Also see the photography tour calendar for trips that precede or follow this one

PHOTOGRAPHY TOUR OVERVIEW:  Timed for the color and character of the Pushkar Camel Fair. Also Ranthambhore Wildlife Reserve, Delhi, Taj Mahal and the photogenic smiles and complexions of India's people etcetera. India forms the central peninsula of southern Asia, of some 1,581,410 square miles, and gained its independence from Britain in 1947. India, you may not know, was first with Arabic numerals, the number zero and even Aesop's fables, but of prime importance to us during our 17 night stay will be photogenic subjects such as its people, wildlife, landscape, history and the colorful Pushkar Camel Fair. Please join us for a taste of the real India.

INCREASING YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY SKILLS: There isn’t a straightforward way to describe everything you will learn on one of our photography tours in just a few words, but I'll give it a try . . . I instruct, encourage, nurture, coach, nudge, help and guide clients etcetera, all day and every day.  This includes one-on-ones and 'collective instruction', i.e. advice given to the whole group at each photo stop. Subjects and techniques discussed and demonstrated are composition strength, shutter speeds, exposure compensation, how aperture choice influences depth of field, lens choice, filter use, long exposure effects, deliberate blur, macro and so on. I also encourage you to 'see' an image when the opportunity presents itself, i.e. to be on the lookout for those less obvious shots that are no less stunning. Lastly, I conduct image critiques both on location - digital camera screens are ideal for this - and via the use of laptops. PhotoShop sessions are also included as time permits. For more details regarding what you'll learn go here.

TRAVEL TO THE GATEWAY AIRPORT
o It is recommended that clients arrive a day early to be fresh for the trip, and to also counteract possible flight delays.
o Early arrival also enables you to explore the gateway city should you wish to do so.
o When booking flights, add a day for overnight travel or two days if also crossing the Pacific Ocean/International Dateline.
o The last day of the trip is the date you should arrange your flight home unless you plan to stay on. Thank you!

DAYS 1 + 2  |  DELHI
Your morning flight will be met, and following lunch together we'll take an afternoon tour of Delhi which will include the likes of the Qutub Minar, India Gate, and the British architecture of the 340 room President's House. In Old Delhi, very much in contrast to the new town, we'll explore the Red Fort and Jama Masjid - the largest mosque in India. Lots of character and color at Chandni Chowk (Silver Square), the main shopping street, and more.
DELHI, 2 nights

DAY 3  |  AGRA and TAJ MAHAL
To Agra today, where the massive Agra Fort with its elegant buildings behind the foreboding walls are an elegant blend of Hindu and Central Asian architectural styles. Nearby is the Taj Mahal, which means 'Gem of Buildings'. It took 18 years to build back in the 1600's, and is magnificent on its 18 foot bed of white marble. A visit at sunset is planned.
AGRA, 1 night

DAYS 4 + 5  |  RANTHAMBHORE
We'll return to the Taj Mahal for the first morning light, and then take breakfast on the move to give us time to relax prior to our Ranthambhore jungle excursion in jeeps (better still, Land Rovers!). It is the sight of one of India's finest game reserves, and dotted with lakes and ponds around which many species of wildlife are bound to be found. Among the wildlife are Sambar and Spotted Deer, Blue Bull, Wild Boar, Marsh Crocodile, Sloth Bear, and Four Horned Antelope. Add to these numerous species of bird and lush flora, and you have a photographer's paradise! Hey, and Tigers prowl the reserve peripheries too.
On day 5 we'll return to the jungle at sunrise, and following hearty breakfasts we will explore the tribal villages of Sawai Madhopur. Each is self-contained and unaffected by the bustle of the outside world.
RANTHAMBHORE, 2 nights

DAYS 6 + 7  |  KOTA and BUNDI
We'll photograph our way to Kota in the usual manner, and after lunch we'll visit the banks of the Chambal River. The river banks are the scene of clothes washing done the old, old way - very much a way of life for local people. Nearby Nangta is a small town with just one street. The rest are trails which we'll explore and photograph the likes of street vendors and giggling, photogenic children.
On day 7 we'll go northwest to the picturesque town of Bundi. Besides exploring the bazaar and residential areas of town, we meet and photograph people in their Rajasthani attire - both full of character and color.
KOTA, 2 nights

DAYS 8 + 9  |  CHITTAURGARH (CHITTOR)
Day 8 takes us southwestwards to Chittor. The hilltop fortress there epitomizes the romantic ideal of Rajput chivalry. In the afternoon we'll board auto-rickshaws to access the town center as the roads are too narrow for larger vehicles. Ambling on the side streets we'll experience the real ethnic Rajastan - old fashioned houses with small balconies, and most likely, friendly faces peeping through the small windows.
Day 9 will see us at Chittor's majestic fort shooting the artistry of Padminis Palace and Victory and Fame Towers. Optional afternoon activities.
CHITTOR, 2 nights

DAYS 10, 11 + 12  |  UDAIPUR
We continue southwest to Udaipur in the morning, and find one of India's most beautiful cities in its Lake Pichola setting. During our two days here we'll cruise the lake, and take in the likes of the City Palace, Jagadish Temple and Jagmandir Palace which provided inspiration for the Taj Mahal.
On days 11 and 12 we'll change pace and subject with a trip to a local brick works. The mixing of clay by hand and young girls carrying mud and clay in overhead baskets, sets the place apart from the brick works that we are familiar with and we'll get some excellent still-lifes here also. Then on to a steam locomotive yard on the edge of Udaipur, where skilled workers still do much of the work by hand. Plus much more besides while in the Udaipur area.
UDAIPUR, 3 nights

DAYS 13, 14 + 15  |  PUSHKAR CAMEL FAIR
North along Route 8 today to the renowned Pushkar Camel Fair - a photographic bounty to put it mildly. We'll spend 3 comfortable nights in tents at the Government of India Tourist Camp, and venture out at various intervals for a potpourri of quality photography. The soft light of early and late will yield best results of an extra-ordinary gathering of pilgrims, gypsies, entertainers and 10,000 plus camels. There will be much to see and do, plus you can get involved in the tug-of-war between locals and visitors to the Fair.
PUSHKAR FAIR, 3 nights

DAY 16  |  JAIPUR
Jaipur is to the east and we'll shoot as we go again. Then check-in to our hotel prior to setting off in search of pictures. We'll join the cows on the streets when visiting the Palace of Winds and City Palace, and also have time to explore the bustling bazaars of Jaipur, and more.
JAIPUR, 1 night

DAY 17  |  JAIPUR to DELHI
Our last full day sees us returning from whence we came to Delhi. We'll have captured most of the essence of India in pixels already, but we'll still take in the unique as we head for Delhi. The highlight will be the Amber Fort known as the 'Pink City' because of its construction with pink Jaipur sandstone. Elephant taxis will take us to the top of the fort. Farewell dinner to close our day.
DELHI, 1 night

DAY 18  |  Flights home
Depart New Delhi for flights home this morning.