiences encourage more people to explore craft—not only as a creative pursuit but, for some, as a meaningful livelihood. By nurturing local talent and celebrating handmade traditions, we aspire to
contribute to a vibrant creative community in Kodagu.
Every collection, every workshop and every collaboration reflects our belief that good design should tell the
story of where it comes from.
Beyond the Studio
While Bolcha is rooted in Virajpet, its work extends across Kodagu through collaborations with resorts, homestays, schools,
community organisations, and local events. We collaborate with resorts, homestays and hospitality partners to design creative experiences that allow visitors to engage with Coorg in a more meaningful way. Rather than simply taking home a souvenir, they leave with the memory of having made something by hand—an experience that becomes part of their journey.
Equally important to us is creating opportunities closer to home. Through community pop-ups, seasonal gatherings and
collaborations with local organisations, we invite the people of Kodagu to reconnect with their own creativity. These moments often coincide with quieter periods between the rhythms of plantation life, after sowing, harvest or festivals, when people have the time to slow down, gather and make together. We hope these experiences encourage more people to explore craft—not only as a creative pursuit but, for some, as a meaningful livelihood. By nurturing local talent and celebrating handmade traditions, we aspire to
contribute to a vibrant creative community in Kodagu.
Every collection, every workshop and every collaboration reflects our belief that good design should tell the
story of where it comes from.
Vision & Philosophy
At Bolcha, we create meaningful, design-led experiences through ceramics, workshops, and collaborations—using clay as a medium for connection, storytelling, and discovery. Every experience is thoughtfully shaped around its people, inviting them to slow down, explore Kodagu’s culture and traditions, and discover the joy of creating by hand.
Vision & Philosophy
At Bolcha, we create meaningful, design-led experiences through ceramics, workshops, and collaborations—using clay as a medium for connection, storytelling, and discovery. Every experience is thoughtfully shaped around its people, inviting them to slow down, explore Kodagu’s culture and traditions, and discover the joy of creating by hand.
Babita Belliappa
Founder & Creative Lead
Babita Belliappa is a designer, creative educator and the vision behind Bolcha. With over two decades of experience in design education, including at Srishti Institute, she brings together design, storytelling and cultural research to shape Bolcha’s creative direction.
Inspired by Kodagu’s landscapes and traditions, she leads Bolcha’s product collections and immersive learning experiences—from pottery workshops and school programmes to community initiatives—creating experiences that spark curiosity, creativity and connection.
Urvashi Muddaiah
Partner
Urvashi Muddaiah is an educationist with nearly two decades of experience in curriculum development and creative learning. Deeply connected to Kodagu and its cultural landscape, she brings warmth, community insight and an enduring commitment to arts education. She has championed inclusive creative programmes, including pottery initiatives for children with special needs, and plays a vital role in nurturing partnerships, educational outreach and the collaborative spirit that defines Bolcha.
Babita Belliappa
Founder & Creative Lead
Babita Belliappa is a designer, creative educator and the vision behind Bolcha. With over two decades of experience in design education, including at Srishti Institute, she brings together design, storytelling and cultural research to shape Bolcha’s creative direction.
Inspired by Kodagu’s landscapes and traditions, she leads Bolcha’s product collections and immersive learning experiences—from pottery workshops and school programmes to community initiatives—creating experiences that spark curiosity, creativity and connection.
Urvashi Muddaiah
Partner
Urvashi Muddaiah is an educationist with nearly two decades of experience in curriculum development and creative learning. Deeply connected to Kodagu and its cultural landscape, she brings warmth, community insight and an enduring commitment to arts education. She has championed inclusive creative programmes, including pottery initiatives for children with special needs, and plays a vital role in nurturing partnerships, educational outreach and the collaborative spirit that defines Bolcha.
From Clay to Creation
Every ceramic piece at Bolcha is crafted with care through a thoughtful, hands-on process.
Step : 1
Prepare
Carefully selected clay is prepared and conditioned for making.
Step : 2
Shape
Each piece is handcrafted using wheel throwing or hand-building techniques.
Step : 3
Glaze
Unique glazes are applied to enhance texture, colour, and character.
Step : 4
Fire
The ceramics are kiln-fired, transforming clay into durable stoneware.
Step : 5
Finish
Every piece is inspected and finished by hand before becoming part of a collection or finding its new home.
From Clay to Creation
Every ceramic piece at Bolcha is crafted with care through a thoughtful, hands-on process.
Step : 1
Prepare
Carefully selected clay is prepared and conditioned for making.
Step : 2
Shape
Each piece is handcrafted using wheel throwing or hand-building techniques.
Step : 3
Glaze
Unique glazes are applied to enhance texture, colour, and character.
Step : 4
Fire
The ceramics are kiln-fired, transforming clay into durable stoneware.
Step : 5
Finish
Every piece is inspected and finished by hand before becoming part of a collection or finding its new home.
Learning Through Making
Creativity has the power to connect people, build confidence, and create opportunities.
At Bolcha, every workshop is thoughtfully designed around the people taking part. From school programmes and community pop-ups to inclusive learning initiatives, we use clay as a medium for creativity, storytelling, and hands-on learning.
We collaborate with schools, NGOs, resorts, and community organisations to create experiences that encourage curiosity, nurture practical skills, and inspire creative confidence. Through our skill-development initiatives—including programmes for children and specially-abled learners—we hope to make creativity more accessible while celebrating the rich culture and traditions of Kodagu.
Our vision is simple:
to create experiences that people remember long after they leave the studio.
Learning Through Making
Creativity has the power to connect people, build confidence, and create opportunities.
At Bolcha, every workshop is thoughtfully designed around the people taking part. From school programmes and community pop-ups to inclusive learning initiatives, we use clay as a medium for creativity, storytelling, and hands-on learning.
We collaborate with schools, NGOs, resorts, and community organisations to create experiences that encourage curiosity, nurture practical skills, and inspire creative confidence. Through our skill-development initiatives—including programmes for children and specially-abled learners—we hope to make creativity more accessible while celebrating the rich culture and traditions of Kodagu.
Our vision is simple:
to create experiences that people remember long after they leave the studio.
