An exquisite 19th century Haveli {mansion} with frescoes

New Sketchbook Art Tour – Classic Rajasthan
November 1 – 14, 2025
Delhi, Nawalgarh, Jaipur, Bundi
Max 10 people
Registrations close July 30
Payment plans available
Email: catherineparkerarttours@gmail.com for an itinerary
Visit www.catherineparkerartist.com for an overview of my Art practice

We welcome all creatives – from absolute beginners to advanced – sharing, collaborating and encouraging each other on the path to creative freedom

Join us on an unforgettable journey where art meets culture as we explore the enchanting landscapes and vibrant traditions of Rajasthan
This is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich heritage, breathtaking architecture, and diverse art forms of this incredible region. Experience hands-on workshops, guided tours, and the chance to connect with local artisans while capturing the essence of Rajasthan in your sketchbook.

These highly specialised, bespoke Art programmes are suitable for those who wish to explore creative processes, from mark making to more structured content without the constraints of perfection. India honours creativity in all aspects, vibrant colour, philosophical diversity, music and ancient spiritual practices, not to mention beautiful food!

The relaxed, slow paced programme has been made especially for artists with plenty of time to create: with 5 nights in one location (Nawalgarh), followed by 3 nights in Bundi, 3 nights in Jaipur, an overnight train, and 1 night in Delhi.

Rajasthan is a visual delight – bursting with bright colours and traditional crafts from painters, potters, weavers, puppet makers, and bangle makers, as well as Bandhej (tie and dye). It’s a dream for artists, offering a magical journey through small towns in India (with the exception of Jaipur and Delhi) with a relaxed pace and small groups (max 10) for enriching travel.

Temples, Tuk Tuks, camels, and donkey carts. India is a fascinating blend of old and new. We travel from the small towns of Nawalgarh and Bundi to the busy cities of Jaipur and Delhi, yet the ancient essence of India remains ever present.

Each day is focused on Art…our sketchbook acts as the ‘Keeper of our memories’, capturing everything from the fleeting, transient moments, short workshops to more structured sessions (sketching, painting, collage, and mixed media). With plenty of free time, this Art tour suits all skill levels—from beginners to advanced; you will discover your own pace and rhythm.

Take a walk through this beautiful quiet backstreet in Nawalgarh, Shekhawati region in Rajasthan

We visit traditional artisans: Potters, the Bandhej community (tie and dye), bangle makers, and woodblock printers – in Jaipur, we have a private workshop with master printers.
We create art, explore markets, and enjoy delicious food. We share our skills and support each other in a friendly, nourishing environment while working in our sketchbooks, giving us a chance to start new art projects, gain fresh perspectives, and learn new skills. Independent making is encouraged as we develop our sketchbooks throughout the tour – as Artists, we are all familiar with the need for reflection and freedom.


Costs:

$A3890 pp based on twin share; 
Private room/single supplement: $790
Please note: 3 nights in Jaipur will be on a share basis due to the nature of the purpose built house for artists and writers that only contains 4 rooms + a workshop space for woodblock printing (this is factored into the overall price of the tour) – alternative accommodation can be sought for those who require their own space 

Some of the highlights include:

Nawalgarh where we explore beautiful 19th-century havelis with stunning frescoes, meet the Kumbhar potters, and visit the Bandhej (tie and dye) community along with traditional bangle makers.

Spend the day with award winning rock art specialist, Kukki Sharma in the sweet little town of Bundi – the ancient rock art is approx 10 – 25,000 years old.

An all-day Woodblock printing workshop is set for Jaipur.

It’s important to have free time to relax, as we understand energy levels can change. Since we’re a small group, we can easily adapt while still following our programme.

As a professional artist and educator leading Sketchbook Art Tours, I draw on 20 years of travel to India and 15 years of organising creative journeys. Join me for an exciting exploration of offbeat India! From the small towns of Nawalgarh and Bundi to the vibrant city of Jaipur and historic Delhi, you’ll enjoy warm hospitality and rich artistic heritage, including traditional artisans, ancient rock art, and beautiful temples—something for everyone. This tour is supported by experienced local guides.

🔹For inquiries, please email me through my contact page.

Tour includes:
🔹Accommodation ( with daily breakfast ) in heritage hotels, with the exception of Jaipur where we stay in a purpose built home for artists and writers that contains a workshop space for woodblock printing  – Please note: 3 nights in Jaipur will be on a share basis due to the nature of the purpose built house for artists and writers that only contains 4 rooms + a workshop space for woodblock printing (this is factored into the overall price of the tour) – alternative accommodation can be sought for those who require their own space 

🔹 O/N comfortable sleeper train, and train travel between locations where comfort is a priority over congested roads, AC car as needed; Tuk Tuks, etc
🔹 Well respected, professional and deeply knowledgeable local guides will accompany us for the entire tour
🔹 Visits to traditional artisan families from Potters + Painters to Bandhej (tie and dye) and traditional bangle makers – an opportunity exists to learn the craft of Bandhej and to experiment with the Kumbhar caste of Potters
🔹 Woodblock printing workshop
🔹Entrance fees to the 14th century Taragarh Fort / Bundi Palace and fort
🔹A day with award winning ancient Rock Art specialist, Kukki Sharma in Bundi – the rock art is considered to be between approx 15,000 -25,000 years old, with some coins dated at around 6 BC
🔹 Visits to local Havelis ( 19th Century mansions ) with exquisite frescoes in Nawalgarh
🔹 Vibrant markets + temples
🔹 private areas for Art making, art tuition and so much more
🌼 Accommodation has been chosen based on comfort, natural settings, character, staff and ambience

Exclusions: international airfares, visa, and meals except for daily breakfast; we will have a shared food kitty for the trip. Tipping: $150 to be paid at the start of the tour, as it is customary and respectful.

For more information about my professional arts practice, visit: www.catherineparkerartist.com
and email catherineparkerarttours@gmail.com for the itinerary.