blockprinting in
JAIPUR, INDIA
November 21 - 28, 2024
$4,200 USD - $5,600 USD
Explore the textile traditions of vibrant Rajasthan with Thread Caravan as we venture into customs and craft of Northwest India. In this expertly curated 8-day experience, we’ll weave the cultural, historical, and political contexts into our textile explorations, learning about the region and working alongside multi-generational artisans.
After checking into our boutique hotel in Jaipur, we’ll begin the trip taking in the awe and sensory invigoration of the ‘Pink City’ with sightseeing, allowing us to acclimate to the unique pace of Jaipur and glean inspiration for the multi-day block printing workshop that follows. We’ll spend the next few days engaged in the blockprinting process from start to finish, carving teak blocks alongside a family of master block carvers, preparing natural-dye vats and printing our own unique designs with other multi-generational dyers and printers. Other trip highlights include artisan visits to a famed indigo studio, a rug weaving cooperative, and paper-making studio, alongside a Bollywood movie night and optional astrology readings.
For those wishing to deepen their immersion in the craft of the Indian subcontinent, our trip in Kutch, India takes place directly before the Jaipur experience.
where we’ll be
This workshop will take place in northwestern India, in the cities of Jaipur and Bagru. Jaipur, known as the “pink city” for its predominantly pink buildings, is a city of over 3 million people, and the capital of the state of Rajasthan. Bagru, a small town of centuries-old block printing traditions, is situated 32km southwest of Jaipur.
what we’ll do
We will partner with a multi-generational community of dyers and block printers to dive into the history and processes of block printing in Bagru and India, with emphasis on understanding the essential components of natural dyes — the local water, climate and flora.
Our processes will include teak wood block carving, scouring and mordanting our fabrics, making an organic indigo dye vat, preparing binders and printing inks, block printing a cotton scarf with the inks, dyeing with flowers, barks, roots and insect dyes, tie and dye, and mud resist painting for cold dyes.
Outside of our 4-day immersive blockprinting workshop, this trip itinerary also includes visits with rug weavers, NILA house, historic sites, as well as a Bollywood movie night and more.
“Thread Caravan trips always exceed my expectations, and this collaboration with Tribalfare was incredible. EVERYTHING was perfect…..the hotel, transportation, working with WabiSabi and learning about their processes, side trips to the weavers and monkey palace, Bollywood movie night and I can’t even begin with the food! I was concerned I would have difficulty adjusting to the cuisine but found just the opposite. I’ve gone all these years without delicious Indian food. That is about to change!’
“Thank you, Caitlin, for your vision with Thread Caravan and the ability to bring cultures together through meaningful experiences. I hope you and TC thrive and become a model for others. Ojas, your vision for personal connections will open the minds and hearts of others. You have both enriched my life beyond measure.”
-Barbara Gage
TRIP DETAILS
DATES:
November 21 - 28, 2024
PRICING + PAYMENT:
$4,200 per guest // triple room in extra bed
$4,600 per guest // triple room in regular bed
$5,600 per guest // double room, separate beds
A non-refundable deposit it required in order to reserve your space on this trip. The remaining balance can be made at your convenience on this page at least two months prior to the trip.
When making a reservation, there is the option to Pay it Forward. These contributions are directed exclusively towards our Artisan Exchange Program.
COST INCLUDES:
In-Country Transportation: Pick up and drop off from Jaipur airport or train station, as well as private group transportation during our scheduled activities.
Accommodation: Boutique hotel accommodation in Jaipur, at the Johri Hotel. Prices vary depending on preference of double or triple occupancy rooms.
Food + chai: A selection of wholesome vegetarian meals at our hotel and restaurants in town. All meals are included except two dinners.
Art Education: A day of wood block carving and three days of natural dyeing with instruction led by local craftspeople.
Craft Supplies: You will be provided with the necessary raw materials and tools to create block printed textiles of your own.
Additional Experiences: While we are not creating, we will visit museums, palaces, and many other sites in and around Jaipur.
Support: Thread Caravan founder Caitlin and a local guide will both accompany the group for the duration of the trip, offering participants their combined knowledge of the country, while making sure everything runs smoothly. In addition, Thread Caravan staff is available to answer questions and assist with trip preparations beforehand.
Gift: Special welcome gift upon arrival.
Carbon Emissions Offset: We’ve partnered with Trees for the Future to plant 50 tress on your behalf in order to offset the carbon emissions of your travel to India. Please contact us if you’d like us to plant additional trees on your behalf.
NOT INCLUDED:
Airfare: We've found that flights from the U.S. cost approximately $1000, varying depending on the airline and how far in advance you book.
Personal Travel Insurance: We require all participants to have personal travel insurance. This will cover things like illness, flight cancellations, theft, etc. We can help you arrange insurance with a provider.
Alcohol
GETTING THERE AND AWAY:
This workshop starts and ends at the Jaipur International Airport or train station in Jaipur. You get there and we'll handle the rest. If you have questions about flight options, please contact us.
VISA + Passport: Travelers going to India must obtain a tourist visa. In most cases (including if you are a US resident), you can apply and pay for your e-Tousist visa online, or you may take your passport to an embassy near you. Indian tourist visas cost approximately $60 USD. *All travelers must apply for visas immediately after reserving space on the workshop.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
Scheduling: While we plan to stick to the schedule, India is full of surprises and our schedule is subject to change at the last minute. If you keep an open mind and are flexible in your thought process, this will be a truly enriching experience. All plans and schedules are subject to change at the discretion of the Thread Caravan team.
Preparing for India: India is the land of sensory stimulation! Creating a safe and mindful itinerary with authentic, unforgettable experiences is what we are striving for. This trip should be considered an opportunity to step out of your comfort zone. We want you to be excited and prepare yourself for this journey of a lifetime. We encourage reading about Indian culture beforehand.
This trip is not a resort experience. We will be sharing rooms in a beautiful and intimate boutique hotel. In a land of over a billion people, privacy is a prized notion, so please prepare accordingly. Going with the flow has been our mantra and has helped us find little, unexpected moments of joy along the way.Dietary Restrictions: Many dishes in India contain garlic, yogurt and dairy. While we can accommodate some dietary restrictions (e.g. vegetarian), please contact us in advance to see if we can accommodate your dietary needs.
Mobility Requirements: This trip includes city walks as well as shuttle commutes. Please contact us in advance if you have specific mobility requirements.
Vaccinations: Covid vaccination is required to participate in this trip. Routine vaccinations, measles, Hepatitis A, and Typhoid are suggested by the Center for Disease Control.
Physical Abilities: Ensuring you have a strong immune system before travel will help your trip experience be more enjoyable. Please make sure you are eating healthy meals, are well rested and are in good health before and during travel. If you have any pending health concerns, please consult with your doctor before reserving your space on the trip, and of course, please contact us if you have any questions.
BOOKING TERMS + CONDITIONS
Travelers must agree to Thread Caravan's Booking Terms and Conditions in order to join this experience.
