Textile Tour: Looms and Lore of South India-1.

Welcome to Bangalore, the gateway to our "Looms and Lores of South India" tour. Upon arrival, check in to your respective hotels and get ready for an incredible cultural journey. (Stay at Bangalore.)

En route to Mysore, we make a stop at the Ramanagara silk processing unit. Our storytellers will take you on a captivating journey, from the cultivation of silk worms to the creation of exquisite silk. Learn about the origins, history, and traditions behind this ancient craft. Visit traditional Channapatna toys crafting village. Explore the vibrant royal alleys, visit the magnificent Mysore Palace, and witness a captivating folk performance, such as Dollu Kunitha. 

( Stay at Mysore.)

After breakfast, delve into the stories of the famous Mysore Silk. Interact with ancient silk saree weaving communities, understand their heritage, techniques, and culinary traditions. Visit the lively Mysore Flower Market, indulge in Mysore pak tasting, and explore a museum to immerse yourself in the rich culture of the region. ( Stay at Mysore.)

Embark on a scenic journey as we transfer to Ooty via Masinagudi and Bandipur, offering glimpses of wildlife and breathtaking landscapes. Check in to your hotel in Ooty and enjoy post-lunch sightseeing, including visits to tea estates, botanical gardens, and serene lakes.( Stay at Ooty.)

Immerse yourself in the beauty of Ooty as we introduce you to the Toda community. Discover the art of Pukhoor, an ethnic embroidery practiced by Toda women. Watch a demonstration of Toda shawl knitting and learn about their culture, rituals, ancient architecture, and art forms.( Stay at Ooty.)

After breakfast, check out from your hotel and head to Coimbatore, known as the "Manchester of the East." Explore Periya Negamam, a village of weavers, to understand their traditions, techniques, and cultural heritage. Enjoy a delightful lunch with the community and visit one of the oldest cotton mills to witness the various processes involved. Check in to your hotel in Coimbatore.  ( Stay at Coimbatore.)

Renowned for its elegant landscapes, cotton, jaggery, and vanilla plantations in the district of Coimbatore - TamilNadu. Visit a village where artisans cultivate and weave organic cotton. Experience Join third-generation ginners on a tour of their weaving unit and learn about their craft. Arrive at a Palace, an 800-year-old palace, and indulge in a Zamindar's lunch. Take a heritage walk, soaking in the stories, traditions, and influence of the royal family. Visit a local school and interact with the students there. Transfer to Palakkad.( Stay at Palakkad.)

Start the day with an exploration of the weaving village of Elappully in Palakkad district. Engage in interactive sessions with weavers, learn about their stories, culture, and challenges. Proceed to Vilayodi for a captivating garden walk, tasting session of various rice plantations, and a sumptuous lunch prepared by the community. Visit a heritage home amid paddy fields and enjoy the Kanyarkali folklore performance. Encounter our eldest craft women “Rukumani chechi” crafting beautiful floor mats with palm and coconut leaves. ( Stay at Palakkad.)

Continue your Palakkad tour with a visit to the Agraharam Tamil Brahmin community, where you'll explore their unique culture, stories, special food, architecture, and daily rituals like kolam making. Transfer to the Chittur region, home to a remarkable agro-museum showcasing rare artifacts used in agriculture throughout history. Proceed to Kakkayur village for a toddy tapping experience, tasting the famous Palakkadan Panangallu, and listening to intriguing stories from local tappers. ( Stay at Palakkad.)

After breakfast, journey to the village  in the banks of river Nila aka Barathapuzha where the Devanga community weaves the famous Kerala Set-mundu and double mundu. Reach the weaving village in a local canoe - Meet the last boat man of the region.Engage in an interactive session to understand their looms, techniques, culture, and fabric varieties. Enjoy a traditional lunch with the community and visit a village known for its unique grass floor mat making, boasting intricate design patterns which has got GI tag recently. Conclude the day with a mesmerizing shadow puppetry performance, Tholpavakoothu by the weaving communities. Transfer to Thrissur (Stay at Thrissur)

Transfer to N.Paravur and engage in an interactive session with handloom weavers. Discover their migration stories and learn about the challenges they face today. Enjoy a traditional lunch with the community before visiting one of the islands in the archipelago. Immerse yourself in the Portuguese influences, cultural traditions, and folklore performances indigenous to the island. ( Stay at N.Paravur, Muzaris.)

Embark on a captivating tour of Kochi, walking through the remnants of the old European fort town. Explore Jew Town and its fascinating stories of migration, witness demonstrations of Jewish cap making, and learn about the Dutch influence on the spice trade. Enjoy a sunset canoe experience along the archipelagos, offering glimpses into centuries-old markets and shrines shaped by cultural exchanges. ( Stay at Kochi.)

 Immerse yourself in the authentic local life by visiting remote villages along the serene backwaters. Witness the thriving biodiversity and natural ecosystem that flourishes in this tranquil setting. Indulge in an authentic lunch on a traditional houseboat, floating along the picturesque backwaters of Alappuzha or a traditional community based meal . Delve into the significance of coir in the local economy as you visit a heritage handmade coir factory. Marvel at the skill of artisans weaving intricate coir products and gain a deeper appreciation for the region's rich coir heritage. ( Stay at Alappuzha.)

After an unforgettable journey through South India's textile traditions and cultural treasures, it's time to say goodbye. As a token of appreciation, Moksha Stories presents you with rare and specially crafted regional souvenirs, carefully selected from the communities you visited. Depart with these meaningful mementos, carrying a piece of South India's vibrant Cultural legacy with you. Adorned with the essence of Moksha Stories' heartfelt gratitude.