See More In Jaipur
After breakfast, there’s an option to visit the Ranthambore School of Art, or stay and relax at the hotel. If you do choose to visit, you won’t be disappointed. One of the school’s main aims is to promote wildlife conservation. You’ll find marvellous paintings on sale from the students, with proceeds going to supporting the project and to the artist themselves. So get a lovely painting for your mantle and help preserve wildlife at the same time. Win-Win. There’s also time to visit Dastakari Kendra, a non-profit organisation, working with village women to create alternative income sources from handcrafts, such as, clothes and jewellery.
Now it’s time to head to the ‘pink city’ Jaipur, capital of Rajasthan.
Once arrived, you’ll check in to the hotel (the Dera Mandawa) and start the tour, heading straight to the bustling bazaars of the city. Here’s an opportunity to pick up an all important souvenir (that’s not a key ring or mug), local artisans craft all sorts, from traditional Indian textiles, to puppets, to Indian bangles. One of the picks of the bazaars is the Johari bazaar, Johari, meaning jeweller in Hindi. The jewellery on offer is some of the most amazing you’ll ever lay your eyes on. Gold, silver, emerald, you name it, its sold here. So if you happen to be a jewellery trader, are considering an engagement ring, or just happen to like nice, shiny things, you’re in luck.
If you were to tell your friends that you’ve eaten at the house of Indian royalty, they’d think you’d lost the plot. Well this is exactly what you’d be doing. Okay, so we’re not talking about crown wearing, throne perching, caviar eating, royals. You’ll visit the house of a Rajput noble, now believe it or not, these people are descendants from previous Indian royalty. They’ll teach you ancient cooking secrets and you’ll taste some very different, yet delightful foods that you won’t find in any regular restaurant. Shove your tikka masala.
After you’ve spent all your rupees at the bazaars, its time to experience some traditional Indian cuisine. You’ll be welcomed into the home and spend your evening with a local family. After a tour of their house, you’ll get an understanding for how local people live day-to-day. You’ll then get the chance to channel your inner Jamie Oliver and take part in a cooking class, learning from the locals the ways of the ancient Rajasthani culinary tradition.
Overnight at the hotel.