What our customers have to say!  

 

I just loved this trip; it exceeded all my expectations. The mix of experiencing the real India by staying in the old part of town in traditional buildings, shopping and haggling in the vibrant markets, racing through the chaotic roads in auto rickshaws, visiting the villages, drinking chai on the street, block printing with wonderfully skilled and generous artisan locals and also visiting the breathtakingly beautiful Taj Mahal and the pink city's wonderful buildings ensured that we were never bored, always stimulated and excited!  Emma's knowledge, understanding and love of India shines through and her advice before and during the trip was invaluable ranging from what to pack and how to navigate the dreaded visa application to how to cross the road, where to buy an extra case to carry all the essential purchases made during the trip and the best place to buy a block printed quilted jacket!! (We actually excelled here and managed between us to buy 10, at a good price, in just 10 minutes!!) I loved it all but the highlight was spending 2 days doing the block printing. Spending time with these lovely people teaching us and helping us to produce pieces of which we were all inordinately proud was a humbling experience and one that I will remember every time I look at my indigo block printed fabric. The pace of the trip is full on and in retrospect I didn't need to take two books with me...I am an avid reader but barely had time to open one! This trip made me step out of my comfort zone but oh, how glad I am that it did. India may not be for everyone but I loved it and I will, undoubtedly, be back. Thank you, Emma.   Fiona Feb 24

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This trip was a fabulous experience.  Back street hotels, local vegetarian food, vibrant markets and many a rickshaw ride!  Crossing the road was a real challenge!  Emma’s local knowledge and quiet professionalism made us feel perfectly safe. It was a privilege to attend the block printing workshop in Bagru - alongside working master dyers and printers.  The group came away with pieces which will be cherished and maybe even made into something new to show off to friends and family.  Emma guided us to ethical shopping opportunities, supporting local skills, craft and fabrics.  We all shopped! And shopped!  We also learned about gems - thanks to a fellow traveller.  Oh - and we went to the Taj Mahal and Amber Fort!  Sally Feb 24

 

Full on amazing textile trip. The Block printing experience was really good in calm spacious compound alongside the regular talented staff working normally. Excellent balance between visits to various key tourist hotspots- shimmering,  breath taking Taj Mahal, fascinating City Palace in Jaipur and beautiful Step well ;textile specific experiences like the tranquil informative Anokhi museum, shopping trips, exploring backstreets of block carvers etc; and free time- to rest, relax, or be adventurous and jump in an auto rickshaw and head off into the crazy traffic!

The Arya Niwas in Jaipur was a calm oasis, and so lovely to be based somewhere for 6 nights and not constantly travelling. The road trips were  long, but the mini bus comfortable and we had an excellent driver, and it gave us a real window on modern India. Emma was so generous with her knowledge of India and its textile heritage   The group of women a delight, companionable, hilarious and so full of experience and talent too. The visit on the last morning in Jaipur to the textile collector was so lovely too. Absolutely recommended- we all loved it!  Sue Feb 24

 

I can't thank you enough for such an extraordinary 10 days in India with you and 10 incredibly enthusiastic ladies with the rhythm of textiles linking us all. A packed itinerary of block printing with skilled professionals in a working environment, meeting a highly knowledgeable textile collector, visiting skilled artisans and textile museums. Also visiting many incredible sights of historical interest. There was room for food, friendship, shopping and lots of laughs. A country that truly fills your soul and senses and a trip that will facilitate it. Thank you, Carolyn (Feb 2024 Block Printing)

 

“I ran out of adjectives and superlatives very quickly on this trip. A joyful, meaningful experience that has given me an endless supply of memorable moments to call upon for the rest of my life. Thank you fellow travellers and thank you Emma.”Kindest regards. Julie X

 

What a fabulous experience it was to go to India with Emma!  For me it was just the right mix of visiting the tourist attractions (which are not to be missed) and seeing some of what felt more like the ‘real’ India.  The block printing course was beyond my expectations, and I absolutely loved the two days working alongside the fabulous ‘professionals’, even though I think they thought our poor efforts were very strange J I can’t begin to think of highlights because the list would be too long but meeting the lovely Indian people we met, visiting the stepwell, the beautiful Anokhi museum, the elephants, the total, utter craziness of it all, the shopping (oh my goodness the shopping) …… as I said the list goes on and on. None of this would have been as much fun without the fantastic group I was with, new friends all of them and the unfailing kindness of Emma herself.  She accommodated all our requests, showed unfaltering patience, is amazingly knowledgeable, can find a chai stall at a moment’s notice and is incredibly well prepared and hardworking.  As soon as I have finished telling everybody I know about the trip I will be looking at number 2. Penny – February 2024

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Every day I think about our trip to India and how much it has enriched my life. I came home with the wind beneath my wings! I want to say a big thank you for making it possible and giving me the confidence to consider  going back to India. I especially enjoyed working alongside the professional printers in Bagru and even crossing the road was an experience to remember. “Keep walking, keep walking” is good advice not just for crossing the road but for life.

 Amanda Feb 23

 

 I just want to say a huge thank you for a fabulous trip. I can sincerely say it was the best holiday I've taken part in. It had the perfect mix of the sights and sounds of real India and involvement with textiles which are my passion.  The whole trip was very well organised and I felt looked after pre and during the trip. The wealth of experience that Emma has with India and her personal ties meant that the whole trip went without a hitch. I met some lovely like minded people which was the icing on the cake.  Thank you so much Emma and Louise. I would repeat the whole holiday in a flash!!

 Sara Feb 23

 

Just to say a very big thank you for the most wonderful and personal holiday in India, with a great Cha chi. I really appreciated your generous sharing of yourself and your amazing experiences. Pippa Feb 2014

 

Just a quick note to thank you so very much for the most AMAZING and AWESOME time ever. I have just reread my journal and we did an awful amount of laughing as well as shopping and the knowledge of printing that we gained from you and the people we met was incredible.  Liz Feb 2014

 

 

‪I was trying to describe my upcoming holiday to friends I always said I wanted to see the real India with someone to hold my hand . Which was exactly what we did.  Gill Feb 2014

 

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I was describing my wonderful holiday and someone said did you see this that and the other monument and palace and I said no it wasn't like that . We did see lots of amazing historical sites but we also spent time drinking tea with shop keepers and talking to people. And I think that is the big difference that you could emphasize. I personally feel less judgmental than I did. Gill  Feb 2014

 

I still haven't come back down to earth from my amazing experience. I have personally gained so much from the trip and want to thank you for the chance to go with you. Thank you for looking after us so well and your patience. I learnt a lot from you, your subtle assertiveness, as Ann called it, being one of them. Catherine 2015

 

What a wonderful time I had. Thank you for making it possible. Victoria 2015

 

As I said in my card, I really enjoyed my first trip to India and would so love to go back again. I’m sure that I will. We packed so much into the trip and I have to keep going back to my diary and photos to remind myself of everything we did. Julia 2015

 

A little note to say an enormous thank you for such a wonderful experience in India. I feel very lucky to be part of your group & for looking after us & guiding us where necessary. Highlights for me: drinking chai from the stall, the friendly beautiful people we met & saw during the trip, Jaipur, elephants, Amber Fort, Hawa Mahal, City Palace, coming across the wedding in Sanganer, Block printing... chatting with likeminded, funny ladies. Jackie 2015

 

Its difficult to express how appreciative I am for all the time and effort you have put into organising this trip. It has been truly magical and such a joy to be introduced to India by someone with so much knowledge and understanding of the culture and the people. I have found the experience illuminating, challenging and above all great fun. Gill 2015

 

I also wanted to thank you for the brilliant trip. It was quite something else.
You really showed us all more of the real India. I think it's a place that you either love our dislike.
I'm afraid for me it has seeped into my soul somehow!  I will return and hopefully be firing on all cylinders!
(So to speak) ! You asked for comments Em, nothing negative, one thing I would have liked, and I think we were
All in agreeance, I would have liked a lot longer in the printing town Sangner -  It was just fascinating, it was great to talk to the print block craftsman , I think as the town is spread out it would merit longer.
The paper factory was very interesting.   Mary 2016

 

We had an amazing time in India and the whole group was still buzzing on our return to the Upholstery class on Thursday - all thanks to your organisation.  We are already planning the next trip but, of course, there are 15 of us in total.  We see if we can get the rest of the group to tackle along next time.  Only two comments:  I did miss out on driving a rickshaw (not sure I spelt that right) which is a bit of a shame but at least I am still alive (must do this next time) and the second day car journey to Agra was very long - too much sitting for my part especially after a long flight the previous day.  This is not a complaint just a comment.  I had a fabulous time and all travel companions were wonderful.  You have a good thing going there, I wish you all the best and success for your forthcoming trips.  Trish 2016

 

Thank you very much for taking us to India on a very well organised trip.  It was so good to be with someone who knows the country so well and how to deal with the people and the different situations encountered.  What an introduction to India!  I want to go back ..  I am still buzzing, trying to take it all in.  I can’t really think about what comments to make apart from maybe to have a guided tour in one of the palaces/fort we visited.  I followed a French group in the palace where there were 3 wives (muslim, hindu and christian) involved and the guide was very funny and his explanations were really interesting.  That’s the only think I can think of. Thank you again for a brilliant trip and an amazing introduction to India. Ann 2016

 

Wanted to say thank you very much for a super holiday.  I hope you have recovered from the hard work of sorting us all! And the jet lag for that matter. I am feeling so much better today after a good night last night. All of us seemed to wake early yesterday. Many thanks once again. Hope we can all meet up again some time. Lesley 2016

 

I would like to thank you so much for making this dream come alive, I haven't travelled much in the past but feel its right for me now.

I really had the time of my life experiences that will stay with me forever and think I've fallen in love with the country and the people of India no wonder you go back time after time.

You and Emma made things go so smoothly even when challenged, thank you again and hope to keep in touch, please keep me up to date with your forth coming adventures. Anita 2017

 

Emma’s trip to India and the introduction to block printing was an unforgettable experience for me. As a total novice to dyeing, block printing and fabric design I learned a great deal, and now I find I can recognise a block print design at a distance, and know whether is was likely to have been done by hand or industrially! But the trip was enhanced immeasurably by the choice of friendly and quirky hotels in the back streets of Delhi and Jaipur, and the opportunity to begin to explore the real India. We were tourists as well, so the visits to the Taj Mahal, Fatehpur Sikri, City Palace, Hawa Mahal, and Amber Fort were another important aspect of the whole trip. What else? – eating out, including street food, using auto- and cycle-rickshaws, the train journey, and gaining confidence in just being in India. (Oh yes, and the glorious weather!). Emma’s knowledge and experience was invaluable, and gently re-assuring, and her organization was excellent. I could happily do the whole thing all over again tomorrow. Sue 2017

 

Thank you for all your hard work and preparation in making the trip so special.  It was an experience that I enjoyed , found enlightening, stimulating and will never forget.  I think a big strength is the balance you achieve of showing us the real authentic India whilst still feeling safe. Thank you so much. Kate 2017

 

I have to say it was an amazing experience that I wouldn't have missed for the world and feel so happy that I have done it.

Surprised and pleased to find that I wasn't the most ancient member of the group, and it gives me hope that I can go back to India at some point. I was certainly out of my comfort box in the alleyways of old Delhi but very pleased that I did it! As you say everyone seemed to get on really well, I got to know most of them if briefly, and enjoyed their company.  I enjoyed so many aspects of the trip, they are almost too numerous to list!  Thank you again for a wonderful adventure that I don't think we could have found anywhere else and, as I said. for going the extra mile to make it even more special. I feel so lucky that Clair found it Sue 2017

 

Going to India with your group was a great introduction to a fascinating country and culture.  It was truly wonderful and everything I hoped it would be.  I was looking for an experience that was not just about visiting tourist sites – we did cover some, but this trip was so much more interesting and stimulating.  The accommodation was comfortable and welcoming, and as I love Indian vegetarian food, the menu was perfect for me.  Overall I think it would be hard to improve on the schedule except perhaps to make it slightly longer - 12 days instead of 10, for more downtime/independent exploring time in Jaipur.  The incredible hands-on traditional printing of fabric workshop, and all the printing/textile related places we visited made this holiday exceptional.  The icing on the cake and what will also stay with me are the people we met, our leaders Emma and Louise and the other lovely women who shared the trip.  Thank you so much to everyone for the fun and laughter and especially to you Emma for such an interesting, stimulating and authentic experience.  I can’t wait to go back and have more exhilarating tuc tuc rides!   Clair 2017

 

I would like to thank you so much for making this dream come alive, I haven't travelled much in the past but feel its right for me now.

I really had the time of my life experiences that will stay with me forever and think I've fallen in love with the country and the people of India no wonder you go back time after time.

You and Louise made things go so smoothly even when challenged, thank you again and hope to keep in touch, please keep me up to date with your forth coming adventures.  Anita 2017

 

What an amazing experience I have just had on my visit to India - the realisation of a lifelong wish - and this trip far exceeded my expectations.  Emma had forewarned, "I don't do 5-star", but the whole experience she and Louise gave us was definitely 5-star.  Highlights - the Taj Mahal, City Palace, Amber Fort, the block printing workshops where we learned so much, Sanganer village, the paper-making factory, the exciting rickshaw rides, the lovely people we met and talked to and last, but not least, our great group with whom I had such fun and we shared so many laughs.  Thank you everyone. Sally 2017

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To Emma & Louise, Thank you both for a fantastic time in India. A perfect balance of being looked after and organised yet with freedom & choices too.  Best wishes Jane. 2018

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Emma, just to say thanks for creating such a fabulous trip & for taking such good care of us. Patience. 2018

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This has been another exciting adventure in India with Emma. Each day there were delightful surprises for us all, which couldn't have been planned, but came as a result of us being able to go with the flow.  Ladakh is wonderful, and spending time with the nomads was unforgettable. Thank you once again Emma.  Sue August 2019

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Thank you Emma for a most amazing trip.  I have travelled a lot in my life but this will be one of the most memorable trips.  I joined your trip to see Ladakh, but the nomads, the monasteries and the company has been an added bonus.  It has been a great joy to know you Emma.  Thank you for looking after me all along. Usha August 2019. 

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My first time with Emma and teh experience has surpassed all expectation.  The thing about the journey is that you are fortunate enough to experience this in a very real way, where you feel that you get a glimpse into the real world of the country.  Emma has a gift for enabling you to experience the adventure and take in extra experiences that come along without any kind of stress.  I can never thank Emma  enough for an unforgettable journey with a unique opportunity to touch the country in such a rare way.  Jean August 2019 

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"get off the tour bus and experience real India and its people with me"

SMALL GROUPS .  PERSONAL   .  REAL INDIA  .  A PASSION  .  DESIGNED FOR SINGLE TRAVELLERS  .  WITH LOVE & CARE

Mindful Textile Journeys since 1998