Arrival at Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi, India

NOTE we will collect you from the airport whatever time you arrive

Sightseeing Delhi and gently easing our way into India. 

Lakshmi Narayan Temple- you always visit the Gods before a new undertaking and this temple, built by the Industrialist Birla in the 1930’s has a lovely feel. To the left of the main temple is a small description of the significance of the sacred swastika, it is an important Hindu symbol which is good to grasp at the outset as you see it everywhere and it can be a shock for Westerners (and the true depth of perversion of the Nazi’s use of it can be understood).

Raj Ghat- to pay our respects at the cremation site of Gandhi, the beloved hero of India. xx 

Akshardham - a modern temple complex - a superb example of stone and marble carving- I am sure a new wonder of the world in its workmanship. 300,000,000 man hours went into the carving and construction over 5 years- breathtaking!

Built largely by hand and volunteers - keep reminding yourself as walk around.

Great lunches here as well

National Craft Museum- a wonderful display of textiles and many other craft items in a traditional style building. 

Often there is an artisan market there, too, a chance to meet the makers.

Welcome Dinner in the evening, let's celebrate our coming  journey.

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We are heading to the heart of the  Shekhawati region of Rajasthan, long famed for its beautiful painted Havelis. 

A Haveli is a rich man’s palace, built with double walls and an internal courtyard it was all about trying to stay cool and private in a very hot environment. 

One way of showing status was to paint them very intricately, today many are neglected but some jewels still exist, some are old and crumbling, some lovingly restored, all quite magic.

We will visit a Haveli, our castle is also beautifully painted.

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Early start to visit some of the beautiful havelis of Fatepur.

Arriving in Jodhpur in the afternoon we will wander the local area, there is a stunning stepwell and the Clock Tower markets.

Dinner tonight at our hotel boasts a stunning view of the Fort

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Off early to Meherangarh, the mighty Fort of Jodhpur is our awe-inspiring start to the day. This fort is all you have ever dreamed of as a castle on the mountain top from fairy tales.

Along the way today we will visit the Salwas dhurry rug weaver family.

Lunch is a treat made for us by the family- real Rajasthan hospitality.

We will arrive at Pushkar at the end of the day and settle in for a few days- send you washing out and relax.

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Workshop Day - we'll be welcomed and shown around The Stitching Project Workshop.

Your wooden blocks will be ready. Notes about design and instructions sent out when you book in, you send us your design and we will have them carved, oiled and waiting for you to use. 

You will be supplied with a fine handwoven cotton scarf  to print during your blockprint workshop.

Afternoon is free to explore Pushkar, a charming village nestled around the Holy Lake.

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Early start we will head onto Udaipur, sometimes called the Venice of the East…. No canals but lovely lakes, our hotel perched on the top of the hill has great views.

We’ll pile into tuk-tuks and visit the Old Town, get you orientated and have a free afternoon to explore.

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City Palace, this morning, early before it is too busy, then a wander down through the market to Sadhna Women’s Co-operative, and further, along to look for turbans if you are interested.

Free afternoon - Udaipur Old City is easy to explore and so interesting, wander down to the lake side, poke through all the little shops in the market, find a roof top restaurant for a delicious lunch with a stunning view of the lake and hills.

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Bandhani workshop day- Tie and dye that is. 

Then an afternoon visit up, up into the clouds to the Monsoon Palace

and let’s put on a bit of Glitz for dinner the Garden Restaurant in the old palace that was once home to the Dowager Queens.

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Akola village is not far off the highway along a busy country lane, famous for its indigo work and making the wax resist blue and red country women's skirts- great to poke around and then onto Bundi.

Bundi in the afternoon, famous for its Stepwells we'll poke around before dinner.

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There is a lovely stepwell nearby, we’ll take a peek on our way out of town.

Driving across country we will visit Ranthambore National Park.

In the afternoon there is a jeep safari and we hope to see tigers

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Early start to the day- out at sunrise looking for tigers and we will return to our hotel to have breakfast.

Then visit Ranthambore Dastkar, take a tour and spend the rest of the day on the veranda stitching patchwork with the women, sometimes a little singing or dancing with the ladies- we'll help  translate so we can all chat and ask questions. Fun times

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Driving to Jaipur today, 

we'll drop into a papermaking enterprise that uses textile waste to hand make their fine papers.

Visit a textile washing unit- not the type of place you can describe, you have to experience the giant washing lines for yourself.

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Anokhi Blockprint Museum this morning, and a look around Amber Old Town

Then an unstructured day

lunch at Anokhi Cafe

visit Nila House to see their latest exhibition, if anything else is on in Jaipur we could visit or relax in our hotel's garden.

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Today is devoted to block print and indigo as we deep dive into a nearby village that is famous for it.

Bring an apron or wear an old top, we will being taking a workshop.

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Off early to Agra, lunch on the way, 

Goldwork Embroidery Workshop in the afternoon

followed by a visit to a Goldwork museum and jewellery display.

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Early morning visit to the Taj Mahal, watch as the colours change, and the dome starts to glow as the sun lights it up and the colourful crowds of people start to arrive

Then across the river to the Little Taj or Tomb of I'timād-ud-Daulah

Evening free

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Last day we will start at the serene Lodhi Gardens for a stroll, then out and about to the chaos of Delhi.

We will drop into upmarket Khan Market for a little last-minute research into top end textiles and garments…. OK- retail therapy and lunch.

In the evening let’s put on all our sparkle for our Farewell Dinner.

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Departures from Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi, India

We’ll drop you to the airport 

Physical Fitness for Sightseeing 

This adventure is crafted for enthusiastic, active travellers with a good general level of health and mobility.

To make the most of your experience, you’ll need to be comfortable walking for 3–4 hours a day — sometimes over uneven ground, up hills, and climbing a few flights of stairs.

You may also find yourself getting in and out of local transport and navigating the occasional over-the-bath shower.

If you enjoy a bit of daily movement and love discovering new places on foot, you’ll thrive on this tour.

Just a friendly heads-up: we need to walk at an average pace - it will not be suitable for those who prefer a slow pace or need frequent rest stops.

Etiquette

• Be mindful when taking photos, especially in temples, on the ghats, or in private spaces. Always consider how you’d feel with a camera in your face.
• That said, many Indian people love a good selfie—say hello, ask politely, show them the photo, and then ask if you can take one of them. Works a charm.

Learning a few local courtesies in the language of the region is always appreciated.

For workshops, an apron is handy for block printing and indigo.

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Food

Food is a huge part of culture, and we’re there to try it all. For group meals, we usually order a range of dishes to share, exploring local specialties as we go.

Indian food is cooked from scratch with fresh ingredients, so it’s usually easy to keep track of what’s in your meal.

Manufactured products (soy milk, faux meats, etc.) aren’t common.

• Vegetarian – very easy

• Vegan – possible, but a little more challenging

• Chilli-free – not really possible, but we can order mild

• Onion/garlic-free – tricky

• Wheat-free – generally easy

Remember, for Indian cooks “no chilli” feels like “please don’t breathe”—but they’ll do their best!

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Health

Drink only filtered or bottled water—never from the tap, even for brushing your teeth.

Stay hydrated: aim for at least 2 litres of water a day. 

You’ll feel better and be less likely to get a wobbly tummy.

• See your doctor or a travel medicine specialist before you leave.
• Bring enough medications for the whole trip plus copies of your prescriptions.
• Menstrual products: tampons can be hard to find; pads are readily available.

And don’t forget bug spray.

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Money

KNOW YOUR CARD PIN—ATMs will not accept tap.

• There are ATMs everywhere, and it’s easy to withdraw cash once you have your PIN.
• Tell your bank you’re travelling so they don’t block your card for “unusual activity.”
• Travel cards can be handy, but check they work before you leave. Many guests have had good luck with Wise cards.
• Have a backup card tucked away in your suitcase.
• Cash is good as a backup but can be tricky to exchange at a fair rate—ask at the hotel desk.
• Credit cards: less widely accepted, and sometimes incur extra fees.

Currency: Indian Rupee.

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Shopping

There will be treasures! Shopping supports the local economy.

If you know you’re interested in something (carpets, spices, textiles), do a little research—knowing prices back home helps.

Bargaining is the norm in markets. If you’re not experienced, Google a few tips and go in with a smile.

NGOs and social enterprises are usually fixed-price.

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Suitcase

A medium normal-sized suitcase plus a fold-up soft bag for extras works best. Big cases are hard to manoeuvre on the bus.

Recommended size for a medium suitcase:

60–70 cm (H) × 40–50 cm (W) × 25–30 cm (D)

or 24–28" × 16–20" × 10–12"

It’s not easy to buy decent luggage at the last minute on the road.

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Weather

Days are warm; mornings and evenings can be cool. Layers are your friend. A cardigan and socks are often appreciated.

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Power

Power is 240V. European two-pin adaptors are most useful.

The older Indian three-prong plugs are now rarely seen.

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Clothing

Lightweight, loose layers are ideal. Three or four outfits are usually enough, and you’ll find plenty to buy along the way.

A scarf is always useful—for cool air-con, temple visits, modesty, sun protection.

For temples, mosques, and other religious sites, wear long trousers or a mid-calf skirt and bring a scarf to cover your head if needed. Otherwise they’ll lend you a cover-up… and it’s usually a polyester sack!

Aim for modest tops: no cleavage. Midriff is surprisingly fine—just look at the aunties in saris!

Leave expensive jewellery at home.

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Shoes

Comfortable walking shoes—sneakers or well-strapped sandals—are essential. Footpaths can be uneven and you’ll be too busy looking around to watch every step.

A pair of rubber thongs/flip-flops is great for bathrooms.

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Laundry

Any two-night stay is a perfect time to send laundry out. Indian laundry is a joy—washed and ironed, and I’ve never lost a thing.

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Fitness

We get on and off the minibus every day. Markets, monuments, and towns all beg to be explored.

You should be comfortable walking for an hour or two, and expect some steps.

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Begging

In general, please don’t encourage begging. Avoid giving lollies, pens, or treats to children—it creates a begging mentality. If you’d like to donate items, we can pass them to a school.

There’s no pension system: giving a few coins to an elderly or disabled person is a kind and appreciated gesture.

If you love interacting with kids, a friendly chat, joke, or shared moment is far better than a gift.

OR bring a bubble blower - bubbles floating through the air are a universal language of joy.

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Tipping

Tipping is customary. Keep small notes handy:

• 20–50 INR for small services (bags, room service, laundry delivery)

• Around 100 INR for guides, performers, or street photo models

Please also set something aside for our driver—they keep us safe on the roads.

As a guide, think US$2–3 per person per day. Often a group volunteer organises a thank-you at the end of the trip.

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Environment

Tread lightly: conserve water and electricity, and carry your rubbish out where possible.

Say NO to plastic.

Please bring a cloth shopping bag.