Turban-Tying, Kite Flying and Dinner , Jaipur
India, Rajasthan

Each region of Rajasthan takes great pride in its own distinctive way of tying a turban and the art of turban tying is considered a fine art. Pagribands were employed by the royal courts, but Rajasthanis generally take pride in practising and perfecting the art of turban-tying themselves. It has been estimated that there are approximately 1,000 different styles and types of turbans in Rajasthan. Today with the help of a noble and learned Jaipur resident, you will learn this wonderful art and can even have a competition in your group!

Later on that evening, enjoy a kite flying session on the roof of the house, above the busy Jaipur streets. Kites were invented in China, where materials ideal for kite building were readily available: silk fabric for sail material; fine, high-tensile-strength silk for flying line; and resilient bamboo for a strong, lightweight framework. After its introduction into India, the kite further evolved into the fighter kite, known as the patang in India, where thousands are flown every year on festivals such as Makar Sankranti. Residents take great pride in cutting each other down and you can test your skill against the unknown kite assassins practicing their hobby in the cool of the evening.

The evening finishes with a delicious home-cooked meal with local specialities unlikely to be served in any hotel. The meal is served, weather permitting, in the fine old courtyard of this aristocratic house.