The 3 Rs: Rustic, Rural, Rajasthan
13 days / Year Round
Pricing: Pricing is based on group size and seasonality, please check with us to secure the best pricing.
Highlights:
• Immerse yourself in an ancient and thriving culture with a village-by-village tour of rural Rajasthan.
• Discover the living traditions of skilled artisans and craftspeople with workshops, market visits, and one-on-one personal interactions.
• Spend the night in real India homestays in small villages, far from the usual tourist haunts.
Start Map
Day 1: JAIPUR
When you arrive in Jaipur, we will pick you up at the airport and bring you to the luxury home where you will spend the night. The home’s owner runs an NGO to support Jaipur’s HIV-positive children. She offers unique insight into the culture, tradition, and history of Rajasthan, as well as some of the social issues that affect the area. Her perspective provides a unique introduction to Rajasthan for an international traveler.
Day 2: JAIPUR
We will visit the city palace – if the flag is flying, you will know the Maharaja is in the palace! We will take a guided walk of this unique city to learn something about its history.
Day 3: JAIPUR-ROOPENGARH
On our drive to Roopengarh, we will stop at Bagru, known for its block-printed textiles. This is a good opportunity to see craftspeople at work. When we reach Roopengarh, you will meet various artisans, weavers, potters, and Gota and Durry makers. After farming, handicrafts are the most common occupation in India and meeting with these local artisans will provide a singular perspective on rural Indian life. You may also try complimentary camel rides at the hotel.
Day 4: ROOPENGARH-TILONIA-KUCHAMAN
After a relaxing morning, we will proceed to Tilonia. If you are to begin to understand the dramatic contradictions of the area – extraordinary luxury and cultural heritage living side-by-side with extreme poverty – you must visit Tilonia. We will learn about the “barefoot soldiers” who are making massive social and environmental changes using local knowledge and resources. We will discuss water management and solar energy, as well as mask making and workshops on puppetry. We will also interact with the locals, visit the library, and watch a documentary film on the achievements of this social college. We will even have lunch in the campus before driving Kuchaman.
Day 5: FORT KUCHAMAN
In the morning, we’ll visit the 8th century Fort Kuchaman. In the afternoon, we will visit the local bazaar and markets in an attempt to understand the traditional livelihoods and skills of the people living in and around the region. This includes those traditional carpet weavers and bangle makers as well as the cobblers who make the famous Kuchaman Mojdi and the the Kumhars who make unique pottery. You’ll have a change to really get to know the workers and their environment better.
Day 6 & 7: MAKRANA VILLAGE
Gandhi said, “Real India lives in villages.” After breakfast, we will leave for Makrana Village and spend the next two nights sleeping in “real India". Your stay in this village will provide a deep understanding of the various issues facing the real India: health, education, women’s rights, and economic difficulties. We will attend a workshop on puppetry in order to explore how modern day puppetry can be used to spread positive messages about issues like literacy, health, hygiene, and primary education. You will learn to make these puppets from traditional master artists. After the sun goes down, we will hear the feudal stories of Papuji Rathore sung by the members of Bhopa community.
Day 8: MAKRANA-KHIMSAR
In the morning, we will drive to Khimsar, a little village where time stands still and we can interact with the local artisans in a workshop.
Day 9: KHIMSAR-BHAP
After breakfast, we will drive to Bhap, stopping en route to linger over the beautiful temples of Osian. Once we reach Bhap, we will take bike rides to discover the birds near the pond.
Day 10: BHAP
After breakfast, we'll take advantage of bicycles to truly absorb the natural beauty and wonder of rural Rajasthan. Later in the day we'll drive you back to the airport for your return flight home.
Solar Energy
To increase our dependence on the direct energy sources we have tried to use the power of sun god to provide us the energy and help save the world's natural environment.
Solar Water Heaters
Our hot water system comes out of the two efficient solar water heaters which provide reliable and enough supply.
Solar Cooking
Some part of the cooking for our guests is done in two different types of solar cookers. This helps minimize energy use and also food cooked is health and tasty. Our guests can ask for lessons on solar cooking.
Wormy - Composting
To make efficient and hygienic disposal of organic waste, we are using a process of decomposition by worms which is efficient, odorless and provides us with rich organic fertilizers for our organic farming on site.
Organic Farming
Much of our fresh vegetables come from the organic farming at the Lodge. One can see a variety of vegetables and fruits being cultivated. Guests are welcome to take a tour.
Medicinal Plant Garden
We have an on-site nursery of indigenous medicinal and herbal plants, which is an astonishing insight on what secrets seemingly unimportant plants hold for our good health. There is a large variety of plants and a tour with our naturalist makes it an interesting experience.
Astronomy
As the sun sets and a galaxy of stars covers the canopy, we begin our Star Gazing session. After a short introduction to the stars and constellations, you will have an opportunity view the planets through our telescope closer than ever seen before by most guests. You will all enjoy the exhilarating experience!