A reminder from Urbanaut: We know downloading an app is a pain—but you will not regret getting the Urbanaut app (and if we’re wrong, it’s easy to delete!). We’ve got tons of curated recommendations that you can save and plan with, and fantastic experiences that you can book with your kids, folks, pets and friends. What you see in this newsletter is but a tiny slice of all the options that await on the app. 

This month, we’re highlighting our first experiential holiday curated with exclusive experiences at some iconic locations in the Blue City. An exploration of food and nature without compromising on that warm Rajasthani hospitality. 

Blue city feels: We often get guests asking us if we ‘plan holidays’ or ‘offer packages’. We resolutely dislike both these ‘P’ words but have often asked ourselves: why is it so difficult to find thoughtfully curated, affordable, boutique holidays within India? We also find ourselves feeling helpless when people continue to choose the most ‘popular’ experiences in a destination, while ignoring some real gems.

So we’ve launched a happy experiment: our ‘Naut a Tourist’ (get it?) series will delve into destinations in true Urbanaut style—with culinary and cultural experiences, a like-minded community to travel with, and handpicked destinations that offer something for the soul.

For Edit 01: We’ll be travelling to Jodhpur with Insia Lacewalla—whose love for culinary adventures guarantees the best conversations and company. Guests will stay at the gorgeous Daspan House—a boutique homely experience built on a refurbished, upcycled property from the 1920s. We’ll also indulge in thoughtfully designed activities—like a day connecting with nature at Mharo Khet, an experimental, plant-forward farm near Jodhpur and a guided walk through the Old City.

One all-important detail: You’ll be eating your way through this entire holiday. A tasting menu awaits you on your first night at Daspan House. Two elaborate multi-course meals will be served to you at the delightful Mharo Khet farm, and there will be enough chai, kachoris and other Rajasthani snacky delicacies to float a literal boat. The food experiences on this trip will be a real highlight. 

Join us on our first trip from December 2-4! The price is Rs 38,000 + 18% GST per person and includes everything mentioned above as well as ground transfers. You’ll just need to book your tickets and we’ve got the rest covered. Come with?

Diwali is around the corner! We know you’ve already made your plans—and for those of you not staying at home, might we suggest some ideas?

If you’re headed to Coorg, we’ve launched a few experiences (with more to come!). Reach out to us if you’d like help planning, but you can’t go wrong with this Estate Walk and Meal or White Water Rafting for the more adventurous. A hike and swim to the Lakshman Theertha waterfalls will be refreshing to say the least. It’s coffee harvest time in Coorg so it’s a great time to be visiting. Keep checking our app/website for new experiences as we launch them.

If you’re headed to Goa instead—we suggest you book your experiences well in advance. Start your trip with the Floating Feni—as it’s close to the airport and what could be a better way to ease into your holiday? If you’re in a large, multi-generational group—you absolutely must try the Yachting, Kayaking, and SUP experience. Thank us later. For the culinary adventurers, the Goan Garden Feast is a true feast for the senses and we never leave Goa without trying the Chef’s Table at Edible Archives (exclusively on Urbanaut). The Surfing Experience at Arambol is worth trying even for non-swimmers and novices! 

There are tons of new restaurants and things to do in Goa—we’ve got the ones worth trying out on the app. So even if you don’t book an experience (why would you not?), make sure you’re using us to plan your trip!