What this tour is about: Block printing is an ancient art. It has been an important industry in India since at least the 10th century, for domestic and international markets. Indian artisans were acclaimed worldwide for producing vivid hues using natural colours on cotton fabric - a difficult fiber to dye. The Mughal emperors loved block prints and introduced intricate floral motifs, still widely used in Rajasthani block printing.

The small town of Bagru has been a major centre of hand-block textile production for at least four centuries. The artisans here belong primarily to the Chhipa community and have learnt their professions from their families. In modern times, they work with natural as well as chemical dyes, and constantly innovate designs for the wider markets.

Tour details: The workshop usually starts with a round of chai and overview of the block printing tradition. This is followed by a walking tour around the town, seeing all aspects of the printing process from washing and boiling the fabric, block making, making natural dyes, and the printing itself. At the end of the tour, you can have a guided demonstration of printing, and be able to print your own stole, a lovely memento of the trip.

How it works: The time taken depends on your interest and speed of block printing. The suggested plan is below:

Drive to Bagru - 1 hr
Workshop, town walk - 2.5 hrs
Drive back to Jaipur - 1 hr

Start time: 8 a.m. from your hotel (7 a.m. from April - June to avoid the heat)

Cost:
INR 3250 per person for 7-10 persons
INR 3650 per person for 5-6 persons
INR 4250 per person for 3-4 persons
INR 5200 per person for 2 persons
INR 7500 for a solo traveller

Notes: Tea and biscuits will be served at the workshop. If you would like, please carry some additional snacks, as they may not be available in Bagru.

Includes: Air-conditioned transport, driver with cell phone, fuel, parking charges, tolls, workshop, short guided walk, self-printed stole, bottled water and all taxes.

Excludes: Meals, tips