Textile Exploration to India with Lesley Pearce - January 2027 Deposit: £130/$260 NZD Total Cost: £1300/$2600 NZD

Introduction to the trip 

Embark on an extraordinary textile journey to India on Thursday 14 January 2027 and discover the heart of its rich textile traditions in Bangalore! 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 Mysore, 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 transformative, and unforgettable memories and a strong desire to travel in this way again.

Your host

Lesley Pearce, an experienced educator and textile artist, will be leading an exclusive small group on an enriching 8-day tour starting on Thursday 15 January 2026. Join us for an unforgettable experience of creativity and learning in a supportive and inspiring environment. Lesley has travelled to India three times with Secret Projects, hosting her first trip in January 2020 and second trip in January 2025. Lesley spends her time between New Zealand and UK

Traveller 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.

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, traveller on Lesley's trip in 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 Woodward, traveller on Lesley's 2020 trip

"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 Smith, traveller on Lesley's 2020 trip

Cost of trip

£1,300 (GBP and inclusive of VAT) and $2600 (NZD) is the total cost of the trip. This needs to be paid in full by 1 November 2025. All monies need to be paid in full in GBP via BACS. Bank details will be provided after the your place on the trip is confirmed. For those living in New Zealand, where Lesley lives, can pay their deposit and remaining balance to a bank account in New Zealand. To arrange this please email travel@secretprojects.org or speak to Lesley directly. 

Secure your place on the trip

£160 (GDP)/ $260 (NZD) 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
• Or if you live in New Zealand and are booking via Lesley, you can make pay your refundable deposit directly to her. 

Balance payment needs to be paid by BACS by 1 November 2026

What is included in the price

• Welcome Dinner 
• Full itinerary of activities over 8 days
• Sumathi, will be your host from Secret Project's India subsidiary company, Social Power India
• 2 x 1 day textile workshops 
• Airport pick and airport return 
  
• All over night accommodation in international hotels
• Twin rooms available only
• Goodbye dinner 

Meal times From experience, Lesley feels that giving travellers the chance to choose their own restaurants for most of the lunches, dinners and few breakfast is much more fun and explorative. Guidance will be given on this by Lesley and Secret Projects host, Sumathi. To give you a guide on price, traditional Indian breakfast and lunch is anything from £1 - £5. 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
• Internal travel costs (in country)
  
• 6 evening meals are not included in the price (in country)
  
• 6 lunches are not included in the  price (in country)
• Drinks at the welcome and goodbye dinner are not included in the price (in country)

We estimate that £200/$450 (NZD) would enough spending money to cover the in country costs listed below. 

Secret Projects will arrange for a local cash converter (trusted) to come to the hotel before the Welcome dinner 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!

• Pay £130 via the payment link here using your debit for credit card
• If you are based in New Zealand email travel@secretprojects.org or speak to Lesley for more details

Once your place is secure, you will receive a Welcome Email from Lesley, your host and Sumathi, your Indian host. 

There is an option to extend your 8 day trip either before or after the trip. Secret Projects can link you with our trusted tour operator based in Bengaluru. 

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

India awaits!