Maybe this doesn’t need a great introduction to brief India’s prominence of its textiles. Why because everyone admires and loves to experience India’s rich culture and traditions. Simply we can say that Indian textiles are like a showcase of India’s vivid culture and traditions. If you explore, every state will represent its style of traditional attires. The beauty and uniqueness that blended in Indian attire, had gained much love and crazy from all corners of the world.
Here in this blog, we go through some of India’s best-known destinations to shop for magnificent attires that are hallmarked with India’s affluence culture and artistic brilliance.
List of the Top 10 Textile Destinations In India You Must Visit:
1. Surat:
Most probably, Surat is a renowned name for the textile industry in India. Located in Gujarat, Surat is quite popular for its handloom textiles. Of its numerous varieties of textiles, it is also called the “Textile City of India”. Surat is a great producer of different textiles for the entire Indian market.
Here you can see the weaving process, yarn production, embroidery works, synthetic products, etc. Surat is quite popular for its best quality of silk and is also named the “Silk City of India” for its highest production.
Famous for: Silk sarees, Polyester fabrics, Embroider works, Zari, etc.
Why Visit: Known as the “Silk City of India,” Surat is a hub for silk weaving and synthetic textiles.
Key Highlights:
- Renowned for Zari (gold and silver thread) work.
- Major exporter of silk saris, including Tanchoi and Gajee silk.
- Visit textile markets like Sahara Darwaja and textile mills for a firsthand experience.
Best Time to Visit: October to March.
How to Reach:
- By Air: Surat Airport (14 km from the city center).
- By Train: Surat Railway Station, well-connected to major cities.
Tips: Visit local weaving units for demonstrations and buy saris directly from manufacturers.
2. Varanasi:
Varanasi is home to numerous ancient and historic temples of India. Besides, it is a great home for traditional handloom attires. This city is well-known for its Banaras silk widely used in Indian weddings and festivals.
Here you can witness numerous weaving craft centers, which adorn with magnificent works of different varieties of textiles. The most important thing to witness here is the gold and silver woven fabrics. For marriages, particularly people will order to make it here
Famous for: Banaras silk, Brocades, Zari embroidery, Muga silk, etc.
Why Visit: Famous for its Banarasi silk, considered one of the finest in India.
Key Highlights:
- Banarasi saris known for intricate Mughal-inspired designs.
- Explore weaving workshops in areas like Madanpura and Alaipura.
- Visit Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum for textile exhibits.
Best Time to Visit: October to February.
How to Reach:
- By Air: Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (26 km).
- By Train: Varanasi Junction.
Tips: Shop at Thateri Bazaar and negotiate prices for authentic purchases.
3. Jaipur:
The capital city of Rajasthan, Jaipur is another wonderful destination for textile touring India. Jaipur is a well-known city for its handicrafts and handloom fabrics. This city is quite famous for its block printing technique. A local community called Dabupractices this technique.
An interesting thing about this place is almost all fabrics are prepared with natural dye colors and even artisans make a signature on the textiles. But this will visible to experts only. Jaipur’s handloom fabrics are famous in abroad places too.
Famous for: Bandhani fabric, Gotapatti, Kinari, Zari, etc.
Why Visit: Renowned for its block printing, tie-dye, and hand-embroidered textiles.
Key Highlights:
- Sanganeri and Bagru block prints.
- Tie-dye (Bandhani) and Leheriya fabrics.
- Visit bazaars like Johari Bazaar and Bapu Bazaar for textiles.
Best Time to Visit: October to March.
How to Reach:
- By Air: Jaipur International Airport.
- By Train: Jaipur Railway Station.
Tips: Visit Anokhi Museum of Hand Printing to learn about block printing techniques.
4. Kanchipuram:
The name itself is enough to understand its popularity. Rather than a place name, it is quite popular for its unique silk, called the Kanchipuram silk. In Tamilnadu, the town is very famous for its pure and intricate silk saris.
There is a uniqueness in preparing this silk sari, that is the body and borders of the sari will be interlocked after weaving separately. This thing made these silk saris quite popular in entire India. Moreover, the intricate designs and the perfection of weaving made it more popular.
Famous for: Kanchipuram silk, Arani, Zari, and other different silks.
Why Visit: Known as the “Silk Capital of India”, famous for Kanchipuram silk saris.
Key Highlights:
- Silk saris with rich zari work and vibrant colors.
- Visit weaving hubs to observe the crafting of handwoven silk saris.
Best Time to Visit: November to February.
How to Reach:
- By Air: Chennai International Airport (75 km).
- By Train: Kanchipuram Railway Station.
Tips: Purchase saris from government-certified shops for quality assurance.
5. Maheshwar:
Madhya Pradesh’s famous town, Maheshwar is known for its Maheshwari saris and fabrics. The patterns and prints on the saris are the main reasons for the popularity of this fabric.
The fabric here weaved is a combination of cotton and silk and the interesting thing is the designs or patterns on the saris reflect the history of the town. It is another thing that made this fabric popular. Historically and for the exquisite works of the fabrics, today it is one of the most prominent textiles of India.
Famous for: Maheshwari, Chanderi, Fabrics by yardage, Turbans, Dhoti, etc.
Why Visit: Famous for Maheshwari saris, known for their elegance and lightweight texture.
Key Highlights:
- Unique geometric and floral designs on silk and cotton blends.
- Visit the Rehwa Society for insights into handloom weaving.
Best Time to Visit: October to March.
How to Reach:
- By Air: Indore Airport (95 km).
- By Train: Barwaha Railway Station (39 km).
Tips: Combine your visit with a tour of the Maheshwar Fort and nearby Narmada River.
6. Kota:
In Rajasthan, Kota is another marvel known for its Kota weave. This place is well-known for bridal fabrics made of cotton. The fabrics here mostly appear in checker style of patterns, this is the uniqueness of Kota fabrics.
An interesting thing about the Kota weaving process is they add onion juice to rice mush to get the best durability and they feel lightweight also. The most famous fabric to purchase here means, Kota Doria. It is a famous fabric made of silk and cotton and its square designs are the love for this fabric.
Famous for: Kota Doria.
Why Visit: Renowned for Kota Doria saris, characterized by their lightweight fabric and checkered patterns.
Key Highlights:
- Explore weaving workshops to see the crafting of fine cotton saris.
- Known for its vibrant pastel colors and airy texture.
Best Time to Visit: October to March.
How to Reach:
- By Air: Jaipur Airport (250 km).
- By Train: Kota Junction.
Tips: Visit the Kaithoon village, a hub for Kota Doria weaving.
7. Patan:
Undoubtedly, Patan is a wonderful place after Surat in Gujarat. The main attraction of this place is its double ikat silks, Patola. There is a belief about this silk that those who wear will get luck in their homes. What made this silk fabric that much famous means its beautiful patterns and designs.
They replicate Gujarat’s iconic monuments patterns which are also one of the major reasons for its attraction. An important and surprising thing about this saris to know is we have to wait at least a year to get it. Because it takes that lengthy process to fabricate.
Famous for: Patola saris and Mashru fabrics.
Why Visit: Famous for its double ikat Patola saris, a highly intricate weaving technique.
Key Highlights:
- Visit the Patan Patola Heritage Museum for a weaving demonstration.
- Handwoven Patola saris are known for their geometric patterns and vibrant colors.
Best Time to Visit: October to February.
How to Reach:
- By Air: Ahmedabad Airport (125 km).
- By Train: Patan Railway Station.
Tips: Invest in authentic Patola saris, known for their durability and artistry.
8. Sualkuchi:
Sualkuchiis a famous place for Mekhela chador silk in Assam. It is a traditional dress for Assam women. This silk is used to weave with silks of Muga, Eri, and Pat. They feel this silk is light and comfortable to wear for their habitual conditions.
It replicates wonderful art and depicts nice designs portraying Assam wildlife like the rhinos of Kaziranga. The main reason for the popularity of this fabric is the designs connect with the Ahom dynasty of the 13th century.
Famous for: Mekhela Chador and Muga silk.
Why Visit: Known as the “Manchester of Assam,” Sualkuchi is famous for its silk production, especially Muga and Eri silk.
Key Highlights:
- Muga silk, unique to Assam, has a natural golden sheen.
- Eri silk, also known as Ahimsa silk, is eco-friendly.
Best Time to Visit: November to February.
How to Reach:
- By Air: Guwahati Airport (35 km).
- By Train: Guwahati Railway Station (30 km).
Tips: Visit local weaving centers to buy silk directly from artisans.
9. Aurangabad:
Paithani saris are the well-known silk fabric of Aurangabad. It is named after a town called Paithan. This silk is quite famous because it is made up of very fine silk and people say this is the rich silk sari in India. The sari with different designs and plain colours attracts people.
But its Kaleidoscope colored designs are quite famous in the market. The Pallu designs replicating peacocks, mango, lotus, and Ajanta caves are the highlight of the sari. When it comes to history, this Paithan silk sari weaving started during the Satvahanaperiod.
Famous for: Paithani saris and Himroo Shawls.
Why Visit: Famous for Himroo fabric and Paithani saris, which boast a rich heritage.
Key Highlights:
- Himroo fabric is known for its intricate floral designs and luxurious texture.
- Paithani saris feature peacock motifs and vibrant colors.
Best Time to Visit: October to March.
How to Reach:
- By Air: Aurangabad Airport.
- By Train: Aurangabad Railway Station.
Tips: Visit Himroo Factory for authentic handloom products.
10. Sambalpur:
Last but not least, the Sambalpuri ikat sari is a famous textile product of Odisha. It is quite famous for its process and how it weaved. During the process, they first tie and then dye in colors.
It made it authentic compared to others. The real Sambalpuri sari will never fade out of its color. The designs on the sari are drawn from different historic temples and marine life like fish, and seashells making it more beautiful.
Famous for: Sambalpuri sari.
Why Visit: Known for Sambalpuri ikat, a unique handwoven fabric with traditional motifs.
Key Highlights:
- Tie-dye technique producing vibrant patterns.
- Traditional motifs like shells, wheels, and flowers.
Best Time to Visit: October to February.
How to Reach:
- By Air: Bhubaneswar Airport (270 km).
- By Train: Sambalpur Railway Station.
Tips: Explore local markets for authentic ikat saris and fabrics.
These are the few destinations known for their wonderful handloom textile fabrications to look in. Whenever around these places in your travel never forget to take a visit to these places.
General Tips for a Textile Tour in India
- Cultural Etiquette: Respect local customs while visiting weaving hubs and markets.
- Quality Assurance: Purchase from certified shops or directly from artisans.
- Bargaining: Negotiate prices in local markets but avoid over-haggling with artisans.
- Combine Experiences: Explore historical sites or festivals in these cities for a well-rounded trip.
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Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What is a textile tour in India?
A textile tour explores India’s rich tradition of handwoven fabrics, dyeing techniques, and craftsmanship, showcasing iconic textile hubs.
2. Which are the top destinations for a textile tour in India?
Popular destinations include Varanasi (silk weaving), Jaipur (block printing), Kanchipuram (silk sarees), Surat (zari work), and Kota (cotton sarees).
3. What makes Varanasi a must-visit for textile enthusiasts?
Varanasi is famous for its Banarasi silk sarees, known for intricate zari work and luxurious feel.
4. Why is Jaipur renowned for textiles?
Jaipur is famous for block printing, tie-dye (bandhani), and vibrant fabrics crafted by local artisans.
5. What is special about Kanchipuram textiles?
Kanchipuram, also called the Silk City, is known for its handwoven silk sarees with rich gold borders and motifs.
6. Which textile craft is Surat known for?
Surat is known for its zari embroidery and synthetic fabric production, widely used in sarees and lehengas.
7. What can I explore in Ahmedabad for textiles?
Ahmedabad offers handloom weaving, tie-dye (bandhani), and Ajrakh block prints, along with a visit to the Calico Museum of Textiles.
8. Are there any textile hubs in Northeast India?
Yes, states like Assam (known for Muga silk) and Nagaland (handwoven shawls with tribal patterns) are significant textile destinations.
9. Why is Maheshwar popular in the textile industry?
Maheshwar is renowned for its Maheshwari sarees, which are lightweight and have unique designs featuring stripes and checks.
10. What should I explore in Sambalpur, Odisha?
Sambalpur is famous for Sambalpuri ikat sarees, created using tie-dye techniques in vibrant patterns.
11. What textiles are unique to Patan, Gujarat?
Patan is home to the intricate Patola silk sarees, a double ikat weave known for its detailed and colorful patterns.
12. Can I visit artisans during a textile tour in India?
Yes, many tours offer workshop visits, where you can observe the entire process, interact with artisans, and even try your hand at weaving or dyeing.
