Rajasthan: City Scenes, Rural Life Photo Tour + Taj Mahal
DetailsDates:
January 22 - February 4, 2017 Trip Fee: $6,000 Deposit: $1000 Single Supplement: $500 Couple's Discount: $300 Click here to register Photo Leader: Bobbi Lane Group Size: 8 |
Overview
Incredible India...Home to 1.3 billion people, this country is a photographers delight. The multitude of colors, shapes, textures and layers all draw the photographer in. The Indian nation is a mosaic of humanity; Hindu, Muslim, Jain, Animist and Christian all coexisting side by side, and proud to be members of this vibrant continent. On this photography expedition, the photo enthusiast will be immersed in a culture far different than their own. This is the fourth time that this itinerary is being offered. Traveling through Rajasthan will allow you to capture images of what Gandhi called the true India; the India of villages. Shooting the goat herders in their red and white turbans and the women congregating around the village well is all possible. Photographing rural villagers in the morning washing their clothing, the men shaping copper pots and school children in their matching uniforms is photo nirvana. Om Shanti!
Riding a tuk tuk, eating chicken tandoori on a rooftop restaurant, and lodging in a 300 year old haveli will add to the vibe of this trip. The ancient palaces and fort of the blue city of Jodhpur will be photographed during the best light. Street photography is easily done and hassle-free as the people are warm, and welcoming of foreigners. In Udaipur the group will walk the ghats and take a boat ride on picturesque Lake Pichola. In rural Jojowar we will take one of the last single gage railways in India. An early morning photoshoot will bring us to an non-electrified village. In Agra we will photograph the Taj Mahal from various vantage points. The trip will begin and end in Delhi where we will photograph the largest mosque in India, the Jama Masjid as well as the Chandi Chowk market. It is here where spices, antiques, gem stones and everything and anything under the sun is sold on the street. This bespoke photography expedition will be led by Fuji luminary Bobbi Lane. She has led photo intensive expeditions on all continents and specializes in portraiture, street photography and is a master of light. She teaches at ICP, Gulf Photo Plus; Los Angles School of Photography and has over 30 years of professional experience. Bobbi believes that in order to capture a place, one must be in the thick of it and she will surely get you to the right place at the right time of day. In field assistance will be offered and each participant will receive individual critique. This is not a photo workshop so no in class teaching will take place. |
Included:
Meals Internal Airfare Photo Fees Admission Tickets Not Included: Gratuities for drivers and guides Alcoholic beverages Laundry and all personal expenses |
Itinerary
22nd Jan, Sunday
Arrive Delhi
On your arrival in Delhi, you will be met by a representative who will escort you to your hotel.
(Hotel check-in time is from 2pm local time)
We will have a meet and greet followed by dinner
Holiday Inn Airport Hotel
23rd Jan, Monday
In Delhi
After breakfast we will start our first photography walk of India with old Delhi! This will give you a chance to get comfortable with India’s energy and pace of life and acclimate to its people and surroundings.
Old Delhi - which includes iconic locations like Red Fort, Chandni Chowk, Asia’s biggest spice market is the best place to cover the crowds, bazaars /markets, food and impressive diversity of Delhi city. The old mansions (Havelis), bazaars, colorful shops, thousands of people, temples, mosques, chaotic yet working traffic and more is unlike everything you will experience anywhere. Capture the daily lives of people and soul stirring sights which seems so quaint and out of reality in a modern metro city like Delhi. The sights of shops in Old Delhi, which are a mix of new businesses and old traditions, are hard to find anywhere else. Ride rickshaws, walk on foot, and take some great photographs of everything in this fast paced street photography tour of Old Delhi.
Holiday Inn Airport Hotel
24th Jan, Tuesday
Delhi to Udaipur
Today after breakfast, you will be transferred to Delhi Airport to board your 1-hour flight to Udaipur. On arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel.
Later in the evening you will proceed for a boat ride on Lake Pichola. What better way to end your day in Udaipur than enjoying picturesque Lake Pichola. Watch the lake glimmer during a beautiful sunset as you pass Udaipur’s illuminated skyline dotted with mansions. Admire stately palaces on the lake's islands and learn about Udaipur’s culture and history from your knowledgeable guide.
Marvel at the glimmering lake, the mountains and the city against the backdrop of a beautiful sunset. Along the way, see historical landmarks dotted along the shore such as the City Palace Complex and the picturesque Ghats -- steps leading down into the water that locals use for bathing.
Swaroop Villas Hotel
25th Jan, Wednesday
In Udaipur
We will start our day with the visit to the local market, which is ideal place to shoot in the morning light. Later we will proceed for a city tour of Udaipur. We will start the tour with a small walk to the Jagdish Temple, which is in the city center; we will probably witness the morning prayer ceremony here.
Udaipur was founded in 1568 as the capital of the old Mewar state; it was the only Rajput stronghold to uphold its Hindu allegiance in the face of Muslim invasion. From the late 16th century, peace brought about an era of renaissance in the arts and encouraged the building of beautiful palaces around the lake which culminated in the City Palace, one of the largest palace complexes in the world. Undoubtedly the most romantic city in Rajasthan, and perhaps the world, Udaipur is situated 200 miles southwest of Jaipur. The city is built around Lake Pichola and has inevitably been dubbed the ‘Venice of the East’. Two island palaces, Jagniwas and Jagmandir, sit on the lake - the former is now the luxurious Lake Palace Hotel. The majestic City Palace towers over the lake and is bedecked by balconies, turrets and cupolas.
We will also visit the City Palace, built in 1725, which houses the Dilkhush Mahal, Sheesh Mahal - studded with glittering Belgium Mirrors, Moti Mahal and the Palace of Lord Krishna all of which are ornately decorated. After the city palace we will have lunch at a local restaurant before we proceed for a walking tour in this beautiful city.
Swaroop VIllas Hotel
26th Jan, Thursday
In Udaipur
Today we will drive out of Udaipur to some remote and colorful villages. We will spend the entire day exploring and getting close to the locals!
Photography opportunities will include portraiture, landscape, and street photography. We will return to our hotel late in the afternoon
Swaroop Villas Hotel
27th Jan, Friday
Udaipur to Rawla Jojawar (93 Miles, 03 Hrs drive)
This morning after breakfast we will start our drive to Rawla Jojawar enroute visiting the Jain Temples of Ranakpur.
The renowned Jain temple at Ranakpur is dedicated to Tirthankara Adinatha. According to the local legend Dharma Shah, a local Jain businessperson, started construction of the temple in the 15th century following a divine vision. The temple honors Adinath, the first Tirthankar and founder of the Jain religion. The town of Ranakpur and the temple are named after the provincial ruler monarch, Rana Kumbha who supported the construction of the temple.
After the visit to this beautiful temple, we will have lunch at a local restaurant before proceeding to Rawla Jojawar.
The evening is free to walk around and explore the town at your own pace. This small village is ful of ambiance. The people are easily photographed and on the last trip, all of the men in the group got haircuts at the local barbershop.
Rawla Jojawar Hotel
28th Jan, Saturday
In Rawla Jojawar
We will spend our time capturing the real, untouched, little visited Rajasthan and the real India.
The countryside around Jojawar boasts rocky hills and scrub forests as well as the picturesque Aravilli Hills in the east. The camel herding Rabari people populate this area. We will take a jeep trip to visit them and photograph them in their homes and villages.
The group will also take the one-hour local train and mingle with the turban-wearing tribesman. Rawla Jojowar photoshoots will also include village shoots and possibly an early morning cattle milking and going to pasture shoot. We will spend time photographing rural villages in close proximity.
Rowla Jojawar Hotel
Arrive Delhi
On your arrival in Delhi, you will be met by a representative who will escort you to your hotel.
(Hotel check-in time is from 2pm local time)
We will have a meet and greet followed by dinner
Holiday Inn Airport Hotel
23rd Jan, Monday
In Delhi
After breakfast we will start our first photography walk of India with old Delhi! This will give you a chance to get comfortable with India’s energy and pace of life and acclimate to its people and surroundings.
Old Delhi - which includes iconic locations like Red Fort, Chandni Chowk, Asia’s biggest spice market is the best place to cover the crowds, bazaars /markets, food and impressive diversity of Delhi city. The old mansions (Havelis), bazaars, colorful shops, thousands of people, temples, mosques, chaotic yet working traffic and more is unlike everything you will experience anywhere. Capture the daily lives of people and soul stirring sights which seems so quaint and out of reality in a modern metro city like Delhi. The sights of shops in Old Delhi, which are a mix of new businesses and old traditions, are hard to find anywhere else. Ride rickshaws, walk on foot, and take some great photographs of everything in this fast paced street photography tour of Old Delhi.
Holiday Inn Airport Hotel
24th Jan, Tuesday
Delhi to Udaipur
Today after breakfast, you will be transferred to Delhi Airport to board your 1-hour flight to Udaipur. On arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel.
Later in the evening you will proceed for a boat ride on Lake Pichola. What better way to end your day in Udaipur than enjoying picturesque Lake Pichola. Watch the lake glimmer during a beautiful sunset as you pass Udaipur’s illuminated skyline dotted with mansions. Admire stately palaces on the lake's islands and learn about Udaipur’s culture and history from your knowledgeable guide.
Marvel at the glimmering lake, the mountains and the city against the backdrop of a beautiful sunset. Along the way, see historical landmarks dotted along the shore such as the City Palace Complex and the picturesque Ghats -- steps leading down into the water that locals use for bathing.
Swaroop Villas Hotel
25th Jan, Wednesday
In Udaipur
We will start our day with the visit to the local market, which is ideal place to shoot in the morning light. Later we will proceed for a city tour of Udaipur. We will start the tour with a small walk to the Jagdish Temple, which is in the city center; we will probably witness the morning prayer ceremony here.
Udaipur was founded in 1568 as the capital of the old Mewar state; it was the only Rajput stronghold to uphold its Hindu allegiance in the face of Muslim invasion. From the late 16th century, peace brought about an era of renaissance in the arts and encouraged the building of beautiful palaces around the lake which culminated in the City Palace, one of the largest palace complexes in the world. Undoubtedly the most romantic city in Rajasthan, and perhaps the world, Udaipur is situated 200 miles southwest of Jaipur. The city is built around Lake Pichola and has inevitably been dubbed the ‘Venice of the East’. Two island palaces, Jagniwas and Jagmandir, sit on the lake - the former is now the luxurious Lake Palace Hotel. The majestic City Palace towers over the lake and is bedecked by balconies, turrets and cupolas.
We will also visit the City Palace, built in 1725, which houses the Dilkhush Mahal, Sheesh Mahal - studded with glittering Belgium Mirrors, Moti Mahal and the Palace of Lord Krishna all of which are ornately decorated. After the city palace we will have lunch at a local restaurant before we proceed for a walking tour in this beautiful city.
Swaroop VIllas Hotel
26th Jan, Thursday
In Udaipur
Today we will drive out of Udaipur to some remote and colorful villages. We will spend the entire day exploring and getting close to the locals!
Photography opportunities will include portraiture, landscape, and street photography. We will return to our hotel late in the afternoon
Swaroop Villas Hotel
27th Jan, Friday
Udaipur to Rawla Jojawar (93 Miles, 03 Hrs drive)
This morning after breakfast we will start our drive to Rawla Jojawar enroute visiting the Jain Temples of Ranakpur.
The renowned Jain temple at Ranakpur is dedicated to Tirthankara Adinatha. According to the local legend Dharma Shah, a local Jain businessperson, started construction of the temple in the 15th century following a divine vision. The temple honors Adinath, the first Tirthankar and founder of the Jain religion. The town of Ranakpur and the temple are named after the provincial ruler monarch, Rana Kumbha who supported the construction of the temple.
After the visit to this beautiful temple, we will have lunch at a local restaurant before proceeding to Rawla Jojawar.
The evening is free to walk around and explore the town at your own pace. This small village is ful of ambiance. The people are easily photographed and on the last trip, all of the men in the group got haircuts at the local barbershop.
Rawla Jojawar Hotel
28th Jan, Saturday
In Rawla Jojawar
We will spend our time capturing the real, untouched, little visited Rajasthan and the real India.
The countryside around Jojawar boasts rocky hills and scrub forests as well as the picturesque Aravilli Hills in the east. The camel herding Rabari people populate this area. We will take a jeep trip to visit them and photograph them in their homes and villages.
The group will also take the one-hour local train and mingle with the turban-wearing tribesman. Rawla Jojowar photoshoots will also include village shoots and possibly an early morning cattle milking and going to pasture shoot. We will spend time photographing rural villages in close proximity.
Rowla Jojawar Hotel
29th Jan, Sunday
Rawla Jojawar to Jodhpur (80 Miles, 02 Hrs drive)
This morning we will start our drive to Jodhpur, commonly known as the blue city. On the way we will visit small villages. Upon arrival we will have lunch and a free afternoon. Early evening we will walk the narrow lanes and passages in the blue city. Dinner will be at the rooftop restaurant overlooking the clock tower. The main square is a chaotic mosaic of bangle sellers, tye-dye fabric merchants, and itinerant dentists who can be spotted engaging in teeth-cleaning and other assorted dentistry. This city is a joy to photgraph in. The signs adorning buildings, cows freely roaming the streets, the delightful clock tower square all make for greats photo opportunities.
Pal Haveli Hotel
30th Jan, Monday
In Jodhpur
We will start at sunrise for a great photoshoot. We will take a tuk-tuk to a building where we can climb to the roof and shoot this historic blue city from various vantage points. Afterwards, we will return to our hotel for breakfast. Then, we will walk in the small lanes and alleyways to witness the morning activities. These will include women washing their clothes, people praying in small Hindu temples, and the tea makers getting their day started. We will also go to a spice merchant and and receive an explanation of how they grind and make their spices.
This afternoon we will visit the impressive Mehrangarh Fort, which is set on a 37m-sandstone hill built by Rao Jodha in 1459. From the top of the fort one can get a bird’s eye view of the old city to the Jaswant Thada, an imposing marble cenotaph built in 1899 for Maharajah Jaswant Singh II, and smaller memorials to other Maharajahs of Jodhpur.
Pal Haveli Hotel
31st Jan, Tuesday
In Jodhpur
We will start the day with a walk around in the city center and the later half of the day is free. The streets are easily photographed and those who wish to buy handicrafts goods, antiques, replicas and Indian art will be taken to some of the best stores in Rajasthan. We will have a photo critique on the rooftop restaurant.
Pal Haveli Hotel
1st Feb, Wednesday
Jodhpur to Delhi (Flight) and Delhi to Agra (130 Miles, 03 Hrs drive)
This morning after breakfast, we will start our drive airport to board our flight to Delhi. On arrival in Delhi, we will start our drive to Agra. Upon arriving in Agra, you will be assisted in check-in to your hotel.
The city is known the world over for the beautiful wonder of the world, Taj Mahal, and is situated on the right bank of the river Yamuna. Agra is a city with a glorious past and has had the distinction of being the capital of various ruling dynasties.
Agra in terms of ambiance is still associated with its Mughal period. The Mughals besides being great rulers were also great builders and they preserved their best architectural wonders for Agra & its neighborhood. It has many wonderful monuments and the Taj Mahal, the greatest of them all, is a masterpiece of Mughal architecture at its best. The massive but elegant Agra Fort, the delicate artistry of Itmad-ud-Daulah Tomb, the magnificent Taj and Akbar’s deserted capital, Fatehpur Sikri, are each unique and outstanding. Their architectural genius can also be seen in the forts, palaces and aesthetically laid out gardens - each one a silent witness to a grand style of a golden era.
This evening, we will enjoy sunset visit of Taj Mahal. Built by Emperor Shah Jehan as a tribute to his favorite wife Mumtaz Mahal, this is the largest tribute to love ever expressed in architecture. This great monument was completed in 1653 and took almost 22 years and 20,000 workers to build. A unique blend of Persian, Islamic and Indian styles define the entire complex, recognized by UNESCO as “the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world's heritage."
After the Taj Mahal visit we will return to our hotel for a relaxed evening.
Radisson Blu Agra Hotel
2nd Feb, Thursday
In Agra
We will rise at 5:30 and make our way to visit the Taj Mahal for a sunrise photoshoot. We will return to the hotel for breakfast and after a brief respite we will visit the Agra Fort. Emperor Akhbar started construction in 1565. The high red stone monument stretches for about one-and-a-half miles. The palace is noted for its blending for Hindu and Central Asian architectural styles. Afterwards, we will wander around Agra and photograph the sari sellers and merchants. In the afternoon you will have free time to download photographs.
Radisson Blu Agra Hotel
3rd Feb, Friday
Agra to Delhi
Today after breakfast we will drive to Delhi. The drive should take approximately 4 hours.
This evening we will have our last photo critique session followed by the farewell dinner.
New Delhi Ibis Airport Hotel
4th Feb, Saturday
Transportation to the airport will be provided
Rawla Jojawar to Jodhpur (80 Miles, 02 Hrs drive)
This morning we will start our drive to Jodhpur, commonly known as the blue city. On the way we will visit small villages. Upon arrival we will have lunch and a free afternoon. Early evening we will walk the narrow lanes and passages in the blue city. Dinner will be at the rooftop restaurant overlooking the clock tower. The main square is a chaotic mosaic of bangle sellers, tye-dye fabric merchants, and itinerant dentists who can be spotted engaging in teeth-cleaning and other assorted dentistry. This city is a joy to photgraph in. The signs adorning buildings, cows freely roaming the streets, the delightful clock tower square all make for greats photo opportunities.
Pal Haveli Hotel
30th Jan, Monday
In Jodhpur
We will start at sunrise for a great photoshoot. We will take a tuk-tuk to a building where we can climb to the roof and shoot this historic blue city from various vantage points. Afterwards, we will return to our hotel for breakfast. Then, we will walk in the small lanes and alleyways to witness the morning activities. These will include women washing their clothes, people praying in small Hindu temples, and the tea makers getting their day started. We will also go to a spice merchant and and receive an explanation of how they grind and make their spices.
This afternoon we will visit the impressive Mehrangarh Fort, which is set on a 37m-sandstone hill built by Rao Jodha in 1459. From the top of the fort one can get a bird’s eye view of the old city to the Jaswant Thada, an imposing marble cenotaph built in 1899 for Maharajah Jaswant Singh II, and smaller memorials to other Maharajahs of Jodhpur.
Pal Haveli Hotel
31st Jan, Tuesday
In Jodhpur
We will start the day with a walk around in the city center and the later half of the day is free. The streets are easily photographed and those who wish to buy handicrafts goods, antiques, replicas and Indian art will be taken to some of the best stores in Rajasthan. We will have a photo critique on the rooftop restaurant.
Pal Haveli Hotel
1st Feb, Wednesday
Jodhpur to Delhi (Flight) and Delhi to Agra (130 Miles, 03 Hrs drive)
This morning after breakfast, we will start our drive airport to board our flight to Delhi. On arrival in Delhi, we will start our drive to Agra. Upon arriving in Agra, you will be assisted in check-in to your hotel.
The city is known the world over for the beautiful wonder of the world, Taj Mahal, and is situated on the right bank of the river Yamuna. Agra is a city with a glorious past and has had the distinction of being the capital of various ruling dynasties.
Agra in terms of ambiance is still associated with its Mughal period. The Mughals besides being great rulers were also great builders and they preserved their best architectural wonders for Agra & its neighborhood. It has many wonderful monuments and the Taj Mahal, the greatest of them all, is a masterpiece of Mughal architecture at its best. The massive but elegant Agra Fort, the delicate artistry of Itmad-ud-Daulah Tomb, the magnificent Taj and Akbar’s deserted capital, Fatehpur Sikri, are each unique and outstanding. Their architectural genius can also be seen in the forts, palaces and aesthetically laid out gardens - each one a silent witness to a grand style of a golden era.
This evening, we will enjoy sunset visit of Taj Mahal. Built by Emperor Shah Jehan as a tribute to his favorite wife Mumtaz Mahal, this is the largest tribute to love ever expressed in architecture. This great monument was completed in 1653 and took almost 22 years and 20,000 workers to build. A unique blend of Persian, Islamic and Indian styles define the entire complex, recognized by UNESCO as “the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world's heritage."
After the Taj Mahal visit we will return to our hotel for a relaxed evening.
Radisson Blu Agra Hotel
2nd Feb, Thursday
In Agra
We will rise at 5:30 and make our way to visit the Taj Mahal for a sunrise photoshoot. We will return to the hotel for breakfast and after a brief respite we will visit the Agra Fort. Emperor Akhbar started construction in 1565. The high red stone monument stretches for about one-and-a-half miles. The palace is noted for its blending for Hindu and Central Asian architectural styles. Afterwards, we will wander around Agra and photograph the sari sellers and merchants. In the afternoon you will have free time to download photographs.
Radisson Blu Agra Hotel
3rd Feb, Friday
Agra to Delhi
Today after breakfast we will drive to Delhi. The drive should take approximately 4 hours.
This evening we will have our last photo critique session followed by the farewell dinner.
New Delhi Ibis Airport Hotel
4th Feb, Saturday
Transportation to the airport will be provided