16 Days - South India Textile Tour

Welcome to India! You’ll be greeted on arrival at Chennai Airport and transferred to your hotel in Pondicherry, with the journey taking around 3 hours. After checking in, the rest of your day is free to relax.

Pondicherry has a unique history linked to French colonial ambitions in India. It was first governed by the French in the mid-18th century and changed hands multiple times before being returned to India in 1954. The city's French influence is still evident in its grid-pattern streets, language, cuisine, and its community of French-origin residents and visitors.

Start your first full day in South India with a charming sightseeing tour of the French Quarter by cycle-rickshaw. This leisurely ride will take you through the picturesque streets lined with colonial buildings, French-style villas, and vibrant markets, giving you a chance to appreciate the city's unique blend of French heritage and Indian culture. After your ride, make your way to Atelier Shanti, a wonderful social enterprise where you can observe their intricate weaving and embroidery work. Atelier Shanti, which means "peace" in Sanskrit, is a rehabilitation centre that provides local women with employment opportunities, teaching them skills in dyeing yarn, weaving, and embroidery.

The women of Atelier Shanti create beautiful, colourful fashion and lifestyle pieces using cotton fabrics, offering high-quality products at affordable prices. Their items make for meaningful souvenirs, each carrying a story of empowerment and craftsmanship. After your visit to Atelier Shanti, continue your exploration with a visit to the Cluny Convent, where you can participate in a short embroidery workshop. This hands-on experience will allow you to try your hand at the traditional techniques you’ve just seen, giving you a deeper understanding of the art while learning from the skilled artisans. It’s a perfect way to engage with the local crafts and leave with a tangible, personalised memory of your time in Pondicherry.

Today, take a 40-minute drive from Pondicherry to visit the "Colours of Nature" workshop in Auroville, a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the creative spirit of this global township. Auroville, known for its commitment to sustainable living and cultural exchange, offers a fascinating environment where you can connect with artisans working on eco-friendly and innovative projects.

The "Colours of Nature" workshop, established in 1993, has played a vital role in reviving traditional natural dyeing techniques. Under the guidance of founder Jesus Ciriza Larraona, the workshop’s team uses natural elements, such as sea shells and plant-based materials, to enhance eco-conscious dyeing methods. During your visit, you’ll be provided with all the necessary materials to create your own textile pieces, allowing you to explore the art of painting on fabric with natural colours.

You’ll also have the chance to try your hand at Shibori, a traditional Japanese textile art that involves unique folding, binding, and dyeing techniques to create intricate patterns. In addition to Shibori, you can experiment with tie-dyeing and clamping techniques, using indigo vats to create beautiful, nature-inspired designs. This hands-on experience offers a deeper understanding of eco-friendly textile arts, and it’s a wonderful way to engage with the creative and sustainable practices of Auroville.

This morning, depart for Chennai, with the drive taking approximately 4 hours.

Chennai, formerly known as Madras, is the fourth-largest city in India and a bustling metropolis located on the eastern coast. Once a key outpost for the British Empire and the East India Company, Chennai has evolved into a city that seamlessly blends ancient traditions with modern industry. It offers a vibrant mix of historic temples, a distinctive culture, and stretches of sandy beaches along the Bay of Bengal. Along the way, you can stop at the stunning monuments in Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its ancient rock-cut temples and intricate carvings.

Another interesting stop is the Dakshin Chitra Living Museum, an interactive museum dedicated to preserving and promoting South Indian crafts through engaging activities and workshops focused on textiles and traditional arts.

Founded in 1984 by Dr. Deborah Thiagarajan as part of the Madras Craft Foundation (MCF), Dakshin Chitra was established to celebrate and showcase the diverse cultural traditions of South India. With support from the local community, the Ford Foundation, and the Government of Tamil Nadu, as well as generous donations from the industry, the museum opened its doors to the public in 1996. Dakshin Chitra features reconstructed heritage buildings from the southern states, showcasing the region’s rich cultural heritage, crafts, and folk art. Renowned architect Laurie Baker contributed his expertise to the design and construction of the museum, while architect Benny Kuriakose played a significant role in preserving heritage structures and designing public buildings. Today, Dakshin Chitra stands as a vibrant testament to the evolving arts and culture of South India, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore the traditions and innovations of the region.

This morning, head to Kalakshetra for a Kalamkari workshop, about a 45-minute drive from your hotel.

Located by the seashore in Chennai, the Kalakshetra Foundation is an arts and cultural academy dedicated to preserving traditional Indian arts, including Bharatanatyam dance and Gandharvaveda music. The Craft Education and Research Centre (CERC) at Kalakshetra has handloom weaving, printing, and dyeing units specialising in Kalamkari. This ancient art form uses natural dyes and is now mainly practised in a few areas of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.

Returning to your hotel after lunch, the rest of your day is free to spend as you like.

Early this morning, you'll be picked up from your hotel and transferred to the railway station for your journey to Bangalore. You will depart Chennai at 6:00am aboard the Shatabdi Express, a comfortable and fast train service that makes only a few stops along the way. You’ll arrive in Bangalore at 10:55am, well-rested after your smooth and efficient ride. Upon arrival, you’ll be met by a representative and taken to your hotel, where you can check in and settle in for the day. The rest of your day is free to relax and enjoy the hotel’s amenities.

Bangalore, officially known as Bengaluru, is the capital of Karnataka and one of India’s most dynamic cities. Often regarded as the "Silicon Valley" of India, the city is known for its thriving IT industry and cosmopolitan vibe. But beyond its technological prominence, Bangalore is also celebrated for its green spaces, such as the Lalbagh Botanical Garden. Established in the 18th century, this lush garden is home to a diverse range of plants and features a historic glasshouse, providing a peaceful escape from the city’s bustling streets.

In addition to its beautiful parks and gardens, Bangalore offers a rich cultural scene, with an abundance of theatres, art galleries, and live music venues. Whether you're interested in the city's thriving nightlife, its vibrant art community, or simply enjoying a peaceful stroll in one of its many parks, Bangalore offers something for everyone.

Today, immerse yourself in the art of block printing with a hands-on workshop at Tharangini, one of the last remaining heritage block print workshops in the city. Known for its endless rolls of hand-printed fabrics, Tharangini is dedicated to preserving the ancient textile arts and passing on its craft to future generations. Every print produced here is eco-friendly, with natural dyes and a sustainable approach to both dye-making and the binding process. The workshop also adheres to fair-trade practices, ensuring that the artisans receive fair wages for their skill and effort.

In Tharangini’s rustic studio, you’ll witness the intricate and painstaking process involved in creating each piece of fabric. The workshop offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of traditional block printing, which has been passed down through generations. As part of their effort to preserve these traditional methods, Tharangini also runs workshops on techniques such as Shibori, tie-dye, crush dye, and block printing.

During this full-day workshop, you’ll delve into the history of block printing across India, learning about the different regional styles and their cultural significance. You’ll gain practical tips and techniques for printing at home, including how to prepare colours using natural gum resin and vegetable dyes. A demonstration on discharge (reactive) block printing with resin paste will showcase another aspect of this fascinating craft.

The hands-on part of the workshop will give you the chance to print your own designs on a beautiful indigo-dyed pure silk stole, using a unique 12-step discharge printing process. After lunch, you’ll have the opportunity to print on silks with natural dyes, experimenting with different layouts and multi-colour block prints. Once your creations are complete, they will be wrapped in newspaper and steamed for several hours overnight, allowing the colours to set perfectly.

This morning, depart for Mysore, with the drive taking approximately 5 hours. On the way, you'll make a stop at the Government Silk Cocoon Market in Ramnagara, a fascinating and historically significant stop on the road to Mysore.

Located around 40km from Bangalore, the Ramnagara Silk Cocoon Market is one of the largest and busiest in Asia. With a rich history in the silk industry, it serves as a major commercial hub for thousands of families in the region. The market plays a crucial role in the local economy, handling an impressive average of 40,000 to 50,000 kilograms of silk cocoons daily. While trading officially begins at midday, farmers start arriving early to sort and prepare their produce, adding to the lively atmosphere. As you wander through the market, you’ll see a variety of different types of cocoons, each one uniquely shaped and coloured. The buzz of activity in the market, with farmers negotiating and displaying their goods, offers an authentic insight into the local silk industry and is an experience not to be missed.

After exploring the market, you'll have the opportunity to visit a nearby village to witness the traditional process of extracting silk thread from the cocoons. This hands-on demonstration will give you a deeper understanding of the craftsmanship involved in transforming raw cocoons into the fine silk threads used in textiles. Following this fascinating visit, you'll continue your journey to Mysore, where you'll check into your hotel and have the rest of the day to relax and enjoy the amenities.

Spend the day immersing yourself in the fascinating world of silk in Mysore, a city renowned for its rich silk industry that dates back to the days of the Maharajas. Known for producing some of India’s finest silk, Mysore is the perfect place to explore the intricate process of silk production.

Your day begins with a drive to a village on the outskirts of Mysore, where you'll witness traditional silk farming methods firsthand. This visit provides an in-depth look at the entire silk production process, starting with the hatching of silkworm eggs. You’ll observe how the larvae are carefully nurtured and fed mulberry leaves until they begin spinning their delicate, silky cocoons. The next step involves extracting the silk threads, which is done by boiling the cocoons and carefully unwinding the fine fibres. It’s a fascinating experience that offers insight into the skill, patience, and meticulous care required to produce this luxurious fabric.

After a delicious lunch, continue your exploration with a visit to the Government Silk Factory in Mysore, which has been producing some of the finest silk in India since its establishment in 1912. During a guided tour, you’ll see the modern side of silk production, including spinning, dyeing, and weaving processes. The factory is particularly renowned for its use of pure gold zari (metallic thread), which is woven into intricate patterns to create vibrant, richly coloured fabrics. You'll have the chance to see how these beautiful patterns come to life, reflecting the time-honoured techniques passed down through generations.

Before concluding the day, visit the factory’s showroom, where you can browse a stunning collection of silk sarees, scarves, and fabrics. With a range of colours and designs on offer, this is the perfect opportunity to purchase a piece of Mysore’s renowned silk as a souvenir of your visit.

Spend a full day sightseeing around the vibrant city of Mysore. Your day begins with a city tour, where you'll have the opportunity to explore the key sights and landmarks of this historic city. In the afternoon, you’ll visit two of Mysore’s most iconic attractions: the Mysore Palace and the bustling Devaraja Market.

Mysore Palace, also known as Amba Vilas Palace, is a true architectural marvel situated in the heart of the city. Built in the Indo-Saracenic style, the palace blends Hindu, Muslim, Rajput, and Gothic architectural influences, making it a visually stunning and culturally significant site. Completed in 1912 for the Wodeyar dynasty, which ruled Mysore for over six centuries, the palace is famous for its intricate, ornate interiors. You’ll be captivated by its stained-glass ceilings, elaborate wood carvings, and vibrant mosaic floors, all of which create a regal atmosphere. The grand Durbar Hall, with its striking columns and intricate details, and the jewel-studded Golden Throne are particularly remarkable highlights of the palace. If you happen to visit during the Dasara festival, the palace is illuminated with nearly 100,000 lights, creating an absolutely breathtaking sight that draws visitors from across the globe.

After visiting the palace, head to Devaraja Market, a vibrant hub of local life and a key part of Mysore’s heritage. With over a hundred years of history, this market offers a true taste of traditional Indian commerce - colourful, noisy, and wonderfully lively. As you wander through the market’s maze of stalls, you’ll encounter a fascinating array of goods, from fresh vegetables and fruit to incense, traditional household items, and fragrant local flowers. You'll also find conical heaps of kumkum (coloured powder used for bindi dots), betel leaves, banana leaves, and seeds. The market is also home to several souvenir stalls, perfect for picking up a memento of your visit.

Business in Devaraja Market starts early each day, with trucks delivering fresh produce straight from the surrounding farms, neighbouring districts, and even other states. There’s no cold storage here, so everything is sold fresh, moving quickly from farm to market to home. Devaraja Market is a photographer’s delight, offering an authentic glimpse into the daily life of the locals. It’s best visited in the evening when the market is at its busiest, allowing you to experience its full energy and vibrant atmosphere.

This morning, set off for Wayanad, with a scenic drive that will take around 5 hours. Upon arrival, you’ll check in to your charming plantation farm stay, where you can unwind and enjoy the natural beauty of this tranquil region.

Wayanad, nestled in the Western Ghats of Kerala, is renowned for its lush greenery, expansive spice plantations, and diverse wildlife. The region is a beautiful blend of rolling hills, dense forests, and verdant paddy fields, offering a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The cool, refreshing climate and breathtaking landscapes make Wayanad a popular destination for outdoor activities such as trekking, wildlife tours, and exploring the region’s tea and coffee estates. Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in nature or simply relax, Wayanad offers the perfect balance of adventure and serenity.

In the afternoon, take a guided walk around the plantation to learn about the various crops grown here, including spices like cardamom, pepper, and vanilla, as well as tea and coffee. Your walk will provide insight into the traditional farming practices, from planting and harvesting to the processing methods used to transform these crops into the products we know. The area is also an excellent spot for birdwatching, especially given its proximity to the Nilambur forests, where a variety of bird species can be spotted.

This morning, visit a not-for-profit bamboo-based organisation focused on rural empowerment through sustainable solutions, where you'll take part in a workshop. Afterwards, return to your homestay. For those interested, a visit to a local tea factory can also be arranged.

Uravu Bamboo Grove is an eco-friendly community tourism project located on the elevated and scenic mountain plateau of Wayanad, Kerala. Just outside the quiet Thrikkaipetta Bamboo Village and surrounded by rice fields, the beautiful Uravu Bamboo Grove encircles a pond and a bamboo grove. The main aim of the Uravu Eco Links tourism project is to run a sustainable, eco-friendly venture that directly benefits the local community. The villagers play an active role in managing the project, which showcases innovative building designs that meet modern environmental standards. Locally sourced materials are used, and the project incorporates the skills of local artisans. The design combines traditional knowledge of sustainable construction with the expertise of both local and international professionals in architecture, engineering, water and energy management, tourism, and craft.

Established in 1996, Uravu works with people, governments, and businesses to promote sustainable development in the bamboo sector through focused programs. During the workshop, you'll have the chance to learn more about their work and try your hand at some of their techniques.

This morning, set off for Calicut, with the drive taking around 3 hours. Later this afternoon, head out to explore Kerala's oldest spice bazaar and the local markets.

Also known as Kozhikode, Calicut's markets are well known for their local produce. Start with a visit to Kerala’s oldest spice bazaar, where you can browse a variety of spices and soak up the lively atmosphere. Then, take a walk along the legendary Mithai Theruvu, or Sweet Meat Street, one of the busiest streets in Kozhikode. It’s the best spot to buy Kozhikodan Halwa, a popular sweet made with coconut oil and flavoured with dried fruits.

Sweet Meat Street (SM Street) is a bustling market area filled with small shops selling everything from bangles to brass lamps. Stalls offering sweets, savouries, and other treats line the street, making it one of the most crowded spots in the district. The area is also known for its local handicrafts, including rosewood and coir products, as well as a variety of muslin and handloom clothes available at the main market.

Spend two full days immersed in creative workshops at Tasara, a renowned institution dedicated to the art of weaving. Located in Beypore, Tasara is committed to preserving and modernising the ancient craft of weaving, blending traditional techniques with contemporary designs. The institution offers innovative training across a variety of textile arts, including weaving, both chemical and natural dyeing, block and screen printing, eco-printing, Shibori, and Batik. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artisan, Tasara provides an inclusive learning environment that caters to all skill levels.

Your primary focus during the workshop will be multi-Batik, a technique for which Tasara is particularly well known in textile circles. Batik, a traditional method of wax-resist dyeing, is elevated at Tasara with a multi-step approach that involves layering different dyes and techniques to create rich, intricate patterns. Throughout your time at the workshop, you’ll gain hands-on experience and learn the detailed process involved in creating these beautiful, multi-coloured designs. Under the expert guidance of skilled instructors, you'll explore the techniques that make Tasara’s Batik work unique, while also discovering how to incorporate modern elements into your creations.

This workshop will not only enhance your understanding of Batik but also give you the opportunity to experiment with other textile techniques in a creative, inspiring environment.

Spend a second day participating in a workshop at the Tasara Centre for Creative Weaving, located in Beypore, just a short drive from your Calicut hotel. Established in 1989, Tasara is renowned for its innovative approach to traditional textile arts. The centre offers workshops in various techniques, including hand weaving, surface designing, and tapestry weaving. Participants have the opportunity to engage in hands-on learning experiences, guided by skilled artisans dedicated to preserving and evolving these ancient crafts.

Our journey comes to a close. Depart Calicut via Kozhikode International Airport for your trip home, or transit to your next destination in India.