ESSENTIAL TRIP NOTES: CRAFT HOLIDAY JAIPUR 2027

20th Feb – 2nd March 2027

Version date: July 2026. These Essential Trip Notes are provided for guidance and may be updated. In the event of any inconsistency, the Booking Conditions take precedence.

The Creative Trail holidays are curated small-group creative experiences combining cultural exploration, artistic facilitation and shared travel experiences.

Overview

• Start: Alsisar Haveli, Jaipur, India at 6pm on 20th February 2027
• Finish: Alsisar Haveli, Jaipur, India at 10am on 2nd March 2027
• Destination: India
• Ages: Minimum 18
• Group size: Min 4, Max 14
• Physical Rating: 2 out of 5
• Price Per Person in shared room: £4250.
• Private Room supplement: £525
• Deposit: £1200 to reserve your place.
• Final Payment (remaining balance): 2 November 2026

This trip is confirmed once minimum numbers are reached. In exceptional circumstances we may operate with fewer than the minimum group size.

We will confirm whether the trip is going ahead by 23rd October 2026. We strongly recommend waiting for confirmation before booking non-refundable flights or travel arrangements.  If the holiday cannot go ahead because the minimum number has not been reached, we will let you know and refund all payments you have made to us.

An 11-day Journey of Inspiration, Colour and Creativity

Trip Overview:

A journey into Jaipur’s timeless crafts, vibrant culture and rich traditions.

Discover the rich artistic heart of Jaipur on an 11-day holiday crafted for creative souls. Thoughtfully paced and designed for craft enthusiasts of all levels, this journey offers a balance of immersion, learning and hands-on creativity.

We begin by learning more about the crafts and their artisans: exploring the history of their techniques, gain a deeper understanding of the craftsmanship that has shaped Jaipur’s vibrant culture for centuries and meet artisans at work.

As the journey unfolds, you’ll move from observation into practice, learning the traditional local Rajasthani techniques of block printing, dyeing techniques and embroidery, working alongside skilled artisans to create your own beautiful and unique pieces.

Enjoy a guided market walk with Vineet, tasting iconic Rajasthani delicacies like dal bati churma and kachoris. Gain insight into local spices and culinary traditions, deepening your connection to the region’s culture through its flavours.

This is more than a holiday. It is a curated journey into Jaipur’s timeless crafts, vibrant culture and rich traditions. With a small group, you’ll enjoy an intimate and personalised adventure, allowing you to forge deeper connections with both the people and culture of Jaipur, as well as with your fellow guests.

Is this trip good for me?

• In February and early March, Jaipur enjoys pleasant warm weather, with daytime temperatures around 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F). It’s a great time to explore the city, as the weather is mild and the warm sunshine allows for spending free time by the pool or for outdoor activities. Evenings can be cooler, so we recommend packing layers so you’re comfortable throughout the day and into the evening.
• We will also be visiting places of worship on this trip, where modesty is required. Clothes that cover the arms and trousers or skirts which go past the knees would be appropriate. And a light scarf is also very useful.
• We’ve sourced our accommodation carefully and picked the best possible hotels in line with The Creative Trail’s style of travel. Service and accommodation in India may be different from western standards.
• Our hotel is a traditional haveli which does not have lifts/elevators. Please ensure your luggage is manageable for carrying up and down flights of stairs, although most of the time hotel staff will be available to help you with this.
• We have chosen to travel slowly, allowing us to take time to be creative and experience India. There will be less travelling than on most tours. But when we do travel India unfolds through the window as we travel.
• While every detail is carefully planned, travelling in India sometimes requires flexibility. Small changes may occur and often become some of the most memorable parts of the journey.
• A mix of activities is included in the trip, plus you will have some free time to discover the destinations for yourselves.

Physical Rating: 2 out of 5

The physical rating gives you an idea of how much physical exertion is required on a particular trip. This trip is rated 2 out of 5 which means some easy physical activities are included in the trip. No physical preparation is required to make the most of the journey.

Health, Medical Ailments, Dietary Requirements, Reduced Mobility, Disability and Age

• Please advise us in writing at the time of booking of any medical conditions, allergies or dietary requirements.
• Please ensure the holiday you choose is suitable for your physical capabilities. Our trips involve sightseeing in busy areas and sometimes on uneven surfaces. Our tours are not strenuous, but you must be able to manage the requirements of the itinerary.
• If you have a disability, medical condition, or require special assistance or accommodations, please contact us in writing in advance of booking. We’ll do our utmost to pass on any requests to our suppliers and will confirm in writing if we are able to guarantee specific arrangements.
• Dietary requirements / allergies: although we will try our best to help where we can, we are unable to give absolute assurance over the contents of your food, and the contact of it with allergens. This is particularly important when travelling in countries such as India, where food labelling and allergen regulations may differ from those you are used to. Please contact us if you’d like to discuss this further.
• It’s important that you supply us with any other information that we may reasonably require in order to supply our tour, ensuring that this information is complete and accurate.
• Our holidays are for over 18s.

Please contact us at hello@thecreativetrail.com to discuss your specific requirements so we can assess the suitability of the holiday with you.

Joining & Finishing Point

• Alsisar Haveli, Jaipur. Sansar Chandra Rd, Shri Ram Colony, Sindhi Camp, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302001, India
• Any problems, please WhatsApp / message / call us on our local India number (+91 94608 62622) and/ or contact Louisa de Jong (Trip Host) on +44 7792 168 406
• We can help you with enquiries about flights, and can organise an airport transfer or any other travel / visiting other destinations in advance if required.

Please contact louisa@thecreativetrail.com for more information.

Getting Here / Airport Transfers

Jaipur International Airport (JAI) is located approximately 13 km (8 miles) from the city centre. While smaller and more manageable than some of India’s larger airports, it can still be busy during peak hours, and baggage collection may take some time. If you’re flying an international destination via Delhi or another Indian hub, you will typically clear immigration and customs at your first point of entry (e.g. Delhi / Mumbai), and then continue on a domestic flight to Jaipur. No further immigration checks are required upon arrival in Jaipur.

While we don’t organise flights, we can help advise on the journey, and also recommend a travel agent who specialises in travel to India. Please contact louisa@thecreativetrail.com for more information.

If you would like assistance upon arrival and departure, The Creative Trail can help pre-book an arrival transfer from Jaipur airport to your hotel. Please contact louisa@thecreativetrail.com, providing your flight details at least 14 days prior to departure. For confirmed arrival transfers, you will be met in the arrivals hall by a driver holding a board with your name. You will be given more details about where they will be waiting once you have booked. Please do not exit the terminal until you have met your driver, and ask them to confirm your destination (Alsisar Haveli) for verification.

It is your responsibility to join the tour on time. Any delay in joining the tour will be met at your cost. We understand that delays happen, and we will always endeavour to assist where possible. You should check your insurance policy to see whether this cover is included. 

If you encounter flight delays, cancellations, or cannot find your transfer driver, please contact us directly our local India number (+91 94608 62622) and/ or contact Louisa de Jong (Trip Host) on +44 7792 168 406

Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival Day | Welcome to Jaipur

Arrive in Jaipur and settle into your beautiful heritage haveli in the heart of the old city. If you’d like help with travel arrangements or arriving earlier, we’re very happy to assist.

This evening we gather for Welcome Drinks and Dinner, a chance to meet fellow travellers and begin our journey into Jaipur’s rich world of craft, colour and creativity.

Accommodation

Heritage Haveli Hotel (night 1 of 10)

Transfer

We can help you organise an airport transfer if required. Please let us know your details at least 14 days prior to the tour start date if possible. See Joining Point section above for more details.

Included Activities

Welcome drinks

Meals Included

Welcome dinner

Extra Information

If you are arriving early or would like help arranging additional experiences before or after the journey, we would be delighted to help you make the most of your time in India. Please contact us at louisa@thecreativetrail.com

You may also wish to combine this journey with our 16-day Art and Craft Tour taking place beforehand and finishing in Jaipur — a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself even more deeply in Rajasthan’s colour, culture and creative traditions. All levels are warmly welcome.

Day 2 – Traditions of Craftsmanship

We begin at the Anokhi Museum of Hand Printing, exploring Rajasthan’s rich block printing traditions filled with textiles, carved wooden blocks and centuries of craftsmanship.

We then continue to the magnificent Amber Fort and Jaipur’s remarkable stepwells before browsing vintage textiles and traditional fabrics at a hidden treasure trove.

Accommodation

Heritage Haveli Hotel (night 2 of 10)

Included Activities

Entrance and guided tour of Anokhi Museum of Hand Printing, Amber Fort and Stepwells

Travel by air-conditioned coach

Meals Included

Breakfast

Day 3 – The Living City of Craft, Bazaars and Boutiques

This morning we visit Jaipur’s magnificent City Palace and Textile Museum, where royal garments and historic textiles reveal the richness of Rajasthan’s craft heritage.

Later, we explore Johari Bazaar and its surrounding lanes, visiting favourite textile shops and boutiques filled with hand printed fabrics and contemporary Indian design.

Accommodation

Heritage Haveli Hotel (night 3 of 10)

Included Activities

Entrance and guided tour of Jaipur’s City Palace and Textile Museum

Guided shopping experience in Jaipur

Travel by air-conditioned coach

Meals Included

Breakfast

Day 4 – The Art of Bandhani Dyeing

Experience the vibrant tradition of Bandhani and Leheriya dyeing with a highly acclaimed master artisan family from Jaipur’s historic Rangrez community.

Learn how fabric is folded, tied and dyed to create flowing patterns rich in colour, rhythm and tradition. The rest of the day is free to browse the bazaars, sightsee or relax.

Accommodation

Heritage Haveli Hotel (night 4 of 10)

Included Activities

Bandhani / Leheriya workshop

Travel by air-conditioned transport

Meals Included

Breakfast

Day 5: Gudri embroidery and a Bollywood Evening

Today we visit Nila House, a cultural space celebrating India’s handmade traditions. Enjoy a Gudri embroidery workshop from the Kalbelia community before exploring the studios, library and beautiful shop.

We head to Jaipur’s iconic Raj Mandir Cinema, a much loved art deco landmark. Settle in to a Bollywood film, a lively experience with the energy and storytelling spirit of modern India.

Accommodation

Heritage Haveli Hotel (night 5 of 10)

Included Activities

Gudri Embroidery workshop at Nila House

Cinema ticket

Travel by air-conditioned transport

Meals Included

Breakfast

Day 6: A Taste of Iconic Rajasthan

We wander with a specialist guide through Jaipur’s bustling markets and lively food lanes sampling iconic Rajasthani dishes including kachoris, ghewar and rabdi.

Gain a deeper understanding of Rajasthan’s spices, culinary traditions and the important role food plays in everyday life and local culture, offing another window into its vibrant identity.

Accommodation

Heritage Haveli Hotel (night 6 of 10)

Included Activities

Guided culinary walking tour through Jaipur

Travel by air-conditioned transport

Meals Included

Breakfast

Days 7, 8 & 9: Block Printing and Natural Dyeing

Across three days, we immerse ourselves in traditional block printing and natural dyeing. Bagru is a historic craft village where artisan families continue centuries old techniques.

Explore these ancient printing and natural colour processes. See fabrics drying in the sun, visit workshops and gain hands on experience while creating your own printed textiles.

Accommodation

Heritage Haveli Hotel (night 7, 8 and 9 of 10)

Included Activities

3 days block printing and natural dyeing workshop

Guided walk through craft village of Bagru

Travel by air-conditioned transport

Meals Included

Breakfast

Day 10: Jaipur Backstreets and Local Favourite

We take a specialist guided walk through Jaipur’s atmospheric backstreets to meet artisans at work – jewellers, metalworkers, potters and more.

The afternoon is free to relax, shop or revisit favourite places. In the evening we gather for farewell Cocktails and Dinner at the iconic Bar Palladio.

Included Activities

Walking tour of Jaipur’s alleys, spice markets and artisan visits

Farewell Dinner

Travel by air-conditioned transport

Accommodation

Heritage Haveli Hotel (night 10 of 10)

Meals Included

Breakfast

Farewell Dinner

Day 11 – Fly Home, or Explore Further

Your heart will be full of inspiration and your luggage filled with handmade treasures. India has a way of staying with you long after you leave.

We can help you with further travel, and you may choose to combine this tour with our 16 day Art and Craft Tour running beforehand, a richly immersive creative journey for all levels that culminates in Jaipur.

Accommodation

None

Meals Included

Breakfast

Optional Activities

We can arrange an airport transfer to Jaipur or Delhi Airport (15 days prior notice preferred). Please contact Louisa for more details: louisa@thecreativetrail.com

Onward Travel

If you would like information about continuing your travels within India, please contact Louisa for more details at louisa@thecreativetrail.com. We can help arrange guides and transport to destinations across the country.

Some of the most popular places for our guests include the Golden Triangle as well as beautiful destinations in Rajasthan such as Udaipur, Bundi, Jodhpur, the Shekhawati region and Jaisalmer.

You may also like to consider arriving earlier and joining our 16 day Art and Craft Tour that takes place before this trip, suitable for all levels. Discounts are available when booking both tours together.

Itinerary Changes

We carefully plan every trip to provide the best possible experience. However, reasonable changes to the itinerary, accommodation, transport, timings or included activities may occasionally be necessary due to local conditions, weather, transport schedules, safety considerations, public holidays, festivals, operational requirements or other circumstances outside our control. Any such changes will be made in accordance with our Booking Conditions.

The order and timing of activities may also vary during the trip. We will keep you informed of any significant changes where reasonably possible. Travelling in India can require flexibility. We ask that you travel with an open mind, including understanding the nuances of India.

Named artists, tour hosts and trip leaders may be replaced where reasonably necessary, including due to illness, operational requirements or other circumstances outside our control. Any replacement will be selected by us acting reasonably to maintain the overall character and quality of the trip.

Optional Activities:

We have listed a selection of optional activities that have been popular with previous guests. This isn’t an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available.  You may want to research other options before you travel. 

Optional activities are not part of the included itinerary and are arranged independently. We can suggest trusted options, but participation is entirely at your discretion.

Essential Trip Information

Feedback

Feedback is very important for us, and we’d love to hear about how you found the trip. If you’d like to do this in writing, our email address is hello@thecreativetrail.com

Essential Trip Notes: Important Notes

1. This trip requires a minimum of 4 guests to operate. In rare circumstances, we may choose to run the trip with fewer guests if it remains operationally viable. We recommend waiting for confirmation before booking non-refundable travel.
2. Travel insurance is mandatory on all The Creative Trail trips – please read Booking Conditions for more details.
3. We offer a Single Supplement for every night of this trip. Twin rooms are for those travelling with friends or partners. 
4. Airport Transfer: if you would like us to help you with the airport transfer, please let us know at louisa@thecreativetrail.com. People will be arriving at different times. Ideally, you should tell us whether you would like an airport pick-up and drop off at least 14 days before date of departure of the trip.
5. Louisa de Jong is our tour host for this trip and we fully expect her to join us. However, in the event that Louisa is unable to travel for any reason, we reserve the right to provide a replacement tour host selected by us acting reasonably to maintain the overall character and quality of the experience. Named tour hosts form part of the intended experience but may be replaced where reasonably necessary in accordance with our Booking Conditions. Please refer to our Booking Conditions for further details.

Passport and Visas

Please ensure you have valid travel documents, including passports and visas.

Passport

To travel internationally, you’ll need a valid passport. Most countries, including India, require your passport to be valid for at least six months from your date of arrival, so please check the expiry date well in advance.

You are responsible for ensuring your passport meets the requirements for travel to India. If you need to apply for or renew a passport, please allow plenty of time before departure.

For the latest advice, consult the official foreign travel guidance for your country, as entry requirements can change.

For example, for UK travellers, at the time of writing, your passport must:

• have at least two blank pages
• be valid for at least six months from your date of arrival into India

Please refer to the official UK Government guidance here:

UK Government India Entry Requirements

We also require your passport details before travel preparation begins, so please ensure the information you provide matches your passport exactly.

Tip: It’s a good idea to carry a printed copy of your passport photo page while travelling and leave a copy at home with a family member or friend.

Visas

Visas are your responsibility. Entry requirements can change at any time, so it is important that you check the latest guidance for your nationality before booking and before travel.

Many travellers will require a visa for India. It is important that you obtain the correct visa, including for any countries you transit through.

Please check the official Indian visa website for the latest information for your nationality: Official Indian eVisa Website

At the time of writing, passport holders from the UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Germany, the USA and many other countries may apply online for an Indian e-Tourist Visa (eVisa).

Travellers must apply online before travel and receive approval prior to departure. Processing times can vary, so we strongly recommend applying well in advance.

Please be aware of strict conditions regarding eligibility, passport validity and permitted entry airports. Always refer to the official website for the latest information.

For your visa application, you may need to include the following local contact details:

Mr Dhruv Singh
Alsisar Haveli
Sansar Chandra Road
Jaipur 302001
India
Phone: +91 7665008141

Please note that visa requirements and procedures can change at any time, so it is important to check the official Indian government website before applying.

We strongly recommend carrying a printed copy of your approved eVisa/ETA with your passport while travelling. Although digital copies are often accepted, paper copies can be extremely helpful at airports and during travel within India.

Medical and health information

You should be in sufficiently good physical health to participate safely in the itinerary. You will need to read the itinerary carefully to determine if this trip is suitable for you. If, acting reasonably, we believe that you are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to yourself or the rest of the group, The Creative Trail reserves the right to exclude you from all or part of the trip, without a refund.

It is important that you consult your doctor for the latest medical travel information and for any required vaccinations, giving yourself enough time before departure. It’s important that you obtain any vaccinations or preventative medicines needed. To find out which, if any, vaccinations are mandatory or recommended contact your local doctor, immunisation centre or medical centre for up-to-date information. The choice of vaccinations can depend on a range of issues including the specific destination, the duration of the trip, your personal health and what vaccines you have had before.

We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements (in their original packaging) as they may not easily be obtained while travelling. If you are carrying medication, ensure you check your government’s foreign travel advice for any local restrictions or requirements.

We recommend carrying a record of your vaccinations, either digitally or in print, in case this is useful for medical care while travelling.

Mosquito-borne illnesses:

Malaria risk in Rajasthan, including Jaipur, is generally low but can occur in India in some regions.

Air pollution:

During winter months, air quality in parts of North India, including Rajasthan, can occasionally be poor. This may affect those with respiratory or pre-existing heart or lung conditions. If needed, face masks are widely available locally and your tour host can assist.

Water safety:

Tap water is not safe to drink in India. We recommend drinking bottled or filtered water only. Please seek medical advice if you feel unwell.

Food and dietary requirements

While travelling with us you’ll experience the vast array of wonderful food available in the world. Your tour host will be able to suggest restaurants to try during your trip.

To give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat, not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you more budgeting flexibility. As a rule, our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other’s company. If you have dietary requirements and/or food allergies, please let us know prior to departure.

Food in India:

Food in India is celebrated for its amazing use of herbs and spices. Traditional Rajasthani cuisine is well known for its spicy curries and delicious sweets. It is often vegetarian, although meat dishes are available in most (but not all) of the restaurants that we recommend. We will be able to recommend restaurants that are known to have better hygiene, usually in tourist areas. Although there is no obligation to eat together, doing so allows groups to enjoy a larger range of dishes, as well as catching up about the day and sharing experiences together.

Please note that service in restaurants (especially with a group) can be quite slow so patience is a must.

Accommodation

Heritage Haveli Hotel (10 nights)

The Alsisar Haveli is a beautifully restored heritage mansion in the heart of Jaipur and your base for the trip. It offers a calm retreat from the energy of the city, with shaded courtyards, intricate architecture and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.

Blending historic charm with modern comforts, including air conditioning and heating, it is a peaceful place to unwind after each day’s explorations, reflect on your creative experiences and feel inspired throughout your stay.

Single Supplement

We offer a Single Supplement for every night of this trip. Twin rooms are available. 

Occasional Alternative Accommodation

The accommodation type listed in the Essential Holiday Notes is a guide. Occasionally, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our usual accommodation. The new accommodation will be of similar standard.

Checking-In

Check in times for our accommodation should be from 2pm at the latest, although there may be instances when this cannot be the case. If our rooms are not available, we will be able to store our luggage and return when the rooms are available.

Room Issues

We have chosen accommodation which we hope you will enjoy. But if you have any issues with your room, please speak to the hotel and us immediately, so that we can sort any issue right away without delay. If we do not know about an issue, we cannot help to solve it.  

Swimming Pool

Our accommodation has a swimming pool.

Transport

Auto-rickshaw (tuktuk), car, private vehicle

TRANSPORT IN INDIA:

ROAD TRAVEL:

Main roads in India are usually busy with an assortment of vehicles from the biggest trucks (who always have right of way) down to bikes (and animals!). Overtaking on blind corners at speed is common as is the total use of the horn as a form of communication. Drivers of our private vehicles are experienced and well trained. if you are uncomfortable with your driver, please always let your tour host know immediately. Our leaders have complete authority to remove groups from local transport if the driver is not driving safely. Please ensure you wear your seat belt at all times. Our private vehicles are comfortable and air conditioned, and most have WiFi.

Auto-Rickshaws:

Often referred to as tuk-tuks by visitors to India, these are a motorised, three-wheeled vehicle for public hire. They are an authentic way to travel around India, but are exposed at the sides (and often the back) and do not have seatbelts. Keep your body inside at all times, and be sensible when travelling in these.

Flights

As with anywhere in the world, schedule changes and delays do occur, and can be affected by bad weather. Before entering the airport, you must display your flight-ticket and passport to the representatives by the doors. You can show your flight details on your phone, but it can be useful to bring a paper copy of your flight details as a back up. If you need WiFi at the point of entry to the airport, the staff can often give you a WiFi code (airport dependant).

Money

Official Currency

The official currency of India is the Indian Rupee (INR). Its symbol is ₹.

ATMs that accept international debit and credit cards are widely available in larger cities and towns. However, they can occasionally be out of service or run low on cash, so it is sensible to carry some cash as a backup.

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in major hotels, shops and restaurants, but cash is still commonly used, particularly in smaller establishments and markets.

We recommend carrying sufficient cash to cover day to day expenses, especially when travelling outside larger cities.

Be sure to use or exchange any remaining INR before leaving India, INR is a non-convertible currency, meaning it is generally not exchanged outside India.

Tipping

Tipping is common within the tourism industry in India and is greatly appreciated by drivers, local guides, hotel staff and others who help look after you during your travels. While tipping is discretionary, it can be a meaningful way to recognise good service and hospitality. We recommend using clean notes in reasonable denominations where possible, as coins, very small notes, or damaged notes may be considered inappropriate or discourteous. Your Trip Host can help guide you on local tipping customs throughout the trip.

Spending money

Spending styles vary from person to person, so we recommend budgeting according to your own preferences. Typical expenses include meals not included in the itinerary, drinks, shopping, optional activities and laundry. The itinerary section of these Essential Trip Notes explains what is included in the trip price, as well as any additional expenses you may wish to allow for while travelling.

Optional Kitty

At the Welcome Dinner, we will discuss with you the idea of running a group kitty, whereby everybody contributes an equal amount for meals and tipping (drivers, local guides, and hotel staff). We will keep a running record of all monies spent which can be checked at any time, and any money remaining at the end of the tour returned to group members. This is often the easiest way to avoid the hassles of needing small change and knowing when and what is an appropriate amount to tip. Participation in this kitty at your own discretion, and you are welcome to manage your own meals and tipping separately if you prefer.

We would suggest budgeting around £30 per person per day for meals and tipping. Alcohol is extra.

Contingency Funds

We try to plan for every eventuality, but there are still some things beyond our control. We reserve the right to change an itinerary after departure due to local circumstances or a Force Majeure Event. In such emergency circumstances, you may be responsible for additional personal costs arising from necessary itinerary alterations, subject to your rights under applicable law and the terms of your travel insurance. Please note we are not responsible for any incidental expenses that may be incurred as a result of the change of itineraries including but not limited to visas, vaccinations or non-refundable flights. Make sure you have access to an extra £400 / US$500 or equivalent in local currency for emergencies or other events that result in unavoidable changes to the itinerary. Sometimes these things necessitate last-minute changes to enable our trips to continue to run, and as a result, there may be some extra costs involved. The recommended amount is listed in USD/GBP for the relatability of universal guests, however, local currency may be needed once in the country to cover these costs.

Packing

Most guests prefer to take a wheeled suitcase. Whatever you take, be mindful that you will need to be able to carry your own luggage, handle it at airports, take it in/out of accommodation and perhaps even walk short distances.

Travel documents

• Passport
• Printed copies of both eVisa and eArrival card (printed copies may be requested)
• Vaccination Certificates
• Travel insurance policy (see Travel Insurance Section below)
• 24 hr emergency travel insurance contact and policy number
• Evidence of flight tickets for entry into airports (print out useful as a back up)
• Your travel itinerary
• Photocopies of important documents
• A print-out of your trip’s Essential Trip Notes
• Cash/credit cards
• Access to contingency money
• Money belt or pouch

Main Luggage

We recommend that you are able to carry and lift your own luggage. In the main, guides and transport and hotel staff will help you with your luggage, but it is still important that you can manage your luggage for short distances including up and down stairs if needed.

Wheeled suitcases that can also easily be picked up and carried are the best for travel in this part of the world, although if you prefer, a backpack is also fine.

Jaipur is a shopping haven. Remember to leave some room for some not-to-be-missed new treasures!

Below are some ideas and helpful tips on what you specifically need for this trip.

Day Pack

A day pack for carrying essentials when exploring destinations.

Clothing

Check the weather forecast online in Jaipur a few days before you go to make sure you pack appropriate clothing. Laundry facilities will be available at the hotel, but make sure you have a few cycles of clothes to make sure you have enough while your clothes are in the hotel laundry (usually maximum of 2 days turnaround).

• A mixture of lightweight clothing and warm layers including a coat. Be prepared for the different temperatures. The days in Rajasthan can be warm and the evenings/nights cooler than you may think. Bring extra layers and consider warm sleepwear options.
• For general wear in India, especially temple visits, modest clothing is recommended: shoulders and knees covered. A scarf or shawl is useful for modesty and can double as something to sit on.
• One or two old tops and a pair of old trousers for dyeing sessions can be useful. These can get messy and some dyes stain permanently. Dark or old shoes can also useful for these days. Aprons are an option but may not fully protect clothing, so be aware there may be some changes to the colours of your clothes on those days.
• Comfortable, closed-in shoes are recommended
• Sun protection: hat, sunscreen, sunglasses
• Swimwear

Other personal kit:

• Personal medication and prescriptions (contact your doctor for detailed advice) – these should travel with you in your hand luggage when flying
• Personal medical kit, we recommend you carry items such as mild pain killers, electrolytes, Band-Aids
• Some guests find travel probiotics useful
• Hand sanitiser
• Toiletries, biodegradable travel-wipes, hand sanitiser (one that clips onto your bag is very useful)
• Ears plugs / eye mask
• Reusable shopping bag(s)
• Travel adapters for India
• Phone
• Battery Pack for your phone, as you will be taking lots of photos and your phone may run down quickly during the day
• Pen/paper/diary and a good book
• Small repair / sewing kit
• Water bottle

Craft Materials:

All materials will be provided

Valuables:

Please try to avoid bringing unnecessary valuables. We recommend that you:

• use a money belt or pouch that is well hidden
• photocopy/scan all important documents e.g. air tickets, passport, vaccination certificates, etc. and keep the copies separate from the originals
• use safety deposit boxes at hotels where available to store your valuables when available and ensure your luggage is lockable

Internet and WIFI

Generally WiFi is available in most parts of India and at our hotel. Signals can vary. It’s usually stronger in public areas of hotels but due to the thick walls of the havelis, is not always available in hotel rooms. Many restaurants and cafes (especially in tourist areas) offer customers free WiFi.

Most guests prefer to have access to the internet during the day when we are out of WiFi areas. Some guests purchase extra bundles through their current providers, but many guests buy an eSIM package before they travel. Airalo has been very popular with our guests in the past. Some guests have reported issues with Saily.

Trip staff

As tour leaders, hosts and artists we aim to make your trip as easy as possible, enabling you to have the best possible experience. We will help you with information about the places we are visiting, give suggestions of where to visit and recommend local places to eat. Our local guides are from the local area, so have specialised knowledge of the areas we visit. They can answer your questions about historical, cultural, religious and social aspects of their region, as well as how this compares to India overall.

Safety

We recommend that you check your government’s foreign travel advisory for the latest information about the destination before you travel. You will also need to ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all destinations and activities on your trip, and all aspects of the itinerary.

As in many busy cities, we recommend taking normal precautions with valuables and being mindful when walking at night, particularly in quieter or less well-lit areas. Take precautions such as carrying your bag in front of you and never leaving personal items unattended.

Please note, that we reserve the right to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary where reasonably necessary due to safety concerns.

Women’s safety

India is generally a welcoming destination for women travellers, and most visits are trouble free. As with travel anywhere in the world, we recommend being mindful of local customs and your surroundings.

To help ensure a safe and comfortable experience, we suggest:

• Dressing modestly when visiting religious sites and in more traditional or rural areas, for example covering shoulders and knees
• Where possible, avoid walking alone in poorly lit or isolated areas at night
• Travelling as part of the group or using trusted, pre-arranged transport where possible
• Using hotel taxis or pre-booked transport rather than hailing taxis on the street
• Checking driver identification before starting any journey arranged on your behalf

Your Trip Host is there to support you if you feel unsure or need assistance at any point during the trip.

Problems and emergency contact information

While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit occasionally things may not go exactly to plan. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your Trip Host straight away so that they can do their best to resolve the problem during the trip itself. You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback, which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip. Please do be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is completed, so informing us while still travelling will give us the opportunity to resolve the issue in real-time. For general contact details please use the following page: https://thecreativetrail.com/contact-the-creative-trail/.

In case of crisis or emergency, you can reach our Louisa de Jong (Trip Host) on the number below:

Available for phone call or WhatsApp call +44 7792 168 406

A couple of rules

Everyone has the right to feel safe when they travel. We don’t tolerate any form of violence (verbal or physical) or sexual harassment, either between customers or involving our staff, partners or local communities.

Any behaviour that prevents your tour host from continuing the itinerary as planned, breaks local laws or opposes any of these guidelines may result in The Creative Trail denying your booking or removing you from the trip. If something concerns you during your travels, please speak to your tour host immediately. Alternatively, you can contact us on the emergency contact number detailed in the Problems and Emergency Contact Information section of this Essential Trip Information.

Travelling in a group

Travelling in groups can result in forming life-long friendships. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group – patience with your fellow guests is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone’s travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don’t keep the rest of the group waiting. The best trips are those where the dynamics within the group work well – this takes just a little effort on your part.

Travel Insurance

Comprehensive travel insurance is required for all guests. We strongly suggest that you purchase this at the time of booking (if you don’t have it already) so that you have cover in case you need to cancel before travel.

Please ensure your policy covers medical expenses, cancellation, delays, missed flights and all activities included in your itinerary. We are unable to cover any costs arising from a lack of adequate travel insurance.

We require your travel insurance policy number and the insurance company’s 24-hour emergency contact number two weeks before travel. If you have not provided it by the first day of your trip, we reserve the right to refuse participation in the trip until satisfactory evidence of insurance is provided. If you have travel insurance connected to your credit card or bank account, please ensure you have details of the participating insurer, the insurance policy number and emergency contact number with you rather than the bank’s name and credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in India.

Responsible Travel

We believe strongly in low impact or rather positive impact tourism. Broadly speaking this means that we try to minimise the negative aspects of tourism on the local cultures and environments that we visit and highlight the positive aspects. Tourism can be extremely beneficial for a country and its local people. But we must be mindful of our actions.

Support of Local Communities

Our mission is to always travel thoughtfully, ensuring we work with local communities to understand the impact of our travels. From helping local schools, to working with the right suppliers, we ensure our actions are sustainable.