Textile Tours

Day 01: Arrive Kolkata
Arrive Kolkata. Met with and transfer to hotel.
Kolkata city, one of the four metropolitan cities in India has a history of no more than 300 years. The city, formerly known by the name of Calcutta has undergone a sea change in a very short span of time. Kolkata as it stands today is the largest metropolitan city of India. The city has the distinction of being the procurer of many important movements encompassing politics, arts, literature, theatre, cinema, science and technology, in India. The city was named Calcutta by the British Power and the place continued to be called so till 2001 A.D. when the city was officially renamed as Kolkata.
Overnight in Kolkata.

Day 02: Kolkata
Breakfast at hotel.
Visit the textile units and interact with the weavers and gain an on spot experience regarding the materials used and the various stages of process. Also visit Rinku Dutta's store - a boutique which has an excellent collection of hand embroidered saris and dress materials.
Overnight in Kolkata.

Day 03: Kolkata - Bhubaneswar
Breakfast at hotel.
Transfer in time to the airport to board flight for Bhubaneswar.
Arrive Bhubaneswar. Meeting at Airport & transfer to hotel.
Overnight in Bhubaneswar.

Day04: Bhubaneswar - Naupatna - Bhubaneswar
Breakfast at hotel.
A full day trip to Nuapatna area. Villages with many Co-operatives of weavers where countries of tradition woven into fabric. The weavers of this village are a class by themselves and have been known far & wide for the intricate, painstaking skills exhibited in their fabrics. Their TIE & DYE patterns popularly known as 'IKAT'. This technique commonly known as 'Bandha'. We will see all the steps of the Ikat Bandha. As per the tradition they weave in Silk Tasser, Eri Silk and also we will be able to follow its way from Cocoons until the finished fabric.
Return Bhubaneswar at Evening. We will organize Odissi Dance recital.
Dinner & overnight in Bhubaneswar.

Day 05: Bhubaneswar - Olasing - Boudh
After early breakfast, proceed to Olasing, one of the famous village for Tasser weaving in traditional way. The whole villagers are working on the above field and really a very nice place to watch all kind of activities. Proceed to Boudh though zigzag road with forest. You will met few craftsman on the way like, basket maker, leaf plate makers and also visit Typical Orissan Villages.
Overnight in Guest House/Govt. Bunglow in Boudh.

Day 06 : Boudh - Sagarpalli - Sonepur - Bolangir
After breakfast, leave by surface to Sagarpalli to visit Koseleswar Weaving Factory (Silk & Cotton). Here you will get the idea of Design Development, Weaving, Processing and mode of training. You will also visit some houses where they make JALLA work. Proceed to Sonepur. Here you will visit Master Craftsman specially to see the best natural lying process, ingredients, traditional design with Script in fabrics also visit the Pocket loom etc. Proceed to Bolangir.
Overnight in Bolnagir

Day 07: Bolangir - Barpali - Baragada - Sambalpur
After breakfast, proceed to Barpali, one of the best Silk and Cotton weavers village, there the master Craftsman best known Tassar Silk Weaver, will speak us about the above related activities and also they will speak us about Ikat Technique, you will see the famous Sarees in exotic design named as Bichitrapuri (Wonder World). Kotibramhanda Sundari (The most beautiful among million) and many others. Afternoon, proceed to Sambalpur, this place is very famous for Dress materials with IKAT motifs on cotton Tassar and Bapta with Jalla materials.
Overnight in Guest House/Govt. Bunglow in Sambalpur.

Day 08 : Sambalpur - Keonjhar - Pipili - Keonjhar
Breakfast at hotel.
The wild/Tasser and Silk production centre be the highlight of this day. As you will be entering into the tribal land, now all sets are completely different from the general. You will also visit some of the Tribal Highland.
Overnight in Keonjhar.

Day 09: Keonjhar - Bansapal - Keonjhar
Breakfast at hotel.
Visit the weekly and interesting Tribal Market. Here you will find different and very colorful hand weaves Sarees and many different kind of Thread being used for the weaving. Also you will visit some more Tribal villages. Return to hotel.
Overnight in Keonjhar.

Day 10: Keonjhar - Fakirpur - Cuttuck - Bhubaneswar
Breakfast at hotel.
Visit the Tasser reeling, Spinning, production cum demonstration center, till arriving in the old Capital of Orissa, Cuttack. This place is very famous for SILVER filigree work in whole world. Later Drive to Bhubaneswar.
Overnight in Bhubaneswar

Day 11: Bhubaneswar - Delhi
Breakfast at hotel.
Transfer in time to airport to board flight for Delhi. Arrive Delhi and proceed for combined sight seeing of Old and New Delhi. Full day sightseeing of old Delhi & New Delhi that includes visiting the Raj Ghat - the memorial site where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated; Jama Masjid - the largest mosque in India and the Red Fort - once the most opulent fort and palace of the Moghul Empire,the Humayun's Tomb, the Qutub Minar, a drive along the ceremonial avenue - Rajpath, past the imposing India Gate, Parliament House, the President's Residence, Lotus Temple etc.Also enjoy the cycle rickshaw ride from Jama Masjid to Chandni Chowk.
Overnight in Delhi

Day 12: Delhi - Varanasi
Breakfast at hotel.
Transfer in time to airport to board flight for Varanasi. Arrive Varanasi and transfer to hotel.
Visit the Banarasi silk units. These saris are historically considered to be among the finest saris in India and are known for their gold and silver brocade, fine silk and opulent embroidery, and being highly sought after. These saris are made of finely woven silk and are decorated with intricate design, and because of these engravings, these saris are relatively heavy.
Evening: Witness the evening aarti on the banks of the river Ganges.
Overnight in Varanasi

Day 13: Varanasi - Agra
Early morning boat ride on the river Ganges.
Once you've started your boat ride, you'll be transported into a different world altogether. As the sun rises over the horizon, the most vivid images that you'd like to keep with you for posterity are that of sunrise, on the banks of Ganga.
Return to hotel for breakfast.
Sarnath visit.
Transfer in time to airport to board flight for Delhi.
Arrive Delhi and transfer to hotel.
Transfer in time to the railway station to board train for Agra.
Overnight on board.

Day 14: Arrive Agra
Arrive Agra. Met with and transfer to hotel.
Sikandar Lodi, the Ruler of Delhi Sultanate founded it in the year 1504. After the sultan's death the city passed on to his son Sultan Ibrahim Lodi. He ruled his Sultanate from Agra until he fell fighting to Babur in the First battle of Panipat fought in 1526.
Visit Taj Mahal and Agra Fort.
Also sometimes called the Red Fort, was built by Akbar in 1565. The red sandstone fort was renovated and converted into a palace during Shah Jahan's time, and reworked extensively with marble and pietra dura inlay.
Taj Mahal is a beautifully crafted white marble monument of India, a memento of love that was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal.
Overnight in Agra.

Day 15: Agra - Jaipur
Breakfast at hotel.
Leave by surface for Jaipur.
Arrive Jaipur and check into hotel.
Overnight in Jaipur.

Day 16: Jaipur
Breakfast at hotel.
Jaipur is the first planned city of India, located in the desert lands of Rajasthan. The city that once had been the capital of the royalty, now serves as the capital city of Rajasthan. The very structure of Jaipur resembles the taste of the Rajputs and the Royal family. The city of Jaipur, painted in pink, grasp the appreciation of every visitor.
Visit Amber Fort on elephant back.
Afternoon - city sight seeing visiting the City Palace, the observatory and Hawa Mahal.
Evening: Drive to Chokhi Dhani, an ethnic village resort for dinner and cultural show.
Overnight in Jaipur.

Day 17: Jaipur - Udaipur
Breakfast at hotel.
Transfer in time to airport to board flight for Udaipur. Arrive Udaipur and transfer to hotel.
Many textile units manufacturing yarn & fabrics like, LNJ Group, HEG, Nitin, Sangam, SRSL & Reliance are located in the region making it the 'Textile hub' of Asia.
Evening: Boat ride on Lake Pichola.
Overnight in Udaipur.

Day 18: Udaipur
Breakfast at hotel.
Visit City Palace.
Afternoon - visit the textile units.
Overnight in Udaipur.

Day 19: Udaipur - Ahmedabad
Breakfast at hotel.
Leave by surface for Ahmedabad. Arrive and check into hotel.
Overnight in Ahmedabad

Day 20: Ahmedabad
Breakfast at hotel.
Morning city tour visit of Calico museum of textile The Calico Museum of Textiles at Ahmedabad, India, is the premier textile museum of the country. Its outstanding collection of Indian fabrics exemplifies handicraft textiles spanning five centuries and attracts large numbers of visitors from the general public, as well as increasing numbers of Indian and International research scholars. The museum is housed in two buildings, one displaying textiles of religious significance and the other traditional court fabrics, tents, carpets and costumes. The museum endeavors to present its collection in themes connected with the two great Indian religions: Vaishnavism and Jainism, and simulates a suitable religious atmosphere.

Later drives to visit SEWA (Self Employed Women Association). SEWA's main goals are to organize women workers for full employment & self-reliance. These women earn a living through their own labor or small businesses. Take permission for STFC & Visit, The SEWA Trade Facilitation Centre (STFC) was established in May 2003 as the commercial arm of SEWA by more than 15000 women artisans in the textiles and handicrafts sector. The vision of STFC was to ensure that craftswomen in the informal sector have socio-economic security and full employment, by building a grassroots' business enterprise of the artisans.

Also visit Sabarmati Ashram - Gandhi Ashram - Harijan Ashram - Satyagraha It's located on the western bank of the Sabarmati River. Ashram was the residence of Mahatma Gandhi. From this Ashram Gandhi started the Dandi March in 1930. The ashram now has a museum, Gandhi Smarak Sangrahalay.
Evening dinner & overnight in Ahmedabad.

Day 21: Ahmedabad - Patan - Modhera - Dasada
Breakfast at hotel.
Morning drives to Dasada (250 KMS / 10 Hours with Enroute Sightseeing) Via Patan, Modhera. Direct Ahmedabad - Dasada is 110 KMS / 2 Hours. Visits of Patan -Patan Patola of Weaving Patan are famous for Patola weaving. Salvi community of people is working with Patola. The queen of textiles is the Patola woven by only few families of Patan. The technique used to weave the Patola is the rare double ikkat style which involves dyeing both the wrap threads in the pattern of the final fabrics before setting them on the loom. Patan is also one of the centers for Mushroo, fabrics woven as a combination of silk & cotton with the latter forming the backing. While in Preparing Patola colouring and design pattern are evolved on each thread.
Evening dinner & overnight in Dasada.

Day 22: Dasada
Breakfast at hotel.
Dasada (Little Rann of Kutch) Morning drives to nearby villages to, We can do excursion safari tours of pastoral settlements and villages along the Rann of Kutch. The tours visit the rural Vadiara and Kharapat Rabaris of Dasada, known for their embroideries, the silk-weavers colony at Dasada, and Ambala village of the Bharward shepherds and goatherds.
Later demonstration of Tanglia weaving, single ikkat Patola, Bead works.
Evening dinner & overnight in Dasada.

Day 23: Dasada - Bhuj
Breakfast at hotel.
Morning drives to Bhuj (300 KMS / 6 Hours), Enroute visits of Dhamadka, well known for Ajrakh printing is also known as Block Printing, Ajrakh Printing is one of the popular traditional crafts of Kutch. The word 'Ajrakh' means "keep it today". The Khatri community has been engaged in this craft for many centuries.
Later drive to Bhuj. Arrive and check in to hotel, later visits to FRB office to complete the permit formalities. Evening leisure.
Overnight in Bhuj.

Day 24: Bhuj - Banni Villages to see Craft & Textiles
Breakfast at hotel.
Full day visits to Banni villages, Banni and other areas (Khavda, Hodka, Ludiya, Bhirandiyana, Nirona) known for their rich array of handicrafts including embroideries of Rabaris, Bharwads, Jaths, Muthwas, Harijans etc, besides bandhani tie-and-dye, block printing, woodcarving and pottery. Muthwas embroidery in Banni (Dhorodo village) is famous for Gotam stitch or Sindhi Kadai. Hodka village in Banni is famous for Meghwal embroidery and leather work. Ahir Embroidery - Their gathered skirts of heavy red, green, blue, orange or brown tie-dyed cotton are richly embroidered and their backless blouses are made of ornately embroidered red or black cotton, tie-dyed silk or Mashru.
Pottery Work -Pottery work we can find at Khavda. If we want to experience the village life, head to Hodka village which is situated at the edge of the Banni grassland. Hodka represents the crafts, architecture and lifestyle of Banni.
Evening dinner & overnight in Bhuj.

Day 25: Excursion to Bhujodi - Tundawandh - Mandvi Villages
Breakfast at hotel.
Morning visits to Bhuj City - Bandhani -Tie and Dye, popularly known as Bandhani, is a famous traditional handiwork of the Kutch district. It is treated as a symbol of married life. It is a must in the marriages of Hindus and Muslims. This art of dyeing dates back to 5000 years. Tundawandh - Rabaris Embroidery - it is a fundamental part of Rabaris' life. They consider the 'Choli' or blouse their most important arts forms because of their heavily embroidered embellishment. Their embroidery combines of commercial interests, square, triangular, rectangular, diamond, conical and circular mirrors. This extraordinary cooperate with shaped mirrors is very exclusive to Rabaris' embroidery. Rabaris are essentially settled in countrified Kutch.

Later drive to Mandvi - Vijay Vilas Palace, The palace is nestled in 450 acres of lush greenery, with 2 kilometers of private beach. This palace of His Highness Maharao Vijay Singh, who ruled over Kutch in the 1940s, is an eclectic blend of architectural styles. The architects were skilled enough to make the entire complex look harmonious.
Evening dinner & overnight in Bhuj.

Day 26: Bhuj & Depart Mumbai
Breakfast at hotel.
Morning visit of Bhuj Local City Tour includes Aina Mahal, Prag Mahal, and Kutch Museum.
Aina Mahal - Bhuj, Aina Mahal means a mirror palace. It was built by the artists Ramsinh & Gaidhar Devshi during the rule of Rao Lakhpat Ji. The heritage of Kutch art and culture is displayed in the Aina Mahal. The great master piece of Ramsinh is the hall of Mirrors in the Aina Mahal. Prag Mahal - Bhuj The Prag Mahal was designed by the well known architect Colonel Henry Saint Wilkins. Prag Mahal is a splendid palace made of Italian marble and sandstone. The Kutch museum at Bhuj initially formed part of the school of art established by Khengarji on 1st JULY 1877. At the time of Khengarji marriage in FEB - 1884, an exhibition of Kutch Arts & Crafts was exhibited. Exhibits worth Rs. 3300 were given to the Museum at the termination of exhibition.
Afternoon departures transfer to airport to board flight for Mumbai.

Optional extension: Chennai - Madurai - Chettinad - Tanjore - Trichy - Chennai

Detail itinerary on request.