Craft Culture and Cuisine India Tour

Craft, Culture, and Cuisine - Tour of West Bengal - February 2025

Join me on a 15-day journey of discovery with Incentive Destinations and my expert local Tour Guide Mr. Mukherjee.

Tour Highlights:

Craft Exploration:

• Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of West Bengal's textile crafts.
• Visit villages and witness skilled artisans in action, creating intricate textiles, metalwork, paintings and ceramics using traditional techniques.
• Engage with local communities and gain insight into their craftsmanship that has been passed down through generations.

Culinary Adventure:

• Tour vibrant vegetable markets and learn about the diverse array of local produce.
• Savor the flavors of authentic Bengali cuisine.
• Connect with the culinary traditions of the region, experiencing the local ingredients used in each dish.

Cultural Insights:

• Explore significant spiritual and historical sites that showcase the deep-rooted heritage of West Bengal.
• Gain an understanding of the complexities of Indian culture through guided tours of iconic landmarks.
• Connect with the spiritual energy that permeates the region, leaving you with a profound sense of the cultural mosaic.

Contemporary Exploration:

• Visit contemporary design studios and companies leading the way in fair trade and sustainability.
• Witness firsthand the fusion of tradition and modernity in India's evolving design landscape.
• Engage with designers who are making a positive impact on the industry with ethical practices.

Practical Details:

Group Size: Limited to a maximum of 12 participants for an intimate and personalized experience.

Tour Leader:

Julia Raath 

I am a textile designer who lives in Melbourne, Australia. I have extensive experience teaching design in the Higher and Vocational Education sectors in Australia and India. Throughout my teaching career, I maintained my art and design practice and I  have participated in numerous group and solo exhibitions, markets, and studio sales. My designs lean toward floral, geometric, and abstract designs and I enjoy working with colour.

After a 30-year career as a teacher and academic, I returned to the world of creative practice which includes; working on a range of collaborative design projects with the Craft Resource Centre in Kolkata, producing limited edition printed textiles and paintings. 

The connections I have made in India through textiles and teaching are significant and enduring and I believe I have been very fortunate to work in a field that is inspiring, challenging, and rewarding. I am delighted to have the opportunity to share my experience with others.

Tour Guide:

Mr. Mukerjee

A native of West Bengal Suvendu Mukerjee joins my team as an experienced and knowledgeable guide. He will accompany us throughout the tour to provide a deeper understanding of the complexities of Indian culture, history, and significant spiritual sites.

Duration: 15 days of immersive exploration, providing a comprehensive glimpse into the heart of West Bengal.

Booking Information:

For a detailed itinerary, costs, and any additional information, please sign up to join the mailing list or contact me directly:

Email: info.surfaced@gmail.com