DANCING INDIA

A Dancing Journey into the Heart of India

DANCING INDIA

Small Group Travel : Max 15 Pax
Dates : Winter – 2026

Dancing India isn’t just about dancing – it’s about joy – it’s about celebration – it’s about connecting to Indian people to create a moment of happiness and unity – when their spirits soar, the music takes over & the body moves.

We travel with one of Rajasthan’s most respected folk dancers – the amazing Aavad Sain Artist, a dancer and teacher who dances as both a woman and a man, following an ancient tradition when women were prohibited from dancing during Holi. This means we have both female and male parts able to be taught by the one effervescent and learned dancer who is familiar with 15 different folk dancing styles.

Dancing India is possibly Vanishing India’s most extroverted and adventurous program, where travellers become a catalyst for cultural and human interaction as we dance, party and celebrate with Indian people.

Dancing India dares to dance beautifully, or badly, to dance for the love of celebration & communion, of truly spirited trave

You Are The Dancer. These Are Your Moves!

YOUR PLACES

Dancing India picks the jewels out of the Indian cultural treasure trove. Beautiful havelis & hotels give the traveller respite from the movement and energy of India.

  • Delhi:
    Delhi, our starting point, the complex, throbbing seat of government and home to millions.
     
  • Jaisalmer:
    Jaisalmer, set in the beautiful Thar Desert, its beautiful fort still standing after 700 years. 

  • Jodhpur:
    Jodhpur, the ‘blue city’ of Rajasthan, calms your eyes after the gold of Jaisalmer.

  • Varanasi:
    Varanasi, the great spiritual magnet of Indians wanting to live a holy life now and secure an even holier death by being cremated on the banks of the Ganga. 

Four of India’s most Incredible Destinations!

YOUR PROCESS

Dancing India travels with a wonderful Indian dancer to explore the rhythms of the music, explore the philosophy of the dance forms and connect with Indian people, sometimes in remote places. How does it work?

  • The Rehearsal: Each morning we have a gentle class that gets the body going as we learn some simple classic Indian dance moves. All dance shares a classical origin and we will learn some basics. 
  • Repertoire: We will develop some VERY simple routines that we can share with Gypsies, Hijras and communities as we travel. 
  • Clothes: In the early days in Jaisalmer we will visit a clothing store to get a simple outfit sorted for our informal performances. Or just wear some colourful clothes. 
  • Music: We will be accompanied by Vanishing India’s music Maestro – Anub – who will provide some on the road music. As well the ghetto blaster will accompany us to get a bit of  extra volume and punch in some settings. 
  • Reaction: Indian people love seeing Westerners dance. Not sure why, but it is a source of great joy.

YOUR PROGRAM

Experience a 15 days journey through Delhi, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, and Varanasi, immersing in India’s rich culture, history, and spirituality. Dancing and cultural interactions are interspersed daily into the program.

  • The Adventure Begins: Arrive Delhi and enter into the other world of Dharampura Haveli in the Old City. The adventure begins.
  • Immerse In The Fable: Fly to the Golden City and start the immersion in the fable that is Jaisalmer. 
  • A Lake In A Desert: & Bada Bagh: A lake in a desert and cenotaphs of the Maharajahs.
  • Meet The Bhopa Gypsies: When you thought Jaisalmer couldn’t get any richer in culture we meet the Bhopa Gypsies.
  • A Day In Suraj Haveli: A day embedded in Suraj Haveli listening to the artisans from the Jaisalmer Fort..
  • Evening In The Thar Desert: Manganiyar Moslems, desert towns and an evening in the Thar Desert.
  • Blue City Of Jodhpur: Journey to the Blue City of Jodhpur for step wells and more blue than you thought possible.
  • Stories From Mehrangarh Fort: Stories from Mehrangarh Fort and inspiration in courage and hope at an NGO school.
  • Holiest City In India: Flights into the holiest city in India – the place where everyone wants to die – Varanasi.
  • Ancient Stories Of Sadhus: A day of ancient stories of sadhus – Amhara wrestlers – pilgrims and the Ganga
  • Streets Of Varanasi: Walking through time and narratives in the streets of Varanasi
  • Story Of Buddha: Stories of Tibetans and Buddha at Sarnath.
  • Back To Delhi: Back to the old world of Delhi and a surprise visit to the haveli.
  • Visit Delhi Emporium: A time to buy beautiful stuff from an ethically sourced emporium. Last conversations and reflections on the journey?
  • Part of you leaves today and part of you never will.

YOUR GURUS

Our knowledgeable and passionate guides bring deep cultural insights and unique perspectives, enriching your travel experience. They unlock hidden gems, share fascinating stories, and provide meaningful interactions, making your journey immersive and unforgettable.

  • Aavad Sain Artist: Dance Master
    Aavad is a native of Jaisalmer where he runs a dance company teaching a range of up to 15 dance forms including all Rajasthani forms such as Kalbelia, Ghoomer & Bhawai. He is trained in classical dance and, as is a tradition in Rajasthan, dances both women’s and men’s parts.  He has performed in Paris, appeared on ‘India’s Got Talent’, won the President Award in 2007 and, just to show his versatility was a national soccer player. He’s a great guy to be around. 

  • Manu Singh – Vanishing India Tour Director
    Manu is a legendary guide who hails from a small village in Rajasthan. The journey from that remote desert environment has seen him complete Masters degree in Tourism and degrees in History and Politics, acquire fluent English and French language skills, travel to every part of India and be invited as a guest speaker in Europe.

  • Anub Ghatak: Maestro and Travelling Minstrel
    Anub is one of India’s most diverse and accomplished musicians playing violin, viola, guitar and flute. He traverses the Western and Eastern traditions with equal expertise. Anub is a conductor and holds an international degree with distinction at the Royal School of Music, London. He has performed in Berlin, Munich and all over India as leader/concert master/assistant conductor. He’s a great guy to be around.

  • Sona Bhopa: Gypsy dancer and leader
    Sona and her family proudly identify as Bhopa Gypsy and are dancers, singers, jewellery makers and extremely hospitable hosts. Sona and her family are the heart and soul of Jaisalmer.

YOUR PALACES AND HAVELIS

Maidens Hotel

Delhi, Civil Lines Area, Delhi

Gulaal Hotel

Jaisalmer, Rajasthan

Devi Bhawan 

Jodhpur, Rajasthan

Guleria Kothi

Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

Unique and Exceptional Accommodation Spaces!

YOUR INSPIRATION

“Everything is recycled in India, even dreams.”
— Shashi Tharoor –
 
 “India lives in several centuries at the same time.”
 – Arundhati Roy –
 
“To other countries, I may go as a tourist, but to India, I come as a pilgrim.”
 – Martin Luther King, Jr. –
 
“I like the evening in India, the one magic moment when the sun balances on the rim of the world, and the hush descends, and ten thousand civil servants drift homeward on a river of bicycles, brooding on Lord Krishna and the cost of living.”
 – James Cameron –
 
“Benares {Varanasi} is older than history, older then tradition, older even than legend, and looks twice as old as all of them put together.” 
Mark Twain

DETAILS

DATES & GROUP SIZE

Scheduled for winter – 2026
15 Days
12 – 15 pax

Dancing India is a moderately active program with some walking required in Varanasi and Jaisalmer. Apart form that, some conversations with different Indian people need guidance from participants to avoid culturally inappropriate questions. As a general rule, questions will be asked at the conclusion of sessions and at the discretion of the facilitator.
DATES & HOTEL TBA. The tour commences at the Delhi hotel on the first day of the tour at 1pm. The tour concludes at the Delhi hotel after breakfast on Sunday

The tour starts in Delhi.

If you wish to add tours to Agra or any other Indian location you can contact Manu Singh at India Personal Tours – travel@indiapersonaltours.com 

TOUR PRICE

$6,950 USD Per Person [Twin Share]
Deposit $1,500 USD Per Person [Payable upon booking]
Single Room Supplement $1,500 USD Per Person. [Payable upon booking]
Balance payable 3 months before departure.

Tour deposit is non-refundable.

– Programs accompanied by Tour Facilitator, Tour Director plus one other translator/cultural guide plus local specialist guides and cultural interactions in Jaisalmer and Varanasi.

– Accommodation on Double/Twin occupancy for 14 nights on bed & breakfast basis.
– Meals mentioned in Itinerary. 13 Lunches (Hotels / Local Restaurants) and 14 Dinners at Hotels.
– All transfers, excursion & sightseeing by using AC Deluxe Coach.
– Fully curated event that integrates tour theme into the daily itinerary.
– Conversations with Bhopa Gypsies. Maganiyar Muslim communities, selected personalities, Sufi priests, Sadhu & Akhara community, tour to Tibetan university, and all other interactions mentioned on itinerary.
– Visit to NGO in Jodhpur.
– Monuments Entrance Fees.
– House boat ride in Varanasi including musicians.
– 4 x Domestic Airfares.
– Services of agents representatives at airports.
– All currently applicable taxes including Government Service Tax.

– Alcohol.
– Laundry bills, telephone – calls, Tips, table drinks etc.
– Travel insurance, visa etc.
– Camera fees – still & video.
– Flights to and from India.
– Any other expense which is not mentioned in inclusions.

FAQs

Dr. Vishakha Sharma

How will the rehearsal process work?

Do we have performances?

Are the people paid?

Will Indians enjoy dancing with us?

Do we do other things as well on the Dancing India event?

I'm not an experienced dancer, but I love it. Can I come?

Does the dance master speak English?

Can we film the events?

Can you arrange flights to India or Nepal?

Should I arrive early for the trip to acclimatise?

Make your virtual journey a real adventure.

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Partner Network Accreditations

Our Story

VANISHING INDIA is an imprint of Fabulous Limited, part of the market-leading Fabulous Media Private Limited group, one of the leading marketing networks. It works in association with India Personal Tours [IPT Travel Private Limited] and Explore Himalaya Travel Pvt. Ltd {Explore Himalaya Tours}, two long-standing travel companies. Bookings are made through Stripe, one of the world’s most secure payment gateway.

Legacy travel companies are working with one of India’s leading entrepreneurial entities to deliver on VANISHING INDIA’s simple objective – to revolutionise the way travel is experienced on the subcontinent.