Here are our (textile designer Chloe Jonason and artist Rose Osborn’s) highlights from our recent journey through India; a trip shaped by colour, craft and the people who keep traditional techniques alive. From the must-see heritage sites and the best places to eat and stay, to our favourite markets, workshops and insider tips, this guide gathers everything they loved (plus a few places we wish we’d had time for).
We hope it inspires you to book the trip and experience India’s extraordinary textile world for yourself.
Delhi
We arrived in the hustle and bustle of Delhi, flying directly from London to meet with our suppliers
Stay
The Estate Villa, Delhi - A serene garden property away from the commotion, where birdsong replaces traffic noise.
Eat
Olive Bar & Kitchen - A refined, whitewashed courtyard that feels like a Mediterranean hideaway. Ideal for a treat night.
Into the Punjab for lunch try the traditional Indian dishes here.
Sagar Ratna – A local favourite for South Indian vegetarian classics. Crisp dosas, warm sambhar, unfussy comfort.
Explore
National Crafts Museum & Hastkala Academy – A vital introduction to India’s diverse craft heritage, with artisans working in open studios. We loved it here and could have stayed for hours.
Dastkar Nature Bazaar / Dastkar Haat Samiti – A thoughtfully curated craft market supporting artisan communities with fair-practice pricing and constantly changing stalls.
Insider Tip
Pick up an Indian SIM card at the airport. It makes everything from maps to tuk-tuk bookings effortless.
Goa ~ Sunlight, Slow Living and a Coastal Rhythm
You reach Goa via Mumbai, and the mood shifts instantly. Warm breezes, palm silhouettes and the golden hush of the coast set the tone.
Stay
Cinnamon Black Lofts (Airbnb) - Earthy textures, contemporary design, and a sense of quiet creative energy.
Eat & Drink
Pisco by the Beach – Where the sky meets the sea over a round of sundowners and South American small plates.
Lazy Goose – A candlelit riverside dinner with standout seafood.
Palm & Sands – For a barefoot beach day paired with traditional Goan curry and coconut-scented rice.
Goa Wake – A specialty coffee stop with excellent pastries and laid-back charm.
Ahilya by the Sea, Coco Beach – A treat-day destination for lingering lunches in an elegant, private setting.
Thereza Beach House (Sly Granny) – Contemporary dining with smart cocktails and fine coastal views. Near Coco Beach the last main traditional fishing beach of it’s kind in Goa.
Explore
Anjuna Flea Market – A colourful sprawl of vintage clothing, leather goods, jewellery, textiles and curiosities.
Insider Tip
Walk wherever possible. Goa’s most charming discoveries reveal themselves slowly, one footstep at a time.
Bhuj ~ The Living Heart of Indian Textiles
A short flight drops you into Bhuj, the gateway to Kutch’s extraordinary craft traditions.
Stay
The Bhuj House - A restored Parsi home with a shaded courtyard and gentle hospitality.
Eat
Fancy Dosa – An understated, beloved spot serving pure vegetarian meals without eggs or cheese, frequented mostly by locals.
Explore
Museum Quality Textiles – A textile lover’s pilgrimage site, showcasing museum-grade fabrics, embroidery and regional craft history.
Bhujodi Weaving Community - Visit Vankar Vishram Valji, a highly respected family of master weavers producing some of the finest shawls and textiles in the region.
If You Have More Time (Highly Recommended: 2–4 Days)
Bhuj rewards slowness. Additional stops you’ll wish you had time for:
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Nirona Village – Rogan art, copper bell-making and lacquer craft.
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Hodka – Traditional circular bhungas with mirrorwork interiors.
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Great Rann of Kutch – A salt desert that shimmers at sunrise and moonrise.
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Ajrakhpur – Legendary village of Ajrakh block printers.
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Little Rann of Kutch – A wildlife sanctuary with desert foxes, wild asses and fiery landscapes.
Ahmedabad ~ Where Heritage Lives Indoors and Out
A long, fascinating drive from Bhuj brings you to Ahmedabad.
Stay & Explore
House of MG - A magnificent heritage mansion filled with courtyards, galleries, textiles and stories. A place where the past feels alive.
Eat
House of MG Thali - A lavish Gujarati thali served in silver, carrying sweet, savoury and spicy notes in endless small bowls.
Udaipur ~ A City Reflected in Water
Arriving in Udaipur feels like stepping into a dream rendered in cream stone and mirror-like lakes.
Stay
Kingstawi - One of the last points where cars can reach before the old city narrows into pedestrian lanes; ideal for easy arrival and departure. It has stunning interiors and decorative details. It’s Pinterest dream, very Instagram-mable and a dose of inspiration in itself. Highly recommend, run by the loveliest family.
Eat
Green Giraffe Café – A welcoming midday stop.
Upré – Rooftop dining with sweeping lake views.
Ambrai – A Udaipur classic for candlelit lakeside dinners.
Explore
The Leela Palace Udaipur – Book ahead for an elegant boat ride and an evening drink.
City Palace – A monumental complex of courtyards, mosaics and city views. The surrounding maze of shops is equally rewarding.
Shopping
Ganesh Emporium – One of the best textile boutiques in India.
Puppet stalls near City Palace offer handmade treasures, often better priced than the more Instagrammed shops.
For higher-quality textiles and fairer prices, explore the outer lanes beyond the main tourist circuit.
Insider Tips
Ask tuk-tuk drivers to suggest their favourite shops; they often know true artisans. And explore on foot whenever possible.
Jaipur ~ A Symphony of Colour, Craft and Imagination
Jaipur greets you in shades of terracotta pink, buzzing with creativity, craftsmanship and regal architecture. It is India’s design capital, where ancient palaces sit beside contemporary textile studios.
Explore
Amber Fort – A high-terraced palace of ramparts, mirrored halls and sweeping hill views.
Jal Mahal (Lake Palace) – A perfect roadside photo stop at dawn or dusk.
City Palace – A living royal residence with airy courtyards and a bright, lovely Baradari café for a leisurely lunch.
Eat & Drink
Bar Palladio – The city’s most photographed interior, inspired by Italian design and Rajput aesthetics.
Johri – A refined dinner experience inside a beautifully restored haveli.
Anokhi Café – A chic, wholesome lunch accompanied by excellent shopping next door.
Shopping
BR Enterprises – Excellent block printing
Indian Art House – A deep-dive antiques emporium; plan extra time.
Tripolia Bazaar – A treasure trove of kitchenware, brass utensils, traditional storage containers, and the beautiful woven shopping baskets Jaipur is known for. It’s practical, local, and endlessly photogenic.
Bapu Bazaar – A bustling stretch famous for textiles, dupattas, quilts, jootis (embroidered shoes), and small homewares. The perfect place for inexpensive, heartfelt souvenirs and colourful knick-knacks.
Sagar – Excellent for ribbons, trims and decorative borders perfect for sewing or design projects.
Stay
Niravi – A thoughtfully designed boutique guesthouse with exceptional service, generous showers and some of the most comfortable beds of the trip.
Practical Extras for the Journey
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Carry a power bank for charging; India inspires photography at every turn.
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Pack an extra soft bag for textiles and check it on the return trip.
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Consider a taxi from Jaipur back to Delhi. It is more affordable and far more relaxing than flying.
