India's Textile Traditions
Nov 03-17, 2021
15 days | India | Cultural Explorations
Join our journey to support the survival of a centuries-old tradition and the culture that surrounds it. On this specially tailored trip, we take you off the beaten track in Gujarat to discover how the living art form of textile design is reinvigorating rural communities. In Gujarat and Rajasthan meet the people conserving and developing traditional arts, see fine examples of embroidery, block-printing, tie-dying, and weaving at workshops, studios, and important museums, and try your hand at traditional arts in exclusive workshops.
Begin in energizing Mumbai to tour the notable textile collection and the largest hand laundry facility in the world! Fly to the entrancing city of Bhuj to explore the heart of Gujarat’s vibrant textile tradition. Over a full week here, meet with artisans of gotadi quilts, Bandhani, Ajrakh prints, ikat patola weaving, and pachedi shrine cloths. Our meetings take us to tribal villages, chilled-out seaside towns, and to Ahmedabad’s incredible mix of centuries old and cutting-edge contemporary design. The Rann Utsav Arts & Crafts Festival is on during our stay, an fun occasion to mix with local textile lovers. Gujarat is where Mahatma Gandhi was born and where many monuments to his legacy remain.
The next five days are spent in the dramatic desert state of Rajasthan, where we visit workshops in and around the colourful cities of Jodphur and Jaipur. Weaving cooperatives, museums, and contemporary studios are all part of our exploration, as are the grand forts and lusciously decorated havelis (family mansions).
Looking for a different way to get to know India? Explore the culture and architecture of Gujarat and Rajasthan through its textiles, crafts, and design.
Tour Cost (per person):
Approx. US$5495 (incl. 2 internal flights)
Group Size:
8 - 12 participants
What’s included: Accommodation, most meals, all gratuities, all activities and entrance fees, all ground transportation, two internal flights, expert local guides, arrival and departure transfers at destination, accompanied by Worldwide Quest leader.
Itinerary at a Glance
Day | Activity |
1 | Meet in Mumbai |
2 | The museum textile collection and the Dhobi Ghat |
3 | Fly to Bhuj |
4 | Banni villages, Rabari tribes |
5 | Rann Utsav Arts & Crafts Festival |
6 | Ajrakh prints and ikat patola weaving |
7 | Traditional handlooms in action |
8 | Ahmedabad Urban World Heritage Site |
9 | Patchedi painters and Gandhi’s legacy |
10 | Fly to Jodhpur |
11 | Mehrangarh Fort and dhurrries |
12 | The Pink City of Jaipur |
13 | Block printing and tribal garments |
14 | Contemporary textile design |
15 | Depart Jaipur |
Download Itinerary
Your Tour Leader
Jaya Basera is a heritage consultant with an extensive research background with the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage. An enthusiastic communicator, Jaya brings a real passion to her tours, connecting the arts to the people engaged in preserving traditions.
Email Us
Or call 1-800-387-1483 with any questions or to reserve your spot!
Tour Cost (per person):
Approx. US$5495 (incl. 2 internal flights)
Group Size:
8 - 12 participants
What’s included: Accommodation, most meals, all gratuities, all activities and entrance fees, all ground transportation, two internal flights, expert local guides, arrival and departure transfers at destination, accompanied by Worldwide Quest leader.
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