Itinerary - 12 days
Cost: $5,990.00 based on 8 to 10 participants.
February 24, Monday Arrive Delhi
After you have cleared immigration and customs and collected your baggage, our tour representative will meet you as you exit the arrival terminal building and escort you to the coach to be transferred to your hotel. Standard hotel check-in time is 2:00pm.
5:00 pm Meet in the lobby for workshop introduction with instructors David Tejada and Eric Krugl, followed by group dinner
Welcome to Delhi, a bustling metropolis wrapped in mystery, magic, and mayhem. This city of 19 million people is a mix of medieval fortifications, dusty bazaars, and a treasure of sacred sites. The population of Delhi is made up of Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs and Christians, with Hinduism being the main religion. Some of locations we’ll explore are incredible temples and mosques dedicated to these religions, where you’ll witness first-hand how life unfolds in India. Delhi’s “street” life will challenge us with unlimited opportunities for telling the story through our images of the sights, smells, sounds of India that will leave a lasting imprint on your heart and mind.
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: 4 star Hotel
February 25, Tuesday Delhi
Early morning is a great time to explore the architecture and gardens of Humayun’s Tomb (UNESCO site), built by the widow of the second Mughal Emperor, Humayun. It is an outstanding monument in the Indo-Persian style, a precursor of the Taj Mahal.
Back to the hotel for breakfast, followed by a full day of seeing the sights of both new and old Delhi. Our journey today will take us on a rickshaw ride through the narrow, chaotic lanes of Chandni Chowk. This main street of Old Delhi is as crowded today as it was during the time of Shah Jahan who built the market in the 17th century. Apart from being one of the most popular streets in the world, it is also the oldest and busiest market in old Delhi. Located nearby is Khari Baoli (the spice market), rich with colors, textures and patterns of the local produce sold.
If time allows, we explore Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in Asia and Red Fort, the iconic historical fort of this city. A stop at Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, a peaceful Sikh house of worship, is included. The kitchen at this Bangla Sahib feeds thousands of people, with the help of volunteers, everyday free of charge.
Return to hotel, dinner on your own
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: The Lalit Delhi (or similar)
February 26, Wednesday Delhi to Jaisalmer by flight
After an early breakfast in the hotel, we’ll be transferred to Delhi airport to board our flight to Jaisalmer
Depart: Delhi: at: 8:45 Hrs
Arrive: Jaisalmer: at: 10:05 Hrs
Upon arrival at Jaisalmer, we will transfer to hotel and check in.
In former times, Jaisalmer played a key role in the camel trade routes. Today, it’s famous for the 12th-century Jaisalmer Fort and the ornate "Havelis," exquisite merchant-built houses and pavilions within the old city’s narrow lanes. Jaisalmer, known as the Sun City, built the historic fort and havelis using yellow sandstone that glistens in sunlight. We’ll explore Bara bagh before lunch, then head into the Thar Desert to our luxury overnight camp. (45 min. drive).
There will be time to relax at camp before we head towards the dunes for sunset photos with camels and their herders. Dinner at camp, along with traditional dance entertainment.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Exotic Luxury Camps
February 27, Thursday Jaisalmer
Sunrise shoot at desert camp, followed by breakfast. We’ll return to Jaisalmer to continue our exploration of this exotic desert city and its famed Jaisalmer Fort.
Our day includes a walking tour of Jaisalmer, including the Fort, which dominates the town. Built in 1156, it is one of the oldest forts in Rajasthan. About a quarter of the old city's population resides within the fort walls, which have 99 bastions around the circumference. Within the fort are fine groups of Jain temples built between the 12th and 15th centuries, many containing ancient manuscripts. Jaisalmer’s narrow streets are dotted with ornately decorated Hindu and Jain temples.
After lunch, we will explore the local market and if time, check out some of the famous Havelies (Patwon ki Haveli, Salim Singh ki Haveli & Nathmal Haveli). We’ll drive to Vyas Chattri – to cover the sunset view of the city and fort.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: 4 Star Hotel
February 28, Friday - Jaisalmer to Jodphur
Drive time Jaisalmer to Jodphur- 5 hr.
We’ll focus on Gadi Sagar Lake at sunrise, then return back to hotel for breakfast, before we head out on our drive to Jodhpur, the “blue” city.
Jodhpur city was founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha Jodha succeeded in conquering the surrounding territory and thus founded a kingdom which came to be known as Marwar. The city was located on the strategic road linking Delhi to Gujarat. This enabled it to profit from a flourishing trade in opium, copper, silk, sandalwood, dates and other tradeable goods.
After lunch and check-in, we’ll make a trip to Bishnoi Village to get a sense of the cultural life of Marwar – the original community of Rajasthan. We’ll focus on the craftsmen and women of the village, including potters and weavers. The Bishnois are strong protectors of flora and fauna. They do not cremate their dead, as it is prohibited in the villages to cut down trees. So the deceased are simply buried.
Return to hotel and dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: 4 Star Hotel
February 29, Saturday- Jodhpur
Early morning visit outskirts of Mehrangarh Fort for sunrise shoot of the fort and Jaswant Thada, a beautiful mausoleum carved out of marble. The fort dominates the city, sitting 400 feet up on a sandstone hill where the views of Jodhpur are splendid. We’ll spend time in the old city of Jodhpur, walking the narrow lanes of Chand Pol, awash in shades of blue, and exploring the bustling clock tower area of Sardar Market.
We will also visit the Umaid Bhawan Palace – built between 1928 and 1943, and a magnificent piece of Rajasthan’s heritage. It is both a museum and a palace hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: 4 Star Hotel
March 1, Sunday Jodhpur to Jaipur
Drive time from Jodhpur to Jaipur- 6 hrs.
After breakfast at hotel, we’ll board the bus for the drive to Jaipur, the “pink” city. Jaipur is the capital and the largest city of the Indian state of Rajasthan in Northern India. This is the city of turbans!The old walled section of the city is known as the Pink City. It was painted red (a lucky color in Hindu culture) to welcome England’s Prince Alfred in 1853.The faded old buildings now retain a pink hue. Jaipur is one of India’s newer cities, founded in 1727, and was the creation of Jai Singh II, the Maharaja of the KuchwahaRajputs. When the Mogul power was on the decline, he decided to move from his outmoded hillside fortress at Amber to establish a new capital on the plains further south, which today is known as City Palace.
Lunch break will be at the Nimaj Palace.
Once we reach Jaipur, we’ll head straight to the Jawahar Circle Gardens to photograph the colourful arches at the entrance building. From there, we’ll head to the hotel and check-in. Free time until early evening when we head out to capture the beautifully lit Albert Hall Museum, as well as the stunning Hawa Mahal (both exterior shots). Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) is a defining landmark of Jaipur. Built of pink sandstone with a delicate honeycomb design and rising five stories high, it was constructed in 1799 by Maharaja SawaiPratap Singh to enable ladies of the royal household to watch the life and processions of the city. Inside it’s barely a building at all, only around one room with deep, narrow, delicately scalloped walkways.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: 4 Star Hotel
March 2, Monday Jaipur
There is so much to see in the “pink city” of Jaipur. We’ll get off to an early start to explore the Amer (also known as Amber) Fort, and Panna Meena Ka Kund stepwell.
Amber Fort defines the city of Jaipur. Maharaja Mansingh, Mughal Emperor Akbar’s most successful General, started the construction of Amber Fort in the 17th century. Before the City Palace was constructed in Jaipur, Amber was the seat of power for six centuries.Rising majestically on the slopes of a hill, this 11th century fort and palace complex is a blend of Hindu and Muslim styles – the earlier constructions in the inner apartments designed by the Hindu founder are austere, while later constructions abound in the rich flourishes characteristic of Muslim influence.
We’ll stroll through the sprawling complex of courtyards and halls. Many of the rooms are adorned with precious stones and mirrors inlaid in the walls. Sheesh Mahal is one of the most exciting and beautiful features of this fort. The literal meaning of Sheesh Mahal is “mirrored”. This room is decorated with patterned mosaics, colored glass and mirrors from floor to ceiling. The most awe-inspiring thing to observe in Sheesh Mahal is that one candle was enough to light the entire hall room because of the reflections in the mirrors.
After lunch, will head to the magnificent City Palace, followed by a tuk-tuk ride to the nearby bazaar. The remainder of the afternoon is free time to explore on your own, shop, or opt to return to hotel and relax. For those interested in exploring the markets at night, we’ll provide transportation
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: 4 star Hotel
March 3, Tuesday Jaipur to Agra
Drive time from Jaipur to Agra 5-6 hours
After breakfast, depart for Agra with a stop for lunch at Laxmivilas Palace in Bharatpur, then continue drive to Agra.
After hotel check in, time to relax until we depart for our evening shoot w/model at a portico overlooking the Taj.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Accommodation: 4 Star Hotel
March 4, Wednesday Agra to Barsana
Early morning, we will visit the Taj Mahal for sunrise shooting (leave hotel around 5 am, sunrise at 06:25am).
The Taj Mahal is everything that has been said about it and more. Taking 22 years and 20,000 men to build, the white marble was quarried 200 miles away and was transported to the site by a fleet of 1000 elephants. Built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in mid-17th century as an expression of his love for his wife Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal is truly one of the wonders of the world.Marble was brought in from Makrana, near Jodhpur and precious stones of onyx, amethyst, malachite, lapis lazuli, turquoise, jade, crystal and mother of pearl were carried from Persia, Russia, Afghanistan, Tibet and China.
The pillars surrounding the Taj Mahal are slightly tilted outwards so that in the event of an earthquake, the pillars would fall away from the tomb without causing any damage to the monument. The Taj is perfectly symmetrical, except the two tombs - the male tomb is bigger than the female tomb. There will be unlimited angles and ways to frame this incredible monument.
After sunrise shoot at the Taj, we are back to the hotel for breakfast. Late morning, we’ll board the bus for the ride to Holi Festival in Barsana.
Barsanais the location of the colorful and chaotic Lathmar Holi, which starts a week before the main Holi Festival.
En route to the Festival, David and Eric will help seal and wrap our cameras in plastic to protect them from the colored water and powder that’s defines the Holi Festival. Once we reach Barsana, we’ll join in the festivities , making our way through the village where the locals are sure to bless you with the words “happy holi” while gently sprinkling you with powder. After Holi is over, we will drive back to Agra for overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: 4 Start Hotel
March 5, Thursday Holi Festival (Vrindavan - Delhi)
After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll depart to visit the ISKCON Krishna Balaram Temple in Nandgaon before lunch; afternoon will be filled with more of the chaotic Holi Festival as it unfolds in Nandagon.
Early evening departure for Delhi; hotel check-in.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: 4 Star Hotel
March 6, Friday Delhi
Leisurely morning at hotel; reviews with David and Eric. Afternoon free. Optional tour to Lodni Art Colony filled with street murals. Depart for home late evening or early morning of March 7. Standard Checkout at hotel is 1200 Noon; if needed, luggage can be stored at hotel until departure for airport (should arrive 3 hrs. prior to your flight). Departures can be arranged on request well in advance.
Meals: Breakfast only
Accommodation: No Accommodation on March 6. Should you want an extra night at hotel, cost will be $65/per person based on double occupancy or $124 for single.
March 7, Saturday Delhi – flights home (usually leave between 1am - 3am)
If interested, a 3-night extension to Kathmandu, Nepal (focused on cultural and photography) is being offered at the conclusion of the India workshop. Ask for details.
Group Size 8 - 12 Guests
Experience/Difficulty - Beginners, amateurs, enthusiasts and semi-pro photographers. DSLR, mirrorless, compact or iPhone cameras. Travel by plane, bus, rickshaw, jeep, camel, and walking.
Photographers/Guides - David Tejada/ Eric Krügl/ Donnie Sexton
Weather/Sun March - Temps 85/55 F 28/13 C Sunrise 6:31 | Sunset 6:30 (18:30)
What’s Included - All breakfast and lunches and dinners, except for lunch on arrival day and only breakfast on departure day, lodging (11 nights), transportation inside India (including one internal flight) photography instruction, guides, entrance fees, gratuities for guides/drivers.
Instruction - shoot, processing, lighting
What's Not Included - Airfare to/from Delhi, trip insurance, personal expenses (laundry, telephone calls, alcoholic/non- alcoholic beverages, Indian tourist visa. *Some monuments/ temples may charge extra if a person is carrying a video camera or multiple cameras that appear to be for commercial purposes. This will be on a case by case basis at our various stops. The fees are usually between $4-$6
Cost - $5,990.00 Based on double occupancy and a minimum of 8 paying participants, There is a small group surcharge of $400 if we have only 5-7 paying participants.
Single Supplement - $975.00 (if you are traveling as a single and wish to share a room, we'll make every attempt to match you up with a roommate of the same sex. In the event this doesn't happen, you would be required to pay the single supplement.) We can help arrange early arrival and late departure accommodations at discounted pricing.
Deposit - $1,000 deposit due at signup We reserve the right to cancel the trip if we don't meet the minimum number of participants, in which case your deposit would be fully refunded.
Final payment: Final payment due on December 20, 2019
Refund Policy:. We understand that work schedules and plans may change, or unforeseen emergencies do occur. We have established this refund policy to try and fairly accommodate such eventualities. Please realize that once you have registered for the trip, we immediately incur expenses on your behalf. Once you have paid in full for the trip, any cancellation and subsequent refund would come from the travel insurance you purchased. Therefore, travel insurance is mandatory.
Important Date: -Balance due December 20, 2019. We need a minimum of 8 participants to move forward with this trip. If this minimum is not reached by, December 15th, we reserve the right to cancel the workshop and refund any funds paid to date
Travel Insurance - Travel Insurance is compulsory for this trip. We require that, at a minimum, you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation. We strongly recommend that the policy also cover personal liability, trip cancellation, delays, loss of luggage and personal effects. Your policy number, along with an emergency contact number will be required with final payment.
Links to travel insurance companies:
Travel Insurance - Affordable Plans Starting at $17 | Allianz Global Assistance
Here is a link to AIG Travel Guard
Itinerary Changes The information in these trip details has been compiled with care and is based on providing the best options for photographing, along with arranging above average accommodations whenever possible. We reserve the right to change the itinerary to best accommodate the needs of the group, as well as adapting the schedule to ensure ideal photo opportunities..