A Rajasthan Tour Inspired by Duva’s ‘Faint Promise of Rain’
A Rajasthan Tour Inspired by Duva’s ‘Faint Promise of Rain’
Shortlisted for the William Saroyan International Prize for Writing, Faint Promise of Rain is the debut novel of author Anjali Mitter Duva. The story takes us back to 16th-century Rajasthan, where a family of temple dancers live in the desert city of Jaisalmer, just as Mughal Emperor Akbar sets his sights on the region.
We had the pleasure of assisting the author in early 2020 with a tailor-made family journey through Rajasthan. By exploring Jaipur, Jodhpur and – of course – Jaisalmer, Duva revisited key locations from her book and introduced them in person to her two daughters. Having begun their sojourn in the vibrant Pink City of Jaipur, the Duvas followed in the footsteps of Adhira and Chandrabhai to Jaisalmer. Here, in the Golden City, you can discover (and even stay in!) the ancient citadel and uncover other spots referenced in the story, including Bada Bagh and Gadisagar Lake. After spending a night at a charming boutique property within the medieval fort walls, the family headed to the fringes of the Thar Desert to stay overnight in comfortable tents amongst the golden sands. Their last stop was the buzzing Blue City of Jodhpur, known for its majestic fort and the sea of azure houses scattered around it.
Other properties to consider as your base in the Pink City include Samode Haveli, The Johri, and the Taj Jai Mahal Palace. Hotels are a personal choice, and we’ll discuss the options with you to find those best suited to your taste and budget. If you are landing elsewhere in India – such as New Delhi or Mumbai – we can assist you with travelling onward to Jaipur, as well as arrangements in New Delhi/Mumbai should you wish.
Take it easy this afternoon to relax and settle in. Depending on how early in the day you arrive, you can let us know anytime if you’d like to begin exploring this afternoon. Your chauffeur is always on hand, and we’re only a quick call away on your complimentary mobile phone (or WhatsApp, if you prefer).
Upon arriving in Jodhpur, we’ll assist you with checking in to Ajit Bhawan for a two-night stay. Formerly the palace of the Maharaja of Jodhpur’s younger brother, the Ajit Bhawan, was one of the first concept heritage hotels. The cottages are set in gardens around the main building and decorated with colourful Rajput fabrics. Descendants of the royal family manage the hotel, and meals are usually taken in the gardens beside the originally designed swimming pool. There are many dining options, and although the rooms have a nod to the hotel’s heritage (all are unique), they are still spacious and come with all expected modern amenities. Other favourite hotels of ours in Jodhpur with character include RAAS Jodhpur and Ratan Vilas.
This evening, soak up a private Bhopa performance – a rare Rajasthani art form that combines dancing, singing and painting. Our past guests have found this a very culturally rich experience and a highlight of their stay. Afterwards, move on to a nearby restaurant for a traditional Rajasthani thali dinner. The thali dinner is a lovely way to experience many different tastes of Rajasthan, as you’re presented with a small amount of several different authentic dishes.
“We had an excellent experience with Indian Excursions Co. Maddie was a pleasure to work with to plan our Rajasthan trip, and the trip itself was wonderful. Great hotels, very competent driver, and outstanding guides. All logistics of travel and transfers were very well handled. Highly recommend.” – Anjali Mitter Duva, author of ‘Faint Promise of Rain’.
Duva’s itinerary is fabulous all on its own. Still, you can also embellish it with stays in other parts of the country (a stopover in Agra to see the Taj Mahal, for example, and the capital city of Delhi). We’ll plan every detail of your special trip around your individual interests and requirements and can help you discover this fascinating corner of the world in comfort, never compromising on authentic experiences. All our tours are private and tailor-made to complement your taste and interests. In essence, the itinerary described above is just a starting point, and together we can refine it into your ideal Indian experience. For further information on how we work, check out our guide on booking or get in touch to arrange a chat. Meanwhile, to further inspire your travels, you may like to check out our recommended books to read before visiting Rajasthan.
Like what you see? Contact us today to find out more about our exclusive itineraries. But remember: each of our trips is tailored exactly to who you are and what you want to do, so tell us about yourself, and we'll create something that's entirely you.
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