India’s Living Craft & Cultural Traditions
29 Jan – 13 Feb 2027 Special Interest

A Small Group Tour led by Prof. Meenakshi Singh

India’s Living Craft & Cultural Traditions 29 Jan – 13 Feb 2027 A Small Group Tour led by Prof. Meenakshi Singh Special Interest

Your Invitation to Join Prof. Meenakshi Singh on a Journey Through India’s Textile Heartlands. A thoughtfully paced journey through India’s historic heartlands, designed for travelers who wish to experience culture as something lived rather than observed. Moving beyond monuments alone, this immersive exploration brings together textiles, architecture, music, ritual, and cuisine through direct encounters with master artisans, scholars, designers, and cultural custodians.
Curated by Indus Experiences, the journey unfolds across cities and craft clusters where traditions continue to shape everyday life—quietly, skillfully, and with remarkable continuity.

Led by Prof. Meenakshi Singh

An accomplished design educator and practitioner trained at the National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad, Prof. Meenakshi Singh brings over three decades of experience across craft, design education, outreach, product development, retail, and institution building.
Formerly Dean (Academics) at the Indian Institute of Crafts & Design (IICD), Jaipur, she has taught at NID, NIFT, Pearl Academy, and IICD, and has worked extensively with artisan and khadi sectors — particularly in Rajasthan and Gujarat — on design intervention, quality enhancement, and sustainable livelihoods.

Her professional journey bridges craft and contemporary retail, from serving as Fabindia’s first store manager in Rajasthan to helping establish The Palace Atelier at the City Palace Museum, Jaipur, an important interface between curation, craft, and commerce. Today, as Co-Founder of Khatu Designs and curator of Khatu Culture Trails, she continues to explore culturally rooted, sustainable design practices through immersive journeys.

With her long-standing engagement in Indian textiles and artisan ecosystems, Prof. Meenakshi Singh brings academic depth, field experience, and nuanced cultural insight to this journey — guiding it with generosity, clarity, and quiet authority.

8 days from £6,890.00 per person

London · Delhi · Agra · Jaipur · Lucknow · Varanasi - Delhi - London

Contact a
specialist consultant

020 3981 9838 holidays@indusexperiences.co.uk Enquiry

Colourfully attired traditional rajasthani puppets

Itinerary View Map

Day 1 : To Delhi

Friday 29 January

Fly direct from Heathrow to Delhi on British Airways or Virgin Atlantic.

Departures from regional UK airports, Premium and Business Class supplements and flights from outside UK are available on request.

Day 2 : Delhi

Saturday 30 January

Morning arrival in Delhi. Transfer to hotel for a rest.

In the late afternoon, we explore Lutyens’ Delhi, an area defined by broad boulevards, grand architecture, and landscaped vistas. Just drive by Rashtrapati bhawan & india gate. Visit the beautiful Lodhi Garden for a gentle walk about. We head to a local eatery for dinner and then back to the hotel for an early wind up.

Three nights at The Lalit Hotel. D

Day 3 : Delhi

Sunday 31 January

After breakfast at the hotel, we set out to explore the layered heart of Old Delhi, one of the city’s most evocative historic quarters.

Our morning unfolds a walk through the bustling lanes of Chandni Chowk. We visit the majestic Jama Masjid, pass through the aromatic spice market and glimpse beautifully aged havelis that speak to Old Delhi’s mercantile and cultural past.

Late morning leads into a special home-hosted lunch at a heritage residence in the old city, hosted by a vintage textiles and furniture curator and designer. This intimate experience offers insight into collecting, conservation, and the lived history of Delhi’s material culture. After lunch, explore the heritage monument legacies at Humayun tomb & Sunken museum. Then back to the hotel. we return to the hotel to rest and refresh and have a relaxed evening with free time. B, L

Day 4 : Delhi

Monday 1 February

After breakfast, we set out on a curated textile-focused exploration of Delhi, offering an introduction to India’s vast craft heritage through institutions, ateliers and social enterprises.

We begin at the Charkha Museum, where we learn about the philosophy and legacy of khadi, a textile deeply intertwined with India’s history of self-reliance and social reform. This is followed by a visit to the National Crafts Museum, home to an exceptional collection representing craft traditions from across the country.

Continuing the day, we visit a discreet store tucked away in a residential complex, renowned for housing one of the largest and most diverse collections of textiles from across India — presented without fuss, yet with extraordinary depth and integrity. We then visit a specialist boutique known for offering some of the finest Pashmina in the country, gaining insight into provenance, craftsmanship, and quality.

In the afternoon, we visit a social enterprise that up-cycles waste fabric generated from apparel production, creating handcrafted decorative pieces made by Afghan women refugees in India — a powerful example of craft as livelihood and empowerment. B, L

Day 5 : To Agra

Tuesday 2 February

After breakfast, we depart by road for Agra.

On arrival, we head directly to a curated lunch, offering a relaxed introduction to the city’s culinary landscape. Following lunch, transfer to the hotel and check in and refresh for an hour or so. The afternoon is dedicated to Agra’s celebrated craft traditions. We visit specialist workshops to observe the intricate artistry of zardozi embroidery and the precision of marble inlay work, techniques that continue to echo the aesthetics of the Mughal court.

In the early evening, view Taj from visit Mehtab Bagh, the historic charbagh garden set across the Yamuna River, offering a serene and unobstructed view of the Taj Mahal at sunset — a contemplative counterpoint to the monument’s grandeur.
Return to the hotel for the evening.

Overnight in Oberoi Trident Hotel. B, L

Day 6 : To Jaipur

Wednesday 3 February

An early start this morning as we visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise, when the soft morning light reveals the monument at its most ethereal and tranquil.

We return to the hotel for breakfast and time to refresh before continuing our exploration of Agra’s architectural and craft heritage and check out.
Thereafter continuing our exploration of Agra’s architectural and craft heritage, then enroute Jaipur, visit the Abhaneri Stepwell, lunch and a gentle walk in the surrounding area to see village life.

Head to Jaipur, arrive at your hotel by the evening.

4 nights in Niravi Boutique Garden Hotel. B, L

Day 7 : Jaipur

Thursday 4 February

This morning, accompanied by your guide, you experience the evocative morning aarti (prayer chanting) at the Govind Devji Temple, an intimate glimpse into the living spiritual rhythms of Jaipur. Followed by a visit to the wholesale flower market near Hawa Mahal and a special local tea in the old city.

Following the visit, enjoy lunch at a local eatery in the Johri Bazaar area, known for its refined flavors and old-city charm. Post lunch, we set out on a guided walk through the bazaars, exploring the sights, sounds, and specialist crafts that define the historic Pink City.
In the late afternoon, return to the hotel to rest and refresh.

In the evening, we head to Bar Palladio for drinks & dinner, celebrated for its elegant setting and contemporary interpretation of classic flavors. B, L

Day 8 : Jaipur

Friday 5 February

After breakfast, we set out to explore Amer Fort, one of Rajasthan’s most imposing and evocative hill forts, where layers of history, architecture, and landscape come together in dramatic fashion.

Lunch at Dera Amer, known for its atmospheric setting and thoughtfully curated elephant interaction experience, offering a deeper understanding of the region’s traditional relationships with animals and land.

The afternoon allows for a short rest break before we head out to visit Gotta Patti artisans at work, followed by a select atelier store or two that showcase the finesse and evolution of this intricate embroidery tradition. In the evening, we are welcomed into an artist’s home for a cooking demonstration followed by dinner. This intimate experience offers a warm, personal introduction to local flavours, family recipes, and the rhythms of everyday life in Jaipur. B, L, D

Indian Woman In Colorful Sari Sells Souvenirs

Day 9 : Jaipur

Saturday 6 February

Today unfolds around Jaipur’s living textile traditions, guided by a textile expert whose long-standing engagement with craft communities adds depth and context to each interaction. We begin with a visit to a block printing unit in Sanganer, where generations of printers continue to practice this meticulous craft, from carving blocks to layering natural dyes and motifs. From here,

Lunch is at a local eatery, chosen for its regional flavours and understated charm. Thereafter, we visit the Meenakari Museum to gain insight into Jaipur’s celebrated enamel jewellery tradition and the refinement of metal and stonework. The morning concludes with an interaction with an award-winning tie and dye master artisan, offering a close look at the precision, patience, and artistry behind this iconic technique.

The remainder of the evening is unhurried, allowing time to return to the hotel to rest or reflect on the day’s encounters. B, L

Day 10 : To Lucknow

Sunday 7 February

After a leisurely breakfast, we check out and transfer to the airport to board the flight to Lucknow. On arrival, we are met and transferred to our hotel rest and relax.

In the early evening, we step out for a gentle walk-through parts of the old city, offering a first introduction to Lucknow’s layered streets and refined pace.
Dinner this evening is a special one — hosted at the heritage bungalow of a distinguished and charming design professional. Over conversation and a thoughtfully prepared meal, we gain insight into Lucknow’s cultural milieu, design sensibilities, and gracious traditions.

Return to the hotel for the night.

Three nights at Taj Mahal Hotel. B, D

Day 11 : Lucknow

Monday 8 February

Today is devoted to Lucknow’s architectural grandeur and its deeply rooted textile traditions, both shaped by centuries of refinement and patronage. We begin with visits to the city’s landmark monuments in the heritage zone tour starting with the colonial Lucknow. Explore Lucknow’s British-influenced monuments — the Residency, La Martiniere College, Clock Tower, and Dilkusha Palace — tracing the city’s architecture and history, including vivid insights into the 1857 Revolt.

Drive by Bara Imambara, the ceremonial Rumi Darwaza and Chota Imambara — each revealing layers of Awadhi history, aesthetics, and ingenuity.
Lunch is a curated experience at Naimat Khana, offering an introduction to the subtle flavours and culinary philosophy of Awadhi cuisine.
In the afternoon, we meet a woman entrepreneur widely regarded as the doyen of Chikankari in Lucknow. Through guided interactions, we observe artisans at work — block printing chikan motifs with wooden blocks using indigo and resist paste, badla craftsmen embroidering with fine metal thread and chattapatti artisans assembling intricate geometric forms through precision stitching. We also visit the dhobi ghat, where finished chikankari textiles are carefully washed and prepared.

Before returning to the hotel, we visit a thoughtfully curated store that brings weaves and handicrafts from across India directly from craftsperson to shelf.
The evening concludes with a classical music soiree, followed by a curated Awadhi meal at a heritage home belonging to the erstwhile royal family of Mahmudabad — an elegant setting that brings together music, food, and history. B, L, D

Day 12 : Kannauj – day tour

Tuesday 9 February

After breakfast, we set out on a day excursion to Kannauj, a town long celebrated as India’s perfume capital and often referred to as the “Grasse of the East.” Our visit begins at a traditional perfume distillery, where we learn about the ancient deg–bhapka method used to extract natural attars from flowers, herbs, and spices — a craft that has been passed down through generations.

Following this sensory immersion into Fragrance & Flavour Dining Experience - A 5 course rose centric dining experience of delectable regional and local cuisine paired with an accompanying fragrance. Those who wish may also visit the Annapurna Devi Temple, an important local shrine, before we begin our return journey to Lucknow. We arrive back in the city by early evening. B, L

Day 13 : To Varanasi

Wednesday 10 February

Leave Lucknow after early breakfast by road for Varanasi. Arrive around 2pm and check in at the hotel via a boat transfer.
In the evening witness Ganga Aarti on Sasumedh Ghat followed a curated dinner at Gulleria Kothi Hotel, accompanied by a classical dance performance — an evocative setting where music, movement and the river come together.

Overnight at Two nights stay at Gulleria Kothi (this hotel does not have a Bar Licence). B, D

Day 14 : Varanasi

Thursday 11 February

We begin before dawn, setting out on an early morning boat ride on the Ganga, accompanied by a musician. From the water, we gently watch the holy city awaken — prayers, chants, and daily rituals unfolding along the ghats as the first light touches the river. Disembarking, we walk along the ghats and observe pahalwans practising at traditional akhadas, offering a glimpse into a living culture of discipline and strength. We then visit Dal ki Mandi, once known as the courtesans’ quarter and today a vibrant Muslim bazaar, rich with history and everyday life.

Lunch is a satvik thali, simple and nourishing, reflecting the spiritual ethos of the city. We then explore the weavers’ lanes, where the rhythm of handlooms fills narrow streets and homes double as workshops. Here, artisans work on exquisite Banarasi sarees, alongside craftspeople engaged in wooden toy making and minakari work. B, L

Day 15 : To Delhi

Friday 12 February

This morning, we will visit Sarnath, one of Buddhism’s most sacred sites, where the Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. A guided visit offers time to understand the site’s spiritual significance and its enduring calm.

We return to Varanasi by midday for lunch in the old city, and later fly to Delhi.

Overnights stay at Andaz by Hyattat Aero City. B, D

Day 16 : To London

Saturday 13 February

After breakast, check out and transfer to Delhi aiport for your home flight (Direct service on British Airways or Virgin Atlantic).

Looking to extend your holiday ? Contact our consultants today for your options. B

Itinerary map

Dates & Prices

Dates	Price per person (Double/Twin share)	Single room supplement
29 Jan - 05 Feb 2027	£6,890.00	£2,440.00

Cost includes:

International flights in economy class.
Internal Flights in economy class with 23kg checked in baggage per person.
Accommodation with en-suite facilities.
Daily breakfast throughout, Lunches, Dinners and Curated meals as mentioned in the itinerary.
Services of Prof. Meenakshi Singh as Tour Manager.
Services of English speaking guide during sightseeing.
Transfers as per the itinerary by air-conditioned private vehicles.
Excursions, sightseeing and entrance fees as per the itinerary.
Full ATOL Bonding.

Cost does not include:

Visa Fee for India.
Any optional Excursions.
Any expenses of a personal nature.
Tipping and Gratuities
Travel Insurance.

We plan to follow this detailed itinerary, but events beyond our control – unpredictable weather, blocked roads, cancelled flights, mechanical breakdown – or unscheduled closure of any monument may require last minute changes to the itinerary. We will ensure that these changes are kept to a minimum if required.

020 3981 9838 holidays@indusexperiences.co.uk