Photograhy - Colours of India

From Delhi to Varanasi , we visit the most impressive sights of northern India in the company of our guest professional photographer. India has hundreds of attractions just waiting to be discovered by the keen photographer, from stunning scenery to beautiful architecture to an incredible array of wildlife.  Above all though, India is full of amazingly colourful characters.

Around every corner you could see sadhus praying to the gods, camel men tending to their animals after a day's safari, or ladies in traditional saris carrying water back from the village well.  In addition to taking advantage of these amazing photo opportunities, we have time to ride camels in to the desert, search for tigers and take a boat trip on the sacred river Ganges .

Groups:

Max 12 / min 6

Photographer Profiles

Aubrey Wade was born in the Netherlands in 1977 to British parents, and completed a degree in Social Anthropology before turning to documentary photography.  His work continues to focus on social, political and cultural issues in some of the world's most interesting and challenging areas.  Based principally in London , he divides his time between assignments and long-term personal projects, for which he has received several international awards.  He has worked in over 20 countries and his work regularly appears in magazines worldwide.

Sydney-born Sharon Hickey brings over twenty years experience as a professional photographer.  Her work captures the personality of her subjects, the essence of a mood and moment and thrives in discovering new people and places.  Having worked in Film and Television and as a photojournalist in the world of magazines, Sharon has photographed many high profile Australian and international people including the Prime Minister of Australia.  Combined with her love of adventure, people and places, her passion comes from inspiring others to find their own inspiration. **

Itinerary (14 nights/15 days)

Day 1, Delhi
Arrive and transfer to hotel. In the afternoon we enjoy a city tour of Old Delhi , visiting the Red Fort, the Jama Masjid mosque and Chandni Chowk, a bustling bazaar area.

Day 2, Mandawa
Drive to Mandawa, situated in the heart of Rajasthan's Shekhavati area, and famous for its painted havelis (merchant's houses) and exquisite frescoes. We spend the night at Castle Mandawa, a heritage hotel with a maze of terraces, courtyards and narrow staircases. The rooms are beautifully decorated, with period furniture, murals and boldly coloured fabrics, and dinner is served in the garden or central courtyards. (B)

Day 3, Mandawa
This morning we take a walking tour of Mandawa, followed by a camel ride to some of the surrounding villages. We spend the night at the Desert Resort, a charming village of specially created mud huts which are a kilometre south of the main town. The walls are covered with auspicious lime paste and rice flour patterns, which are painted daily by the village women. The resort also has a lovely swimming pool, set overlooking the rolling sand dunes of Mandawa. (B)

Day 4, Jaipur
After breakfast at the Desert Resort, we leave Mandawa for Jaipur, the captivating Pink City . We visit the fabulous Amber Fort, situated 11 km to the north of Jaipur, and walk the steep paths leading to a magnificent complex of palaces, halls, pavilions, gardens and temples. We then continue to our tastefully furnished boutique hotel.(B)

Day 5, Jaipur
The ‘Pink City' of Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan, and cars, scooters, rickshaws, camels, bullock carts and people all jostle for space on the streets. The whole city is a riot of colour, and offers incredible photographic opportunities. In the morning, we visit some of the city's palaces, observatories and parks. This afternoon is free to explore further. (B)

Day 6, Ranthambore
Continue to Sawai Madhopur, our base for visiting the Ranthambore National Park and enjoy an afternoon game ride. We stay for two nights in deluxe tents at the Ranthambore Bagh, a favourite haunt of wildlife photographers. The owner takes great interest in photography and will be able to give you some hints on how to get the best pictures during your stay. (B)

Day 7, Ranthambore
With its varied landscapes, Ranthambore provides some of the best opportunities for photographs in the whole of India . Tigers are occasionally sighted, along with other animals such as sambhar, nilgai, sloth bear, jackal, crocodiles and abundant bird life. We take a morning game ride and in the afternoon visit the Ranthambore Fort. (B)

Day 8, Karauli
We drive to Karauli, midway between Ranthambore and Bharatpur, where we are guests in the royal but homely atmosphere of the Bhanwar Vilas Palace . This low, pleasant Art Deco building has wide cool verandas, a drawing room with authentic period furniture and a long dining table where the Maharaja often joins guests when he is in residence. It also boasts a swimming pool and a collection of vintage cars. (B)

Day 9, Karauli
The old City Palace of Karauli, built in 1635, is a treasure trove of architecture, stone carvings and classic paintings. There is also an interesting bazaar full of local handicrafts, carvings and colourful bangles. (B)

Day 10, Bharatpur - Agra
This morning, we leave to travel to Agra, stopping at Bharatpur, famous for the nearby Keoladeo Bird Sanctuary, and the ancient Moghul capital of Fatehpur Sikri, a complex of forts, palaces and mosques built from sandstone. (B)

Day 11, Agra
Visit the Taj Mahal, one of the most famous buildings in the world. The pure white marble of this tomb seems to constantly change colour throughout the day and night. In the evening we board the sleeper train to Varanasi . (B)

Day 12, Varanasi
Hindus believe that anyone cremated on the banks of the river Ganges, especially at Varanasi , is certain to gain entry to heaven. We have ample time today to explore this holy city. Optional evening "aarti" ceremony (Us$10).

Day 13, Varanasi
The Ganges is the main focus of life in Varanasi , and the best way to view the river is on an early morning boat ride. At this time it is possible to see the holy men chanting mantras as they bathe, a profound and unforgettable experience. (B)

Day 14, Varanasi
We transfer to Varanasi airport for our flight to Delhi . On arrival, we check in to our hotel and enjoy our last evening together. (B)

Day 15, Delhi
Tour ends. (B)

General Tour Information

Style: Special Interest
Maximum group size: 12
Staffing: Fully escorted by professional tour leader and guest professional photographer, services of local guides
Transport: Private air-conditioned coach, train, camel, boat, plane
Flight: Varanasi to Delhi
Accommodation: 5 nights tourist class hotels, 5 nights heritage hotels, 2 nights deluxe tents, 1 night in luxurious ‘mud huts', 1 night sleeper train
The single supplement does not apply to the night on the sleeper train.
Activities: Camel ride, game safari at Ranthambore
Meals: As per itinerary B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner. Please allow US$15-20 per day for meals not included.
Entrance fees: Included for all sites visited as part of the itinerary. This does not include entrance fees on optional excursions.
Tipping: To avoid embarrassment and save you money all tours operate a tipping kitty. Please allow US$70 per person for the duration of the tour. This does not include a tip for the Tour Leader which is entirely at your own discretion.
Additional sightseeing and Optional activities: If you wish to visit a wide range of sites and take part in a variety of optional activities please allow approx US$50.

For comparability, all prices in this dossier are quoted in one currency. We use the US Dollar since that is familiar to most. However, once on tour you will need to pay for all goods and services in the local currency (with the exception of the local payment which must be paid in US Dollars cash with the notes unmarked and in good condition). See your Country Dossier for details of exchange rates.

Local Payment

There is a local payment of US$440 on this tour. This must be paid to the Tour Leader in US Dollars cash on Day 1 of the tour.

Free Arrival Transfer

Arrival transfers are included for all clients arriving in Delhi on day 1 or before day 1 if extra accommodation is booked with us. Departure transfers to the airport are included on day 15. If you have booked your flights separately from your tour please ensure that you inform your tour booking agent of your flight details at least one month before departure to avoid payment of an administration fee.

Tour Briefing

Once all the members of your group have arrived your tour leader will organise an introductory briefing (usually at noon on Day 1). This meeting will give you an overview of all the exciting things you will be seeing during your tour and include lots of practical information on how to get the most out of your time in India. You will need to bring with you your passport, all tour vouchers and a copy of your insurance policy to this briefing so that your tour leader can obtain important details that are essential to the running of the tour.

Important Note: it is a condition of joining our tours that you are in possession of a comprehensive travel insurance policy. If you do not have a policy you will be required to purchase one from your tour leader in order to join the tour.

Price includes:

• Staffing as shown in the ‘Factfinder'
• Accommodation, meals, transportation, and sightseeing excursions as per itinerary.
• Transfer to hotel on arrival.

Price does not include:

• Visa costs
• Border Taxes
• Drinks, tips, laundry and other items of a personal nature.
• International flights
• Departure transfers
• Meals other than those listed
• The single supplement does not include the night on the train.

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