Textile Retreat | India
Block Printing, Mud Resist, and Natural Dyeing
Jaipur, India | November 13 - 22, 2026
Steeped in history, Jaipur boasts magnificent forts, opulent palaces, and intricately designed temples, which reflect the grandeur of Rajasthan's royal past. It is also renowned for its bustling market streets filled with vibrant textiles, exquisite handicrafts, traditional Rajasthani clothing, and charming jewelry. Join us this November as we explore Jaipur, learn about the rich history and tradition of textiles, and enjoy in-depth learning experiences with local, multi-generational master artisans.
We’ll start off by exploring the key sights that define the Pink City—the opulent courtyards of the City Palace, the honeycomb windows and balconies of the Hawa Mahal, and spectacular scenery of the Amer Fort. We’ll get lost in the shadows and shapes of a 16th century stepwell, and we’ll gain deeper insights and understanding about the history of block printing and natural dyeing at the Anokhi Hand Printing Museum.
Then, in a four-day, workshop, we’ll dive deep into all aspects of the traditional block printing process. Under the guidance of a master block carver, you’ll start by designing and carving your own block from wood. Then, at a working studio in Bagru—the center of block printing in the region—you’ll begin block printing with your wood blocks using natural inks on fabric. Next, you’ll explore mud resist printing, a process of printing with clay, also known as Dabu, and, finally, you’ll experiment with a variety of natural dyes, such as indigo and pomegranate. At the end of our workshop, you’ll have a small collection of your own unique, hand-printed and hand-dyed pieces to take home.
We’ll also spend some time with local artisans learning Soof embroidery, a traditional embroidery technique practiced by women from the Sodha community, many of whom migrated to India from Pakistan in the 1970s.
Throughout our time together we’ll share our favorite shops and restaurants so you can take home some of the rich textiles of the region and enjoy meals featuring the traditional cuisine of the Rajasthan region.
Full Trip Itinerary below. This workshop is open to all creatives from beginner to advanced.
DATES
November 13 - 22, 2026
10 Days + 9 Nights
PRICING
Shared Room - $5,495 USD
Private Room - $6,495 USD
Full Rooming + Pricing Details Below
THIS TRIP IS SOLD OUT
PLEASE REGISTER FOR THE WAITLIST FOR PRIORITY NOTIFICATIONS OF OPENINGS AND SIMILAR TRIPS
TEXTILE RETREAT HIGHLIGHTS
4-day, in-depth block carving, printing, mud resist, and natural dyeing workshop with local artisans.
Full-day Soof embroidery workshop with local artisans.
Guided tours of Jaipur’s key sights, including the City Palace, the Hawa Mahal, Amer Fort, the Jaipur flower market, and a 16th-century stepwell.
Guided visit to the Anokhi Hand Printing Museum.
Hands-on cooking demonstration, complete with take-home recipes.
Guided shopping experience, featuring some of our favorite textile shops and local studios.
Accommodations at a boutique hotel—a 16th-generation royal family residence.
Jaipur Airport Transfers (on specified days).
Transport during included activities.
Dedicated Ace Camps Travel Host, with you throughout your trip.
Trip Prep call to meet fellow travelers and talk through schedules, recommendations, and questions.
Learn with Local Artisans
The traditional crafts of wood block and Dabu printing are anciently beautiful, but arduous in production. The artisans are most often taught by family and work much the same as the generations before them, going back at least 400 years and printing on long tables covered in cotton. Block prints are aligned by eye, and telltale signs of the human hand, such as drips and printing imperfections, make up the beauty of this incredible craft.
Together with our workshop partner, Wabisabi Project, we will visit an Indian block-printing studio for an multi-day, in-depth learning experience, where we’ll design and carve our own blocks under the watchful eye of a master carver. We’ll block print on fabric with both ink and mud resist, and explore the world of natural dyes. Wabisabi Project is a unique organization whose mission is to inspire consumers to value and appreciate the genuineness of collective discoveries, as manifested in traditional, block printed products.
We’ll also have an opportunity to learn Soof embroidery from local artisans at Nila House, an organization that sits at the intersection of craft, design, sustainability, and community empowerment. A ground-breaking non-profit initiative, the foundation addresses the core needs required for the survival of a progressive, thriving craft industry in today’s global economy.
Day by Day Itinerary
Nota Bene: This is a prospective itinerary. It is subject to modest modifications, dependent on local weather, partner schedules, unexpected opportunities and the desires of the group.
Day 1
Friday, November 13, 2026
Welcome to Jaipur, India! Arrive at the Jaipur International Airport where you will be picked up and driven to our boutique accommodations—a 16th generation royal family residence. The drive from the airport is approximately 30 minutes, depending on traffic.
Tonight we’ll gather together for a welcome dinner at our hotel. We’ll enjoy our heritage surroundings and savor dishes crafted from timeless family recipes.
Meals included: Dinner
Day 2
Saturday, November 14, 2026
Today we’ll explore the key sights of the infamous Pink City. We’ll start with a visit to the Hawa Mahal. Built from red and pink sandstone, it is located on the edge of the City Palace and extends to the Zenana (women's chambers). Known as the palace of winds, Hawa Mahal was built in 1799 and is known for its unique small windows and balconies that give the illusion of honeycomb, but provide a steady stream of cool air during warm summer days.
Then, we’ll visit the City Palace, a royal residence and former administrative headquarters, which is spread out over a series of opulent courtyards. From its founding in 1727, it has been a center of patronage of the arts and of learning, and with its many temples, it is also a place of ritual and worship.
After lunch, we’ll visit a few of our favorite textile shops before wandering to dinner as a group.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3
Sunday, November 15, 2026
This morning we’ll get an early start so we can visit the village of Amer. We’ll start with a guided tour of Amer Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Commissioned in 1592 and constructed of red sandstone and marble, the intricate and opulent palace is laid out on four levels, each with a courtyard. You’ll be mesmerized by the intricate patterns and breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding landscape. Next we’ll stroll to the Panna Meena ka Kund, a 16th century stepwell that is admired for its symmetry, light, and shadows.
To help us gain insight and inspiration for our block printing workshop, we’ll visit the Anokhi Hand Printing Museum. During our guided tour, we’ll learn about the history and evolution of block printing and we’ll see a wide range of block printed textiles, garments, and artifacts created using different printing techniques, as well as motifs used in traditional Rajasthani textiles.
Later this afternoon you’ll have some free time to explore and have dinner on your own or with others from the group.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4
Monday, November 16, 2026
Today begins our four-day, in-depth block printing experience. We’ll start by carving our own wood blocks, in collaboration with a block carver from the Kharaudi community, a traditional community working with Sheesham wood. They are one of the few remaining families fully dedicated to the craft, which has been passed on through seven generations. The block carving workshop will be conducted at their humble workshop in Jaipur.
Block carving is practiced sitting on the floor. You’ll be given a station with a bit of legroom, where you will use traditional tools and techniques to carve your own design. You should be comfortable sitting on the floor for an extended period of time.
Tonight is a special treat—we’ll have a cooking demonstration lead by the royal family of Barli. Using various spices and cherished family recipes, we’ll learn about the region’s rich culinary traditions.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5
Tuesday. November 17, 2026
This morning we head to Bagru—a town with a rich history in natural dyeing and hand block printing. Bagru is the home of both the Raiger and the Chhipa community. Chhipas have been involved in fabric printing tradition for over 100 years.
We’ll start our day with a tour of the studio and learn about the different types of vegetable dyes, which are used in printing. Master block printers will demonstrate the traditional hand-printing process so you can understand the technique before starting your own block printing using traditional alum and iron inks. You’ll use the wood blocks you hand-carved to print on different fabrics to create your own unique designs.
Dinner this evening is free time to explore on your own or with others from the group.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6
Wednesday, November 18, 2026
An early start this morning as we’ll visit the town of Bagru in the for a slow walking tour. We’ll delve into the living world of a practicing craft village where you’ll have a chance to meet locals and learn their stories of connecting people, environment, and craft through culture.
Back the studio, we’ll spend the rest of the day learning about mud resist block printing and indigo dyeing. Also known as Dabu, this intricate process involves using a combination of mud (clay), natural dyes, and hand-carved wooden blocks to create layered patterns on fabric.
Dinner this evening is free time to explore on your own or with others from the group.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 7
Thursday, November 19, 2026
Today we return to Bagru for the final day of our block printing experience where we’ll go further in depth with different inks and with natural dyes, such as with pomegranate, kassis, iron, and indigo. You’ll learn about washing and finishing fabrics and see your whole collection of designs come to life before your eyes.
Dinner this evening is free time to explore on your own or with others from the group.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 8
Friday, November 20, 2026
This morning we’ll take an early morning visit to the flower market, while enjoying lassi—a creamy, frothy yogurt drink—and chai—a spiced tea made primarily with black tea leaves blended with milk and mixed with spices, such as cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, black pepper.
After brunch at our hotel, we’ll visit some of our favorite shops in the city where you’ll have a chance to browse an array of textiles, home goods, and jewelry.
For dinner tonight we’ll visit a nearby restaurant and enjoy a modern twist on the local cuisine.
Meals included: Brunch, Dinner
Day 9
Saturday, November 21, 2026
Today we’ll visit Nila House where you’ll enjoy an immersive, hands-on workshop learning Soof embroidery. Soof is a traditional embroidery technique practiced by women from the Sodha community, many of whom migrated to India from Pakistan in the 1970s, bringing with them a rich heritage of textile practices. Like most indigenous craft traditions in the region, these skills are passed down from one generation to the next.
Throughout the day, you’ll also have a chance to experiment with eco printing—a flower printing technique where flowers leave subtle traces of shape, color, and mark on fabric. Eco printing is a creative way to make printed textiles using nature’s abundance around us.
Tonight we’ll gather together at our hotel for a final group dinner to celebrate our time together in Jaipur.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10
Sunday, November 22, 2026
After breakfast, we say our final goodbyes. For those departing from the Jaipur Airport today, we will arrange for transportation to the airport.
Thank you for joining us in the Pink City!
Meals included: Breakfast
Where We’re Staying
A sanctuary where 16 generations of royal heritage blend seamlessly with the intimacy of family-run hospitality.
With only 10 rooms, this boutique hotel offers an escape into the heart of Rajasthan’s rich culture.
Every detail, meticulously curated by the royal family of Barli themselves, reflects their commitment to preserving tradition
while embracing modern comforts, ensuring our stay journey is as memorable as the stories woven into the walls.
Rooming Options
Please read below carefully and make your rooming selection on the Booking Request form.
The style and layout of every room is unique and may not be exactly as pictured.
Note: If you are two guests traveling together and would like to share one bed, please contact us for details about a shared bed option.
Group Size: Minimum 8 guests, Maximum 12 guests.
All prices are in USD.
THIS TRIP IS CURRENTLY SOLD OUT
PLEASE REGISTER FOR THE WAITLIST FOR PRIORITY NOTIFICATIONS OF OPENINGS AND SIMILAR TRIPS
SOLD OUT OPTION 1 - SHARED ROOM
with en suite bathroom
$5,495 per person, paid in two separate installments.
Rooming Details:
You will share a room with one other guest. You’ll each have your own twin bed and you’ll share an en suite bathroom.
The style and layout of every room is unique and may not be exactly as pictured.
Initial Payment due immediately: $2,495
Final Payment due May 15, 2026: $3,000
SOLD OUT OPTION 2 - PRIVATE ROOM
with en suite bathroom
$6,495 per person, paid in two separate installments.
Rooming Details:
You will have your own private room with a double bed and en suite bathroom.
The style and layout of every room is unique and may not be exactly as pictured.
Initial Payment due immediately: $2,495
Final Payment due May 15, 2026: $4,000
Important Trip Details
Culinary Notes
All provided meals will have vegetarian options (it’s fairly easy to eat vegetarian in India). Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate any other dietary requirements, allergies, or intolerances on this trip.
This trip is best suited for those open and eager to enjoy and experience a variety of regional ingredients and flavors. Dishes in India are often prepared with garlic, onions, yogurt, and milk to temper spices.
If you have any allergies or dietary restrictions, you will need to submit those on your booking request form. We cannot accommodate any allergies or dietary restrictions if you do not advise us when you submit your initial booking request.
Please contact us before booking if you have any questions.
Accessibility
Throughout India it’s common to find a variety of terrains. During our day trips you can expect everything from smooth marble to mixed gravel to uneven pavement and everything else in between. Given we’ll be visiting some very old buildings, you will also come across some steep stairs, without the option of taking an elevator. We recommend always wearing comfortable clothing and supportive walking shoes.
During our wood block carving workshop and sook embroidery workshops, you will be sitting on the floor for extended periods of time. During our block printing and natural dyeing workshops, you will be standing for extended periods of time.
Who is this Trip for?
This trip is for the open-minded and patient traveler. You should be eager to learn and work hands-on during your workshop session and be curious about regional culture and cuisine.
This is an immersive adventure and best suited for those who enjoy traveling as a part of a small group.
Supplies
All supplies for your workshop will be provided. However, you will need to create and submit designs for your hand-carved blocks so your design can be reviewed and prepared by the master block carver prior to our block-carving workshop. Closer to the departure date, we’ll send detailed instructions about how to create and submit your designs and during our Trip Prep call, we’ll go over the information in detail to help answer any questions you have.
Travel Health
We recommend consulting a doctor, nurse, health care provider, or travel health clinic once we confirm your booking on this Ace Camps Travel trip so you know what may be required based on your individual circumstances and based on the locations you’ll be traveling to. If you have any health concerns, contact your health care provider for advice prior to booking this Ace Camps Travel trip.
Trip Start + End Locations
This trip starts and finishes in Jaipur, India. Jaipur International Airport, is the closest airport and is located about 12 km outside the city center of Jaipur.
For guests arriving on Friday, November 13, 2026 (Arrival Day), you will be picked up from the Jaipur International Airport and brought to our hotel. The cost of this arrival transfer is included in the cost of the trip.
For those departing from the Jaipur International Airport on Sunday, November 22, 2026 (Departure Day), you will be picked up at our hotel and dropped off at the Jaipur Airport. The cost of this departure transfer is included in the cost of the trip.
Included in this Trip
4-day, in-depth block carving, printing, mud resist, and natural dyeing workshop with local artisans
Full-day Soof embroidery workshop with local artisans
Guided tours of Jaipur’s key sights, including the Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar, City Palace, Amer Fort, and the Jaipur flower market
A guided visit to the Anokhi Hand Printing Museum
Hands-on cooking demonstration, complete with take-home recipes
Guided shopping experience featuring some of our favorite shops and studios
Accommodations at a boutique hotel—a 16th-generation royal family residence
Jaipur Airport Transfers (on specified days)
Transport during included activities
9 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 5 dinners
Dedicated Ace Camps Travel Host, with you throughout your trip
Trip Prep call to meet fellow travelers, gather instructions and tips for designing your wood blocks, talk through schedules and recommendations, and get your questions answered
Ace Camps Travel Host
An Ace Camps Travel Host will be with you through your trip, dedicated to ensuring you have the best possible experience. Your Host is there for any questions or concerns, to look out for the health and safety of the group and to help resolve any issues that might arise. This Host is not a local guide but will work with our local partners to insure the right combination of pace, information, and duration. Our local partners are deeply knowledgable in the culture and customs of the area and will be there to share their knowledge and passion with the group.
Not Included in this Trip
International roundtrip airfare; required Travel Insurance; alcoholic drinks; activities and food and beverages not included in the trip itinerary; hotel incidentals including but not limited to room service, laundry service and hotel bar tabs; and all expenses during free time.
Travel Arrangements
Ace Camps Travel will send you detailed Trip Planning information when it’s time to make your travel arrangements. We usually send this information once we’ve reached the minimum number of guests required to run the trip. We’ll also send you an Ace Camps Travel “Preparing for your Journey” document prior to your trip, which will include arrival and departure information, a suggested packing list, useful country information, and more.
Weather
November is a lovely time of year to travel to Jaipur. The main rainy season has past and the skies should be mostly clear and the heat and humidity of summer have subsided. The days are sunny and warm, but arid, which are ideal conditions for for block printing and natural dyeing. The evenings are cool and crisp.
The average daytime temperatures are low to mid 80s F, while the average evening temperatures are low 60s F. We recommend bringing layers, including a light jacket, so you can adjust as the temperatures change throughout the day.
Travel Insurance
As stated in our Terms and Conditions, we require all guests to have Travel Insurance that at minimum covers both medical emergencies and trip cancellations. Cancellations 180 days or fewer prior to the trip start date will incur a cancellation fee equal to 100% of the price for the trip. There are no exceptions to this cancellation policy which is one of the many reasons we require all guests to have Travel Insurance.
For full details on our Travel Insurance requirements, visit our FAQ’s and review our Terms and Conditions.
Health + Safety
Our goal is for each of our guests to enjoy the amazing trip we’ve put together. To ensure that happens, we put the health and safety of the group as our top priority. Individual guests are responsible for ensuring they meet all destination and layover country requirements and laws, including any Covid-19 related requirements, providing proof of vaccination, testing before or after entry, masking, etc.
During the trip, if you feel unwell, exhibit signs of, or test positive for an illness, you should be prepared to follow the advice of local health authorities as well as the Ace Camps Travel Host to ensure the health and safety of the entire group. Depending on the severity of your symptoms and/or viral nature of your illness the Ace Camps Travel Host may determine you need to mask, distance, self isolate, or depart the trip early. You are responsible for any expenses incurred from an illness, injury, or early departure including testing, treatment, isolation, accommodation, transportation, etc. and you will not be issued a refund for any unused portion of the trip. This is one of the many reasons we require all guests to have Travel Insurance, as outlined in our Terms and Conditions.
For full details on our Health and Safety Policies, visit our FAQ’s and review our Terms and Conditions.
Cancellation Policy
If you choose to cancel your trip for any reason, you must do so via email to hello@acecampstravel.com. If we receive written notice 181 or more days prior to the Trip start date, we will refund your initial payment, less a $1,000 cancellation fee. If we receive written notice 180 days or fewer prior to the Trip start date you will incur a cancellation fee equal to 100% of the price for the Trip. There are no exceptions to this cancellation policy, including for reasons related to weather, terrorism, civil strife, pandemics, illness, personal, family or medical emergencies, or any other circumstances beyond our control. For this and other reasons, we require you to purchase Travel Insurance.
Be sure to read our Terms and Conditions for full details on Booking and Payment, Cancellation by You and Trip Changes and Cancellations.
Questions + FAQs
If you have any questions about this Ace Camps travel Trip, please feel free to contact us.
You can also read our FAQs here.
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