RIFF Jodhpur & the Soul of Rajasthan
17 days | 10 October – 26 October 2026 | € 3325
An immersive journey from India’s iconic folk festival in Jodhpur to authentic community life in rural Rajasthan.
Indicative travel dates:
10 October – 26 October 2026
Final dates will be confirmed once the RIFF Festival publishes its official program. The trip may shift by a maximum of 1–2 days.
€ 3.325 per person, based on shared accommodation including 7 days full bord days, 5 days half bord
Highlights of the trip
Jaipur – the Pink City of Rajasthan
An intense and vibrant beginning. Palaces, busy streets and colorful daily life immediately draw you into the heart of India. Everything moves, sounds and lives at once a first encounter that stays with you.
Rajasthan countryside – villages & daily life
The city gives way to simplicity. Small villages, open landscapes and genuine encounters reveal a quieter India, shaped by human rhythm and the land itself.
Jawai – nature, silence & wildlife
A landscape of granite hills, water and vast silence. Everything slows down here. The world feels wider and deeper, with a chance to see leopards in their natural environment but above all, to experience silence itself.
Thar Desert – the desert of Rajasthan
Endless sand dunes and a horizon that never ends. A place where time dissolves and only space remains and the quiet simplicity of existence in its purest form.
Jodhpur – the Blue City
A city full of energy, colour and character. Blue alleyways, vibrant markets and the towering fort overlooking it all. A place where history, life and atmosphere come together.
Rajasthan International Folk Festival – Jodhpur
The musical highlight of the journey. Around Mehrangarh Fort, under desert skies, traditional and international music blends into a powerful atmosphere of rhythm, culture and emotion.
General description
RIFF Jodhpur & the Soul of Rajasthan is a slow travel journey carefully designed through one of the most diverse and culturally rich regions of India.
The route follows an emotional progression: the intensity of Jaipur, the humanity of rural Rajasthan, the silence of Jawai, the vastness of the Thar Desert, and the musical finale in Jodhpur. Each stage offers a new way of experiencing India.
The highlight of the journey is the RIFF (Rajasthan International Folk Festival), held at the majestic Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur. This internationally renowned folk music festival brings together traditional and contemporary artists from across Rajasthan and around the world. Over several evenings, the fort comes alive with music, rhythm, and artistic encounters, creating a magical atmosphere where heritage, sound, and desert light merge.
The group is limited to 10 participants, allowing space for presence, photography, quiet moments, and meaningful encounters far from mass tourism.
You stay in carefully selected boutique and heritage accommodations, each chosen to reflect the spirit of its location.
This is a journey for those who do not just want to see India, but to truly experience it with attention, time, and depth.The trip is personally accompanied by Nicole, founder of Heart of India Travel, who speaks French Dutch and English and travels with the group throughout the journey.
€ 3.325 per person, based on shared accommodation including 7 days full bord days, 5 days half bord
€ 3.325 per person, based on shared accommodation including 7 days full bord days, 5 days half bord
Travel schedule
Departure from your airport to Delhi.
Upon arrival, you will be warmly greeted by Nicole, the owner of Heart of India Travel, who will personally accompany you throughout the tour. In the afternoon, we will enjoy a relaxed introduction to the city and meet the group. In the evening, a dinner at the guesthouse awaits.
We leave Delhi and drive towards Rajasthan via the Aravalli Hills, one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world. Along the way, the landscape gradually changes from urban to rural, with expansive fields, small villages, and rolling hills giving a first glimpse of colorful Rajasthan.
In the afternoon we arrive in Jaipur, the famous “Pink City,” and check in at a heritage hotel in the centre of the city. Afterwards, we take a first stroll through the old city: admire the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) as it slowly lights up, or wander through the lively, colorful shops full of local products.
We depart at 08:00 for the magnificent Amber Fort, a historic hilltop palace above Amer known for its royal architecture, mirror halls, and sweeping views of the surrounding hills. We then visit the Anokhi Museum of Hand Printing, where you gain insight into traditional block printing techniques that have been practiced in Rajasthan for generations. Afterwards, we walk through the village of Amer, experiencing local rural life and observing artisans at work, including bangle makers crafting colorful bracelets by hand. Lunch takes place in a boutique homestay in Amer with its own in-house atelier, where handmade clothing is produced using traditional weaving techniques and fabrics sourced from tribal villages across India. In the afternoon, we return to Jaipur for free time at leisure.
The day starts early with a cycling tour through Jaipur, riding through the old city, experiencing local life, and stopping at the vibrant flower market. Along the way, you taste a variety of local specialties as the city slowly awakens. The rest of the day free time at leisure. In the late afternoon, we drive past the beautiful Jal Mahal, the iconic Water Palace of Jaipur, before continuing up to Nahargarh Fort. From here, we enjoy a breathtaking sunset with panoramic views over the Pink City. The evening concludes with a traditional Rajasthani thali dinner, accompanied by live folk dance performances.
We leave Jaipur and drive to Bagru, a village famous for traditional block printing. Here, you participate in a full workshop that explains the entire block printing process, culminating in creating your own scarf. Lunch is served in Bagru before continuing to Barli, a peaceful village not yet overwhelmed by tourism. In the afternoon we arrive at a 350-year-old fort hotel, run by its owners, where we stay. The village and surroundings radiate a relaxed, slow-life atmosphere. In the evening, dinner is served in the hotel courtyard, accompanied by local musicians.
A relaxed day in Barli, allowing you to experience the calm of village life. The morning begins with a guided tour of the 350-year-old fort hotel led by the owner, who shares stories about the fort’s history and life within it. In the afternoon, take a walk through the village with a local guide, meet residents, and discover their daily routines and traditions. Between activities, there is time to relax and enjoy the surroundings or the pool. The day concludes with dinner at the hotel.
We travel to the rugged and spectacular landscape of Jawai, known for its granite rock formations, vast valleys, and the local Rabari community that has lived here for generations. Jawai is renowned for the unique harmony between humans and wildlife, where the residents coexist peacefully with the local fauna, including leopards. In the afternoon, enjoy a safari to explore the area’s flora and fauna, where if you are lucky you may spot a leopard in the wild. The surroundings feature tranquil lakes where Rabari livestock graze and striking rock formations that shape the landscape. We stay in an owner-run safari lodge, where the team provides a personal and authentic wilderness experience.I n the late afternoon, enjoy your first encounter with this beautiful region on a jeep safari. During this stay, all meals are included.
The day begins with an early morning safari, including a visit to a local village to experience the daily life of the Rabari community. The rest of the day is free to relax, enjoy peace and quiet, or spend some time by the pool. In the late afternoon, enjoy a high tea in a beautiful natural setting, a perfect way to soak in the surroundings in tranquility.
Before leaving the Jawai region, enjoy a Shepherd Walk, meeting local goat herders and their grazing herds, and experiencing rural life up close.
Later in the morning we take a short drive to Jojawar, a charming destination to experience the tranquility of rural life. Upon arrival, there is free time in the afternoon, for example to relax by the pool and enjoy the surroundings. In the afternoon, a safari offers insight into the local communities, their traditions, and a glimpse of daily life off the beaten path.
Today offers a unique experience: a train ride through the Aravalli Range on an old train still used by local people. It’s a beautiful journey through the hills and provides an authentic glimpse into daily life in the region. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided village walk in Jojawar, soaking in the village atmosphere, wandering through narrow streets, and connecting with residents to experience their daily routines and traditions. All meals are included during this stay.
We drive towards the Thar Desert, a vast expanse of sand dunes and one of India’s driest regions. We stay in a charming desert resort, an oasis of comfort amid the dunes. The afternoon is free for relaxation. Dinner is on the dunes at sunset, surrounded by the vast desert and a starry sky, with a warm fire and candlelight. All meals are included during this stay.
A full day in the Thar Desert. In the morning, enjoy a jeep safari through the dunes and pristine desert landscape, passing Kair groves, Rohida, and Khejri trees, with opportunities to spot Chinkara, Nilgai, and dromedary camels. The safari ends at a scenic sun-point where you can walk on the sand dunes and feel the shifting desert sand under your feet. Tea and snacks are served afterwards. The rest of the day is free to relax, enjoy the peace and open space, take an optional massage, or simply unwind. In the evening, enjoy the breathtaking starry sky above the desert.
After breakfast, we drive to Jodhpur and check in at a charming heritage hotel. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided walk through the old city, followed by a visit to the Shambhavi Trust, a local organization supporting social projects in the old town. Here, you will get an insight into their latest project and take a cooking class with local women, a unique opportunity to learn about local cuisine and traditions.
In the evening, attend the Rajasthan International Folk Festival (RIFF). Held at the majestic Mehrangarh Fort, this festival celebrates traditional Rajasthani music, dance, and culture, bringing together local artists and international visitors for a vibrant and musical experience.
In the morning, visit the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort, an imposing 15th-century fort towering over Jodhpur. Known for its stunning architecture, rich history, and panoramic views of the “Blue City,” the fort is a true landmark.
During the Rajasthan International Folk Festival (RIFF), the fort comes alive with music. The festival celebrates the rich traditions of Rajasthani music and dance, bringing together local artists and international visitors. The entire fort and its courtyards serve as the stage, creating a unique cultural experience. Please note: the RIFF program is not yet finalized and may be subject to last-minute changes.
Depending on your flight schedule, breakfast at the hotel may be available. Later in the day, transfer to Jodhpur Airport for your flight home. End of an unforgettable journey through Rajasthan, filled with culture, desert experiences, music, and local encounters.
Arrival at your home airport, marking the end of an unforgettable journey through Rajasthan.
The trip will take place with a minimum of 4 participants. You will be informed at least 2 months before departure whether the trip is confirmed. If the minimum number is not met, the full amount will be refunded.
Accommodation is based on comfortable hotels with shared double rooms.
Upgrades to more luxurious rooms / single rooms are available upon request and at an additional cost.
Small group maximum 10 participants
Visa
Use this link for your visa application: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/
Services Included
Services not included
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