Textile Trail

The state of textiles is somewhat of a sorry one today as they are often overlooked as works of art, despite being as much a symbol of culture as say language or food is. But we believe that every piece of fabric tells a story, weaved into the cloth by master artisans whose skills have been passed down by their fathers and their forefathers before them.

Textiles of India: from East to West

From the shores of Bay of Bengal in the East, to corners of the Thar desert in the West and the marshes of Kutch, this is a tale of textiles and fabrics. Explore both dying arts and mainstream ones, interact with experts and curators who have been collecting textiles for over 30 years.

1. Kolkata

Start with the fabled capital of Bengal as you get introduced to Bengali culture and crafts with our storyteller. Explore British colonial monuments and interact with local weavers. Visit a museum showcasing the indigenous folk and tribal arts and crafts of Bengal.

2. Murshidabad

In Murshidabad, enjoy a leisurely exploration of the Hazarduari Palace, before moving on to some planned interactions with local weavers and to witness first-hand the process of extraction of silk from start to finish. Also interact with the famous clay doll makers of Bengal.

3. Jaipur

A region famous for forts and palaces, but also to textile connoisseurs for its indigenous block printing style. A carefully woven arts and cuisine walk through the lanes of The City of Victory, will serve to acclimatise you to as well as make you appreciate the cultural nuances of Jaipur.

4. Udaipur

Enroute Udaipur stop for a Phad painting workshop. After enjoying the sights and City Palace take a trip to a town run by women artisan only NGO. Witness how they are earning for themselves and transforming their lives. Also rejuvenate yourself with some light yoga on the banks of the shimmering Lake Pichola.

5. Ahmedabad

Interact with local storyteller about the textile scene of the state of Gujrat and take a heritage walk through the city. Visit a textile museum and Sabarmati Ashram to understand importance of textile in India’s independence movement. Explore both faces of Ahmedabad, new and old.

6. Bajana

Take tea with a local Sidhpur family and tour their beautiful mansions. Visit a stepwell and saree weaving centre before taking an excursion to the Little Rann of Kutch (salt marshes). Go on a morning safari and see if you can spot the endangered Indian Wild Ass.

7. Muli

Muli is famous for its beadwork and silk weaving. You will also get to witness the mesmerizing art of tie dying fabric, which produces the famous bandhani sarees of Gujrat. Also visit the walled city of Wadhwan.

8. Bhuj

Interact with a bunch of local communities with each having their signature textile styles from block printing to Rogan painting. End with talking to a storyteller extraordinaire and collector of fabrics held in esteem by museums and textile collectors all over the world.

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    Find out what trails we are exploring:

    Thematic Trails

    ARCHITECTURE
    TEXTILES
    PHOTOGRAPHY
    Mindfulness
    Culinary
    Mountains

    None of the Thematic Trails suit your needs? Fret not, we love exploring niches. Drop us a line and our storytellers will craft a bespoke one just for you.

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