ART AND CRAFT INDIA
ART AND CRAFT HOLIDAY: THE ESSENCE OF RAJASTHAN
3rd–18th February 2027
A deeply immersive journey through Rajasthan’s colour, culture and artistic traditions.
This art and craft holiday brings together sketching, painting, experimental workshops and traditional crafts alongside meaningful cultural encounters.
JOIN AN INFO SESSION
Join us online on Tuesday, 15th September 6pm UK time (BST) to find out more
A GUIDED CREATIVE JOURNEY THROUGH RAJASTHAN
Led by artist Charlotte Gerrard, host Louisa de Jong and guide Narendra Singh, the art and craft journey explores colour, texture, layering and observation.
Journey through the blue streets of Jodhpur, the lakes of Udaipur, the painted palaces of Bundi and the historic atmosphere of Jaipur.
WHAT YOU'LL EXPERIENCE
Sketch and paint the daily rhythms and architectures of India and join experimental art workshops with Tour Artist Charlotte Gerrard.
Take part in craft workshops with local artisans including block printing, embroidery, miniature painting and hand coloured photography.
WHO IS THIS HOLIDAY FOR?
This art and craft tour welcomes creatives of all levels of experience and interests.
Beginners will find accessible ways into drawing, painting and making, while more experienced artists can expand their practice and challenge their creative boundaries in new environments.
HIGHLIGHTS
Paint and Sketch Through Rajasthan
From the blue streets of Jodhpur to the murals of Bundi and the historic architecture of Jaipur, work directly in this extraordinary landscape.
Learn Through Experimental Art Workshops
Explore layering, collage, pouring techniques, sketchbook development and image transfer with artist Charlotte Gerrard.
Discover Rajasthan’s Living Craft Traditions
Take part in embroidery, Dabu mud resist and block printing workshops with skilled artisans in traditional settings.
Work in The Most Extraordinary Settings
Sketch and paint in palaces, UNESCO forts, incredible rooftops, lakesides and atmospheric backstreets across Rajasthan.
Develop Your Own Creative Practice
Build confidence in observation, intuitive making and personal creative expression through guided workshops and exploration.
Savour the Flavours of Rajasthan
Indulge in saffron-infused pulao, smoky baati with ghee and sweet cardamom gulab jamun, a feast full of rich, aromatic flavours.
Experience The Everyday Rajasthan
Explore bazaars, temples, village life and everyday moments that reveal the rhythm and texture of daily life.
Travel with Like Minded Creatives
Share inspiration, ideas and memorable experiences within a warm and supportive small group. Make lasting friendships.
Slow Down and See Things Differently
A thoughtfully paced journey with time to absorb, reflect, sketch and respond more deeply to your surroundings.
KEY DETAILS
This is an immersive creative journey designed to help you observe differently, respond more instinctively and develop a freer relationship with materials, process and place.
Art becomes a way of engaging with Rajasthan through colour, atmosphere, texture, architecture and everyday life.
Each location brings a different creative focus:
- Observation and sketching in Jodhpur
- Photography, layering and pigment in Udaipur
- Murals, texture and image transfer in Bundi
- Craft traditions and visual culture in Jaipur
The emphasis is on exploration, experimentation and creative discovery.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
• Small group experience (5–14 participants) for a more personal and supportive atmosphere
• Accompanied throughout by artist Charlotte Gerrard, host Louisa de Jong, a local guide and occasional specialist guides
• Guidance and creative tuition from Charlotte Gerrard during workshops, sketching sessions and creative exercises
• 15 nights’ accommodation in carefully selected heritage forts and havelis full of atmosphere and character
• Daily breakfast throughout the journey
• All creative workshops, craft experiences and workshop materials included
• Experimental art workshops exploring layering, collage, pouring techniques, image transfer and sketchbook development
• Rooftop sketching and painting sessions overlooking lakes, palaces and historic cityscapes
• Photography workshop in Udaipur with renowned Udaipur artist and photographer Rajesh Soni
• Miniature painting and hand coloured photography workshop with Rajesh Soni
• Traditional embroidery workshop with a women’s community group in Jodhpur
• Dabu mud resist and indigo block printing workshop with local artisans
• Traditional block printing workshop in Bagru village using carved wooden blocks and natural dyes
• Pottery workshop in a rural village setting
• Visits to Rajasthan’s artistic and architectural highlights including Bundi Palace, the Chitrashala murals, Amber Fort and the Anokhi Museum of Hand Printing
• Private air conditioned transport throughout the journey
• Entry fees to included monuments, museums, workshops and experiences
• Welcome drinks and dinner in Jodhpur
• Farewell drinks and dinner in Jaipur
• Support with pre trip planning and optional onward travel arrangements within India
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
• International flights to and from India
• Indian visa fees
• Airport transfers (we can assist with arrangements)
• Travel insurance (mandatory for all participants)
• Personal expenses including shopping, laundry and additional sightseeing
• Lunches, most dinners, tips and gratuities (we will organise an optional shared kitty to simplify this for the group)
• Optional activities during free time such as spa treatments or additional experiences
Tour Summary
A comprehensive itinerary is found further down this page. Here we provide a tour summary:
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Day 1: Welcome to Jodhpur
Arrive in the Blue City of Jodhpur and settle into our heritage fort hotel. In the evening we gather for Welcome Drinks and Dinner as the journey begins.
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Days 2–4: The Blue City of Jodhpur
Begin with experimental workshops exploring colour, collage and intuitive mark making before sketching through Jodhpur’s blue streets, stepwells and markets. Spend time with a local women’s embroidery group and enjoy space for independent exploration and drawing.
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Day 5: Desert Landscapes and Village Traditions
Travel through rural Rajasthan visiting a traditional weaving community, seeing handwoven Durry rugs and searching for local wildlife before continuing on to Udaipur.
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Days 6–8: The City of Lakes of Udaipur
Explore Udaipur through sketching, photography and observation. Take part in rooftop painting workshops, miniature painting and hand coloured photography while soaking up the atmosphere of the City of Lakes.
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Day 9: Dabu Mud Resist and Indigo Printing
Visit a traditional artisan village to learn the meditative process of Dabu mud resist and indigo block printing using natural dyes and carved wooden blocks.
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Days 10–12: Bundi Palace and Surrounding Countryside
Sketch within Bundi Palace’s remarkable Chitrashala murals before developing layered mixed media work inspired by the journey so far. Visit a rural pottery village and enjoy time to deepen your own creative process.
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Day 13: Bagru Block Printing
Travel to Jaipur via Bagru, one of Rajasthan’s most important block printing villages, where artisans continue centuries old printing traditions using natural dyes and hand carved blocks.
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Days 14–15: The Pink City of Jaipur
Sketch at Amber Fort, visit the Anokhi Museum of Hand Printing and experience Bollywood cinema at Raj Mandir. Explore Jaipur’s artisan lanes, jewellers, workshops and hidden havelis before a farewell dinner at Bar Palladio.
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Day 16: Depart full of inspiration
Depart with sketchbooks, ideas and creative inspiration shaped by Rajasthan’s colour, craft and culture. Continue exploring India independently or join our Jaipur Craft Holiday for a deeper immersion into the city’s living craft traditions.
Please note: While we strive to follow the outlined itinerary, changes may occur due to local conditions, weather or unforeseen circumstances
Journey through Rajasthan’s most visually rich and culturally distinctive regions, beginning in the blue streets of Jodhpur before travelling through the lakes of Udaipur, the painted palaces of Bundi and ending in Jaipur, Rajasthan’s vibrant craft and cultural capital.
Each destination offers a different atmosphere and creative focus, from desert landscapes and historic forts to artisan workshops, bustling bazaars and intricate palace murals, creating an inspiring backdrop for sketching, painting and creative exploration throughout the journey.
TRIP DETAILS
- 3rd - 18th February 2027
- 16 Days
- Rajasthan
- £5750
- Private Room Supplement: £690 covers whole trip
- Small group: 5-14 guests
- Deposit: £1200 to reserve your place. Final Payment Due: 16th October
Join us online on Tuesday, 15th September at 6pm UK time (GMT) to find out more
YOUR TOUR LEADERS
YOUR TOUR LEADERS
Tour Artist Charlotte Gerrard
Charlotte Gerrard is a British mixed media artist with a distinguished career spanning more than 25 years, deeply shaped by her creative engagement with India and its visual culture, including learning the Hindi language.
Her practice combines painting, collage, photography, textiles and layered surfaces to create richly atmospheric works inspired by Rajasthan’s architecture, craftsmanship and everyday life. Working intuitively and experimentally, her work explores memory, texture, colour and place through a contemporary lens.
Tour Host Louisa de Jong
Louisa de Jong has led creative journeys through Rajasthan for many years and continues to be inspired by its colour, atmosphere and everyday beauty.
As your host, Louisa will be there throughout the journey to support the group, help everything run smoothly and create space to slow down, absorb and enjoy the experience along the way.
Tour Guide Narendra Singh
Narendra Singh has been our trusted guide and friend for around 10 years.
Having lived in both Bundi and Udaipur, Narendra brings a strong understanding of Rajasthan’s culture, history and daily life. Narendra’s gentle nature, humour and genuine hospitality make him a much loved part of the experience.
ART AND CRAFT TOUR: DAY BY DAY ITINERARY
Day 1: Welcome to the Blue City of Jodhpur
Arrive in the blue city of Jodhpur and settle into our heritage fort hotel. If you’d like help with travel or early arrival arrangements, we can assist.
This evening we gather for Welcome Drinks and Dinner, a chance to connect with fellow travellers and begin this creative journey through India’s cultural soul.
Day 2: Exploration of the Colours of India
Begin with a workshop in colour, texture, collage and intuitive mark making, designed to develop curiosity, confidence and a more instinctive response to materials, place and experience.
Later, we head into the blue streets of Jodhpur with sketchbooks in hand, responding to painted doorways, market scenes, weathered walls and architectural detail.
Day 3: Women of Jodhpur and Embroidery
Today we spend time with a community led women’s group, hearing stories about local life and taking part in a traditional embroidery workshop.
This will be a genuine exchange, sharing stories and experiences, before leaving with a handmade piece that holds the memory of the experience.
Day 4: Stepwells and Blue Backstreets
This morning, we sketch and paint around Jodhpur’s glorious stepwells and blue backstreets, surrounded by faded indigo walls, worn doorways and passing figures.
The afternoon is free to explore the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort, craft and textile filled local bazaars, relax with a massage or continue working in your sketchbook in our fort garden.
Day 5: Desert Landscapes and Village Traditions
Travelling through the countryside surrounding Jodhpur, we visit a traditional weaving community and learn about rural craft traditions and village life.
We look for wildlife including blackbuck, antelopes and migratory Siberian cranes, and try our hand at making rugs on the loom before heading onwards to Udaipur, the City of Lakes.
Day 6: Exploring The City of Lakes Udaipur
We explore Udaipur through its everyday rhythms, markets and lakeside life, and begin by sketching at a peaceful lakeside temple overlooking Lake Pichola.
Later we explore how to capture the atmosphere and visual storytelling of the city with Udaipur photographer and artist Rajesh Soni.
Day 7: Rooftop Workshop and Street Sketching
This morning’s workshop takes place overlooking the lake, exploring pigment, movement and layered surfaces through pouring techniques using fluid paint and Indian paper.
Later, we continue sketching and painter through the quieter streets of Udaipur, observing faded walls, shop fronts and everyday life unfolding around us.
Day 8: Miniature Painting and Hand Colouring
We visit the studio of artist Rajesh Soni for a workshop in miniature painting and hand coloured photography, rooted in India’s royal court traditions.
The afternoon is free for exploration or relaxation. Explore the beautiful City Palace, take a relaxing boat ride across Lake Pichola or visit the beautiful local shops.
Day 9: Dabu Mud Resist Workshop
Travelling towards Bundi, we stop at a small village known for traditional Dabu mud resist dyeing and block printing where we will enjoy a hands-on workshop with local artisans.
Explore the meditative process of applying natural mud resist and indigo dye to create layered textile patterns rooted in centuries old tradition.
Day 10: Breathtaking Bundi Palace
We visit the breathtaking Chitrashala in Bundi Palace, known for its extraordinary murals. We sketch and immerse ourselves in the atmosphere of this remarkable space.
This afternoon, we use photographs, sketches and collected imagery to explore composition, layering and interpretation seeing the effect of different surfaces and materials.
Day 11: Potter's Wheel and Village Life
We visit a rural pottery village traveling through fields of crops, with saris bright against the green. We spend time at the potter’s wheel and with local villagers.
The afternoon is free to explore Bundi and its wonderful antique shops, visit the stepwells and nearby Kipling House or spend time on the rooftop terrace taking in the views.
Day 12: Palace Sketching and Reflective Workshop
We return to the magnificent Bundi Palace, sketching its frescoes, architecture and panoramic views, gathering ideas through sketching, notation, colour studies and rubbings.
The afternoon is a guided reflective workshop to work in a more personal direction, responding to ideas which have resonated throughout the journey.
Day 13: Traditional Block Printing in Jaipur
We travel to Jaipur, stopping in Bagru, a traditional block printing village known for centuries old textile techniques and cornerstone in Rajasthan’s rich textile heritage.
Working with artisans, we explore rhythm, repetition and pattern building using carved wooden blocks and natural dyes before continuing to Jaipur.
Day 14: Amber Fort and Anokhi Museum
We begin sketching at the UNESCO listed Amber Fort, a masterpiece of Mughal and Rajput architecture, before visiting the exceptional Anokhi Museum of Hand Printing.
This evening we experience the lively atmosphere of Bollywood cinema at Jaipur’s iconic Raj Mandir cinema. This is always a guest favourite.
Day 15: Backstreets and Creative Reflection
We explore Jaipur’s old city on a specialist guided tour through backstreets filled with jewellers, craftsmen, metalworkers, potters and historic havelis.
The afternoon is free to relax or for some final shopping in the bazaars. Later we gather for a creative reflection before farewell drinks and dinner at the Jaipur institution Bar Palladio.
Day 16: Lasting Memories and Onward Journeys
We leave with memories, sketchbooks, ideas and creative inspiration shaped by 16 days of Rajasthan’s colour and culture.
Can't bear to leave yet? Stay with us in Jaipur and immerse yourself further in the city’s living craft traditions, on our 11 day Craft Holiday. For those wishing to explore India further, we can assist with onward travel arrangements.
Please note: While we strive to follow the outlined itinerary, changes may occur due to local conditions, weather, or unforeseen circumstances. This is India, where flexibility and adaptability are key to ensuring an enriching experience
ACCOMMODATION
Throughout the journey we stay in carefully selected heritage forts and havelis, traditional homes converted into hotels, chosen for their atmosphere, character and inspiring settings.
From peaceful courtyards and rooftop terraces to lakeside views and historic architecture, each property offers space to relax, reflect and create.
Who is this trip for?
This immersive art and craft tour welcomes creatives of all levels. Whether you’re just starting out or deepening your practice, the tour offers a balanced mix of hands-on workshops, cultural exploration and creative inspiration. Thoughtfully paced and designed for creatives of all levels, this journey offers a balance of immersion, learning and hands-on creativity.
Do I need to be an experienced creative?
No experience is necessary. The focus is on enjoying the process of creating and learning new skills in a supportive and relaxed environment. Artist Charlotte Gerrard and expert local artisans will guide you every step of the way.
How do I get to Jodhpur?
Jodhpur is well connected by domestic flights, trains and road from major Indian cities. We can provide guidance on the best way to arrive and assist with airport transfers if needed. We will work with everyone individually about their need and work to help people travelling together from major hubs, including for example London Heathrow.
Can I join as a solo traveller?
Yes. Many guests travel solo and the small group environment is warm and welcoming. Many lasting friendships are made.
What materials should I bring?
We will provide a suggested materials list before departure, but we don’t expect you to bring lots. Less is more.
What kind of accommodation can I expect?
We stay in heritage havelis and forts selected for their comfort, atmosphere and character.
What is the food like?
The food on the tour showcases the diverse and delicious flavours of Rajasthani and Indian cuisine. Vegan and vegetarian options are fully catered for, with plenty of flavourful, fresh dishes to enjoy.
What will the weather be like in Rajasthan in February?
February is one of the best times to visit Rajasthan, with warm sunny days and cooler mornings and evenings.
Can a non-participating guest join me?
Unfortunately, the tour activities and accommodations are designed specifically for participants. Non-participating guests cannot join the tour.
Can I contact somebody to find out more?
Absolutely. We’re happy to answer your questions and help you decide if this trip is right for you. Joining an upcoming online information session is also a great way to ask more questions and hear further details from us.
BOOK YOUR CREATIVE HOLIDAY
Join us for an extraordinary Art and Craft Holiday through Rajasthan. Spaces are limited for this intimate small group experience.
