Head to India for one of the world’s greatest music festivals

Bales Worldwide is giving travellers the chance to experience one of the best events in the world music calendar – the Rajasthan International Folk Festival in Jodhpur. Taking place from 10-14 October 2008, this incredible festival brings together over 150 musicians to perform at one of Asia’s finest buildings - the Mehrangarh Fort.

Bales is offering a 10 day holiday, taking in the entire festival, from £1,650 per person.

The festival, that started last year, has already received international acclaim for the exceptional quality of the music and the unrivalled setting. As well as listening to world class traditional music, visitors have unparalleled access to the royal apartments and gardens, courtyards, terraces and ramparts of this dramatic fort.

The Bales itinerary starts on 7 October with a flight from London Heathrow to Delhi. After an overnight stop at the Ashok Country Resort, you will catch an onward flight to Jodhpur where you will stay at the beautiful Taj Hari Mahal Hotel. Set amongst several acres of landscaped garden, the hotel is close to the cities vibrant markets and offers easy access to the festival.

From the 9-14 October you are free to explore the famous blue city and take in the wealth of musical events that make up the festival. Mixing folk and classical music traditions, the event brings together artists from India and around the world to perform in this stunning setting. Options range from traditional folk performances, to club nights and shows from some of India’s top bands. Be transfixed by the sitars, tablas and ragas, let the storytellers enthrall you and check out some of the many late night jam sessions taking place across the city. This really is a festival of inspirational music-making!

The programme is just through and includes:

Ustad Sultan Khan is the undisputed king of the classical Sarangi, a string instrument that people claim sounds almost like a human voice

Denise "Saucy Wow" Belfon, the Soca, R&B and Gospel singer, songwriter and dancer

An evening of Rajasthani Folk, Jazz music and Gypsy dance music including: Thierry Robin (France), Rajasthani folk artists with the Yuri Honing Trio (Rajasthan/ Netherlands)and Parno Graszt with Rajasthani Folk artists (Roma/Rajasthan)

For more information, log on to Balesworldwide.com.