Tribal Influence on Art in India

Your international travel adventure begins as you step off the plane at Indira Gandhi Airport. India’s rich cultural heritage is evident as soon as you enter her borders.

After you check into your hotel, take the time to explore your new neighborhood rich with aromas from exotic spices, exciting street fashion, and new Instagrammable vistas.

Join your local guide for a tour of Delhi’s silk market. It is impossible to resist the vibrant colors, soft hand, and wonderful drape of this beautiful fabric. Search for that perfect piece to serve as an inspiration and a reminder of your Delhi visit.

Your guided tour of the Delhi markets begins at Chandni Chowk, renowned for spectacular jewelry and unique clothing. Your next stop will be the local bazaars where you will be immersed in Indian culture, surrounded by local art, fashion and cuisine. Explore the craft vendors whose art is steeped in traditional artisan history.

This afternoon, your tour takes you to a village that specializes in tribal art. Wander the stalls for inspiration. Sit with a local artist and learn the history of several types of Indian tribal art. Explore the ancient techniques as you try your hand at making your own replica.

Finish your day at Hauz Khas where you can shop one-of-a-kind boutiques and art galleries, soaking up lots of local design ideas. This trendy area offers lots of dining options from regions all over India. Try some goat stew with lentils or a Tibetian platter all served up with local musical entertainment.

Breakfast this morning will be on the train to Agra, where you will experience Indian architecture and design at it’s finest.

The Taj Mahal, the monument of love, was designed by Mughal King Shahjan for his wife who died in childbirth. Your guide will highlight the important design details and regale you with historic tales of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Sheesh Mahal is located in Agra Fort. The room of mirrors is a mesmerizing design, where you can imagine yourself at an ancient gathering hobnobbing with Royals. The architecture and design will have your head swimming with ideas. 

Enjoy a quiet box dinner on the train ride home as you sketch the design ideas this Agra visit has planted in your head.

Your morning flight to Mumbai will have you settled into your hotel in time to enjoy a relaxing lunch to regroup.

Mumbai is the fashion capital of India and this afternoon you will visit luxurious showrooms and quaint boutiques. The mix of traditional Indian fashion and western influence is evident in the street styles and showrooms.

Explore the kebab and curry cuisine of Mumbai for dinner. You have never tasted curry until you have had Indian curry — with its sweet and sour flavor profile, your taste buds will be dancing with joy!

Spend the morning tour at one of the many Mumbai garment factories. Explore weaving and dyeing techniques. Learn the backroom side of fabric production and the end uses of different types of designer fabrics.

Visit the retail shops that sell a wide array of locally woven fabrics, including several that specialize in silk. Here you can feel the fabric “hand” and explore the different uses for the different weights of silk.

Bollywood Studio will enchant and entertain you! Visit behind the scenes sets of current and past Bollywood movies and, if you are lucky, you may get to view a filming.  Take a peek into an actor’s make-up room and maybe even meet one of the many Bollywood stars that are on set. Think Instagrammable moments!

Inspiration comes from all forms of art. Tour Dharvai’s lively streets where your guide will direct you to the giant, building-size street art/graffiti that is prevalent in this neighborhood. Stop along your tour to visit the many craft shops here. Discover local artisans who continue the traditional crafting skills coupled with regional art from all across India. 

On your last day in Mumbai, revisit some of your favorite shopping districts, restaurants, or just find a place to watch the world go by.

Sadly, it is time to leave Mumbai and say good-bye to an experience of a lifetime.