Best of Rajasthan, Naguar cattle fair, Thar Desert Experience, and Varanasi
February 05- 18, 2019
14 days
THE ADVENTURE
Possibly the most romantic state in India, Rajasthan is famous for its striking exotic desert landscapes, legendary cities resplendent with stunning forts, and vibrant festivals. It is steeped in tales of chivalry, honor, warriors, and royalty.
In contrast to the opulent palaces of breathtaking grandeur, Varanasi, the holiest of the seven sacred cities in Hinduism and Janish and the oldest city in India, is amongst the most fascinating photographic destinations in India.
Our 14-day life-enriching journey, built around the famous Nagaur cattle festival, takes us through classical Rajasthan, along the back roads to rural villages for a more intimate experience in the picturesque Thar Desert and along the Ghats of the sacred Ganges River.
Varanasi – Virtually unchanged for hundreds of years, Varanasi is the holiest of the seven sacred cities in Hinduism and Janish and the oldest city in India. It has been the ultimate pilgrimage spot for Hindus for ages. Pilgrims come to the Ghats lining the Ganges River to wash away a lifetime of sin in the sacred water. Elaborate prayer and candle ceremonies are held along the banks every evening. During the day, these banks are filled with Sadhus and pilgrims performing cleaning rituals. Running from the river to town is a labyrinth of alleys, called Galis, strictly for pedestrians, as they are too narrow for traffic.
Jodhpur – In the heart of Rajasthan, known as the blue city, Jodhpur is home to the Mehrangarh Fort, one of the grandest sights in India. This is a romantic city of narrow alleyways, crooked streets, spice markets, sari vendors, and vibrant bazaars, filled with historic mystery. A visit here would not be complete without an aerial view of the “blue city.”
Majestic Thar Desert – More than a place, the majestic Thar Desert is an experience. We will whisk you into the surreal beauty of the desert for an intimate experience with the camel herders, and visits to the local Bishnoi villages. One must spend a few nights under canvas in this surreal landscape and wander through the exotic, cascading sand dunes with the camel herders. Photographing the camel trains along the ridge of the dunes at sunset is breathtaking.
Jaisalmer – A city of intricately carved buildings, facades, Jain temples, and elaborate balconies, Jaisalmer rises out of the heart of the Great Indian Desert and is home to the oldest living fort in the world. The lively markets and vibrant street scene make this city a memorable photo destination.
Naguar Cattle Fair -Boasting over 100,000 camels, cattle, and horses, magnificently garlanded with vibrant accessories and painted to attract buyers, the Naguar Cattle Fair is one of the biggest in India, yet happily overlooked by tourists and photographers who visit Pusknar. Unique to this fair is the Mirchi Bazaar (red chili market) — the largest in India — with colorful displays of wooden items, iron crafts, and camel leather accessories, all available for trade. With the traditional camel trade changing rapidly in modern times, this is an incredible opportunity to capture these regal men in their traditional clothing, turbans, and captivating faces with long mustaches and character lines of wisdom.
Jaipur – Surrounded by a city wall and several defensive forts, Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan and is one of India’s architectural wonders with some of the country’s most ornate royal places –-the Amber Fort, Jantar Mantar, the City Palace, and Hawa Mahal Place(Palace of the winds). The city is lively; filled with dynamic and colorful people where camel buggies, tuktuk’s, cars and elephants share the streets. This area is famous for the traditional process of hand block printing on textiles.
“I have done a lot of photo expeditions throughout the world, primarily with National Geographic. This was the best organized trip that I’ve been on, and I came out of it with more great photos than I’ve gotten from any other trip. I would do another trip with Piper in a heartbeat. “ – Eric Stoen
Piper Mackay has crafted this colorful India itinerary that will immerse you in the culture, beyond the surface of the iconic locations. She has teamed up with one of India’s top knowledgeable guides to bring you an experience beyond the photographs. Together with her experienced ground team and love of creative imagery, they will work tirelessly to bring you dynamic photographic opportunities while also leaving time for you to roam independently for lively street photography, with an emphasis on storytelling. This is why a few lunches and dinners are purposely not included, giving you the freedom and flexibility to explore.
Fascinating, adventurous, dramatic, India is filled with wonderful hospitality and a plethora of photographic opportunities that can also be emotionally and physically draining. Yes, we will be shooting in the thick of the action, which is why we have taken great care in choosing comfortable accommodations and transportation to relax, recharge, and recover from the day’s excitement. We have also included all local tips, which can be a daunting task in figuring out who should be tipped and constantly trying to exchange currency for small notes.
Your main transportation will be on a comfortable climate controlled coach, where everyone will have two seats with plenty of room for camera gear, but we will also venture out on Rickshaws, Tuk Tuks, jeeps in the desert, camels on the dunes, and boats on the Ganges. Your accommodations will range from Grand Raj Castles to luxury safari tents in the Thar Desert to river front accommodations along the Ganges River. These accommodations are rich in cultural atmosphere, as to be a photographic destination.
Itinerary
Day 1: – Feb 5, 2019 Arrive Varanasi
Upon arrival into Varanasi (you should schedule your flight arrival before 13:00/1:00PM) , you will be met and greeted by our representative and privately transferred to the hotel. Location, location, location. We will stay on the banks of the Ganges River, along the Ghats and palaces built by Hindu Kings.
You will meet with the group from Kumbh Mela before dinner at 1600hrs and have a group orientation. In the evening, we will enjoy the Aarti ceremony of river ranges.
Accommodations: Suryauday Haveli – Riverview Rooms – D
**** Please arrive into Varanasi by 1300hrs.
Day 2: Feb 6, 2019– Varanasi
We will rise early this morning, board our boat, and enjoy the rising sun along the banks of the Ganges. We will pass along the Ghats to experience the early morning rituals of the Hindus. Every morning, numerous people come to bathe in the Holy River, offering sweets, flowers, and holy water to the Sun God, believing they will be freed from the circle of rebirth.
After breakfast, we will have time to converse about photography and the creative aspects of storytelling. You will have the day free to stroll along the banks of the Ganges or explore the narrow streets and alleyways of the ancient city.
In the evening, the Ghats and temples lit with oil lamps or candles can be seen during the Aarti ceremony (prayer group), while viewing floating Diyas (lamps) on the River Ganges.
Accommodations: Suryauday Haveli – Riverview Rooms – BD
Day 3:Feb 7, 2019 – Varanasi – Delhi
On our last morning, along the banks of the Ganges, we will have a special sunrise with shoot. After breakfast, you will have time to pack up and relax or make one last stroll along the Ghats. After lunch, we will head to the Varanasi airport for our flights to Delhi, where on arrival, you will be transferred to the hotel.
Prior to dinner, we will have time to discuss the creativity in your photography.
Accommodations: JW Mariott Aerocity – BLD
Day 4: Feb 8, 2019Delhi – Jodhpur
After breakfast, we will be transferred to the airport for our flight to Jodhpur.
Jodhpur is the second largest city in Rajasthan and is dominated by the massive Merhrangarh Fort, topping a sheer rocky ridge, also known as the blue city. In the late afternoon, we will cruise through the crooked narrow streets by Tuk Tuks. Dinner will be flexible and on your own, so you may have the freedom to continue with your exploration of this fascinating area, dine on the town, or relax at the hotel
Accommodation: – Ajit Bhawan- vintage suite Room – BL
Day 5: Feb 9, 2019Jodhpur
We will rise early for a sunrise rooftop view shoot of the famous Blue City. After breakfast, we will visit the Mehrangarh Fort (Majestic Fort), one of the most impressive and formidable structures in India. Built by Rao Jodha, this 5km long Fort is on a 125m high hill and has magnificent palaces with marvelously carved panel, latticed windows.
We will also visit Jaswant Thada, an architectural landmark of Jodhpur, a cluster of royal cenotaphs in white marble built in the year 1899 AD in memory of Maharaha Jaswant Singh II. Lunch will be on your own at leisure.
In the late afternoon, we will walk through the romantic “Old Blue City”, filled with narrow alleyways, Hindu culture, and vibrant ambiance, a street photographer’s paradise.
Accommodation: – Ajit Bhawan – vintage suite Room BD
Day 6:Feb 10, 2019 Jodhpur – Jaisalmer
After breakfast, we will head for Jaisalmer and have lunch in route, stopping for any impromptu photo opportunities.
We will stay in a boutique hotel in the heart of this enchanting city. After lunch, we will head out to explore the vibrant street scene, filled with color, merchants selling bright cloth, embroidery, jewelry, and leather goods. You will find tailors, barbers, and women scurrying through the streets, taking care of their daily responsibilities. We will also visit Patwon Ki Haveli in the heart of town. It was built by the rich merchant, Guman Chand Patwa & his sons, whose business stretched between Afghanistan and China. It is the most elaborate and magnificent of all the Jaisalmer Havelis and is virtually the showpiece of Jaisalmer’s legendary architectural wealth.
Spend the rest of the afternoon walking in this fascinating area
Accommodation: Garh Jaisal – BLD
Day 7: Feb 11, 2019- Jaisalmer
This morning, you may rise early and take advantage of the stunning sunrise view of the city from the roof of your hotel. After breakfast, we will visit the Jaisalmer fort, the Jain Temple, golden havelis, and Bada Bagh, where the royal family members were cremated.
Lunch will be flexible and on your own to enjoy in the town or at the hotel.
In the late afternoon, we will venture out into this enchanting city again.
Accommodation: Garh Jaisal – BLD
Day 8:Feb 12, 2019 – Jaisalmer – Thar Desert
We will have a sunrise shoot of the Gadisare Lake and local market and walk through the city in early light.
After breakfast, we will drive to the majestic Thar Desert. We will have lunch in route, stopping for any impromptu photo opportunities.
To immerse ourselves in this experience, we will stay at the Samsara Desert Camp in the desert. Our stylish printed Indian canvas tents will have en-suite bathrooms with hot water (morning and evenings) and electricity in the evenings to charge all your batteries.
In the late afternoon, we will hop on the jeeps and safari across the desert to a Bishnoi village, a special opportunity for more than a glimpse into their traditional lives. In the evening we will be treated to a cultural performance of dance and music under the stars.
Accommodation: Samsara Desert Camp – BLD
Day 9 –Feb 13, 2019 Thar Desert
At dawn, we will hop in the jeeps to visit another Bishnoi village at sunrise.
After breakfast, we will have time to converse about photography, the creative aspects of storytelling, and review our images.
In the afternoon, we will mount the camels and ride them into the dunes for sunset and sundowners. We have planned an enchanting afternoon and evening full of surprises, which will bring dynamic photographic opportunities with the camels, herders, and beautiful local dancers. In the stillness of the desert, you may hear the local Rajasthani music creating a romantic atmosphere.
Accommodation: Samsara Desert Camp – BLD
Day 10:Feb 14, 2019 – Thar Desert – Nagaur
We will rise early and, in the quiet of dawn, head back to the dunes for a last sunrise shoot with the camels and herders.
After breakfast, we will drive to Naguar and the famous cattle fair.
We will be in the heart of the action, staying at the Aagrman Deluxe tented camp. Our stylish printed Indian canvas tents will have en-suite bathrooms with hot water (morning and evenings) and electricity in the evenings to charge all your batteries.
In the afternoon, we will go on a walking orientation tour of the huge cattle market, boasting thousands of camels, cattle, and horses, magnificently garlanded with vibrant accessories and painted to attract buyers. The tradition of the camel trade is slowly vanishing with modernization, which brings an incredible opportunity to photograph some of these ancient regal men with their long mustaches, traditional turbans and clothing, and their captivating faces filled with wisdom.
Accommodations: Aagrman Camp – BLD
Day 11:Feb 15, 2019 – Nagaur
You will have the entire day to slowly wander through the chaos of the camel and horse traders, the colorful markets, and visit the Mirchi Bazaar (red chili market).
Wandering slowly through the chaos will allow you to soak it in, spend intimate time with people having tea, sharing stories, and raising the camera slowly to create quality images.
Accommodations: Aagrman Camp – BLD
Day 12: Feb 16, 2019 – Nagaur – Jaipur
After breakfast, we head to Jaipur – the capital city of Rajasthan, stopping in route for lunch and spontaneous photographic opportunities. In the late afternoon, we will wander through the streets of Jaipur and its colourful bazaars.
Accommodations: Samode Haveli – Deluxe Room – BLD
Day 13: Feb 17, 2019 – Jaipur
Morning we will make a photo stop at the palace of winds, the Hawa Mahal on the way to Amer Fort. We will later visit and photograph Amer Fort, and then proceed to photograph Panna Meena Ka Kund (Stepwell) behind the Amer Fort.
In the afternoon we will drive out to the nearby village of Sanganer, where we will see the fascinating art of Tie and Dye, Bandhani, Block printing with wooden blocks and the art of handmade papers.
In the evening, we will drive to witness to Light & Sound show at the Amer Fort.
Accommodations: Samode Haveli – Deluxe Room – BD
Day 14: Feb 18, 2019 – Jaipur – Delhi
After breakfast, we will depart back to Delhi with lunch in route. On arrival, you will be transferred to the JW Marriott Aerocity for day rooms, where you can rest and freshen up after the safari, before your transfer to the International terminal to board your fight home. International flights should be booked after 2100hrs.
Day Room: JW Marriott Aerocity – BL
Important Details
Price:
The price of the incredible India Adventure is USD $ 7,750.00
Single room supplement cost is $ 1,795.00
If you are a solo guest that will share accommodations, we will do our best to match with a roommate of the same gender, but if we cannot match you with a roommate, the single supplement will be charged. If you request single accommodations on your registration form, the single supplement will be applied and is due with your second payment.
Payment Terms
- USD $1,500.00 non-refundable depositto confirm your place on this photo tour
- 2nd payment of USD $2,500 .00 (+Single Supplement) is due July 1, 2018.
- Final payment/balance is due November 1, 2018.
We highly recommend trip and cancellation insurance. Travel guard.com is excellent. You can insure your deposit and increase your insurance as you make payments.
Included
- 13 nights of accommodations +tips for staff
- 2 in-country flights, Varanasi to Delhi and Delhi to Jodhpur
- Meals + tips, as noted on the itinerary –B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner
- Bottled drinking water, 2 bottles per day in transport vehicles
- Comfortable climate controlled coaches with qualified drivers, including tips
- All local transport-Tuk Tuks, boats, Rickshaws, camel rides, jeep safari etc. + tips
- Entrance fees to Naguar cattle fair
- Entrance fees to monuments and forts listed in the itinerary
- Camera fees for two cameras at monuments and forts listed in the itinerary
- Airport transfers
- All local guides + tips
- Bus drivers + tips
- All modeling fees with tips as listed in the itinerary
- Sundowners in the Thar Desert
- Experienced and knowledgable English speaking guide
- Professional photographer leader
Not Included
- International flights
- Visa
- Travel insurance
- Gratuity for main guide
- Personal purchases (including shopping, spirits, laundry, internet fees, phone calls etc.)
- Accommodations before or after the tour
REGISTRATION
The group size for this magical journey into India is limited to 10 Participants. To Secure your spot please complete the on-line registration form and make the $1,500.00 USD non-refundable deposit. Both the registration and deposit must be received to confirm your spot.
