I N D I A
MANDALAS OF THE RAJASTHANI DESERT
With Tiffani Gyatso & Adam Williamson
November 1st - 16th, 2025
Artistic immersion in one of the most vibrant regions of India, staying in historic palaces, visiting local artisans, and creating art with an international group.
Eight visits to World Wonders: the Taj Mahal, Agra’s Red Fort, Fatehpur Sikri, Jaisalmer Fort, I’timād-ud-Daulah, Jodhpur Fort, Bada Bagh, and the ancient stepwell of Panna Meena.
INDIA - MANDALAS OF THE RAJASTHANI DESERT
An Art Immersion
Embark on a journey of art, culture, and knowledge with artist Tiffani Gyatso and Adam Williamson of the Prince’s Foundation School of Traditional Arts in London. Together, they will guide you through the historic realms and dreamlike landscapes of Northern India, where art, architecture, and ancestral wisdom are woven into every stone, pigment, and gesture.
This experience has been thoughtfully designed for artists, dreamers, and cultural seekers who wish to learn directly from master artisans and experience India far beyond the conventional routes.
Over the course of two weeks, we will explore the wonders of Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, connecting mythical cities with timeless rural sanctuaries. From marble domes to golden fortresses, from intricately carved temples to vibrant bazaars, this journey unveils the aesthetic and spiritual soul of India.
What We Will Experience:
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Hands-on training in traditional arts, including Mughal miniature painting and Jaali stone carving, guided by master artisans who carry centuries-old lineages.
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On-site drawing of ornamental patterns, both geometric and biomorphic, inspired by Islamic, Hindu, and Rajput architecture.
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Wisdom of the Yantras, exploring sacred geometry as a path to inner alignment.
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Rangoli ceremonies, celebrating beauty, devotion, and impermanence through ephemeral floor mandalas.
Through the Wonders of the World:
Guided visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites and hidden gems, including:
– Taj Mahal
– Agra Red Fort
– Fatehpur Sikri
– I’timād-ud-Daulah (“the Baby Taj”)
– Jodhpur Fort
– Jaisalmer Fort
– Bada Bagh
– Panna Meena Stepwell
We will travel through Agra, Fatehpur Sikri, Alwar, Jaipur, Pushkar, Jodhpur, and Jaisalmer — with accommodations in five extraordinary places: secluded rural retreats, historic havelis with intricately carved courtyards, lakeside palaces, and desert forts — each chosen not only for comfort but for their atmosphere and inspiration.
You'll travel with:
Adam Williamson
Adam Williamson é um calígrafo e escultor premiado, com um extenso histórico de comissões prestigiadas e exposições internacionais.
Especialista em caligrafia tradicional, geometria sagrada e escultura em pedra e madeira, seu trabalho traduz os princípios universais da natureza em formas harmoniosas, por meio de um ofício minucioso e profundamente conectado ao gesto artesanal.
Entre seus clientes destacam-se: Sua Alteza Real, o Príncipe de Gales, a Universidade de Oxford, NYU, Spotify (EUA), Shakespeare’s Globe, Kew Gardens, Abadia de Westminster, British Council e o Ministério das Relações Exteriores em Viena.
Além de criar obras permanentes em espaços públicos do Reino Unido, Adam ministra oficinas e palestras em instituições renomadas como o Museu Britânico, Universidade de Cambridge, British Library, Victoria & Albert Museum, National Portrait Gallery, New York University, Spotify (Nova York) e o Museu de Arte Islâmica (MIA) em Doha, Catar.
Tiffani Gyatso
Tiffani Gyatso is a Brazilian artist whose path weaves together mysticism, refined technique, and beauty in a continuous pursuit of profound expression and meaning. She trained in traditional Tibetan Thangka painting at the renowned Norbulingka Institute in India (2003–2006), and later deepened her studies in Sacred Geometry at the Prince’s School of Traditional Arts in London. She also holds a degree in Visual Arts from the University of Dulcina de Moraes in Brasília.
Since 2016, she has been part of the international Danza Duende network, which promotes art as a path of awareness and presence. In 2020, she founded the Traditional Mandala School of the World, offering online courses that combine ancestral wisdom with contemporary practice.
Tiffani currently leads contemplative art retreats at her center in the mountains of Brazil — Atelier YabYum — as well as immersive art and culture journeys in India, Tibet, Bhutan, Morocco, and Turkey. Her work is marked by a dialogue between the sacred and the sensitive.
She is the author of the book Life and Thangka, which narrates her artistic and spiritual journey through Tibetan art.
Baixe AQUI o Itinerário completo de cada dia INDIA - Rajastão
PART 1 ~ Golden Triangle
7 nights – November 1 to 8
The Golden Triangle is home to India’s crown jewels — a sequence of UNESCO-listed architectural treasures stretching from Delhi to Jaipur and Agra.
The main portion of the course will take place in the heart of the Golden Triangle, at the 15th-century Ram Bihari Palace, nestled in the Aravalli Hills with views over Siliserh Lake. From this enchanting setting, we will draw ornamental patterns and paint under the guidance of Indian miniature painting master Ajay Sharma. We will also visit the Amber Palace in Jaipur and Alwar Lake.
Our journey will continue to the Laxmi Vilas Palace, from where we’ll explore Fatehpur Sikri, Agra Fort, I’timād-ud-Daulah, and the world-renowned monument of love built by Shah Jahan: the majestic Taj Mahal.
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PART 2 ~ Rajasthani Desert
8 nights – November 8 to 16
We will depart from Jaipur toward Pushkar, a temple town nestled around a dazzling lake. After visiting its sacred mountain, we’ll venture into the Thar Desert to discover Jaisalmer — the Golden City — a former medieval trade hub along the Silk Road. Our stay will be in a historic sandstone haveli (a traditional house with an inner courtyard), where we’ll hold drawing sessions in the intricately carved Jaheritage Mandir Palace. We’ll explore the Jaisalmer Fort — a hilltop citadel fortified by 99 bastions — and visit the Maharaja’s Palace, exquisitely sculpted Jain temples, and the maze-like vernacular architecture adorned with Islamic motifs.
Delving deeper into the Thar Desert, we will spend time in this ancient trade route, living together in sandstone havelis, drawing, and sharing artistic moments. Traveling in a convoy of jeeps, we will reach the Jaali stone-carving workshops, where we will collect blocks of the region’s iconic golden sandstone and take them to the desert. There, under the trees, we’ll carve in the open air, sipping chai brewed over a fire and guided by local camel herders. As the sun sets, we’ll enjoy a traditional meal under the stars before returning to the Jaisalmer Fort.
At dawn, we’ll gather for a contemplative drawing session by the shores of Gadisar Lake, surrounded by the soft sound of cowbells, morning birds, and local prayers.
We’ll then travel through the Rajasthani countryside to reach Jodhpur, the Blue City. There, we’ll explore the formidable 15th-century Mehrangarh Fort, perched dramatically on a rocky outcrop, and conclude our journey at the breathtaking Toor Ji ki Baoli stepwell — where we’ll fold a paper version inspired by its architectural rhythm!
Details:
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The journey is divided into Part 1 (full board) and Part 2 (half board), with the option to join either or both segments.
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Open to all levels of artistic experience.
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Accommodation available in private rooms or gender-based shared rooms.
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10% discount for participants joining the full immersion (November 1–16).
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Spaces are limited — early registration is essential.
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Languages spoken: English and Portuguese
INCLUDED:
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All art classes, site admissions, domestic transportation, materials, and equipment.
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PART 1 (7 nights): Accommodation in historic hotels with full board (all meals included)
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PART 2 (7 nights): Accommodation in historic hotels with half board (breakfast only)
NOT INCLUDED:
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International airfare, travel insurance, visa.
PART 1 & 2 – 15 Nights (November 1–16)
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Shared Accommodation: US$ 4,500
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Private Accommodation: US$ 5,300
PART 1 – 7 Nights (November 1–8)
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Shared Accommodation: US$ 2,600
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Private Accommodation: US$ 3,200
PART 2 – 8 Nights (November 8–16)
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Shared Accommodation: US$ 2,400
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Private Accommodation: US$ 2,820
LIMITED SPOTS! 50% already booked.
International group.
Languages: English and Portuguese.
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Prices are listed in US dolars.
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A 50% deposit is required via PayPal to secure your spot.
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The remaining 50% must be paid in full one month before the journey.
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This balance can be transferred to a Wise USD account.
For questions, more information, or to register, please write to:
If you prefer, feel free to schedule a non-binding online meeting to ask questions and learn more.
Cancellation Policy:
Please note that payments are non-refundable in the event of cancellation, as each reservation secures a place that cannot be filled by another participant. Additionally, all bookings in India are made well in advance and are non-transferable.
For any questions, enquiries and registration, contact: arteperegrina@gmail.com