What is covered in the cost and what is not...

What’s Included in a Secret Projects Trip to India

Secret Projects offers two meaningful and immersive travel experiences in India:

  • Textile Exploration Trip to South India
  • Journey to Women’s Empowerment Through Stitching To West Bengal

Both trips are designed for travellers passionate about textiles, ethical travel, women‑led enterprises, and authentic cultural experiences. Below is a clear guide to what is included in the trip price and what is not included, helping you understand exactly what to expect.

⭐ What’s Included in Your Secret Projects Trip

🥘 Meals & Hospitality

  • Welcome Dinner on arrival
  • Goodbye Dinner at the end of the trip
  • Daily breakfasts at your hotel
  • Group lunches at carefully chosen local restaurants

These meals provide the perfect opportunity to discover traditional Indian cuisine while supporting local businesses.

🎨 Experiences, Workshops & Cultural Activities

Every Secret Projects trip includes a rich itinerary of behind‑the‑scenes experiences, such as:

  • Visits to women‑led stitching units and artisan groups
  • Hands‑on textile workshops with local craftspeople
  • Culturally significant visits, including temples (using Indian Google Pay where required)
  • Creative sessions designed by Lesley or the Secret Projects team
  • A Secret Projects Cloth Travel Bag (if required)
  • A handmade Lesley Pearce Fabric Luggage Label (if required)

These activities create authentic connections with India’s artisan communities while supporting women’s economic empowerment.

🤝 Your Hosts & Local Support Team

Throughout your journey, you will be accompanied by experienced and knowledgeable hosts:

  • Lesley — Textile Artist
  • Fritha — Co‑Founder of Secret Projects
  • Sumathi — Director of the Indian Subsidiary (South India trips)
  • Bapi — Local fixer and Manager of the West Bengal production unit (West Bengal trips)

Included in the price:

  • Tips for the driver and local host
  • A fun, supportive WhatsApp group for easy communication

This ensures a safe, organised, and engaging experience from start to finish.

🏨 Accommodation & Transport

  • All overnight stays in comfortable 3‑star international hotels
  • Airport pickup and return transfer
  • All internal travel via Ubers or minibuses

Accommodation and transport are carefully selected to ensure comfort, safety, and ease of travel.

🍽️ Evening Meals Explained

To make your experience more flexible and enjoyable, most evening meals are not included, except the Welcome and Goodbye Dinners.

This allows you to:

  • Explore local restaurants
  • Try a variety of cuisines
  • Eat according to your budget and taste

Typical costs:

  • Traditional Indian dinner: £3–£10
  • Western‑style dinner: £15–£20 per person

Your hosts will provide recommendations and guidance throughout.

❌ What’s Not Included

To ensure transparency, the following items are not included in the trip price:

  • International flights to and from India
  • Travel insurance
  • Vaccinations
  • Tourist visa for India
  • Evening meals (except Welcome & Goodbye Dinners)
  • Occasional lunches (depending on itinerary)
  • Alcoholic drinks at the Welcome and Goodbye Dinners

🧵 Why Choose a Secret Projects Trip?

Travelling with Secret Projects supports women in India to earn a fair and sustainable income through stitching and textile production. Each trip offers:

  • Ethical travel
  • Direct community impact
  • Authentic cultural immersion
  • Meaningful connections with artisan groups

It’s more than a holiday — it’s a journey that makes a difference.