The city of
in the state of
is widely considered the best place in India to find original and traditional Indian perfumes, known as attars. This ancient city has been crafting natural, oil-based botanical perfumes using centuries-old distillation methods for generations, earning it the nickname "India's perfume capital.
MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM
is the heart of traditional perfumery in India, with a heritage spanning thousands of years. The perfumes produced here are distinct from modern, alcohol-based Western perfumes and offer a truly original experience.
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
- Traditional Method: The attars are made using an ancient hydro-distillation method, known locally as deg-bhapka, which involves copper stills and bamboo pipes to extract essential oils from natural ingredients.
- Natural Ingredients: The perfumes are crafted from organically grown flowers, herbs, woods, and spices, and are typically free of alcohol and synthetic chemicals.
- Geographical Indication (GI) Tag: Kannauj Perfumehas been awarded a GI badge, recognizing the authenticity and traditional process unique to this region
- Unique Scents: The city is famous for a variety of unique and classic attars, including:
- Mitti Attar: A unique fragrance that captures the earthy scent of the first rain on dry soil (petrichor), achieved by distilling baked clay.
- Ruh Gulab: A pure, rich oil extracted from Damask rose petals, prized for its potent and calming scent.
- Ruh Khus: A cooling, earthy, and woody scent extracted from the roots of the
- vetiver grass, popular in the summer months.
- Shamama Attar: A complex, highly guarded blend of numerous herbs and spices, known for its warm, spicy aroma.
- NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
- Where to Purchase Original AttarsTo ensure you get original, high-quality attars, it is best to buy directly from reputable manufacturers and distilleries in or from brands that source their products ethically from these traditional artisans.
- Local Distilleries and Shops in Kannauj: You can visit the numerous family-run distilleries along Gauri Shankar Road in Kannauj to witness the traditional process and purchase fresh, authentic attars.
- MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM
- Specialized Brands: Several brands, such as and (by Ancient Fragrances Private Limited), offer original attars and essential oils, often available online, which helps support the local artisans and preserve the craft.
- Reputable Retailers: Stores like in Old Delhi's Chandni Chowk are long-standing institutions that carry authentic Kannauj attars.
- MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM