India has always had a rich body art tradition. The tribal communities that inhabit our country have been wearing tattoos since time immemorial. Over the last few decades, tattoos have become commonplace in India. More and more people are getting inked. As the craze for tattoos continues to surge, the body art industry has seen the rise of many talented tattoo studios in India. By Karan Kaushik
10 tattoo studios in India that promise a fantastic inking experience
Ace Tattooz, Mumbai
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Helmed by artists Archana Nakhua Bhanushali and Nikhil Bhanushali, Ace Tattooz has been in the game for more than a decade now. Archana has been awarded as the best female tattoo artist in India. Her expertise lies in portrait and customised tattoos. Most of her designs are influenced by traditional Indian artworks. The tattoo studio also houses a comfy lounge where you can enjoy a game of snooker and read books while your friends get inked.
Where: Room No.22, 1st flr, Sheila Mahal, 1st Pasta Ln, Badhwar Park, Apollo Bandar, Above Kailash Parbath Hindu Hotel, Colaba
Contact: +91 84509 99961, +91 84509 99943
Machu Tattoo, Bengaluru
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Led by artist Suresh Machu, this tattoo studio has as many as six branches in Bengaluru. What makes them stand out is their finesse and hygiene. They use clinically proven organic vegan ink. Machu Tattoo is the proud recipient of many international awards. All the artists in the studio are selected by Suresh, who also trains them to the best of his abilities. They specialise in themes like travel and calligraphy. They also do amazing couple and cover-up tattoos.
Where: 2nd Floor, Above Cafe Coffee Day, Near Jeevika Hospital Chinnapanahalli, Marathahalli – Sarjapur Outer Ring Rd, Marathahalli
Contact: +91 96599 59593
Devil’z Tattooz, Delhi
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Devil’z Tattooz is the first name that you will get to hear if you seek recommendations for the best tattoo studio in Delhi. Headed by artist Lokesh Verma, Devilz Tattooz is renowned for its funky and new-age tattoos. They specialize in tribal tattoos as well. Verma’s personal expertise lies in black and colour realism and portraits. Every artist at the studio has his or her own style and they give utmost importance to detail. It’s also one of the best studios in Delhi for face tattoos.
Where: 1, GK 2 Main Rd, Main Market, Block G, Greater Kailash Enclave II, Greater Kailash
Contact: +91 98765 43285
Sabby’s Tattoo Studio, Pune
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One of Pune’s oldest tattoo studios, Sabby’s is located in different areas like Koregaon Park, Fergusson College Road, and MG Road. They have a branch in Goa as well. Owned by artist Saurabh Pardesi, also known as Sabby, the studio is known for its dramatic and detailed tattoos. They don’t believe in imitating designs from the internet. Their talented team of artists puts in a lot of effort to make sure that their clients get an original tattoo.
Where: A6 Ashiyana park first floor, N Main Rd, near Liberty Phase 2, Koregaon Park
Contact: +91 98231 76464
Angel Tattoo & Piercing, Hyderabad
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Headed by artist Amin Sultanhajiani, Angel Tattoo and Piercing Studio was established in 2011. Amin used to work in the animation sector before pursuing body art as a profession. Hygiene, quality, hospitality, safety, professionalism, and price are their USPs. Every artist at the studio has experience of more than 5 years. With nice ratings and good reviews on the internet and social media, the studio strives to maintain the best of equipment, inks, needles, and machines. They leave no stone unturned to ensure that the entire tattoo or piercing procedure is as safe and painless as possible.
Where: Shop no. 15, Devki Chambers, opp. HDFC Bank, Paradise Circle, Sindhi Colony, P.G. Road, Secunderabad
Contact: +91 96420 33248
Lizard Skin, Kolkata
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Perhaps the most popular tattoo studio in the city of joy, Lizard Skin is also the oldest tattoo studio in Kolkata. With branches at Elgin Road, Lake Gardens, and Howrah, the studio is the brainchild of artist Niloy Da, who is a celebrated travel artist not only in India but across the world. He is one of the featured artists for the German tattoo equipment company Cheyenne Hawk. Lizard Skin has also bagged important awards from publications like Tattoo Magazine, Tattoo Burst Magazine, and Urban Ink Tattoo Magazine.
Where: 392 / 1, Prince Anwar Shah Road Opposite South City Mall, South, Jadavpur
Contact: +91 90512 38122
Inkfidel, Goa
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Inkfidel is owned by award-winning artist Duncan Viegas and continues to be Goa’s most-preferred tattoo studio. Duncan is famous for his impressive sketch tattoos. If you want to get an old tattoo covered, Duncan is your man. He is an expert at remodelling existing tattoos according to his client’s needs. He usually designs the tattoo directly on the skin, which speaks volumes about his prowess as a tattoo artist.
Where: 519/1, Anjuna Mapusa Road, Bouta Waddo, Assagao
Contact: +91 98204 15684
Gorkha Ink, Darjeeling
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The Gorkhas have been an epitome of courage, and Gorkh Ink is trying to revive their lost glory, one tattoo at a time. On offer here is an array of traditional designs that are high on aesthetic value. What differentiates them is their coloured tattoos, which mostly feature portraits. Headed by Priten Tamang, who is known as one of West Bengal’s most talented tattoo artists, the tattoo studio also specializes in cover-ups and abstract tattoos.
Where: Capital Market, Club side, Laden la road
Contact: +91 81165 58041
Ripz Tattoo & Piercing, Guwahati
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Guwahati’s youth is known for its fashion sense and style. They also take body art very seriously, and the best place to get inked in the city is Ripz Tattoo and Piercing. Headed by one of India’s leading tattoo artists Ripz Basak, the studio is known for its colourful and realistic tattoos. Established in 2011, the studio now has two branches. You’d love the peaceful ambience. They give extra importance to hygiene and post-tattoo care. So, you will be in safe hands.
Where: 3rd Floor, Dhrubajyoti Complex, Beltola Rd, near Axis Bank Survey Branch, Beltola Tiniali
Contact: +91 97064 86655
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