We plan journeys of exploration for groups of individuals who have a personal or professional interest in specific themes and topics.
Our learning journeys and study tours are for adult groups who have a personal or professional interest in specific themes. The theme is explored within South India’s richly diverse cultural context, providing an insider's view of the changing landscape, heritage, and wildlife.
LEARNING JOURNEYS
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These journeys are ideal for friends, couples, and solo travellers who would like to journey as part of a group. We plan to enable experiences for gentle exploration, in locations for generating discussion with time worked into the programme for reflection and conversation.
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Themes frequently include:
Crafts and Textiles, Arts and culture, Birding and wildlife, History and heritage, Music, Pottery, and Well-being. You can join a pre-planned trip or create your own for a group of friends.
Our annual summer study visit is specifically for educators, with a focus on Geographical case studies. These CPD programmes enable teachers to gather information and teaching resource ideas to use and share on their return to their schools, increasing first- hand experience of a different country and culture to enrich curriculum subjects.
“What we did was unique, tailor made and built on to what we had done on our previous trips with Stepwell. Very difficult to pick out highlights. It was great to travel through so many different landscapes, there was so much to see on the way. The choice and range of accommodation was excellent - we were not in resorts separated from local life and people.”
Upcoming Learning Journeys
Enrichment in South India
This 12 day study visit is an opportunity to reconnect with journeys to distant places. It is designed as a space and time to retreat from the action of teaching, to gain perspective and return renewed, inspired, and energised.
Food Culture Safari
This is a 21 day circular journey exploring the varied culture and cuisine of the Deccan, Konkan, and Malabar regions of South India during the festival season of Divali. You will learn about the stories and traditions of diverse food cultures, look at the influence of historical trading relationships and explore how the modern context and culture of these places has emerged over time. The journey includes two overnight train rides, a night spent on a houseboat, and two nights stay in a wildlife reserve.
Craft in the Making
This is an 18-day journey from Chennai to Goa. Explore sustainable textiles and ethical craft sourcing with local communities. Learn weaving, metalwork, woodwork, and garland-making. Travel in a minibus, spend a night on a houseboat, catch an overnight train, and ride rickshaws. Experience South India's craft traditions responsibly and hands-on.
Wildlife and Landscapes
This 14 day journey covers a diverse range of habitats across the south Indian state of Karnataka, from grasslands and scrublands to wetlands, rivers, and forests, offering opportunities to spot a wide variety of birds and animals, along with exploring the rich historical heritage of Hampi, Halebeedu, and Srirangapatnam.
The Changing Geography of South India (KS3 - KS5)
During this 12 day study visit you will experience the changing geographic, historical and contemporary cultural contexts of three vastly contrasting South Indian Cities in Karnataka and Kerala. The visit focusses on case study development to support the teaching of KS4 and KS5 Geography.
Geographical Enquiry in south india (KS1 - KS2)
This 13-day study visit focuses on Geographical Enquiry, aiming to enhance questioning, thinking, and creativity skills for teaching Geography. We will share ideas for resource development with an aim to be equipped with ideas and resources for a thoughtfully developed and creative cross curricular ‘India’ topic for KS1 and KS2 teachers.
“My wife (a retired teacher) and I gained a huge amount from Kiran & Imogen’s Stepwell Project. The experience ranged across educational, political, geographical and spiritual elements. It proved to be an excellent introduction to India from the inside out. As well as that, we were comfortably accommodated in a safe environment and tasted wonderful Indian cuisine. Overall, an experience not to be missed.”
Previously on our learning journeys..
Would you like to plan your own learning journey?