Textile Exploration to India with Lesley Pearce - January 2027 Deposit: £150 Total Cost: £1,400

Introduction to the exploration by your host, Lesley Pearce

Embark on an extraordinary textile exploration to India on Thursday 14 January 2027 and discover the heart of its rich textile traditions in Bengaluru! Stay in this dynamic city where you'll master the art of traditional block printing in a hands-on workshop led by local artisans. Dive into the intricate techniques of traditional textile painting, and learn from a social enterprise dedicated to empowering women through sewing. Witness first hand how Indian textiles are meticulously printed and embellished, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of local markets as you shop for exquisite silk and embroidery threads and so much more. Your adventure continues with a cultural trip to Mysuru where you'll stay at the iconic Green Hotel and experience the warmth of local hospitality. Visit a girls' rescue home and get a beautiful henna design painted on your body, adding a personal touch to your journey. This is more than a trip—it's an immersive experience into the vibrant world of Indian textiles and culture which will set your creative juices on fire.

A key focus of the trip was engagement with local communities, and the welcome and generosity we received, for me, made the trip so special. Whether it was visiting the homes of the people we met, going to their workplaces or markets, hearing their stories and sharing meals with them, I have some trans formative, and unforgettable memories and a strong desire to travel in this way again.

Who is Lesley?

Lesley Pearce, an experienced educator and textile artist, will be leading an exclusive small group on an enriching 8-day tour starting on Thursday 14 January 2027. Join us for an unforgettable experience of creativity and learning in a supportive and inspiring environment. Lesley has travelled to India four times with Secret Projects, hosting her first trip in January 2020, second trip in January 2025 and third in January 2026. Lesley spends her time between New Zealand and UK

Customer Testimonials

"Visiting India was always going to be colourful and energetic, travelling there with Secret Projects turned it into a life changing, enriching, and utterly amazing experience.

"Completely different from anything I have ever experienced. It is like stepping back in time. I love in India is overwhelming in every way. I am coming back!" Chantelle, New Zealand, 2026

The organisers handled the logistics so well, yet in a way that felt authentic to the country adding to the whole experience, whilst meeting all of our individual needs. Being part of a group meant experiences were shared making them so much more and friendships were made, enhancing the overall enjoyment of the trip." Elissa, UK, 2025

“What an amazing trip to India. Every detail from the well organised itinerary, wonderful value for money, the creative print course, the sights and sounds that were a colourful sensory overload, the precious time spent with the children, the gracious women we met, every detail taken care of and it was truly a life changing experience. I loved it so much, I want to do it all over again….” Deborah , NZ, 2020

"India is vibrant and inspiring, sharing it with like minded people makes this trip an unforgettable experience. Lesley's organisation means that you can just relax and enjoy the textiles, food and incredibly friendly people. I cannot rate this trip highly enough - sign up, you will not regret a single moment and will have so many colourful photos and memories." Gail, NZ, 2020

Cost of the Exploration

£1,400 (GBP + inclusive of taxes where applicable) is the total cost of the trip. This needs to be paid in full by 1 November 2026. All monies need to be paid in full in GBP via BACS or via a credit card link from Secret Projects online shop. Payments via credit card will be subject to 5% charge to cover transaction fees. 

Secure your place on the trip

£150 (GDP) is a refundable deposit amount needs to be paid to secure your place on the trip. 

• Please make this refundable deposit via your debit or credit card using the pay link below
• Balance payment needs to be paid by BACS by 1 November 2026 / Balance invoice will be sent in mid October 2026

What is included in the price

• Welcome Dinner and goodbye dinner
• Full itinerary of back stage activities over 8 days/8 nights
• Hosts will remain with the group throughout the trip. Hosts include Lesley, Textile Artist, Fritha, Co-Founder of Social Enterprise and Sumathi, Director of Indian subsidiary company
• Breakfast 
• Lunches at local restaurants will be covered on 7 out of 8 of the days
• 2 x 1 day textile workshops - block printing and Kalamari fabric painting
• Airport pick and airport return 
  
• All over night accommodation in 2 international hotels (3 star) for 8 night (Twin rooms available only) Night one is Thursday 14 January/ Night 8 is Thursday 21 January
• Henna and massage at girl's rescue home
• Internal travel; Ubers and mini buses 
• Tips to driver and Indian host 
• Entrance to temple on Day 2
• Cloth bag for travel to Mysuru
• Hand made luggage label with your name on it made by Lesley
• 4 craft activities designed to give you the chance to get creative whilst away
• Lively and fun Whatsapp group! 

Meal times From experience, Lesley feels that giving travellers the chance to choose their own restaurants for 6 out of the 8 evening meals is much more fun and explorative. Guidance will be given on this by Lesley and Secret Projects hosts, Sumathi and Fritha. To give you a guide on price, traditional Indian food in a restaurant is anything from £3 - £10. Western restaurants for dinner are more expensive and you are looking at about £15-£20 per head. 

What is not included in the price

• Flights
• Travel insurance
• Vaccinations
• Tourist visa for India
  
• 6 evening meals are not included in the price (in country cost)
• 1 lunch is not included in the price (in country cost)
• Alcoholic drinks at the welcome and goodbye dinner are not included in the price (in country cost)

We estimate that £100 would be more than enough spending money to cover the the two dinners, lunches and drinks. This is not including spending money on fabrics etc. 

Secret Projects will arrange for a local cash converter (trusted) to come to the hotel before the Welcome dinner on day 1 to change your monies in Indian rupees. You can use these to pay for meals, drinks, shopping and spend on the occasional auto rickshaw ride. 

Secure your place now!

• Click here to read our terms and conditions
• Pay £150 via the payment link here using your debit for credit card
  

Once your place is secure, you will receive a Welcome Email from Secret Projects which will have Lesley, Fritha and Sumathi (your hosts) copied.

There is an option to extend your 8 day trip with Secret Projects to travel to West Bengal on a 7 day trip to West Bengal on a Journey of Women's Empowerment through Stitching. Details will be released about this trip in April 2027. If you are interested to receive the details please email travel@secretprojects.org

If you have any further questions, please email travel@secretprojects.org

India awaits!