Homestays in Rural Rajasthan

Airport welcome and transfer to your homestay Haveli Hauz Khas Haveli Hauz Khas is an intimate, boutique-style B&B that is set in South Delhi’s quiet, cozy, residential Hauz Khas enclave and is a world away from the capital’s frenzied pace. Originally designed by two Frenchmen with homeliness in mind, the ambience is relaxed and the décor personal.

Breakfast at hotel. This morning you will be introducing the children to Delhi in style, on a morning's private bicycle rickshaw tour. Your rickshaw driver/guides will cycle you through the winding alleys of the markets of Old Delhi where you and the children will witness Indian city life up close as you pass street barbers and stall keepers selling colourful garments, spices and sweets. Hop off whenever you want a closer look, lunch and visit to the white marble Gurudwara Sikh temple which has a community kitchen as well as a very interesting museum on the history of the Sikh community. After lunch, it is time for an introduction to Indian history and architecture with a visit to Humayun's Tomb, also in New Delhi and somewhere for the children to run around in the shaded formal gardens surrounding the elegant tomb of a Mughal king.

Leisurely morning breakfast Afternoon, transfer to railway station and onboard train to Kota, Met upon arrival at Kota railway station and transfer to Amour Casa which is located on outskirts of Bundi. Amour Casa is situated just 20 minutes from the heart of the city and delivers home-run hospitality at its authentic best. Not only does the Khichi family open their doors to distinct wanderers from across the globe, but they extend their local culture, cuisine and people that jointly weave a holiday that is situated around true wellness and vitality.

Morning visit of Bundi, Bundi charms all visitors. You can see a magical palace, a sacred lake and very beautiful step wells. The city has about sixty. The most beautiful and deepest is the Ranijiki which has sculptures, a pool with places of worship. Drive to Chittaurgarh, overnight stay Padmini Haveli Guest house, Enjoy an authentic Indian experience at the Padmini Haveli guest home and soak up the village atmosphere in the old fort of Chittor in Rajasthan!

Morning visiting the largest Fort complex in India. Chittorgarh, once the capital of the Sisodia Rajputs of Mewar, represents the quintessence of Rajput pride and valour. It was here that the chivalrous Rajputs - men and women - repeatedly gave up their lives, preferring death to dishonour and surrender. Throughout its history, this fortified settlement saw siege after siege but refused to bow before foreign power. The ruins of the great monuments at Chittor speak volumes of the many grim and glorious deeds of heroism and sacrifice. Drive to Udaipur and you will stay at Krishna Ranch run by Indo-Netherlandic couple. The Ranch is located 07 kms outskirts of Udaipur in Aravali Hills

In Badi you can go on a nice 3-hour guided hike in the Aravalli hills to a beautiful lake or go on a horseback ride of your choice. Cooking class with Shashi and her husband. The lesson, which lasts 4 hours, ends with a lunch that is taken together with the prepared dishes (curry, chapati, chutneys ...). Udaipur has a lot to offer: a superb lake which offers boat trips to the island of Jagmandir, a huge "City Palace" overlooking the lake which houses a very fine collection of miniatures, numerous rooms with intricately carved decorations with mirrors, mosaics and a collection of ancient objects. It is also a nice stroll through the bazaar and its maze of alleys. Possibility to organize a big bike tour in the hills around the city.

Leave for Kumbhalgarh, enroute a stop to visit the Jain Temple at Ranakpur is the one to go for: fashioned from white marble and supported by 1,440 beautifully carved columns, it really is a spectacle to behold - and a peaceful place, despite the crowds. With, of course, many more monkeys. Further drive to Kumbhalgarh and you will stay tonight at Horse Heritage.

Breakfast at hotel. Transfer to Jodhpur. In the afternoon, you’ll head to the immense Mehrangarh Fort on a cycle rickshaw, where you will learn the fort’s history and walk round its museum before a walk through the backstreets. Overnight in a small charming hotel magnificently located opposite the citadel.

After leisurely breakfast, we will takes you into the back alleys of Ek Minar Masjid in Jodhpur to meet a family who has been involved in the art of tie and dye, called Bandhani, for generations. Bandhani is an ancient art practiced by people mainly of Rajasthan and Gujarat. There are about 700 to 800 Muslim families in Jodhpur who practice the Bandhani technique on a daily basis and have been catering to merchants and wholesalers for centuries. Go on Bandhani Art tour of Jodhpur with us to experience this magnificent art form. Drive to Osian, enjoy a traditional Rajasthani lunch in a local restaurant or at a village family home. Continue on a Camel Safari, one of the most exciting and unique ways to explore the desert villages quaint hamlets of Rajasthan and to get a glimpse of its rural life. Night in a comfortable nomadic camp.

On the morning of the first day, visit the interesting temples of the small desert city which includes the beautiful 8th century Jain Mahavira temple and a rare temple dedicated to Surya, god of the sun. Lunch at the camp, we join the Raikas and we camelback ride for about 9 to 11 km and check-in at nomadic camp, preparation of meals and night under the stars or tent The next day of walking camelback ride through the desert (16 to 18km). Arrival at the end of the day in the village of Hacra. Overnight in jumpas, small round huts which are the traditional habitat of this region with earthen walls and straw roofs. The third day: In the morning visit of village life on foot (2h to 3h) and meeting with the locals, schoolchildren, farmers, craftsmen. Afternoon: relaxation rest, You can admire the beautiful sunset and you can enjoy the hospitality of the family of Gemar and Mewa. Dinner and overnight in Hacra.

Today we leave for another rural life experience to Tilonia. A long day be spent on highway, reaching by evening. Will share dinner together with Tilonia members and students and trainees from all over the world.

Before leaving for Jaipur we will visit Barefoot University which literally means "barefoot university" of the Barefoot College project. In this university there are illiterate women who become solar energy engineers in a few months thanks to the genius of an Indian engineer Bunker Roy. Meeting with the project managers. We also visit  the different workshops and the history of this great company. After visit continue our journey to Jaipur and overnight stay at Jobner Bagh, a simple but stylish Indian homestay situated in Jaipur between the four historic gates.

Early morning guided bike ride (3h). We discover the historic district and its former palaces, City palace, Palace of the winds, hand-weaving workshop * with the technique of stamping. Breakfast on the way. Visit the ancient golden citadel of Amber which was the former capital of Rajasthan, a typical example of Rajput architecture built on top of a cliff and classified as a Unesco heritage. Free afternoon to stroll under the arcades of the exciting bazaar, buy hand-printed dresses at Anokhi or go see the various craftsmen who cut wood or precious stones.

This morning transfer to Agra by surface. Upon arrival visit to Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is effectively a walled city within a city, built of red sandstone and the long-time seat of the Mughal emperors. More importantly, it's somewhere the children can run off some energy as well. Check-in at hotel and time to relax. By sunset you we will take you to Mehtabh Bagh, across the Yamuna River to a special viewing spot where you can gaze across at the Taj Mahal reflected in the water as the sun sets and the white marble turns slowly red.

Early morning tea or coffee at hotel Visit the Taj Mahal, possibly the most famous building on the planet. It's another early start, though, because you can then appreciate this magical place at what photographers call 'the golden hour' - either sunrise or sunset - and before the hordes of tourists arrive. Return to hotel for breakfast and leave for Delhi, couple of hours in capital of India before onboard return flight.