Experienced artist and India traveller Maxine Relton will guide you through a landscape of romantic water palaces, imposing hilltop forts, ornately decorated temples, and flamboyant streets and markets.  Her expert knowledge will take you off the beaten track and introduce you to people, artists and organisations that will give you a taste for the real spirit of this inspiring and vibrant region.  Along the way you will learn the exciting art of vivid, rapid sketching and create a sketchbook of wonderful memories.

This 12-night tour takes us into the heart of the princely state of Rajasthan; we visit beautiful cities with unique architecture, traditional farming towns, journey into the Great Thar Desert that dominates this region, and experience dazzling displays of colours – indigo, fuchsia, cobalt blue, lime… amongst its people and buildings.

Our accommodation en-route will be in small heritage hotels where you’ll experience a more authentic taste of Rajasthan.  These hotels combine modern comforts with old world charm and showcase the beautiful architectural and decorative features of these bygone palatial residences.  Often, you’ll be hosted by maharajas and maharanis.

Whether honing your drawing skills, learning from scratch or simply content to drink it all in with or without a camera, you’ll find inspiring and memorable scenes everywhere you look in the ‘Land of Kings’.

Beginners and non-sketchers are equally welcome.  Maxine will encourage you to see with an artist’s eye, to respond to the wonder of ever-changing surroundings, offering plenty of support and guidance, sharing her skills and techniques.

Painting Highlights

• Experience the grand Adalaj Stepwell of Ahmedabad
• Paint the ‘Venice of the East’ in Udaipur and enjoy a boat ride on the shimmering waters of Lake Pichola
• Drink in the atmospheric views of the Gaib Sagar Lake with its very special temple island and amazing bird life
• Sketch village life, costumes and jewellery as well as a visit to the Bhil tribes if possible
• Capture the breath-taking white marble temple complex of Ranakpur
• Savour a cooking workshop and learn about traditional Indian cuisine and techniques.
• Explore the striking Blue City of Jodhpur with its maze of indigo painted houses and narrow medieval lanes, and paint views from the battlements of the majestic Mehrangarh Fort.
• Discover Rajasthan’s rich rural heritage as we venture into the Thar Desert stopping in authentic and unspoilt rural communities; sketch neat hamlets, wandering cows and haughty camels …
• Soak up Mumbai’s energetic vibe and admire some of the grandest colonial-era architecture.
• Take a boat trip from the Gateway of India to the astonishing and sacred Elephanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.