Dastkar Crafts Centre, Jaipur

	Dastkar Crafts Centre, Jaipur
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Around 3km beyond the turning for Ranthambore National Park, near the village of Kutalpura, is the excellent Dastkar Crafts Centre, where local low-caste women are trained to make patchwork quilting and appliqué.

Most of the pieces they produce are sent off to be sold in Delhi, but there's a small shop in the centre showcasing beautiful block-printed bedspreads, pottery and an assortment of handmade clothes; the work is of an exceptionally high standard, and the prices very fair.

This is a laudable attempt to combat poverty in villages bordering the park by ensuring money goes directly to the women instead of the men. It is hoped that in the long run this may lessen the hardships that, in the past, have pushed villagers into illegal poaching.

While you're in the area, have a wander around the houses on the opposite side of the road, whose walls are decorated with some wonderful traditional murals.