Threads of India: A Journey of indian Textiles, Culture and Craftsmanship with Anecdotes DMC

This is one for your clients who are lovers of culture and craft - a deep-dive into Indian textile experiences laden with far-flung heritage, beguiling stories and exceptional artisanry, courtesy of those peerless India experts at ​Anecdotes DMC​.

India's textile traditions are more than just beautiful - though beautiful they most definitely are. They’re cultural threads connecting the past to the present; a communication of a country’s identity through the medium of fabric. And who better to reveal these fascinating and unique stories than ​Anecdotes DMC​? With their personalised, interest-led itineraries designed to showcase experiential India at its breathtaking best, their passion for helping travellers explore the themes that lie at the heart of the country is unmatched - resulting in unbeatable experiences and memories your guests will treasure forever.

Join us as we move to all 4 corners of this vast land on a carefully curated cultural adventure, from the world-famous Pashmina shawls and elegant embroidery of the North to the intricate saris and rare Rogan paintings of the West; the opulent silks of the East to the sustainable handloom co-operatives of the South.

Contact us for an introduction to ​Anecdotes DMC​ to arrange a tailormade FIT or Group Trip to any of the amazing Indian festivals.​

For now, let’s head first to Kashmir, nestled in the Himalayan heartlands of the North…

Discovering the Art of Softness in Kashmir - Srinagar

Crafted from the fine cashmere undercoat of high-altitude Changthang goats, Kashmir’s Pashmina shawls are the stuff of legend - much imitated but never bettered*, they’re the pinnacle of perfection for this much-loved garment. Super-soft, über-warm and often exquisitely embroidered, these shawls are a testament to time-honoured craftsmanship. Using fine fibres combed from the goats during the Spring season and all-natural vegetable dyes, the production of Pashmina wool is all done by hand, mostly by elderly Kashmiri ladies under the Cottage Industries Programme - taking around 180 hours to produce one traditional embroidered shawl.

In Srinagar, Anecdotes’ take guests on a "Craft Safari" where their expert local guides take you to meet local artisans who share the stories of the region’s crafts, all set against the stunning backdrop of Dal Lake. Guests will encounter a whole range of artisans including the highly-skilled Pashmina women - from wood carvers, weavers and embroiderers to the makers of beautiful khatamband ceilings, a complex craft that involves fitting small, hand-carved wooden pieces (typically walnut or deodar wood) into geometric patterns without the use of nails or adhesives.

* Want to check if your Pashmina is the real deal? The purest forms are sold under the Geographical Index Mark known as ​GI tagging​.

Where to stay in Kashmir

​Qayaam Gah​ is a boutique retreat perched in the Zabarwan Hills. With sweeping views of Dal Lake and the Himalayas, it blends rustic charm with modern luxury, from its serene rooms to its tranquil gardens. Ideal for travelers seeking peace, natural beauty and a connection to Kashmir’s heritage.

Overlooking Nigeen Lake, ​Dar-Es-Salaam​ is a boutique hotel housed in a restored heritage building. With warm Kashmiri interiors, lush gardens and personalised service, it’s a home-from-home haven, perfect for those looking for an intimate, authentic and beautifully situated stay away from the busier parts of Srinagar.

Once home to Kashmir’s royal family, ​Karan Mahal​ offers stately luxury and history complete with vintage-style rooms, lush gardens and fabulous lake views. Oh, and let’s not forget the gourmet cuisine. A heady blend of regal elegance and exclusivity.

Set on Kral Sangri Hill, ​Taj Vivanta​ offers 5* luxury with breathtaking views of Dal Lake and the Himalayas. Elegant rooms, fine dining, a tranquil spa and beautiful gardens make for a sophisticated retreat that pairs modern indulgence with Kashmir’s scenic splendour.

Elegance in every stitch - Chikankari Embroidery in Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh)

The Nawabs of Awadh, who ruled Lucknow through the 18th and 19th centuries, endowed the capital of Uttar Pradesh with a refined culture based on the finest things in life - emphasising elegance, etiquette and hospitality. The city became a flourishing centre of the arts because of their patronage, introducing iconic styles like Kathak dance, Ghazal poetry and Mughal-inspired architecture - as well as the delicate embroidery technique of Chikankari.

Synonymous with understated luxury, this beautiful and sophisticated textile art is traditionally worked in white thread on fine muslin or cotton, and today can be found being practised as it has been for centuries in areas of Lucknow open to those in the know. Anecdotes will take your clients to locations where Chikankari artists showcase their work and demonstrate the meticulous precision behind every motif - an unmissable insight into this time-honoured tradition.

Or how about an afternoon at the serene and historic Hussainabad complex, home to the city’s iconic clock tower? Here, guests can enjoy a high tea experience on the lush lawns while Anecdotes’ expert storytellers - or even the ruling Nawab - share stories of the city’s rich artistic legacy, before they browse a showcase of Chikankari and calligraphy in this intimate and exceptional setting.

Where to stay in Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh)

The 5* ​Taj Lucknow​ is a haven in the heart of the city, blending modern luxury and comfort with the city’s Nawabi charm. Elegant rooms, lush gardens and exceptional dining (including examples of the city’s unique Awadhi cuisine) blend with impeccable service and proximity to Lucknow’s historic sites - the perfect base for exploring the city’s incredible culture.

Vibrant embroidery and Rare Rogan Textile Painting in Kutch (Gujarat)

Heading west now, guests reach the vast salt plains of Gujarat’s Kutch region, home to a vibrant legacy of arts and crafts, among them incredibly intricate embroideries and rare Rogan painting. The history of textiles in Gujarat’s Kutch region is deeply intertwined with its cultural and geographical diversity. For centuries, the region has been home to skilled artisans who’ve developed their own distinct textile styles, each reflecting the traditions of local communities and often influenced by centuries of trade with Persia and Central Asia.

In Hodka village, guests are greeted by storytellers and artisans from the Harijan community. Known for their intricate patterns, mirror work and bold colours, the craftsmanship of these master embroiderers is a reflection of their cultural identity that tells fascinating tales of their traditions and beliefs in which your clients are able to share.

Stepping for a moment off the textile trail, the remarkable Rogan painting of nearby Nirona village is a must-see. This 400-year-old art form is unique to Gujarat, and has been undergoing a revival and modernisation by the village’s Abdul Gafur Khatri family since the 1980s. Said to have originated from Muslim Khatris, Rogan painting uses castor-oil-based dyes and a stylus to create intricate patterns, often depicting floral and geometric motifs, and is now used to paint more than the traditional ceremonial clothing - something your guests can explore in depth as they learn from the family.

And moving east to the Gujarati region of Patola takes your culture-lovers to a textile tale of true grandeur as they discover more about the art of sari making. Traditionally worn by royalty and nobility, Patola saris are a luxurious status symbol - renowned for their vibrant colors, intricate patterns and meticulous precision, each one is a masterpiece in its own right. Patola saris have been hand-woven by the same family, the Salvi family, for centuries in a technique that sees them dye each individual thread before weaving, a painstaking process that can take months for a single sari. With patterns often featuring motifs of elephants, flowers and birds, these saris remain one of India’s most celebrated textiles, prized by collectors and admired for their peerless craftsmanship and the family’s artistic legacy.

Where to stay in Gujarat

In Ahmedabad, ​the House of MG​ is a premium boutique hotel that blends traditional Gujarati architecture with the best of contemporary opulence. Its stunning interior, spacious courtyards and authentic regional cuisine make for an immersive cultural experience, and it couldn’t be better located - its central spot making it an ideal base for exploring the history and attractions of Ahmedabad and the surrounding region.

At the gateway to the Kutch region, the boutique ​Kutchh Courtyard​ in Bhuj offers a thoughtful, stylish and oh-so comfortable stay, with cosy, traditionally inspired rooms, personalised hospitality and delicious, freshly-cooked vegetarian food in a tranquil yet convenient setting. Perfect for exploring Kutch’s artisan villages, salt flats and cultural heritage

The Luxurious Legacy of Banarasi Silk and the Folk Art of Bihar

East now, and first we head back into Uttar Pradesh to Varanasi, that oh-so famous city of ghats and gods. This renowned religious destination is also home to one of India’s most coveted textiles, Banarasi silk, whose beautiful feel, intricate brocade patterns and gold and silver thread work has dressed Indian royalty since the Mughal era in the 16th-17th centuries.

Each piece can take weeks, or even months, to create. Woven with fine silk threads, these saris are masterpieces, their traditional motifs - from florals and paisleys to Mughal designs - reflecting their centuries of history and heritage. Here, guests have the opportunity to step into the heart of this ancient tradition with Anecdotes’ Banarasi silk experience. Interacting with the artists in their own workshops, they’ll see the looms of these master weavers humming with life, listening as they explain the intricate processes behind their art.

After, for an encounter that’s as rare and exceptional as these textiles, guests can visit a private showroom to meet the award-winner Padmashri Sribhasji Suparkar, who will share his insights on the art, legacy and evolution of Banarasi weaving.

Further east still, the Madhubani fabrics of Bihar transform Mithila’s renowned folk art into vivid hand-painted or block-printed textiles. Inspired by nature and mythology, these fabrics feature intricate designs of animals, flowers and geometric shapes, and guests can visit artisan workshops with Anecdotes to learn about the centuries-old techniques behind this globally acclaimed craft.

Where to stay in Varanasi and Bihar

​The BrijRama Palace​, a meticulously restored 18th-century heritage hotel, stands on the Darbhanga Ghat with panoramic views of the sacred Ganges. Its architecture reflects Maratha influences, featuring ornate pillars and historic artefacts and the palace offers luxurious accommodation, cultural performances and mouthwatering, authentic vegetarian cuisine. But the best bit is that guests arrive at the hotel via a traditional boat ride - a wonderful way to become instantly immersed in the city’s unique spiritual feel.

In Bihar, boutique properties near Madhubani or heritage accommodations in Patna serve as perfect bases for exploring this unique art form - get in touch for more information and options.

Textiles of Tradition & Sustainability in Tamil Nadu and Kerala

Textile traditions in Tamil Nadu and Kerala blend an opulent feel with environmental consciousness.

In Tamil Nadu, an introduction to the vivid hues and golden border of Kanjeevaram silk reflects the grandeur of South Indian culture, with visits to weaving centres offering the perfect opportunity for guests to connect with skilled artisans.

Near Cochin in Kerala, a simple lunch is followed by a trip to the town of Chendamangalam, famous for its traditional handloom weaving. Here, local co-operatives and weaving centres showcase this ancient art of producing elegant cotton saris and textiles, often woven with sustainable techniques - there are plenty of chances to purchase pieces to take home too!

And in Munnar, the ​Aranya Natural​ of Shristi Trust is a remarkable initiative, dedicated to the empowerment and rehabilitation of differently-abled individuals through the medium of art and sustainable crafts. Here, guests can not only watch as individuals make their own unique pieces, they can get involved themselves too - using the locally sourced natural materials and plant-based dyes to learn the techniques hands-on and create their own beautiful, eco-friendly textiles.​

Where to stay in the South

In Munnar, the ​Windermere Estate​ is a beautiful boutique retreat nestled in lush tea-covered hills. Offering cosy, rustic-chic rooms with stunning valley views, the property provides an intimate connection to nature, offering guests home-style cuisine, nature walks and tranquil surroundings. A perfect escape for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Hampi’s ​Evolve Back Kamalapura Palace​ blends Vijayanagara-inspired architecture and modern elegance for a luxe stay, with opulent suites, stunning infinity pools and curated cultural experiences on tap. This resort offers world-class comfort in a serene oasis, all in the middle of the region’s ancient ruins and spectacular landscapes.

​Brunton Boatyard​ at Fort Kochi is a boutique heritage hotel that exudes colonial charm. Overlooking the harbour, think elegant rooms, exceptional dining and a glimpse into Kerala’s maritime history. Oh, and it’s perfectly located for exploring Kochi’s cultural landmarks - ideal stay at the start or end of any tour in the South.

What haven’t we covered?

With so much to explore, it’s impossible to give you an exhaustive list of experiences here - but there’s so much more for guests with extra time on their hands!

In Madhya Pradesh in the heart of Central India, the towns of Chanderi and Maheshwari are fabulous additions to any textile tour - offering the chance to see the internationally celebrated, gossamer-thin Chanderi saris and the reversible borders and subtle sheen of Maheshwari weaves come to life.

Or, for those planning to discover the lesser-travelled beauty of the North Eastern regions, the textiles of Nagaland and Assam are unmissable. Village visits to learn about Naga shawls, with their bold patterns and symbolic, tribal motifs, can be timed to coincide with the spectacular experience of the Hornbill Festival, where textiles are celebrated alongside tribal dances and music.

And in Assam? Muga silk - known as the “golden silk of Assam” - is nothing less than a marvel of nature and craftsmanship, handwoven into luminous fabrics that are as durable as they are beautiful.

A textiles tour is a wonderful way to discover the heart, history and people of India, connecting deeply with tales and traditions no matter where your guests venture.​

For a perfectly curated, transformative experience that goes beyond the beaten path, get in touch today for an introduction to ​Anecdotes DMC ​and their itineraries that inspire, engage and leave a lifelong impression.