Call 01306 744 656 or
Call 01306 744 656 or
If you go to any Indian wedding, many of the women will be wearing saris made with Mysore silk…
If you go to any Indian wedding, many of the women will be wearing saris made with Mysore silk. It’s exceptionally soft and high quality, with a beautiful drape and sheen that makes every colour look amazingly rich, so you won’t be surprised to hear that the best saris cost around £3,000.
On this tour, you’ll see how Mysore silk is created and we’ll explain the background. The story of how silk came to the city starts with Tipu Sultan in the 18th century, who was so delighted with a gift of silk cloth from China that he set up mulberry farms where silkworms could be raised. This particular factory was established in 1912 by the Maharaja of Mysore, who brought in power looms from Switzerland to revive an industry that was in decline.
To show how silk is made from start to finish, we begin in a village outside the city where the silkworms are raised and the cocoons are collected. It’s a fascinating experience of rural life, where the guests can see inside the houses, talk to the farmers over coffee, walk through the place where the mulberry trees are grown and learn about something that’s still done in a natural, traditional way.
From here the cocoons are taken to the factory to be turned into thread and then cloth, so that’s the next part of the visit, and it’s very colourful. The finished fabrics mostly come in plain colours, though patterns are becoming more popular, with a golden border in an intricate design made with zari thread.
Mysore silk is something special, which makes you feel warm in winter and cool in summer, and it’s instantly recognisable. When I ask my wife what she wants for Christmas, the answer is always, ‘A Mysore silk sari.’
Your journey will start with one of our UK team – someone like Malcolm, who's travelled extensively in India. They’ll shape your ideas into the trip of a lifetime. But they won't do it alone. They'll draw on the expertise of our contacts on the ground, connecting you to the people who'll make your holiday one you'll always remember.
Freephone an expert 01306 744 656
