Next vacation plan? A textile trail to explore historical weaves
Sujata Assomull Curated craft trails, immersive weaving and dyeing workshops offer travellers a deeper understanding of culture, heritage and slow luxury A weaver at work Gift this article
This is the time of year when people look forward to travelling for leisure. While I am always more invested in all things fashion, my focus lately has shifted to more immersive travel.
This is the time of year when people look forward to travelling for leisure. While I am always more invested in all things fashion, my focus lately has shifted to more immersive travel.
In India, though, you don't have to choose between the two. The country's rich textile heritage allows you to combine your love for fashion with a meaningful travel experience. India makes 95% of handwoven textiles in the world. In other words, our weaving traditions are woven into the fabric of the Indian culture, offering journeys that are as enriching as they are beautiful.
In the past, I have visited pashmina ateliers in Srinagar, Ajrakh printing centres in Jaisalmer, chikankari centres in Lucknow and sari weaving clusters in Kanchipuram—but those were usually quick detours during work trips or stolen moments on a holiday. Now, I want to go deeper. And it is easier than you might think.
Homegrown boutique travel companies are now offering textile trails as part of their itineraries.
One of them is Breakaway, founded by Shilpa Sharma, in 2011. Her textile trails span the country, from Gujarat and Rajasthan to Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu and Nagaland.
'Each region offers something distinct—whether it's the vibrancy of Ajrakh and bandhej, or the intricacy of weaving traditions tucked away in village clusters across the country," says Sharma, the co-founder of the crafts-focused brand Jaypore, and of Goa-based restaurant Mustard.
Over the past few years, Sharma has observed a steady rise in interest for textile-focused travel. 'I think there's a larger cultural shift. We've seen that travellers are increasingly craving 'meaning', not just monuments. India's textile heritage offers a rich and tangible way to connect with memory, identity and place."
Their trips typically last four to 10 days, making them easy to plan as long weekend getaways or shorter immersive escapes that don't require significant time commitments.
For some locations, planning is necessary—Kashmir and Ladakh are best visited between May and September, while other regions are ideal in the cooler months between October and March. It's also worth noting that dyeing and printing activities slow down during the monsoon season. So, do keep seasonality in mind when you are planning a textile trail.
Textile revivalist and curator Lavina Baldota is no stranger to the idea of textile trails.
'For me, these are generally study trips—to understand, evaluate and document," she says. While Baldota believes the interest in textile/loom tourism is on the rise, she points out that mainstream media, even travel-specific publications, aren't doing enough to give such experiences the coverage they deserve.
'Craft and textile tourism hold a lot of potential. Every year, there are enthusiasts who come to India specifically to explore textiles," she explains. Baldota says if more attention was given to how textile and travel are a natural fit—both for Indian and international visitors—it could become a powerful way to understand India's culture and heritage. The government could organise and promote such trips, and so could the fashion industry, Baldota suggests.
A similar belief led former journalist and Kochi-based sociopreneur Ramesh Menon to launch Save the Loom, a movement born after the 2018 Kerala floods, which severely affected the weaving clusters around Kochi. An indigo dyeing workshop organised by One Zero Eight by Save the Loom
'The once-famous weaving town had faded from public memory as a centre of craft heritage," says Menon, the founder of One Zero Eight by Save the Loom, a concept store that collaborates with over 40 designers.
'I wished people had celebrated and preserved their traditional crafts—taking pride in showcasing them to the world. Just after the floods, an elderly couple flew in from Manhattan, New York. The wife, a hobby weaver, had read about our story and offered to volunteer. That moment made us realise we had an avenue to tell better stories," Menon says.
From there, Menon began hosting regular programmes around weaving, ranging from three-hour workshops in handloom weaving and natural dyeing to one-day deep dives showcasing the entire process of yarn processing, dyeing, winding, warping, weaving, and visits to home weavers and women-led cooperatives. These evolved into bespoke travel experiences, culminating in seven- to 21-day immersive tours across states.
'Though our primary focus is weaving, we also include other traditional craft experiences, museum visits, and 'look-and-learn' modules," Menon says. 'Even watching a Kathakali make-up session can be part of the itinerary." What stands out to him is the diversity of travellers who sign up.
'There's growing interest from young Indians who want to experience and learn. On the international side, it's often 'silver tourists'—older travellers with a passion for art, design and craftsmanship," he says.
'We've had couples gift each other weaving workshops for anniversaries, friends gifting trips for birthdays, and professionals from completely different fields who simply want to understand the intricacies of Indian weaving," he explains.
Menon believes the next step forward is for textile-driven fashion brands and retail stores to begin curating these kinds of journeys for their consumers.
'The fashion and retail industry can play a huge role. The 'Handmade in India' story is our biggest asset. Positioning it within the realm of high-end luxury—through loom tourism and by opening up ateliers and production units—will showcase our craftsmanship and ways of making," he explains.
It can also help bring more depth, credibility and capital to India's growing influence in global fashion.
'At a time when the world seeks transparency and sustainability, when brands are being held accountable, and when we want to elevate traditional artisans globally, curating experiences around textile traditions is the most authentic way to claim our space in the luxury conversation," says Menon.
Perhaps it is time the fashion industry started thinking of clothing not just as product but as a journey.
Pairing craft with travel may well be the most powerful way to keep India's story, and its profound influence on global material culture alive and thriving.
Dress Sense is a monthly column on the clothes we wear every day.
Sujata Assomull is a journalist, author and mindful fashion advocate. Also read: Why this is the season to stop shopping Topics You May Be Interested In Catch all the Business News, Market News, Breaking News Events and Latest News Updates on Live Mint. Download The Mint News App to get Daily Market Updates.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
NDTV
an hour ago
- NDTV
South Korea Is Offering A Workation Visa For Indians But There's A Catch
If you have ever dreamed of sipping coffee in Seoul while sending emails to your boss back in India, South Korea's F-1-D Workation Visa - also called the Digital Nomad Visa - might just be your ticket. Launched on 1 January 2024, as a pilot project, this visa allows remote workers to live in South Korea for up to two years while working for companies based outside the country. The catch? It's not for everyone - the eligibility rules and income requirements are strict. But if you meet them, you could spend the next year (or two) working from the Land of the Morning Calm. The Digital Nomad Visa The F-1-D visa is issued for 1 year initially and can be extended once for another year, allowing a maximum stay of 2 years. The processing time is around 10-15 days, although in some cases it can take a little longer. Applicants need to show an annual income exceeding USD 66,000 (roughly Rs 58 lakh) - which is about twice South Korea's per capita Gross National Income. The Eligibility To apply for the digital nomad visa, you've to be: Be at least 18 years old Have at least 1 year of experience in your current industry Be employed by a company outside South Korea or own an overseas business Only work remotely - you cannot take up employment with a South Korean company or do profit-making activities in the country Have your employer's approval to work remotely from overseas Medical insurance is mandatory and must cover at least Rs 83 lakh for medical treatment and repatriation. The cover must be valid for your entire visa period. Documents Needed For Indian Applicants If you are applying from India, you'll need: Visa application form (Form No. 17) with passport photo Passport with at least 6 months validity Employment verification letter stating your role is remote, for at least 3 months in South Korea Proof of income - at least two of the following: employment certificate, salary slips, 3 months' bank statements, Income Tax Return, or pay stubs Indian criminal record certificate (issued within 6 months, apostilled or notarised by the Korean Embassy) Criminal records from any other country you've lived in for 1+ years in the past 5 years Medical insurance certificate meeting the coverage criteria Where And How To Apply Indians can apply at South Korean embassies or consulates in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, or Kolkata. If you are already in South Korea on a tourist visa (B-1, B-2, or C-3), you can apply at local immigration offices. Here's a step-by-step process: 1. Check eligibility - income, age, work type, and experience 2. Gather and translate documents into English or Korean; apostille Indian documents 3. Schedule an appointment at the nearest Korean embassy/consulate (some accept walk-ins) 4. Submit the application with the visa fee (around USD 45) - your passport will be held during processing 5. Wait for processing (10-15 days, no express service) 6. Once approved, enter South Korea within the visa validity and apply for an Alien Registration Card (ARC) within 90 days Btw, spouses and children under 18 can join you. You'll need marriage and birth certificates (apostilled if issued outside Korea) along with company or school letters confirming work or leave arrangements. Remember, The F-1-D visa does not lead to permanent residency in South Korea. Once your 2-year period ends, you must leave or switch to another eligible visa category. Bottomline For well-earning Indian professionals and entrepreneurs who want to experience life in South Korea without giving up their existing jobs, the Workation Visa is a golden opportunity. The high income threshold will keep it exclusive, but for those who qualify, it's a chance to blend work and travel in one of Asia's most dynamic destinations.
Mint
an hour ago
- Mint
Why the 260-year-old Parisian perfume house Creed prefers to source jasmine from India
The Paris-based House of Creed recently opened its first flagship boutique in India at The Chanakya, New Delhi, bringing over two-and-a-half centuries of fragrance mastery to the discerning Indian market. The flagship store offers Creed's most popular perfumes, including the Aventus, Silver Mountain Water, and Green Irish Tweed, alongside the Aventus for Her, among others. In an interview with Lounge, Giles Gordon, the brand's chief marketing officer, talks about the reason behind selecting Delhi as the location for the flagship store, why they prefer to source jasmine and tuberose from India, and what makes a good perfume. Edited excerpts: What made you select Delhi? Delhi represents India's most refined and cosmopolitan luxury landscape, making it the natural choice for Creed's inaugural flagship boutique. After over 260 years of mastery rooted in London's legacy, we sought a location that reflects our devotion to cultural richness. India already has an array of luxury fragrance brands—Gucci and Prada Beauty being the recent additions. How do you plan to face off the competitors? The growth of global fragrance houses in India signals a shift towards more refined preferences, and that's exactly where Creed thrives. Each fragrance is hand-weighed, blended, and matured in our maison in France; a process rooted in human skill. We offer a tangible connection to centuries of perfumery expertise that resonates with India's most perceptive consumers. Earlier this year, you launched a snow-inspired perfume. Could you talk about the idea behind that smell? Silver Mountain Water, which launched in 1995, remains one of our most iconic creations. The idea came from the beauty of the Swiss Alps, capturing that crisp, invigorating moment of breathing in mountain air with glacial streams running below. It opens with a burst of bergamot and blackcurrant, flows into tea and airy accords, and finishes on soft sandalwood and musk. Even the bottle, with its white base and silver cap, brings that alpine vision to life. India has a long history in perfume making. Has the country inspired the House of Creed to create a perfume? Do you source any raw materials from here? Absolutely. Our perfumers travel the world in search of the finest raw materials, and India plays an essential role in that journey. We source some of our most precious notes, like jasmine and tuberose, from India. They're not just ingredients, they're living traditions that continue to inspire our creations. What's Creed's business vision for India? India plays a key role in our global story, not just as a market but as a cultural partnership. The country's deep-rooted respect for tradition aligns seamlessly with Creed's ethos. Across our presence in nearly 80 countries, we've seen India's interest grow steadily. From London to Dubai, Indian consumers are stepping into niche luxury with curiosity and confidence. Our digital traction confirmed the appetite, and now we're creating an immersive, in-person experience that invites people to explore what sets artisanal fragrance apart. How have people's tastes evolved over the years when it comes to scents? Today, people aren't simply choosing a fragrance to follow trends. They're looking for something that feels like them. Great perfumery isn't about fitting in; it's about discovering what feels truly your own. What's a good perfume according to you? A good perfume starts with exceptional ingredients and the kind of hands-on craftsmanship that gives it soul. It should linger beautifully, tell a story, and become a part of how you express yourself. A great fragrance isn't just something you wear, it's something that stays with you, shapes your presence, and leaves a quiet impression long after you've gone. Which perfume do you wear? Aventus is the one I find myself returning to. It strikes that rare balance between bold and elegant. It opens bright and fresh, then settles into something warm, smoky, and quietly powerful.
Economic Times
2 hours ago
- Economic Times
Annual FASTag pass of Rs 3,000 for private vehicles goes live from Friday
Synopsis A new annual highway toll pass is launching soon. It costs Rs 3,000 for private cars, jeeps, and vans. Users can pre-book FASTag-based passes. This allows 200 highway toll crossings per year. The Rajmarg Yatra app and NHAI website have activation links. Existing FASTag users do not need a new tag. The annual highway toll pass of Rs 3,000 for private cars, jeeps, and vans will be rolled out from Friday. Ahead of the roll out, the government has opened the pre-booking window for FASTag-based annual passes that allow users to cross up to 200 highway toll booths on a single recharge of Rs 3,000 within a year. A dedicated link for activation of the annual pass is available on the Rajmarg Yatra app. The link would also be available on the official websites of National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH). The annual pass will be applicable only for non-commercial private vehicles such as cars, jeeps, and vans. It will allow seamless travel across National Highways without the need for repeated recharging of FASTag cards for toll payments. In closed tolling highways such as Delhi-Mumbai Expressway - where toll collection occurs exclusively at exit points - a single trip includes both entry and exit points. On the other hand, on open tolling routes like Delhi-Chandigarh, each toll plaza crossing would constitute a separate trip. The pass can be recharged again once the 200-trip limit in a year is reached. According to the MoRTH, those who already have a FASTag on their vehicles will not need to purchase a new FASTag. The annual pass will be valid only at National Highway (NH) and National Expressway (NE) fee plazas. At fee plazas on Expressways, State Highways (SH) managed by state governments or local bodies, the FASTag will operate as a regular one, and applicable user fee charges may apply. FASTag - the electronic toll collection system - uses Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology to automatically deduct toll charges from a prepaid account linked to the vehicle. Over 10.1 crore FASTags were issued till December 1, 2024, according to the road transport ministry's 2024 year-end review.
