Ilkal Mulberry Semi Silk Temple Border | Pure Silk Tope Pallu Saree

The Ilkal saree has one feature that sets it apart from every other Indian handloom: the pallu is woven separately — in pure silk — and then joined to the semi-silk body. That join, called the Tope Teni, is not a flaw. It is the signature of an authentic Ilkal saree, and the reason the pallu drapes and catches light differently from the body. The Chikki Paras temple border does the rest.

The body is Mulberry Semi Silk with special loom temple zari checks — structured, geometric, and distinctly Ilkal. The pure silk Tope Pallu brings a different weight and lustre to the drape, making the contrast between body and pallu visible and intentional. The Chikki Paras border — one of Ilkal's most recognised border styles — frames the saree with the kind of geometric precision. A contrast blouse piece is attached.

Who Is This Ilkal Saree For?

Karnataka festival and function wear: A silk-look Ilkal saree, lighter than pure silk, for Ugadi, Varalakshmi Vratham, Dasara, Deepavali, housewarmings, naming ceremonies and weddings as a guest.

Professionals and formal events: Elegant drape for professors, doctors, lawyers, officers and executives at conferences, cultural programmes and ethnic days.

Handloom collectors: GI-tagged Karnataka Ilkal weave with a Tope Teni pallu join and Chikki Paras temple border.

NRIs and the Kannada diaspora: An authentic Karnataka saree for festivals and temple events in the USA, UK, UAE, Singapore and Australia. We ship worldwide. 

Gifting: A heritage gift for mothers, mothers-in-law and wives, for Deepavali and housewarmings.

Styling This Saree

The pure silk Tope Pallu and Chikki Paras border are the focal points — let them lead. Pair with traditional temple jewellery, antique gold ornaments, or elegant pearls. A neatly tied bun with jasmine and a classic bindi complete the South Indian look without competing with the saree.

Product Specifications

• State: Karnataka, India
• Weave: Authentic Karnataka Handloom Ilkal
• Fabric: Mulberry Semi Silk
• Body: Special Loom Temple Zari Checks
• Border: Chikki Paras Temple Border
• Pallu: Pure Silk Tope Pallu (Tope Teni join)
• Blouse: Contrast Blouse Piece (Attached)
• Length: 6.20 Metres
• Colour: Multiple combinations available — select from variants
• GI Tag: Ilkal Saree (Geographical Indication)
• Country of Origin: India
• Care: Dry Clean Recommended

Ethnics Land

Every saree at Ethnics Land is sourced directly from the artisan community behind it, carefully quality-checked before dispatch, and described with complete transparency. We believe you should receive exactly what you chose — no surprises, no misleading images, just authentic Indian handloom craftsmanship.