These 6 destinations should be on every textile lover's travel list

While new-age fabrics like poplin and hemp cotton are increasingly finding their way into the mainstream and in our wardrobes, one can’t deny the charm of textiles that form the backbone of the heritage of our country. From the block-print of Rajasthan that never goes out of style, to the lush muga silk of Assam, here’s your cue to visit the destinations that are the birthplaces of these cult fabrics. 
Bazaar India is here with all the details you need for a shopping spree disguised as a trip.

Kanchipuram, Tami Nadu 

For Kanjeevaram silk 

Kanchipuram, 80 kilometres away from Chennai in Tamil Nadu, is one of the most ancient cities of southern India. Today a bustling town, it earlier served as a capital of the Pallava Empire. It is well known across the world for being the birthplace of Kanjeevaram saris made from the silk of the same name. The saris are woven from pure mulberry silk thread and are an integral part of a Tamil bride's trousseau. They also make the perfect souvenir to take back home. Go sari-shopping along the famous Gandhi Road, which has various cooperatives selling bright, pure silk saris with stunning motifs. There are also organizations like Save the Loom and Tamil Nadu Handloom Weavers’ Cooperative Society that conduct textile trails in other handloom cities as well. If you want to explore more than just textiles, give the grand temples that dot the town a visit. 

Stay at the opulent ITC Grand Chola, Chennai, which is less than two hours away from Kanchipuram.

 

Jaipur, Rajasthan 

For block printed and leheriya fabric

Bandhani, gota patti, leheriya, and block-printing—Jaipur is no stranger to much-loved Indian handloom traditions. While the arresting architecture and delicious street food of the Pink City attract crowds from all over the world, it’s the buzzing bazaars replete with vivid textiles and glittering jewellery that make them stay. Jaipur is a place where the past meets the present—there’s a new crop of young designers marrying its age-old prints with modern silhouettes. One thing is for sure, between the block-printed cotton shirts, dresses, and quilts, to the bandhani kurtas and leheriya saris, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

Stay at The Johri, Jaipur, situated in the Johri Bazaar and a stone’s throw away from popular textile markets.

 

Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 

For Benarasi silk, zari embroidery, and heavy brocades

No list of famous textile destinations would be complete without Varanasi. It is a hub of all things Indian textiles—from rich zari embroidery (the craft of weaving gold and silver thread into the fabric) to the eponymous silk saris. Sheer is in fashion, and if something light and simple is more your style, go for the Jamdani weave that can also be found in the city—it’s a lightweight sheer cotton weave that features patterns all over. Once you’ve had your fill of textile shopping, visit the Ramnagar Fort if you’re a history fan or unwind by taking a morning boat ride on the Ganga. 

Stay at the heritage Taj Nadesar Palace, Varanasi, which is located in the outskirts of the city.
 

Kanihama, Kashmir 

For kani shawls

You’ve heard of pashmina, now get ready to meet the ‘kani’ shawls of Kashmir. Crowned as one of the few Handloom Tourism Villages in India, Kanihama is home to shawls made using kani weave, a dying craft that the artisans of the village are reviving. They weave fine shawls out of delicate pashmina yarn with hundreds of spools (or kani) that feature extremely detailed patterns inspired by nature—think flowers, leaves, and birds. Kanihama is located off the Srinagar-Gulmarg highway and even has a GI tag, which indicates the geographical origin of a well-known product. 

Stay at LaLit Grand Palace, Srinagar–Kanihama village is less than an hour away by road.

 

Kutch, Gujarat 

For Kutchi embroidery, patchwork, ajrakh, and bandhni

If you’ve heard of Kutch, the region in Gujarat famous for its salt desert, it’s impossible to not be acquainted with its rich textile tradition—from vibrant Kutchi embroidery, detailed patchwork, to the beloved ajrakh print that now find its way into new-age clothing as well. While the undulating white landscape of the place is alone reason enough to visit, it is these colourful fabrics that make a trip to Kutch truly worthwhile. A large number of villages specialise in different forms of artistry, for instance the artisans of Hodka Artist Village are experts in banni embroidery and leather work, while the Bharvads and Mirs are two nomadic communities known for their weaving and beadwork, which make for interesting souvenirs. A must-visit is the LLDC embroidery museum, located near the block-printing village, Ajrakhpur, which is a window into the various Kutchi styles.

Stay at The Bhuj House, which is an ancestral home and located in the heart of Bhuj, Kutch. 

 

Sualkuchi, Assam 

For muga silk 

Sualkochi is a quaint weavers village that is situated on the northern banks of Brahmaputra and serves as the textile centre of Assam. While the state is known for its verdant tea gardens, picturesque monasteries, and drool-worthy local food, it’s the hidden gem of Sualkochi that one shouldn’t dare to miss, especially if you’re a textile lover. Located 35 kilometres from Guwahati, the serene surroundings of the village are punctuated with the click-clack of the looms. It is popular for being the birthplace of muga silk, the extremely durable fabric whose naturally-tinted yellow-gold threads are loved for their shimmer. You’ll also find eri and pat silk here, along with traditional Assamese weaves like mekhela chadors and gamusa. 

Stay at Vivanta, Guwahati–Sualkuchi weaving village is a 45-minute car ride from the hotel. 

Lead image: Getty Images