Activities in Rajasthan
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Vino Desert Safari
Recommended operator Vino Desert Safari offers half-day to 13-day trips (Rs500 to 1500 per day, depending on how much luxury you require and how much you use a jeep).
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Maharaja Sawai Mansingh Sangeet Mahavidyalaya
This is an excellent music school located behind Tripolia Gate. Tuition (per month from Rs500) is given in dance and in Indian instruments such as tabla (pair of drums) and bakhawas (double-sided drum).
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Sahara Travels
Sahara Travels, by the First Fort Gate, also gets good reviews for its camel tours, and is run by Mr Bissa, alias Mr Desert - he graces lots of Rajasthan Tourism posters.
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Hotel Krishna Niwas Cookery Classes
Sushma runs tremendous cookery classes for two hours, including meal. While Jairaj is an internationally renowned artist who teaches miniature and classical painting.
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Cooking Classes
The multitalented Deepa runs cooking and henna classes from behind her Ayurvedic shop, Bahar. She is connected to the Saraswati Music School.
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Ashtang Yoga Ashram
The teacher here of hatha yoga has upwards of 20 years’ experience; payment is by donation (proceeds go to the local animal hospital).
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Princess Trails
An Indian–German company offering extended horse safaris and half-day nature rides on the famed Marwari horses.
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Tour Bookings, RTDC Tourist Hotel Swagam Campus
Book at the RTDC Tourist Hotel Swagam Campus for half-/full-day tours of Jaipur and around. The full-day tours (09:00 to 18:00) take in all the major sites (including Amber Fort), with a lunch break at Nahargarh. The lunch break can be as late as 15:00, so have a big breakfast. AC bus tours (10:00 to 17:00) cost Rs 135/180; they don't include Nahargarh.
Rushed half-day tours are confined to the city limits (08:00 to 13:00, 11:30 to 16:30 and 13:30 to 18:30) - some travellers recommend these, as you avoid the long lunch break. Fees don't include admission charges. Tours depart from the train station (depending on demand), and pick up from the RTDC Hotel Teej, Hotel Gangaur…
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Mt Abu Treks
As well as being the local snake-catcher, Charles from Mt Abu Treks arranges tailor-made treks ranging from gentle village visits to longer, wilder expeditions into Mt Abu Wildlife Sanctuary. He’s passionate and knowledgeable about the local flora and fauna. Treks include a three- to four-hour trek (Rs280 per person); a half-day (Rs380); a full day including lunch (Rs610); and an overnight village trek including all meals (Rs1250). The sanctuary entrance fee is included in the prices, but if you want to delve deeper into the jungle and require a taxi to the trail head, this will be an additional cost.
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Marwar Eco Cultural Tours & Travels
Jodhpur is renowned for its village safaris – jeep trips to local Bishnoi villages, potters and dhurrie (rug) weavers. The Bishnoi are a tribal sect who believe in the sanctity of the environment. Their desire to protect trees and animals dates from the 15th century. It’s a well-worn trail, so it can feel touristy – your enjoyment depends on how good your guide is. Marwar Eco Cultural Tours & Travels is a recommended private operator.
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Camel Man Safari
Bikaner is an excellent, offbeat alternative to the Jaisalmer safari scene and is becoming increasingly popular with travellers. Longer safaris (to Jaisalmer or Jodhpur) are highly recommended. Camel Man, run by Vijay Singh Rathore, operates safaris ranging from a half-day trip to 14 days (all the way to Jaisalmer), with basic safaris, and more upmarket excursions (beds with sheets are provided!). Phone or see website for more information.
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Rajasthan Astrological Council & Research Institute
Dr Vinod Shastri is the medal-laden general secretary of the Rajasthan Astrological Council & Research Institute. He will prepare a computerised horoscope if you have your exact time and place of birth, or will read your palm. Although he should know when you’re arriving, it’s best to make an appointment.
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Shri Ganesh Hotel
The staff at Shri Ganesh Hotel also organise excellent short treks (Rs200 per person) into the hills. There’s a trek in the morning at 9am, and one to see the sunset starting at 3pm. The routes vary and the level of difficulty depends on the fitness of the group. It’s common to spot bears and other wildlife.
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Camel Man
The Camel Man, run by Vijay Singh Rathore operates safaris ranging from a half-day trip to 14 days (all the way to Jaisalmer), with basic safaris costing Rs650 per day, and more upmarket excursions (beds with sheets are provided) costing from Rs800 to 1600 per day.
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Boating
To enter into the spirit of things on Nakki Lake, you can do as the honeymooners do and hire a pedalo (2-/4-person boat per 30min Rs 50/100), or, for the especially romantically inclined, a gondola-like shikara loveboat (2-person boat per 30min Rs 100).
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Parul's Kathak Dance Academy
Parul's Kathak Dance Academy offers intensive one-on-one courses in classical Kathak, including an audio recording so you can keep in step after class. Prices vary depending on level and duration. Email for more information.
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Mountain Ridge
This country homestay makes a wonderful base for trips into rural Udaipur. Perched high above Sisarma village, just 10 minutes’ drive from Lake Pichola, it has three stylish rooms plus a suite, a fabulous pool and a deck.
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Noble Indian Cooking Classes
Ruchi and Swati, and proud mum Rajni, run these popular classes where you can tackle a chapati (Rs150 per person) from whoa to go, or an eight-course extravaganza (Rs1000), with plenty of other tasty options in between.
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Boat Rides
The lake has two islands: Jagniwas and Jagmandir. Boat rides leave half-hourly from the City Palace jetty (aka Bansi Ghat) when the lake is high enough. The longer trip includes a visit to Jagmandir Island.
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Ambika Guesthouse
For a fix of reiki, yoga and shiatsu, Reiki Master Roshi Hiralal Verma is based at Ambika Guesthouse. Prices are charged according to the duration and nature of your session.
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Pony Rides
Those travelling with small children will doubtless be pressured into purchasing pony rides from the stand one road back from the lake, for a slow but scenic stroll along the water's edge.
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Pushkar Music School
The Pushkar Music School teaches classical sitar, tabla, harmonium, dancing and more, for Rs150 per hour in a peaceful lakeside location.
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Shannu’s Riding School
At Shannu’s Riding School long-time Pushkar resident Marco can organise riding lessons and horse safaris on his graceful Marwari steeds.
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Kerala Ayurveda Kendra
A sure-fire cure for the big-city blues can be found at the swanky Kerala Ayurveda Kendra, where an hour-long massage starts at Rs500.
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Art Lessons with Mr Kripal Singh
This renowned artist offers lessons in Indian painting and ceramics. Lessons are free, but you must supply materials. Advance booking is essential.
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