Step into a different world on our gentle textile adventures in South India. We’re there to make your trip as enjoyable, informative and immersive as you would like it to be.
Our classic South Indian Threads Tour travels across three states through a varied landscape of tropical forest, mountains, coastal backwaters and beaches, paddy and sugar plantations, tea gardens and coffee plantations giving you a dazzling view of South India whilst discovering the story of cotton and how the search for sustainability is leading the revival of handmade cloth.
Our NEW Karnataka Textiles & Heritage tour highlights the historical richness, startling beauty and staggering diversity of this little known region. Karnataka’s heritage is a vibrant tapestry woven from its rich history, architectural marvels, and cultural traditions. Exploring this heritage offers a unique opportunity to connect with the past and appreciate the diverse influences that have shaped the state. As a textile traveller, focusing on textiles and traditional culture in this land of extreme contrasts, this tour gives you a taste of Karnataka’s heritage and it’s artisans that is sure to captivate and inspire.
18 nights
Explore the traditional textile crafts and treaures of undiscovered Karnataka. Enjoy four full day, hands on workshops in natural dyeing, Kasuti embroidery, Kaudi quilting, and block printing. Discover the Extraordinary boulder strewn landscapes of North Karnataka with two UNESCO Wiorld Heritage sites, Hampi and Pattadakal. Visit Heritage weaving villages, savour traditional Karnataka cuisine, Mysore palaces and silks, temples and markets.14 nights
Capture the essence of Kannur in North Kerala, the heart of the handloom industry, with our immersive two or three week handloom weaving retreat. Our dedicated weaving studio is situated half a mile from our retreat accommodation, which is set directly on a secluded palm fringed beach. Learn one of two different weaving styles, mat weaving or flying shuttle weaving, with an English speaking master weaver tutor, using organic cotton dyed with natural dyes and return home with at least one hand woven piece to remember your trip with. Kick start a new hobby or perfect your weaving technique, with this meditative and unique holiday in the lush tropical greenery of Gods Own Country of Kerala.21 nights
Discover serene backwaters and palaces. silk weavers and cotton spinners, Theyyam and Kathakali, tropical beaches and temples. Hands on workshops in block printing and natural dyeing and with local artisans. An immersive exploration of Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka’s textile and cultural heritage.15 nights
Sadly we are unable to run Kerala Looms & Lores tour in January 2026 due to circumstances beyond our control. Hopefully we'll be running this tour again in January 2027. Please see our South Indian Threads tour details as this tour encompasses every element of Kerala Looms & Lores, with the extra element of five days in Mysore and Bangalore.Exploring South India with us is replenishing, uplifting and enriching. It’s also good to know that you’re giving back to every artisan you meet and learn from on your tour.
Our Artisans Fund takes 5% of any profit we make for promotion and development of their heritage skills and sustainable textiles, to support them in connecting with a wider audience.
