faint promise of rain

A Rajasthan Tour Inspired by Duva’s ‘Faint Promise of Rain’

A Rajasthan Tour Inspired by Duva's 'Faint Promise of Rain'

Jaipur – Jaisalmer – Jodhpur

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. As Duva later shared: “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.”

In a nutshell: Journey through the heart of Rajasthan with author Anjali Mitter Duva as she revisits the locations from her novel Faint Promise of Rain, exploring Jaipur, Jaisalmer, and Jodhpur with her family. Discover the vibrant history, stunning desert landscapes, and stay in iconic locations like the Jaisalmer Fort and Thar Desert tents.

Best time to visit: Late October til the end of February (the desert camp and seasonal direct flights to Jaisalmer do not operate from March)

Ideal length: 6 nights

2025/26 Guide price: ₹159,000 ($1,855; £1,435) per person based on 2 sharing a room

Lady wearing a bright pink sari in Jaisalmer Fort

Day 1
Arrive in Jaipur (stay at Royal Heritage Haveli, Jaipur)
Your Faint Promise of Rain adventure begins on arrival in Jaipur, the state capital of Rajasthan, India. A member of our team will welcome you at the airport and accompany you to the Royal Heritage Haveli hotel. This family-run property dates back to the 18th century when it was built by His Highness Madho Singh Ji. Today, it offers a sanctuary of wellbeing and relaxation sprawling over 100,000 square feet. The Royal Heritage Haveli is nestled about 45-minutes away from Jaipur city centre – this, coupled with lush gardens, courtyards and interiors, provides a regal and peaceful haven away from the bustle of the town.

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).


Day 2
In Jaipur
With an early start this morning, you’ll head to the markets with your guide to experience the flurry of activity here as the Pink City wakes up. Stops will include the fragrant flower market, the wholesale milk market, the vegetable market, and the Govind Dev Ji temple, finished off with a delicious cup of chai (spiced tea) from a famous but inconspicuous chai shop. There’ll be the opportunity to return to the hotel for breakfast, after which you’ll reunite with your guide to explore the old walled area of Jaipur. It includes the City Palace and its little-known private rooms, the Jantar Mantar observatory, and the elegant Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds). Time permitting, you’ll also visit the stunning Amber Fort.

Day 3
Fly to Jaisalmer (stay at Killa Bhawan, Jaisalmer)
Today, Faint Promise of Rain takes you to the golden city of Jaisalmer via a quick one-hour direct flight. You’ll spend your first night in Jaisalmer at Killa Bhawan. Set high within the watchtowers of Jaisalmer Fort, the charming Killa Bhawan offers stunning views of the royal palace and town down below. Each of the five rooms is furnished traditionally, with bright colour accents, reflecting the local area perfectly. The delightful roof terrace is a highlight and offers sensational views. Being located within Jaisalmer Fort itself, Killa Bhawan is ideal for those who’d like to embrace the city’s rich culture, people-watch and check out the local restaurants. Another option we love at the foot of the fort is 1st Gate Home Fusion. Or for a resort-feel with more facilities, Suryagarh. The rest of the day is yours at leisure, presenting the perfect opportunity to potter through the narrow lanes around the citadel at your own pace.

Day 4
In Jaisalmer (stay at Damodara Desert Camp, Jaisalmer)
Today, you’ll explore the enormous Jaisalmer Fort and the beautiful temples and havelis (carved mansions) that lie within. You’ll also visit Gadisagar Lake – it was once Jaisalmer’s only water source and is mentioned numerous times in the book. Faint Promise of Rain then sees you chauffeured into the heart of the Thar Desert for a night in a luxury tent on the golden dunes. At Damodara Desert Camp, evenings are lively, with colourful folk dance performances around a blazing bonfire. You have the option of a sunset camel ride if you fancy.

Day 5
Drive to Jodhpur (stay at Ajit Bhawan, Jodhpur)
This morning, you’ll embark on an exhilarating Jeep ride through the scrub and surrounding villages for an insight into life in the desert. At your convenience, we’ll later chauffeur you to Jodhpur. Jodhpur, Rajasthan’s second-largest city, is known as the Blue City because of the pale blue-painted narrow and tall houses of the jumbled and entrancing medieval Old City, which are especially impressive when viewed from the ramparts of Mehrangarh Fort.

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.


Day 6
In Jodhpur
A guided tour of Jodhpur takes in the majestic Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada, and a walk through the labyrinthine lanes of Jodhpur’s old city. (If you’re feeling active, we also arrange this tour by bicycle, or those who’re not too firm on their feet may prefer a rickshaw – do let us know your preference, as we’ll design every detail around you).

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.


Day 7
Depart from Jodhpur
This morning, we’ll chauffeur you to Jodhpur airport in time for your onward flight. Much like your arrival, if you’re planning to depart India from New Delhi or Mumbai, we can assist you with getting there.

Our journeys are inclusive of accommodation with breakfast, a private car with driver throughout, experienced guides, entrance tickets and excursions, and internal flights. In other words, we offer a seamless and hassle-free experience where the only thing you need to worry about is soaking up the sights and enjoying your fabulous hotels! This indicative cost is per person, based on a couple travelling between late-October 2025 and late-February 2026, sharing a double or twin room. The cost reduces during the low-season months of March to September (though do be aware the desert camp and most others in Jaisalmer close annually during this period), while it will be higher during the peak Christmas and New Year period.

Make it more you: 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.
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