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Silk has a long and rich history in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu, traditionally worn by Mughal nobility. On this tour, visit textile villages, local textile shops, outlets and weaver’s studios; meet, engage and learn from these craftspeople their traditional techniques and weaving methods. Along the way see Terracotta Temples, historical sites and museums, and farmers going about their everyday life. As this program is intended for textile enthusiasts, there are several long drives to reach real artisans and learn traditional techniques. Unique food and dining experiences add another layer to this tour. Your accommodation at each point presents the finest regional cuisine, while you have the opportunity during the days’ explorations to sample local specialities at small restaurants and street food stalls (with guidance from your guide, of course).
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On arrival at the airport, meet your Tour Manager who will assist with the transfer to the hotel for two nights stay in Kolkata.
Today, we head north on our Muslin Trail into the rural areas of West Bengal. Heading for Berhampur, we stop en-route and visit villages of Shantipur, Phulia and Beldanga. These villages are famous for the production of silk and cotton handwoven saris, jacquards, dhotis, and jamdani (muslin) of superfine texture. Stay two nights in Berhampur.
This morning we visit a textile village to see the process of extraction, reeling and spinning of different kinds of silk and also locally crafted shell bangles. Thereafter enjoy a historical tour of Murshidabad and visit Hazarduari Palace and Katra Mosque then walk around the local market.
Travel to Santiniketan and visit Visva Bharati University, a vision of Rabindranath Tagore, the revered poet, writer, playwright, musician, painter and also the first non-European to win the Nobel Prize for Literature. Craft demonstrations in and around Santiniketan may include Kantha embroidery, batik printing, Tussar silk weaving, embossed leather works and hand-made jewellery. Stay two nights in Santiniketan.
Morning explore textile villages around Shantiniketan. While on the visit, you will get detailed knowledge about batik work and Tussar silk weaving. Watch ladies doing conventional Kantha weaving on quilts, clothing and other household items. This work of art mixes botanical, creature and geometric string plans with pictures delineating the everyday life and culture of the rural ladies of West Bengal.
This morning includes a trip to a potter’s village that specialises in making terracotta horses known as Bankura. Also, see the handloom weaving of the prized Baluchari silk sarees depicting detailed scenes from Indian mythology. In the afternoon, drive to Kolkata with a brief stop to see fine grass mat weaving done by the Mahishyas community of Midnapore. Stay overnight in Kolkata.
Morning travel to Kanchipuram enroute stops at Mahabalipuram to visit the magnificent 7th-century Shore Temple a UNESCO Site and also an excellent specimen of the architectural splendour of the medieval period. Evening free to explore local shops popular to witness a range of Kanchipuram Silk and wonderfully spun material. Stay two nights in Kanchipuram.
Morning visit the silk weaving handloom to experience the art of making handloom and machinemade sarees including dying and designing. Kanchipuram silk sarees are woven in two parts. The pallu and border are woven as one unit and attached to the body of the sari which is woven separately. The motifs used are derived from traditional temple architectural forms. Afternoon free to relax or explore the town.
After breakfast travel to Chennai. In the afternoon go for a half-day city sightseeing tour visiting the Government Museum and Art Gallery, to see the art and bronze gallery (closed on Fridays and public holidays) Later drive past Fort St. George, Marina Beach and San Thome Cathedral. Rest of the evening free to relax or explore the nearby local markets for last moment souvenir shopping. Stay overnight in Chennai.
After breakfast tour finishes with a direct transfer to International Airport.
12 Nights deluxe/ /Unique Boutique accommodation
Travel by chartered air-conditioned vehicle
Group assistance and transfers
Sightseeing as specified
Meals as specified
THO Tour Manager (minimum 07 people)
Monument entrance fees
Airfare Kolkata – Chennai in economy class
Bottled water while travelling
All current collectable taxes.
Any International or Domestic Airfare
Airport taxes and Visa fee
Early check-in or late check-out
Meals other than specified above
Tips & Gratuities
Travel & Medical Insurance
Camera and video permits
Expenses incurred due to flight/train cancellation or delay
Any expense of a personal nature, like drinks, laundry, telephone calls, mini bar, etc
Any optional excursion or tour
Any other expense not mentioned in the prices include column
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