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FEBRUARY 2027 – REGISTER YOUR INTEREST HERE
South India Textiles and Handcrafts
9 – 23 February 2026 – SOLD OUT
JOIN US for this 15 day, 14 night exploration of South India’s fascinating states of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Kerala through the lens of their textiles and handcrafts.
Tamil Nadu is renowned for being the homeland of one of the world’s ancient classical civilisations, uninterrupted for 20,000 years and still very much alive today in the Tamil’s language, dance, poetry and forms of Hinduism. Puducherry was the original headquarters of the French in India and the city has a legacy of colonial villas and tree-lined streets. Kerala is claimed by many to be South India’s most beautiful and scenic state and is famous for its stunning coast and beaches, network of serene canals, breathtaking waterfalls, hill stations and more.
Our adventure begins in Chennai, Tamil Nadhu, concludes in Kochi, Kerala and includes time in Kanchipuram, Puducherry, Thanjavur, Madurai, Munnar and Kumarakom.
In addition to taking in the ‘must see’ attractions, we’ll venture beyond the tourist sites as we visit villages and organisations that continue to practice and preserve their handcraft traditions and cultural heritage.
Enjoy SEVEN hands-on workshops: Kalamkari painting, Kolam (ephemeral floor art created with rice and chalk powder), bandhani (tie and dye), basket weaving, Sungudi Saree knotting and dyeing, traditional batik (wax resist) and Kuruthola (weaving with green coconut fronds).
We’ll also be treated to demonstrations of silk weaving, cotton weaving and Tanjore painting (historic style of detailed painting of Hindu gods and goddesses using bright colours and gold leaf on wood); we’ll learn about the art of creating hand-made tiles and visit a ceramics village where clay and paper mache statues of deities are made.
Visit superb temples, forts, ancient ruins, fascinating museums and galleries, stunning waterfalls, lush forests, fragrant spice and tea plantations and vibrant spice markets. Spend an enchanting night gliding along serene backwater canals on a houseboat, watch an Aarti ceremony at iconic Meenakshi temple, and mesmerising performances of Kathakali dance and Kalarippayattu martial art which originated in the 11-12th century. Plus much, much more!
We’d love you to join our small group of like-minded textile and handcraft enthusiasts for this fabulous trip of a lifetime!
Click HERE to register your Expression of Interest (EOI) for our South India tours and future trips to India or enquire about a tour for your private group
Testimonials from our South India travellers:
India was on my bucket list and this amazing South India Tour by retreat|recreate made this happen for me. India was an amazing experience and particularly through the lens of valuing traditional arts and crafts. We visited so many wonderful artisans and social enterprise collectives. Susan K, our retreat|recreate guide, is so knowledgeable and put together a very well thought out itinerary. Susan also made sure that everyone on the tour was going well, gently checking in and has a very caring style. The tour was made special by my fellow travellers and I feel retreat|recreate attracts some wonderful and creative women from all over the world. I have made friends that I will keep in touch with. It felt great to be on a tour that has embedded values of responsible travel and cultural sensitivity. Our local drivers and guides were amazing and shared so much knowledge about Indian culture and history. I would recommend a retreat|recreate trip, treat yourself to this amazing experience. Madeleine – South India 2026
Prepare to be totally immersed in the unique culture of Southern India. Every experience curated in this cultural tour were building blocks to seeing Southern India close up and in detail. I experienced hands on experiences in ancient hand crafts such as dyeing, wax printing and basket weaving. These handcrafts are being revived or restored in local communities by foundations for future generations. Visits to beautiful coastal regions and wonderful mountain areas were spectacular. As were the visits to centuries old temples and witnessing temple rituals and celebrations. Many thanks to Susan and retreat|recreate for presenting this wonderful experience. I’m ready for more! Kerrie M – South India 2026
I keep coming back to retreat|recreate tours due to the experiences they provide. The South Indian workshop experiences provide contact with the people and culture that you don’t gain in pure sightseeing tours. retreat|recreate guides Susan and Susan are very special as they care about ensuring we have a wonderful time and make special memories. Cathrine – South India 2026
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