This Tour Is For You If…

• You’re an amateur photographer of any ability who wants to improve your technical and creative skills
• You’re an advanced or Pro photographer looking to expand your portfolio with new and different images
• You’re a competitive camera club member and looking to create amazing winning images

Introduction

I had traveled around many asian countries over many years. India had been on the wish list for some time and when the opportunity came in 2023, I knew I had to visit. I had done my research but nothing prepares you for the India. The vibrancy, colours, sounds, smells, and heritage are a rich feast for our senses. But moreso, the people; I’ve never experienced such a friendly, authentic and welcoming people. There is significant poverty in India and yet the people have a joyful acceptance of what they have and will often share what little they have. India doesn’t hide or try to be somehting it isn’t, and from a photography point, you can photograph the genuine India very easily. We won’t show you a sanitised or romantised India, this will be a real and life affirming experience.

About Rajasthan

India is a land of contrasts, where the ancient and modern worlds collide. Rajasthan, also known as the “Land of Kings,” is a photographer’s dream destination in India. Here’s what makes it so special:

Majestic Palaces and Forts

Rajasthan is dotted with magnificent forts and palaces that stand as testaments to its rich royal heritage. The majestic Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) with its pink facade, the Amber Fort overlooking Maota Lake, and the Mehrangarh Fort on a hilltop are just a few examples. These architectural gems offer stunning backdrops bathed in warm desert light, perfect for capturing the region’s grandeur.

Vivid Colours

Nicknamed the “Pink City,” Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, is a photographer’s delight. The city’s buildings painted in vibrant hues of pink, blue, and terracotta create a visually captivating scene. Beyond Jaipur, colorful bazaars overflowing with spices and textiles add another layer of vibrancy to your photographs.

Offbeat Experiences

Our photography tour of Rajasthan offers opportunities to go beyond the usual tourist spots:  Unique stepwells (baoli) used for water storage, up close with artisan crafts people, amazing temples, colourful celebrations, nomadic tribesmen tending their anaimals, hundreds of vibrant drying turbans, spice markets, up close with beautiful saree’s made by generations of families, and alternative viewpoints of iconic locations. These offbeat experiences will add a unique touch to your photographic journey – some unique to this tour.

Street Photography made easy

Street photography in India is an experience unlike any other – all life is here. The country’s vibrant streets, teaming with life and color, offer a constant stream of captivating moments to capture.  There is such an abundance of characters with India’s streets bustling with a diverse range of people, each with their own story to tell. From street vendors selling their wares to holy men in saffron robes, Sadhus, to families going about their day, there’s always someone interesting to photograph. Most people on the street are happy for their photo to be taken.

Contrasts and Juxtapositions: Photographers can easily capture these juxtapositions, such as a rickshaw passing by a gleaming skyscraper or a traditional sari-clad woman walking past a group of teenagers in ripped jeans.

Emotional Resonance: Beyond capturing the visual aspects of street life, street photography in India is also about capturing the emotions of the people. A child’s laughter, a vendor’s tired smile, or a moment of shared joy – these are the emotions that can make a street photograph truly powerful.

With its diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant energy, Rajasthan promises a treasure trove of photographic opportunities for every kind of photographer.

Rajasthan Photography Tour Schedule

1st October | Depart UK

Today, we will depart from the UK on a flight to Delhi (flights not included, but we can offer assistance with flight choice).

2nd October | Delhi

On arrival, we will be greeted at Delhi airport by a representative before being transferred to the hotel. There will be some time to relax and settle in. Later we will be met by our guide and head to Lodhi Gardens, which is a sprawling green park located in the heart of Delhi. It houses the mausoleums of two Delhi Sultanate rulers, namely Mohammed Shah and Sikander Lodhi, along with other structures. Boasting of impressive architecture and impeccable natural beauty, the garden, and the structures within it echo Delhi’s illustrious history. Overnight Colonel’s Retreat, Delhi

3rd October | Delhi

We begin this morning after breakfast with a visit to Chandni Chowk in Old Delhi to explore its three major streets, each dedicated to a certain trade. We will stroll down Dariba Kalan which is dedicated to the work of the silver smiths, Kinari Bazaar which is a colourful place to shop when planning a wedding and finally Khari Baoli the legendary Delhi spice market. We will also get to enjoy a cycle-rickshaw ride that will allow us to weave through some of the busiest streets in the city. Witnessing the bustling alleyways on the back of a cycle-rickshaw is one of the best ways to see the merchants selling their wares. Old Delhi is the perfect place for some street life photography! We will also make a visit to one of Asia’s largest mosques, the Jama Masjid. This magnificent Mughal-era mosque stands as a testament to the architectural grandeur of the 17th century. Later in the afternoon we will make a visit to Bangla Sahib, the holy place of worship for Sikhs. Here we will be able to see the open kitchen where volunteers work hard to prepare meals for over 20,000 people every day! Overnight Colonel’s Retreat, Delhi

4th October | Delhi – Agra

We will set off early this morning for Agra, once the capital of the Mughal Empire and home to the inimitable Taj Mahal. Our journey today will be via an early morning train, taking us through the farmlands of north India. On arrival into Agra, we will transfer to our hotel to check-in. Later in the afternoon we will be met by a local expert guide who will take us on an off-beat journey through Agra. Here we will be able to experience the different views of the Taj Mahal from vantage points which are only known to a few locals – this is sure to be a photography highlight. Overnight Ekaa Villa, Agra

5th October | Agra

We will rise early to visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise today. Built as a monument to eternal love and described by poet Rabindranath Tagore as “a teardrop on the cheek of time”, this magnificent 17th century mausoleum made of milk-white makrana marble was created by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a tribute to the memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz. Later in the day we will get to explore the Old Agra markets, where we can experience the city’s rich culture and bustling day to day life. Overnight Ekaa Villa, Agra

6th October | Agra – Jaipur

After breakfast, we will travel with our driver to Jaipur via Fatehpur Sikri – the abandoned capital city of the Mughal Emperor Akbar (approx 5 hours drive excluding stop). This extensive and exceedingly well-preserved palace complex showcases an effortless integration of Hindu and Islamic styles of architecture. On arrival in Jaipur, the remainder of the afternoon will be at leisure. Overnight Dera Rawatsar, Jaipur

7th October | Jaipur

This morning, we will have an interesting look into what makes Jaipur a craft haven. We will be met by our local guide in the old part of the city where we will be taken on foot for an exploration of the city’s arts and antiquities. The walk itself will take us to a neighborhood that has been inhabited by the trader community for many generations. We will be able to witness beautiful old havelis with their intricate carvings, and the smoky ateliers of the hard-working metal smiths. We will then end the walk in the street of the lac bangle makers, where bangle artisans spend hours a day creating colourful bangles of all shapes and sizes. After the walk through the old part of the city, we will have lunch at a local restaurant that boasts stunning views of the Hawal Mahal (Palace of Winds). There will then be some time at leisure. Later in the afternoon, we will drive to the majestic Amber Fort and ascend to the hilltop by 4×4 jeep. Before we reach the Fort, we will stop to admire the intricate workmanship of the ancient Panna Meena Stepwell. If there is one quintessential fort that pays homage to the illustrious Rajpur empire, then it is Amber Fort. We will spend some time meandering through the complex with our guide, admiring its glory and intricate lattice and marble work. Before heading back to our hotel, we will stop to photograph the Jal Mahal as it lit up in the early evening (timings will be conducted on the day depending on the sunset and the time it is lit up). Overnight Dera Rawatsar, Jaipur

8th October | Jaipur

We will rise early this morning to take a unique view of the Pink City today, with an early morning rickshaw ride with the Pink Rickshaw Company. The Pink Rickshaw Company is a unique non-for-profit organisation that provides employment for women from low-income backgrounds in Jaipur. These women have registered as equity owners of their own e-rickshaw and proudly own and manage them for their sightseeing tours. For our e-rickshaw ride we will explore the empty streets and witness how the city begins to wake up. We will start with a humble prayer ceremony at a colourful temple dedicated to Lord Krishna before continuing to the local flower market to see the floral bounty being traded. Next, we will find a spot to halt for some masala chai. Later for those that are interested, our guide will take guests to visit the City Palace compound which houses a museum detailing the contents on display from the royal palace. Seeing the elaborately decorated gates inside the inner courtyard is a real highlight, with the colours and patterns providing popular with photographers.

9th October | Jaipur – Fort Barli

This morning, we will rise early to re-visit the Jal Mahal but this time at sunrise. We will then return to the hotel for breakfast before continuing on to the village of Barli where a little oasis and a delightful, converted fort in the heart of Rajasthan awaits us (approx 4 hours drive). The Palace Fort has remained in the hands of the same family for nearly 350 years and has been beautifully restored to its old charm. Once here, we will have the remainder of the afternoon at leisure. Overnight Fort Barli, Barli Village

10th October | Fort Barli

Today, it is highly recommended to wake up early to witness the sunrise from the roof of the fort. We can then take the rest of the morning at our own pace. In the afternoon, we will take a bullock cart ride around the village and stop for interactions with the local villagers. Our hosts at the fort have an excellent relationship with the village community, so we will be welcomed with open arms and given the opportunity for rural life photography. Later this evening we will enjoy signature Barli dishes, hand cooked to perfection, served on traditional silver platters in a candle-lit setting. Overnight Fort Barli, Barli Village

11th October | Fort Barli – Jodhpur

Today after breakfast, we will travel to the ‘Blue City’ of Jodhpur (approx 4 hours drive). Once we reach the hotel, we will have the afternoon at leisure to enjoy the beautiful grounds and pool. Overnight Ratan Vilas, Jodhpur

12th October | Jodhpur

This morning we will head to over to a place near Panchkunda which is famous for its intricately designed cenotaphs. Here we will have a colourful view of yards and yards of drying turban cloths which are dyed in vibrant colours and patterns for specific occasions and festivities (timings for this will be checked locally). After the visit, we will then head to Rangrez ki Galli to meet the local tie-dyeing community which operates their business from their homes. This is a wonderful opportunity to photograph artisans at work as they tie and dye hundreds of metres of colourful fabric. Later, we will head up to the Mehrangarh Fort with our guide, which is set high on a hill overlooking the city. Inside are some of the most intricately ornamented palaces with exquisitely carved panels and windows. The ramparts of the Fort offer stunning views of the bluepainted Brahmin houses. On our way down from the fort, we will walk further downhill to pass through the concentration of the blue painted homes and also stop for tea inside a home to gain a better view from the rooftop in time for sunset. Overnight Ratan Vilas, Jodhpur

13th October | Jodhpur – Udaipur

This morning after breakfast, we will drive to the ‘Lake City’ of Udaipur which is often regarded as one of the most scenic cities in Rajasthan. En route we will stop at Ranakpur Temple (approx 5 hours drive excluding stop). Once in Udaipur, we will take the local cable car up the hilldside to witness the sunset over the landscape. Overnight Amet Haveli, Udaipur

14th October | Udaipur

This morning we will go on a tour with our guide to discover Udaipur. We will begin our sightseeing with a visit to the City Palace, an impressive complex on the shores of Lake Pichola that elegantly combines Rajasthani, European and Chinese design. Then we will visit the intricately carved Jagdish temple and explore Udaipur’s quaint streets on foot. After time to relax back at the hotel, we will end the day will a private sunset cruise on Lake Pichola. Udaipur is also the film location for the 1983 James Bond film Octopussy with many of the locations still available to visit. Overnight Amet Haveli, Udaipur

15th October | Udaipur – Delhi

The morning will be at our leisure. We will then later drive to the airport to catch our flight back to Delhi. Once in Delhi, we will transfer to the hotel close to the airport. Overnight Vivanta by Taj Dwarka, Delhi

16th October | Depart Delhi

Today we will transfer to Delhi international airport in time for your flight back home.

Important Note: Some locations mentioned may have to be substituted with others due to weather, accessibility or local restrictions beyond our control. Photos shown may not cover all locations.

End of tour photo review & followup

I also offer an online follow-up after the tour to help you with image selection and editing.

Access to Private Members Facebook group

We also have a private Facebook group where members can join and post images for feedback and I answer questions and give help and advice.