Alphonso

Loom to Label

India Through the Eyes of a Designer: Following the Thread from Loom to Collection
For nine days, Laura Miles, founder of Woven, whose work has been shaped by two decades of relationships with weavers along the Narmada, leads a group into her world. This is not a curated introduction to Indian craft, but a journey from the hands of the weaver to the designer.

Spend five nights in Maheshwar immersed in places where textiles are created; inside looms, dye workshops, & artisan homes, following the transformation of yarn into cloth, & cloth into collections.

The journey moves to Mumbai, where traditions evolve through a generation of designers, studios, and creative thinkers reimagining India's textile heritage.

What makes this experience unique is access. Few designers can open the doors to relationships & processes that shape their work. This journey offers an opportunity to see textiles not as finished products, but as a living creative process.

When

29 January 2027 to 06 February 2027

Price

GBP 3110 on twin sharing 

How Long

9 Days / 8 Nights

Mumbai

Welcome to Mumbai - the city where iconic landmarks, world-renowned designers, and a thriving creative scene come together.

DAy 01

Day 1
Arrival to Mumbai

Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and take time to settle in and relax.

In the evening, join Laura and your fellow travellers for a welcome dinner, an opportunity to meet the group and begin the journey together.

Maheshwar

Maheshwar is a river town before it's anything else; life here still runs to the rhythm of the Narmada, temple bells at dawn, boats drifting past at dusk, women washing cloth on the ghats below the old fort. It's a place that has stayed quiet on purpose, and it's about to become the heart of this journey.

DAY 02 TO DAY 06

Day 2
Maheshwar

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Indore, followed by a drive to the historic riverside town of Maheshwar.

Located on the banks of the sacred Narmada River, Maheshwar has been renowned for its handloom weaving traditions since the reign of Queen Ahilyabai Holkar in the eighteenth century. The town's connection to textiles continues to shape daily life today.

Arrive at Ahilya Fort, one of India's most atmospheric heritage properties, and settle in before gathering at sunset along the ghats. As evening prayers take place by the river, experience the beauty and timeless rhythm of Maheshwar.

Day 3
Maheshwar's Textile Heritage

After breakfast, begin your exploration of Maheshwar's textile heritage through a series of immersive experiences.

Morning | Rehwa Society (Approx. 2 hours)
Visit Rehwa Society to discover the art of Maheshwari weaving, observe the traditional dobby weaving technique, and learn about the craftsmanship behind these iconic textiles. Continue with a yarn dyeing experience, witnessing the process and taking part in a hands-on activity.

Afternoon | WomenWeave (Approx. 3 hours)
Continue to WomenWeave, where you will try your hand at spinning yarn on the Ambar Charkha and experience tabletop loom weaving.

Return to Ahilya Fort in the late afternoon to relax and enjoy the heritage surroundings. Guests may choose to participate in one of the fort's curated experiences or simply unwind and take in the tranquil setting overlooking the Narmada River.

Day 4
Maheshwar

After breakfast, travel into the heart of Madhya Pradesh's celebrated block-printing tradition.

Meet the artisan family who has preserved this craft across generations and learn about the stories and techniques behind Bagh textiles. Discover the symbolism of traditional motifs, from nature-inspired florals to geometric patterns influenced by the region's heritage.

Observe the process of hand-carving wooden printing blocks and learn about the preparation of natural dyes that give Bagh textiles their distinctive colours. Guided by master printers, try your hand at the printing process and create your own handcrafted textile.

Day 5
Maheshwar

After breakfast, step into the world of contemporary textile design with Karghewale.

Begin with an introduction to the creative process behind transforming handwoven Maheshwari textiles into contemporary collections. Explore fabric archives, colour palettes, woven samples, and design inspirations as you understand how designers work with traditional techniques to create pieces for today.

During an exclusive workshop, take on the role of a designer; experimenting with ideas, developing your own textile concept, and exploring how colour, pattern, and weave come together on the loom. Guided by the creative team, discover the balance between imagination and the technical possibilities of handloom weaving.

Later, visit master weavers in their family workshops and see the skill, precision, and generations of knowledge that bring these designs to life.

Day 6
Maheshwar

Today offers a behind-the-scenes look at how craft can create lasting change.

Begin with the story of Kumbaya and its journey of working with artisan communities before stepping inside the production centre. Observe the skilled hands behind each collection, from embroidery and stitching to finishing techniques, and gain insight into the thoughtful processes that transform ideas into beautifully crafted pieces.

Take part in a creative workshop inspired by Kumbaya's approach to sustainable design. Choose from experiences such as patchwork sewing, natural dyeing, or transforming textile waste into new creations.

Over lunch at the Kumbaya campus, continue conversations with the artisans and design team, hearing personal stories of craft, creativity, and the evolving role of handmade textiles in contemporary design.

Return to Mumbai

Welcome back to Mumbai - the city where iconic landmarks, world-renowned designers, and a thriving creative scene come together.

DAY 07 TO DAY 09

Day 7
Mumbai

Enjoy a final breakfast overlooking the Narmada before bidding farewell to Maheshwar.

Transfer to Indore for your flight to Mumbai, where the remainder of the day is intentionally left unhurried. Take this time to pause, settle in, or simply enjoy your surroundings - whether that means an evening at the hotel, a leisurely dinner, or a gentle first glimpse of the city at your own pace. A private vehicle and driver will be at your disposal should you wish to explore or venture out for dinner.

Day 8
Mumbai

Today is dedicated to discovering Mumbai's vibrant creative landscape.

Explore the city's homegrown fashion labels, artisanal boutiques, concept stores, and contemporary galleries at your own pace, uncovering beautifully curated collections and one-of-a-kind finds. Wander through charming heritage buildings, visit independent studios, and, where possible, meet the creative minds behind some of India's most exciting brands.

Together, they offer a window into the craftsmanship, innovation, and contemporary spirit that define Mumbai's design culture.

Day 9
DEPARTURE

Depending on your flight schedule, you will be transferred to Mumbai International Airport for your onward journey.

What’s Included and Excluded
  • Includes
  • Excludes
  • 8 nights accommodation across Mumbai with breakfast and Maheshwar with all meals.
  • All meals included at Ahilya Fort throughout - vegetarian, gluten-free, and other dietary requirements accommodated on request
  • Private airport transfers on arrival and departure, with chauffeur-driven transport for all journeys and experiences, including a dedicated luggage vehicle
  • 2 flights ( Mumbai - Indore - Mumbai ) on economy class.
  • Laura Miles is accompanying the group throughout
  • Dedicated on-ground tour coordinator
  • All entry fees, workshops & activities included
  • Bottled water & all applicable taxes
Pricing:
GBP 3110 per person on Twin / Double Sharing Basis
Single room supplement - GBP 1100

Secure Your Spot
Reserve your place with just $200 (Bank charges included). Payments via bank transfer or Wise are also accepted.

Limited Availability
This is an intimate, curated experience for only 8 guests, ensuring a personal and meaningful journey.

Flexible Payments
Enjoy easy installment options, with the balance payable up to 60 days prior to travel.

Booking Confirmation
Your spot is confirmed once we receive your initial deposit.

Laura Miles
Textile Designer | Founder of Woven London
For Laura Miles, textiles are as much about people and place as they are about pattern and colour. Her work has taken her into weaving communities around the world, where a fascination with traditional techniques, handmade cloth and the stories behind them has shaped her creative journey for more than two decades.

India holds a particularly special place in that story. Laura’s relationship with the weavers of Maheshwar has grown through years of collaboration, giving her a personal connection to the people and traditions behind the craft. Travelling with Laura means seeing India through a textile lover’s eyes — meeting makers, noticing the details others might miss, and discovering how colour, cloth and centuries-old techniques are woven into everyday life.

Similar Experiences

Start your bespoke adventure with us

So, ready to start?

Experiences Itineraries
Plan your Trip
Plan Your Trip
Your name*
 
Email address*
Telephone*
+91
How did you hear about us?
Select an option
down-ArR
down-ArR
Details that will help us with your enquiry include:

The type of holiday you are looking for, the dates you wish to travel, number of people travelling, if you have a budget in mind, or any special requirements.

tick

We use cookies to improve your website experience. By navigating our site, you agree to allow us to use cookies, in accordance with our Cookie Policy