TEXTILE TOUR OF INDIA with Ekta Kaul
12-27 Feb 2025
ONE PLACE REMAINING
Explore India Through Its Rich Textile Heritage
I am delighted to invite you on a truly extraordinary journey—an immersive tour of India through the vibrant world of textiles, art, and culture. This carefully curated experience takes us to five textile hubs in Western India—Mumbai, Bhuj, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, and Delhi—along with a special visit to the iconic Taj Mahal in Agra.
India’s textile traditions are not just living art forms but the very fabric of her cultural identity, woven into every celebration and ritual. Growing up in India, I was surrounded by these vibrant traditions, and my passion for textiles led me to study at the renowned National Institute of Design in Ahmedabad. My lived-in experience with Indian textile practices, combined with my design training, allows me to bring an authentic and deeply informed perspective to this journey.
What You'll Experience:
- Explore Iconic Textile Hubs: Visit artisanal workshops and textile museums in cities renowned for their craftsmanship.
- Hands-on Workshops: Learn traditional block printing, dyeing, and embroidery techniques from master artisans.
- Cultural Experiences: Engage with local communities, explore bustling markets, and enjoy the colors and textures of India.
- Culinary Delights : Savour the flavours of India at hand picked restaurants.
- Luxury Stays : Enjoy staying at 5 star and heritage hotels.
- Curated for Textile Lovers: Every aspect of the tour is tailored to those passionate about textiles.
MUMBAI | 3 nights | 12, 13, 14 Feb
Considered the Gateway to India, we will begin our journey in the megapolis of Mumbai.
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- Arrive in Mumbai on 12 Feb. We will collect you from the airport.
- Explore the buzzing design and art scene with gallery and atelier visits.
- Discover the artistic treasures of the UNESCO-listed Art Deco and Heritage precinct.
- Indulge in a high tea experience at the iconic Taj Mahal Palace.
- Meet a leading fashion designer who specializes in heritage embroidery
- Stay at a 5-star luxury hotel
BHUJ: 3 nights | 15, 16, 17 Feb
- Immerse yourself in the living tradition of textiles in this pocket of Kutch, Gujarat.
- Participate in a hands-on Ajrakh block printing workshop with traditional artisan.
- Visit traditional weavers, embroiderers, and patchwork quilters in rural communities, and witness the intricate art of bandhani dyeing.
- Visit the Shrujan Museum, where you can view examples of incredible embroidery from 12 communities in the region.
- Visit a local textiles dealer for museum quality textiles.
- Meet embroidery artists at Kala Raksha, a non profit organisation devoted to empowering artists and makers
- Explore the Kutch region’s unique crafts, from Rogan painting to leatherwork.
AHMEDABAD : 4 nights | 18, 19, 20, 21 Feb
- Delve into India’s rich textile history with a visit to the famous Calico Museum of Textiles, which houses a world class collection of Indian textiles.
- Experience the artistry of the famed Mata-ni-pachhedi - the sacred, hand painted textile shrines of Ahmedabad and meet award-winning textile artist.
- Visit a renowned weaver family in Patan, for the incredible art of double ikat patola weaving.
- Learn about Gandhi’s khadi story and how the act of hand-spinning became the symbol of India’s freedom movement.
- Participate in an engaging workshop at the studio of a celebrated fashion designer, where you'll learn his signature fabric joinery technique.
- Visit the textile department at my alma mater, the National Institute of Design.
- Stay at iconic House of MG, a premier boutique heritage hotel in Ahmedabad
DELHI: 2 NIGHTS | 22, 23 Feb
- Explore India’s capital through a curated visit to contemporary art galleries, museums and boutiques.
- Take a driving tour through Lutyens’ New Delhi and the Lodhi Art District.
- Enjoy a visit to Mughal Emperor Humayun’s Museum and Tomb—the first garden tomb built in 1570 and the inspiration behind the Taj Mahal.
- Witness the enchanting glow of the illuminated Qutb Minar during an evening visit, as the monument lights up the night sky
- Dine at India’s top-rated restaurant, consistently ranked on Asia's 50 Best Restaurants list since 2013.
JAIPUR : 3 nights | 24,25,26 Feb
- Immerse yourself in the Pink City’s vibrant textile and craft traditions. Enjoy the heritage monuments, including Amer Palace, Hawa Mahal and City Palace.
- Visit the amazing Anokhi Museum of Handprinting.
- Stroll through the city’s iconic bazaars for fabric shopping.
- Enjoy a royal dining experience at Suvarna Mahal.
- Stay at a 5-star luxury hotel with tranquil views of the lake palace, Jal Mahal.
- Participate in artisan led workshop in the nearby village of Bagru, famed for its natural dyeing and printing.
- On 27th Feb, leave for Delhi airport
TOUR DETAILS
Duration 15 nights / 16 days
Starts on 12 Feb 2025 at Mumbai
Ends on 27 Feb 2025 at Delhi
Locations Mumbai, Bhuj, Ahmedabad, Delhi, Agra, Jaipur
Maximum 12 participants.
WHAT IS INCLUDED
- All Intercity Transport: Travel between cities by flights, air-conditioned deluxe coach, and trains as appropriate.
- Airport Transfers: All transfers to and from airports are included.
- Accommodation: Handpicked 5-star hotels and boutique properties, including the Trident Nariman Point in Mumbai, the House of MG in Ahmedabad, and the Trident Jaipur. In Bhuj, a comfortable and welcoming 3-star hotel is provided as the best available option.
- Meals: All meals including breakfasts, lunches and dinners, except on 12 Feb.
- Local transport in air-conditioned deluxe bus within each city.
- Visits to museums, homes, studios, workshops.
- Expert guidance throughout the tour with Ekta Kaul.
- Entry fee to monuments, museums.
- Bilingual local guide/coordinator in each city.
Not Included
- International airfare
- Travel insurance (highly recommended)
- Optional tips for guides, driver, hotel staff etc.
- Personal shopping and alcoholic drinks
- Meal/s on arrival day, 12 Feb.
- Camera fee (Some monuments charge additional fees for SLR/professional looking cameras.
"My experience has exceeded everything I had hoped for. I didn't want our week to end!"
Kay LindbloomUSA"From the welcome hug upon arrival to the incredible instruction, the wonderful fellowship at mealtime, to the peaceful surroundings, and the chatting, sharing, and laughter, this was an all-round fantastic experience."
Linda BahrUSA
COSTS & DETAILS
£ 7300 pp based on double occupancy
£ 8250 pp single occupancy
Maximum 12 participants.
To see approximate conversions of GBP amount to your currency, click here
To register
Please email us at info@ektakaul.com with your preference for a single or double occupancy room. We will send you a secure payment link.
Payment Schedule
- Deposit: To secure your spot, a 25% deposit is required at the time of booking. Please note, this deposit is non-refundable.
- Final Payment: The remaining 75% is due by 14 December 2024 (60 days before the tour starts).
TESTIMONIALS FROM OUR PAST PARTICIPANTS
"“I loved every minute of it - from the teaching to the company and the beautiful venues!"
ChristinaBrazil"Absolute joy ! The stitching, learning, meeting a wonderful group of like minded friends and the experience of location, food, character and hospitality was wonderful."
Rhondda MockettAustralia"Ekta is a wonderfully generous and encouraging educator. Lovely to meet people with a similar passion for textiles from all corners of the globe, share stories and stitch together."
Julie HowellsUK
ACCOMMODATION
15 nights/ 16 Days Stays in 5 cities
12-27 Feb 2025
Single Occupancy with Ensuite
£8250 . 00
EUR 9885 approx
- Features List Item #1
- Features List Item #2
Double Occupancy with Ensuite
£7300 . 00
EUR 8748 approx
- Features List Item #1
- Features List Item #2
BOOK YOUR PLACE
TO ENROL
Please email us at info@ektakaul.com with your preference for a single or double occupancy room. We will send you a secure payment link.
Please note all bookings are first come first serve basis. SPOTS ARE LIMITED with a maximum of 12 places.
PAYMENT SCHEDULE
- Deposit: To secure your spot, a 25% deposit is required at the time of booking. Please note, this deposit is non-refundable.
- Final Payment: The remaining 75% is due by 14 December 2024 (60 days before the tour starts).
REFUND POLICY
We understand that plans can change, and we aim to make our refund policy as clear and fair as possible:
- More than 60 days before departure (before 14 December 2024): Full refund of the remaining 75% payment (if already paid), minus a 10% handling fee. The 25% deposit is non-refundable.
- Between 59-45 days before departure (15 December - 28 December 2024): You’ll receive a 50% refund of the remaining payment, after deducting the 10% handling fee.
- Less than 45 days before departure (from 29 December 2024): Unfortunately, no refunds will be issued.
PAYMENT
Payment can be made by debit or credit card. We will send you a payment link upon receiving your booking request.
QUESTIONS
If you have questions about anything not covered here, please contact us by emailing at info@ektakaul.com and we will do our best to help you.
About Ekta Kaul
Ekta Kaul is an award winning artist known for her narrative maps that explore place, history and belonging through stitch and abstract painting. Her work is held in several permanent collections including at the Museum of London, Crafts Council, Liberty of London, the Gunnersbury Museum, Tatter Blue Library (Brooklyn,USA) and those of private collectors. Ekta enables women to unlock their creative potentioal and is regularly invited to teach at the Victoria & Albert Museum, London, Tatter, TOAST, the Makerie and many more. She has received awards from the Crafts Council and the Arts Council England and was the winner of 2021 Cockpit Arts Textile Prize. Her work has been featured in Financial Times, BBC Radio 4, Vogue, Selvedge and Embroidery Magazine among others. She lives and works in London, UK.