Dance performance at RIFF Festival in Jodhpur - Songs of Rajasthan and the Ganges with Stuart Davis, India

Dance performance at RIFF Festival in Jodhpur | Rajasthan International Folk Festival

Sunset camel ride in the dunes

On the Ganges

Rajasthan International Folk Festival in Jodhpur - Songs of Rajasthan and the Ganges with Stuart Davis, India

Rajasthan International Folk Festival in Jodhpur | Rajasthan International Folk Festival

Rajasthan streets

Manvar desert camp tents inside - Songs of Rajasthan and the Ganges with Stuart Davis, India

Manvar desert camp tents inside | Manvar Desert Camp

Jodhpur views

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Songs of Rajasthan and the Gangeswith Stuart Davis

Experience India through the universal language of song.

India

14 Days from

Trip Code: SRSD

View dates to Book

Essential Information

Duration

14 Days

Activities

Rajasthan Folk Festival
Music and Singing
Cultural Touring

Accommodation

10 nights hotels
1 night desert camp

Meals

6 Dinners
3 Lunches
13 Breakfasts

Difficulty Grading: 2 / 10
Adventure touring

Trip highlights

Travel with Sydney choir master Stuart Davis, sharing songs and discovering how music opens a window into India’s culture and traditions
Spend three days immersed in the Rajasthan International Folk Festival (RIFF) within spectacular Mehrangarh Fort
Experience the powerful sound of live Qawwali at Delhi’s Nizamuddin Dargah, an intimate introduction to India’s Sufi devotional music
Ride camels into the Thar Desert and share music and song around the fire beneath the stars
Experience Varanasi’s musical and spiritual traditions, sharing songs with local musicians on the Ganges

Overview

Join Sydney-based choir master Stuart Davis on an extraordinary musical journey through northern India, travelling through the vibrant cities of Delhi, Jaisalmer and Jodhpur, and

culminating on the sacred banks of the Ganges in Varanasi. A highlight of the journey is the renowned Rajasthan International Folk Festival (RIFF), set against the dramatic backdrop of Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur. Here, ancient folk traditions blend with contemporary global influences.

Each day begins with relaxed morning singing sessions guided by Stuart, welcoming all voices and experience levels. You don’t need to be an accomplished singer, but you should come with an enthusiasm for singing and a willingness to participate in the musical experiences that are central to the journey. The itinerary also features a moving Qawwali performance in Delhi's Nizamuddin Dargah, where the powerful devotional music of the Sufi tradition comes to life. In Rajasthan’s Thar Desert, enjoy an unforgettable stay in a tented camp with camel rides and fireside singing beneath the stars, while in Varanasi, experience the profound atmosphere of India’s spiritual heart with a boat journey on the Ganges, sharing song as you travel along this sacred river. Complementing these musical experiences are guided explorations of India’s architectural and cultural treasures, from the bustling lanes of Old Delhi, to the majestic palaces and forts of Rajasthan.

The tour is designed for travellers who want to be active participants in that musical journey. Blending participatory music, cultural discovery and meaningful local experiences, this small-group tour offers a unique opportunity to experience India through the universal language of song.

Itinerary

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Arrive in Delhi where you will be met and transferred to your hotel. As many flights arrive late, this day is kept free to allow time to rest and settle in before the group journey begins the following morning. Overnight: Hotel Maidens, New Delhi

Meals: Nil

Begin the day singing with Stuart and the group before continuing your exploration of Delhi. Visit the Qutub Minar complex, where intricate carvings and towering stonework reflect the city’s early Indo-Islamic architecture. Enjoy lunch together at Café Lota, a relaxed contemporary Indian café within the National Crafts Museum, known for dishes inspired by regional cuisines from across India. After lunch, explore the Crafts Museum, where India’s rich craft traditions are represented through textiles, pottery, woodwork and other forms. Continue to Humayun’s Tomb, a beautifully proportioned Mughal garden tomb that later influenced the design of the Taj Mahal. As evening falls, visit Nizamuddin Dargah for a Qawwali performance. In this atmospheric setting, experience the tradition of Sufi devotional music, with voices, harmonium and percussion coming together in a powerful live performance. Overnight: Hotel Maidens, New Delhi

Meals: B,L

Begin the day with a singing session with Stuart before setting out to explore Old Delhi. Visit the imposing Red Fort, one of the great landmarks of the Mughal era, and nearby Jama Masjid, one of Delhi’s best-known mosques. Continue with the Salaam Baalak Trust “Street Walk”, a guided walk that offers a different perspective on the city through the experiences of young people who have moved away from life on the streets. As we walk through the busy streets and neighbourhoods of Old Delhi, hear their stories and learn about the work of the Trust in supporting vulnerable children. We then stop for lunch at Haveli Dharampura, a restored haveli in the heart of Old Delhi. The rest of the day is free to explore, shop or relax. Overnight: Hotel Maidens, New Delhi

Meals: B,L

Enjoy a relaxed morning in Delhi. Later, we visit Dilli Haat, a lively open-air market that brings together crafts, textiles and regional foods from across India. It is a great place to browse colourful stalls, meet artisans and perhaps pick up some locally made handicrafts before we leave Delhi. At 4:30pm, we transfer to the railway station and board our overnight train bound for Jaisalmer. Overnight: Swarn Nagri Express Train

Meals: B

After our overnight train journey, we arrive in Jaisalmer, an extraordinary desert city rising from the sands of the Thar Desert. Built almost entirely from golden sandstone, the city glows honey-gold, earning it the nickname The Golden City. For centuries, Jaisalmer prospered as an important trading centre on the ancient camel caravan routes linking India with Central Asia and beyond, and much of its beautifully preserved architecture reflects this rich merchant history. There is time to relax at the hotel after our journey before we venture out in the late afternoon to Bara Bagh, a peaceful collection of intricately carved sandstone chhatris (royal cenotaphs) set against the desert landscape. Built over several centuries, these elegant memorials honour the Maharajas of Jaisalmer and are at their most atmospheric as the late afternoon light bathes the sandstone in warm golden hues.This evening we enjoy a colourful cultural performance of traditional Rajasthani folk music and dance, providing an introduction to the rich artistic traditions of the desert communities. This evening we gather for dinner at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the illuminated fort, accompanied by traditional Rajasthani folk song. Overnight: Hotel Rang Mahar, Jaisalmer

Meals: B,D

This morning we come together for another singing session with Stuart before setting out to explore more of Jaisalmer, one of India's most remarkable fortified cities. Our first stop is Gadisar Lake, a peaceful reservoir built in the 14th century that once provided the city's precious water supply. Fringed by temples, shrines and intricately carved gateways, it remains a tranquil introduction to the desert city. From here we continue to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Jaisalmer Fort, one of the world's few living forts, where thousands of people still live and work within its ancient sandstone walls. Wandering through its narrow lanes reveals a fascinating maze of homes, Jain temples, artisan workshops and cafés. After lunch, we visit some of Jaisalmer's beautifully carved havelis, the grand merchant mansions that reflect the wealth generated by the city's position on the historic camel trading routes. Their intricate sandstone façades are among the finest examples of Rajasthani craftsmanship. Overnight: Hotel Rang Mahar, Jaisalmer

Meals: B

A relaxed morning, including our daily singing session with Stuart, before departing in the afternoon for our stay in the desert. As the landscape opens out into sand dunes and sparse desert vegetation, we gain a sense of Rajasthan’s more remote and arid landscapes. We arrive at the resort for lunch and some time to relax, waiting until the heat of the day has eased before continuing to our desert camp. In the late afternoon, we drive on to camp and settle into our luxury tented accommodation for the night. As the sun begins to set, we head out on a camel ride through the dunes, with the fading light bringing out the rich tones and textures of the desert landscape. In the evening, we gather around the fire for traditional folk music under the stars. Drive: 3 hours Overnight: Manvar Sevan desert camp

Meals: B,D

After a morning of song, we hit the road for Jodhpur. Set on the edge of the Thar Desert, Jodhpur is known as the “Blue City,” with a maze of indigo-painted houses clustered beneath the towering Mehrangarh Fort. Founded in 1459, Jodhpur has long been an important trading centre, and its old town still reflects this history, with narrow lanes, bustling markets and traditional homes packed tightly within the city walls. Set within the dramatic setting of Mehrangarh Fort, the Rajasthan International Folk Festival (RIFF) is one of India’s leading celebrations of traditional music. Our journey is timed to coincide with the festival, where centuries-old folk traditions are performed alongside contemporary sounds, with artists from across India and around the world gathering in a unique and atmospheric setting. Drive: 2 hours Overnight: Pal Haveli, Jodhpur

Meals: B

Spend the day and evening immersed in the festival. Recognised as one of India’s leading music festivals, RIFF celebrates the traditional music of Rajasthan while bringing together artists from across India and around the world. The festival’s international patron is Mick Jagger, reflecting its global reach and reputation. Performances take place across a series of atmospheric venues within the fort, from intimate daytime sessions to larger evening concerts. Music ranges from centuries-old folk traditions to contemporary interpretations, with a focus on rhythm, voice and storytelling. As night falls, the fort comes alive with open-air performances under the stars. Overnight: Pal Haveli, Jodhpur

Meals: B,D

Continue your time at the Rajasthan International Folk Festival. Alongside the music, the festival offers a rich introduction to Rajasthani food and performance. Local cuisine reflects the desert environment, with dishes developed to suit a dry climate and traditionally prepared using spices, grains and preserved ingredients. Throughout the day, explore performances that extend beyond music, including traditional dance and poetic storytelling. For those wanting a change of pace from the festival, there is also the option to join a half day visit to a Bishnoi village, around one hour’s drive from Jodhpur. Accompanied by a local guide, spend time in the village and visit local homes for an insight into community life and the crafts practised here, including weaving, pottery and block printing. The visit also includes time at a textile cooperative, where you can watch a demonstration, see examples of locally produced textiles and, if you wish, purchase directly from the cooperative. Allow around four to five hours for the excursion, returning to the hotel in Jodhpur afterwards. Alternatively, remain at RIFF and continue enjoying the festival program. Overnight: Pal Haveli, Jodhpur

Meals: B,D

Today is largely a travel day as we fly from Jodhpur to Varanasi, arriving in the late afternoon. One of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, Varanasi sits on the banks of the Ganges River and is considered the spiritual heart of India. For centuries, pilgrims have come here to bathe in the sacred waters, perform rituals and mark life’s most important moments along the river’s ghats - a series of steps and riverfront spaces leading down to the water. Our home for the next three nights is Hotel Ganges View, a simple but characterful heritage hotel occupying a superb position overlooking the river at Assi Ghat. While more modest than some of our other hotels, it offers comfortable air-conditioned rooms with private ensuites, warm hospitality and an unbeatable location. We’ll have the entire property to ourselves, giving us a wonderfully relaxed and private setting for our singing sessions with Stuart during our stay. After settling in, we take an evening walk along the nearby ghats for our first experience of life beside the Ganges. We enjoy your dinner at a rooftop restaurant, a short walk from the hotel. Overnight: Hotel Ganges View, Varanasi

Meals: B,D

We begin early morning as Varanasi gradually comes to life along the banks of the river Ganges. Chanting, music and movement unfold in the soft morning light, offering a memorable introduction to daily life and worship along the river. There will also be time today for our own singing practice under Stuart’s guidance, continuing to develop the music we have been sharing throughout the tour. Our exploration of Varanasi includes the Vishwanath Temple and Sarnath Stupa, followed by a traditional thali lunch at Shivaay restaurant. This evening brings the musical story of Varanasi to the fore with a visit to one of the city’s renowned musical gharanas, or traditional schools of music. Here we gain an insight into Varanasi’s deep-rooted musical heritage and have another opportunity for shared singing, a special chance to connect our own musical experience with the traditions of the city around us. Overnight: Hotel Ganges View, Varanasi

Meals: B,L

Our final full day begins with singing practice together under Stuart’s guidance before we set out for Chunar Fort by boat. Local musicians join us on board, and as we travel along the Ganges there will be opportunities to listen, sing and share music together. With life unfolding along the riverbanks around us, it’s a fitting culmination of the musical experiences we have shared throughout the tour. With music accompanying us and life unfolding along the riverbanks, this promises to be a memorable culmination of the musical experiences we have shared throughout the tour. Our boat journey finishes in the ghat area in time to witness the evening aarti ceremony. Here, chanting, music, ritual and light come together on the banks of the Ganges. Tonight we gather for a farewell dinner. Overnight: Hotel Ganges View, Varanasi

Meals: B,D

After breakfast, our time together comes to an end. Thank you for being part of this shared musical and cultural experience through India. Airport or railway station transfers are available today for those returning to Delhi. We are happy to help with your individual onward travel arrangements. For those not quite ready to say goodbye to India, an optional extension will also be available to visit the Taj Mahal.

Meals: B

Ready to start your adventure?

1 scheduled departure between 6 Oct 2027 and 6 Oct 2027.

Departs 6 Oct 2027 – ends 19 Oct 2027 (14 days)

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What's included?

Included

Hosted by choir master Stuart Davis
English speaking local guide
11 nights boutique and heritage hotels on a twin share basis
1 night luxury desert camp on a twin share basis
Internal flight Jodhpur to Varanasi on day 11
Overnight Train Delhi-Jaisalmer in AC sleeper on a twin share basis
Private air conditioned vehicle transport throughout
Sightseeing as listed in itinerary
Two day pass for RIFF Jodhpur festivals - days 9 & 10 (opening evening is unticketed)
13 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 6 dinners
Camel ride at desert camp
Chunar Fort excursion by boat with local musicians in Varanasi
Morning boat ride on the Ganges
Delhi airport transfer on day 1, and when you book pre tour accommodation with World Expeditions
Entrance fees Delhi: Qutub Minar, National Crafts Museum, Humayun's Tomb, Red Fort and Dilli Haat
Entrance fees Jaisalmer: Bara Bagh (Royal Cenotaphs), Jain temple in the Fort and Patwa Haveli & Nathmalji ki Haveli
Entrance fees Varanasi: Sarnath

Not included

International flights
Travel from Varanasi on day 14
Travel Insurance - compulsory
Visa
Single supplement when booked in your own room (limited availability)
Meals and beverages not listed in the itinerary
Tips

About your guide

Stuart Davis is a respected figure in Sydney’s choir and community music scene, known for his warmth, depth of musical knowledge and passion for connecting people through song. For over a decade, he’s led singing journeys around the world from Morocco to Cuba, Georgia to Italy, with a deep interest in how music reflects local history, identity and resilience.

Stuart has a longstanding curiosity about India and its musical traditions. His travels through Rajasthan and Ladakh have taken him in search of local music and cultural experiences, inspiring him to return to Rajasthan and explore its music, people and traditions more deeply.

At home, Stuart directs three community choirs, performs with his roots band Big Merino, sings in the Heavenly Light Quartet, and works on inclusive music programs including the Big Heart Sing at the Sydney Opera House and the NSW Boys’ Vocal Program. Travelling with Stuart means enjoying music in wonderful places, learning about local traditions, and sharing the simple joy of singing with like-minded people.

Extra trip info

Accommodation FAQs

Pal Haveli Jodhpur room | Pal Haveli Jodhpur

Jodhpur: Pal Haveli

Set beneath Mehrangarh Fort, this family-owned haveli offers individually styled heritage rooms filled with original features and period charm, centred around a tranquil courtyard steeped in history.

Still owned by the founding family, the haveli feels like a living museum, where each room reflects generations of history and the traditions of Jodhpur’s royal past.

Room at Hotel Ganges View | Hotel Ganges View

Varanasi: Hotel Ganges View

Full of character and occupying a superb position overlooking the Ganges, Hotel Ganges View offers a warm, welcoming stay in the heart of Varanasi's Assi Ghat. While simpler than some of our other hotels, it features comfortable air-conditioned rooms with private ensuites. Its heritage charm, friendly staff, unbeatable location and exclusive use by our group create an authentic and memorable Varanasi experience.

Maidens Hotel New Delhi room | Maidens Hotel New Delhi

New Delhi: Hotel Maidens Delhi

Dating back to 1903, this charming five-star heritage hotel offers a peaceful retreat with spacious, air-conditioned rooms, high ceilings and classic colonial-era décor. Set around an elegant open courtyard, the hotel combines historic character with modern comforts and features a lovely outdoor swimming pool.

Rang Mahal Jaisalmer pool | Rang Mahal Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer: Hotel Rang Mahal

Inspired by the golden sandstone architecture that defines Jaisalmer, Rang Mahal combines traditional Rajasthani character with modern comfort. Spacious rooms, a swimming pool and its convenient location close to Jaisalmer Fort make it an ideal place to relax, perhaps with a chilled drink by the pool after a day exploring the Golden City.

Manvar desert camp tents inside | Manvar Desert Camp

Manvar Sevan Desert Camp

An unforgettable desert stay in stylish safari tents with private bathrooms, combining handcrafted interiors and modern comforts with sweeping views of the surrounding wilderness. Set in a semi-circle facing the desert, the tents offer an atmospheric experience and traditional furnishings.

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Not at all. You don’t need to be an accomplished singer or have any formal musical training. Stuart’s relaxed singing sessions are designed to welcome all voices and experience levels. What matters is that you enjoy singing and are happy to participate – sharing music is an important part of the tour, from our sessions with Stuart to singing alongside local musicians in India.

Absolutely. You don’t need to come with a partner or friend – solo travellers are very welcome. The shared singing sessions, meals, sightseeing and festival experiences make this a naturally sociable trip. We’ll endeavour to match solo travellers wishing to share with another participant of the same gender; if we’re unable to do so, a single supplement will apply.

October is generally a favourable time to explore northern India, following the monsoon season. Days are typically warm, with temperatures ranging from the mid-20s to low 30sC /77 - 90F, while mornings and evenings can be considerably cooler. Rajasthan is generally dry and sunny, while Delhi and Varanasi can still feel warm and occasionally humid.

Health and vaccination requirements vary depending on your individual circumstances, so we recommend speaking with your doctor or a specialist travel health professional well before departure. They can provide current advice based on your health, vaccination history and itinerary.

The night in the Thar Desert is in luxury tented accommodation at Manvar Sevan desert camp. After arriving in the area for lunch and time to relax, the group continues to camp later in the day, with a camel ride through the dunes followed by traditional folk music under the stars.

Yes. Although there is plenty included, the itinerary isn't scheduled from morning to night every day. There is free time to relax, shop or explore independently, including time in Delhi and Jaisalmer, as well as relaxed mornings on some days. The RIFF festival days also provide time to experience the program and atmosphere of the festival.

It’s very much both. Singing and music are central to the experience, with regular sessions led by Stuart as well as opportunities to hear and share music with local performers. But the itinerary also explores Delhi, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur and Varanasi, with forts, markets, architecture, food, the Thar Desert and the Ganges all forming part of the experience.

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Songs of Rajasthan and the Gangeswith Stuart Davis

Trip highlights

Overview

Itinerary

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