Plan Your Textile Tour With These Authentic Fabric Destinations in India

India is the second-largest producer of Tussar silk and the exclusive producer of Indian Tussar. The majority of this silk is produced in Malda, West Bengal, and Bhagalpur, Bihar. The great news about this textile is that due to its lightweight and almost linen-like feel, it drapes beautifully and can be used for a variety of products, including soft furnishings, handicrafts, and fashion.

Famous Fabrics: Handwoven Baluchari and Dhaniakhali sarees, and Tussar silk and Murshidabad silk

Brands To Check Out: Soch, Beatitude, and Angoshobha

Prices: Starting at INR 2,000 onwards

Incorporate this into your travel plans for a firsthand experience with the Tanchoi weave. Known as the textile hub of India, Gujarat is world-famous for its Ikat, Patola, and Khadi, and you cannot miss the diversity of Kutch. This region is one of the most prolific for textile art, featuring stunning mirror work and intricate hand embroidery.

 Famous Fabrics: Ikat, Patola, and Khadi, along with Tanchoi Weave

Brands To Check Out: Sanskar, Nyri, and Ekana Label

Prices: Starting at INR 20,000 onwards

Originally produced by the Nawabs of Oudh, Jamdani weaves are still practiced in two main centers in Uttar Pradesh, with Banaras being one of them. If the term seems familiar but you're not entirely sure what it refers to, Jamdanis are thin-textured muslin featuring floral, animal, and bird motifs woven into the fabric. In Banaras, artisans use gold thread alongside bleached and unbleached white threads, still employing traditional Jamdani pit looms to create intricate designs. While you’re in Banaras, don't miss the opportunity to explore Banarasi silks and brocades, as it is one of the richest weaving craft centers in India.

Famous Fabrics: Jamdani, Silk Brocades, Muslin, and Silk Brocades

Brands To Check Out: Zillika, Anjaneya Sarees, and Janasaya

Prices: Starting at INR 2,999 onwards

The Paithani saree is characterised by zari thread woven into fine silk fabrics, featuring pallus decorated with peacocks and borders with an oblique square design, all handwoven. Reminiscent of tapestry, this weave is considered one of the richest from Maharashtra, especially if you've been part of a wedding household.

Famous Fabrics: Zari thread, Himroo, Mashru, and Handblocked Pathani Sarees

Brands To Check Out: Charukriti, Chidiyaa, and Apaapi Threads Of Glory

Prices: Starting at INR 3,999 onwards

Tamil Nadu is truly a textile gold mine, catering to a variety of tastes. From leather to knitwear, silks, and cotton, it’s a must-visit destination. The state is especially famous for its cotton and silk, with Kanchipuram and Arani leading the way thanks to their pure zari silk sarees and thriving handloom silk weaving industries.

Famous Fabrics: Kancheepuram Silk, Madurai Sungudi, Arani Silk. 

Brands To Check Out: Silk Land, Vishnu Weaves, and Vatranand

Prices: Starting at INR 4,500 onwards

Maheshwar, a city in the Khargone district of Madhya Pradesh, is renowned for one of India's finest handloom fabric traditions, particularly Maheshwari sarees and fabrics. Primarily made of cotton, these textiles feature distinctive designs, including stripes, checks, and floral borders.

Famous Fabrics: Maheshwari Silk and Chanderi

Brands To Check Out:Unnati Silks, Moora, and Begum Beliya

Prices: Starting at INR 5,999 onwards

This tops our list of destinations, especially for what they produce. Let’s applaud the house of Ikat (well, after Indonesia). Renowned for its handlooms, Andhra Pradesh offers some of the most exclusive sarees and fabrics, each showcasing a design unique to the region. Originating from the Nalgonda district, Ikat weaving is now practiced in the villages of Puttapaka, Pochampalli, and Chautuppal. If you prefer a more commercial experience, you'll find options available in all major cities.

Famous Fabrics: Pochampalli, Dharmavaram, Venkatagiri, Mangalagiri, and Kalamkari

Brands To Check Out: Indethnic, and Unnati Silks

Prices: Starting at INR 10,000 onwards

As next-door neighbours, we're well aware of Jaipur's reputation as a hub for textiles, from Bandhani and block printing to gota-patti, zari, and kinari work, all complemented by magnificent jewellery. With such a vast selection, Jaipur can feel overwhelming, especially with the influx of new, young designers entering this age-old industry.

Famous Fabrics: Bandhani, Sanganeri, Bandhej and Lehariya

Brands To Check Out:Likha, Kishori, and Label Kanupriya

Prices: Starting at INR 4,500

In addition to the obvious bridal favourites like gota-patti and stunning silver jewellery, Rajasthan is also known for the Kota weave, characterised by its distinctive checkered appearance. Essentially a cotton fabric, Kota is woven using a combination of threads that create the checkered pattern, with the cotton providing firmness and the silk adding a glossier finish.

Famous Fabrics: Kota Doriya

Brands To Check Out: Nikasha, Ruhm, and Akhilam

Prices: Starting at INR 4,500

If you haven't noticed already, most weaves and textiles are named after the districts they originate from. In Karnataka, Ilkal, a medium-sized town in the Bagalkot district, is most famous for its handloom saris and the Ilkal weave. Typically made from cotton, this weave features a distinctive bold pattern and is also available in silk (Ilkal silk) and cotton-silk blends.

Famous Fabrics: lkal Sarees, Mysore Silk, Udupi Cotton, Molkalmuru, Guledgudd Khun, Patteda Anchu, Kasuti and Sandur Lambani Embroidery

Brands To Check Out: Elora, Arhi, and Vaamsi

Prices: Starting at INR 8,500