Travel with a Purpose
Engage with ethical fashion beyond a consumerism standpoint. This artisan workshop tour is a week-long trip for those who wish to get a behind the scenes look at our approach to ethical and sustainable fashion. On this trip, you will be taught the traditional embroidery techniques our ladies use while being immersed in Indian culture. Visitors will split their week between Jodhpur and our adopted village, Bhikamkor where they will participate in workshops on traditional embroidery techniques and Indian culture. Accommodations will be with a local Indian family for an authentic Indian experience.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival
Upon arrival in Jodhpur, have a welcome dinner at IPHD founder Madhu Vaishnav’s house and enjoy chai and fresh local food. Meet host family at Madhu’s and transfer to host family after.
Meals included: dinner
Day 2: Jodhpur
Breakfast at your host family’s followed by a survival Hindi class and Indian cultural and caste workshop. After having lunch, proceed for sightseeing at the Mehrangarh Fort, followed by a walking tour of the Old City. Dinner will be at an Indian rooftop restaurant in the Old City.
Overnight at the host family.
Meals included: breakfast and lunch
Day 3: Jodhpur + Eipad
Breakfast with host family followed by a day trip to visit a studio specializing in block print and vegetable dying. In the afternoon, you will have a workshop on Indian history then a Bollywood movie screening with a family style dinner after.
Overnight in the host family.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch,dinner
Day 4: Jodhpur-Bhikamkor
Breakfast at your host family and drive to Bhikamkor. On the way to Bhikamkor, stop to explore Osian, an ancient town in the Thar Desert. After Osian, visit the Saheli Centre and meet the women who work there and share a group lunch. Then, watch the sunset over the dunes. Spend the evening with chai and dinner on the rooftop. Accommodations will be rustic rooftop tents under the Rajasthan stars.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 5: Bhikamkor-Jodhpur
Begin the day with breakfast proceeded by a full day of learning embroidery techniques with an organic cotton khadi scarf. In the afternoon, lunch will be served followed by a forum discussion with the Saheli ladies. In the afternoon we will drive back to Jodhpur. Dinner will be enjoyed with the host family.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 6: Jodhpur
Free time to explore the local vintage markets and favorite textile shops of the IPHD team in Jodhpur.
Farewell dinner followed by folk musician with host family in the evening.
Meals included: breakfast and dinner
Day 7: Departure
Breakfast at your host family and transfer to the airport.
*Please note that a travel visa is required for US and European citizens to visit India and must be acquired in advance.
Book your trip here,
Cost: 750 per person
The cost of the trip covers accommodation, transportation, and most meals. We offer these trips as a way to fund our community programs. A portion of the fees will go towards funding our girls’ education project and our health project.
The above cost includes:
- Accommodation: Local middle-class Indian host family
- Meals: Food cooked with entirely organic ingredients using fresh local produce and traditional Indian recipes
- Transport: We employ a local driver who can safely take us to and from the airport and other destinations.
- Educational Workshops: We will provide all the essential materials for the embroidery workshops, which can be taken as a souvenir at the end of the trip.
- Guides: The local IPHD team will lead the tour group and provide all the necessary support before and throughout the trip.
The above cost does not include:
- Flight to India
- Incidental costs
- Indian tourist e visa: For US citizens the cost is $100 USD. For European citizens, the cost is $80 USD.
- Travel insurance: We recommend all travelers obtain personal travel insurance. This covers illness, flight cancellations, theft, etc.
Travelers accepted on a rolling basis. Let us know your dates and we can accommodate. Must have at least 2 travelers for a trip to take place.
Who This Trip is Perfect For:
- Designers looking to source materials from Indian suppliers
- Fashion Design/International Studies/Business/Social Work university students looking for a short term experience
- Work retreats
- Groups of friends and/or family looking for a uniquely Indian cultural experience
10 spaces available for a deluxe trip offered January 5th-11th, book it here.
Saheli Women 