Next Photo Tour of India dates: TBD
This photo tour of India takes the photographer from bustling Delhi, straight to the heart of North India. Locations including the Delhi, Taj Mahal, Pushkar, Jaipur, and Jodhpur.
Rajasthan, land of Rajputs and Maharajas, an epic photo adventure to fairytale palaces, magnificent forts, and of course the dizzying Pushkar Camel Fair.
Do you love to travel and also want to learn to take better photos? Maybe you’ve taken a photography class or two, but want something different, something more about the experience, in a cool location.
How about putting it all together in this customized photo tour of India, with a photography leader as your tour host and photography coach?
Photo Tour of India: Taj Mahal to Pushkar over 13 days
- Where: India
- When: TBD
- Length: 13 Days
- Who: 12 photography enthusiasts. Spouses and non-photography types are more than welcome to join us in India as well (the price is the same for them).
- What: A 13-day (12 night) photo tour catering to photographing in the best light of the day, in the field practice in a fun small group setting, and a flexible schedule to allow us to decide how long we stay at each location!
- Why: Get tips for taking better photos, immerse in some local culture, and have a whole lot of fun in India!
- Tour Extension: Spend an additional 4 days after the tour exploring Varanasi.
- Jump to: Tour itinerary, or the FAQ’s
One of my best trips ever!
Maybe because our husbands and wives were not there, maybe because we all shared the same interest, the group was really ONE, not little groups as we always find in a trip. Same age, same experience, no competition, everybody relaxed, funny talks, etc etc
I had much fun and enjoyed every minute of these days. One of my best trips ever.
How much is this photo tour?
This tour is designed to offer you both adventure and comfort.
We stay in comfortable and clean rooms in properties with local character, history, and style when possible.
All your meals are included (except when you have free time) and we also take care of little incidentals like water daily, entrance fees for all attractions, and snacks on the transport for a smooth easy experience.
NOTE: Please make note if you are shopping for a photo tour to India that this one is 13 days! Many of the others are shorter so their prices may seem lower, but compare the cost per day and see which is the better value. Ours works out to just under $385/day ($425 for a small group).
Others are over $500/day and do not include most meals (which we do!). So make sure you compare and shop wisely. We have many happy past tour members who have traveled with us 4, 5 and 6 times and keep coming back. In fact, this is what one of those people had to say:
“Darlene, your tours, both Morocco and India, are the gold standard as far as I’m concerned.” – Peter Simon
| Group Size | Price |
|---|---|
| 8-12 People Nice group size with a maximum of 12 people |
$4995 USD |
| 6-7 people Small Group supplement applies |
$5495 USD |
| 4-Day Tour Extension Join us for an optional 4 extra days exploring Varanasi India after the tour (see below for details) |
$1895 |
Maximum group size: 12
Remaining Spots: This tour has been canceled due to Covid-19
Please add yourself to our waitlist for notifications of the next dates or if a spot becomes available on this tour. Members of the wait list will be notified first when registration becomes available.
NOTE: We have made the maximum number of participants on this tour set to 12. This is less than many other India photo tours which include 15 or more people – please look at that when researching and comparing tours!
This fewer number of guests allows for a smaller, more intimate group in order to give you the best experience. This means you will have more time with the tour leader, and it’s a really nice group size for wandering through the attractions in India.
Single Supplement Price:
- Prices quoted are for double occupancy. NOTE: You will be paired with someone of the same gender if you do not have a travel partner and request a roommate – if one is not available you will be charged the single supplement.
- Price for a single room is an additional $1095 USD
Optional 4-Day Tour Extension:
Please consider adding an additional 4 days to explore more of India after the tour.
Read more about the extension and itinerary here.
I felt very at ease and safe.
I expected a beautiful India, but realized that the people impressed me most by the kindness, happyness and willingness to interact. And because my shyness of asking permission to click was gone.
What touched me most was the people, the colors, the smiles. I felt very at ease and safe.
I enjoyed very very much the photo shoot in the marigold fields. Learning new techniques was valuable.
... and I cried the day I left.
The Best Light
This adventure is designed to guide you to the most stunning locations, chase light, and interact with locals in their natural environment.
Few regions on earth offer such cultural and diverse opportunities for documentary and travel photography.
Come join us as this is a once-in-a-lifetime journey.
We’ll embark on a quest not only to capture the essence of this magnificent place and people but to forge new like-minded friends and memories that will last a lifetime.
The Best Locations
This is NOT the kind of tour that goes to your typical tourist locations.
Where others might go in, we go around. Where others have their map, we wander and get lost on purpose. Imagine a bicycle rickshaw ride through the streets of Old Delhi. Yup we do that!
This is a custom designed travel tour, by a photographer, for photography enthusiasts.
Be prepared to visit one of the world’s largest camel fairs in Pushkar. Apart from the buying and selling of livestock, it has become an important tourist attraction and is a highlight of the trip for many of our guests.
Less Rushed
We get to fully explore each location, which allows you to discover all the hidden gems and meet people on a deeper level.
It will be a full two weeks of activities, but you won’t feel rushed or pressured.
If you want to opt out of an activity to hang out at the hotel, get a massage, or go shopping on your own, you will be able to do just that.
Our adventure will commence in hectic Delhi, a captivating city dotted with dusty bazaars, Mughal-era architecture, massive fortifications, incredible temples, and vibrant people. It’s a city where magic and mystery can be found at the turn of every corner.
From Delhi, we’ll continue on to explore India’s crown jewel, Rajasthan, which is truly the Land of the Kings. Pride and tradition are the best ways to describe the Rajasthani. A place full of heritage, built by this medieval society where each palace and fort seem like they are straight out of a Bollywood movie set.
We’ll hit all of the most important places – the Taj Mahal, Jaipur, Pushkar, Jodhpur and more. Rajasthan is a festival of colors and tradition almost impossible to ignore; incredible warm people dressed in red turbans, the contrasting green and yellow saris and the lure of one of the most picturesque festivities completes an amazing journey into the past.
I have been on four of Darlene's photography tours
I have been on four of Darlene's photography tours and all of them are full of adventure, learning opportunities, and fun!
Darlene creates situations that allow you to be creative with your photography and gives you advice on trying new techniques, all in beautiful settings.
Pushkar Camel Fair is a Highlight!
Every first full moon in November, the holy city of Pushkar, India transforms itself. Thousands of people travel to the banks of Pushkar Lake where the camel fair takes place.
This is Asia’s largest camel and livestock fair. Men buy and sell their camels, horses, sheep, and goats, while the colorful stalls full of bracelets, clothes, textiles, and fabrics attract the women. Camel races, music, and competitions of all sorts are just a few of the abundance of activities worth mentioning.
This is a tentative schedule, may not be exactly as shown here:
Day 1 Delhi (D)
Namaste – Welcome to India.
You’ll be greeted at the airport and then transferred to our hotel where you’ll meet the other guests and your tour leader(s) and have your first Indian dinner together.
Day 2 – Delhi (B/L/D)
We’ll start the day photographing the Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India at first light.
After breakfast, we’ll take a walking tour around the Khari Baoli, the famous spice market, and enjoy a bicycle rickshaw ride through the lanes of Chandni Chowk, the shopping center of Old Delhi.
This afternoon we’ll see the India Gate and drive past the Parliament House.
Later visit Bangla Sahib Gurudwara (Sikh Temple) and see the community kitchen and volunteers where they serve thousands of free meals every day to those in need, or anyone who wishes to eat. You can even pitch in and help by making some chapatis if you want!
Day 3 – Delhi > Agra (B/L/D)
Today we drive to Agra, home of the world-famous Taj Mahal.
Agra is one of India’s prime tourist destinations for precisely this reason, though its attractions also extend to an array of other impressive historical sights the Taj remains as one of the most remarkable architectural wonders of the world. With that in mind, we’ll photograph the Taj Mahal from different vantage points and under different lighting conditions.
Upon arrival, we’ll check in and have lunch in our hotel. Later we will visit Itmad ud Daulah. This tomb was built in 1622; it is beautifully conceived in white marble, mosaic, and lattice
Our next stop will be Mehtab Bagh which is on the back side of the Taj Mahal separated by Yamuna River.
This will be our first encounter with the Taj, and we’ll have the opportunity to photograph it at sunset light.
Day 4 – Agra > Jaipur (B/L/D)
Today, get ready for the Taj Mahal.
We’ll have an early start and reach the venue before sunrise. Few words can describe the magnificence of this monument. Marvel and take wonderful photos as the morning light and colors transform this stunning monument in the beautiful rising sun’s glow.
We’ll return to the hotel for breakfast after thoroughly exploring the grounds and monument.
We’ll then start our drive to Jaipur and will stop at Chand Baori Stepwell enroute. This is one of the largest stepwells in the world and also one of the most beautiful.
Day 5 – Jaipur (B/L/D)
After breakfast, we will visit the Hawa Mahal (Wind Palace) for some photography. Then we’ll spend time in the oldest and busiest of markets in the walled pink city at Johori Bazaar, a real feast for the senses.
Aromatic spices fill the air, while oxcarts, rickshaws, cows, bejeweled women and men with shocking pink turbans jostle through the labyrinthine streets. Just imagine street photography at its best.
After lunch, we will visit the Elephant Village. Surrounded by the wilderness, the community is just a few hamlets housing the local villagers. There we will be introduced to elephants, the way of life of its caretakers, and have the opportunity to photograph them.
Day 6 – Jaipur (B/L/D)
This morning we will begin with an exhilarating photo tour to Amber Fort. Perched on a hillside, this is a beautiful and exceptionally well-preserved structure. We will descend the fort by jeep and walk around the lanes at the foothill, passing by shops and homes to complete a beautiful morning of photography.
Later in the afternoon, we will proceed to the lake where you can photograph Jal Mahal (Water Palace). The lake is a thirst-quenching place for animals including the (water) buffalos. If you are lucky, you can capture them with your camera while they are bathing.
Day 7 – Pushkar (B/L/D)
Today we’ll drive to Pushkar. We’ll check-in and have lunch in our hotel with some time for rest in the afternoon or enjoy a swim in the resort pool.
Later at sunset, we will visit a marigold farm nearby. There we will have an arranged photoshoot with some local dancers in typical dresses over the mesmerizing and colorful backdrop. Just for us!
Dinner at the hotel. Pushkar Resorts offers a variety of cuisines ranging from traditional Rajasthani to European and continental. The focus is on the use of fresh homegrown ingredients.
Produce like lettuce, mangoes, cherry tomatoes are grown in-house and used for the daily preparations.
Day 8 – Pushkar (B/L/D)
Up before dawn to photograph the herders with their camels at the Pushkar Camel Fair. Then we’ll be back at the hotel in time for breakfast.
Later on, we’ll photograph the fairgrounds. Witness the group dance – various tribes show their local performance through dance. See the art and craft market with displays of local produce.
After our mid-day break, we’ll head back to Pushkar Lake, where we will partake in a pooja ceremony (you can get blessed by an Indian holy man) on the holy ghats. We’ll also witness and shoot the Aarti ceremony and the opening festivities of the legendary camel fair.
Day 9 – Puskar > Jodhpur (B/L/D)
Today you’ll have a second chance to photograph the camel herders as they start their daily chores. You might even get invited to have coffee with them.
You’ll also have the opportunity to take an optional hot air balloon ride over Pushkar (for an extra fee). Then we’ll drive to Jodhpur, the blue city, after breakfast.
We’ll arrive in the afternoon, and will have the opportunity to capture sunset blue hour from a rooftop overlooking the city and the fort before dinner.
Day 10 – Jodhpur (B/D)
Prepare for an action-packed day, as we start our morning with a hike around the Rao Jodha Desert Park where we’ll shoot the Jaswant Thada.
We’ll return to the hotel for breakfast and then continue to visit the Meherangarh Fort. Situated on a low sandstone hill it is one of the most impressive forts in Rajasthan.
We’ll descend to the town by the back alleys and see the locals going by their daily activities. We’ll also have the opportunity to photograph the blue city.
You’ll have time on your own to get lunch and explore. In the afternoon we’ll explore the area around the clock tower and visit the Sadar Market where you will meet traders of spices and pickles.
Day 11 – Jodhpur (B/L/D)
We will take it easy today. After breakfast, we’ll visit and photograph the Jodhpur Railway station to see how the majority of Indians travel in non-metro cities.
For Indians, in general, the railway is a lifeline. Here we’ll have the opportunity to photograph this activity. The station is now being used every day by around 156,000 passengers.
You might opt to get your hand painted with henna (for the ladies) while in Jodhpur, and the afternoon is at your leisure.
Day 12 – Jodhpur > Delhi (B)
Today you make your way back to Delhi by domestic flight from Jodhpur. A night at the airport hotel is included for you so it’s an easy connection for your late-night (or early morning) flight home.
You may choose to stay on and extend your time in India on your own if you wish as well. Just let us know.
Day 13 – Home
As most international flights are after midnight, today is your travel day as you make your way home (or continue your journey to another stop in India).
Safe travels!
I felt well looked after the whole trip
I felt well looked after the whole trip, that our safety and comfort were important to the tour leaders and the local tour providers. I felt well informed about what to expect both before and during the tour and any concerns were addressed. that allowed me to relax and enjoy the experiences
Your Photo Tour Leader
Kav Dadfar
Your tour leader for the India photo tour is Kav Dadfar, a full-time photographer and writer based on the outskirts of London.
Kav has a wealth of experience in photographing high-end stock shots as well as shooting assignments and commercial work for various clients over the years.
His images have been used by the likes of Condé Nast, National Geographic, Lonely Planet, Rough Guides, American Express, multiple National newspapers and many more. As a regular writer for various photography websites, Kav has written over 150 articles on photography.
Cost of Photo Tour of India
The pricing will be a little different than for our past tours. Based on feedback from other tours we have decided to reduce the maximum number of participants to 12! This means you will have more time with the tour leader, and a really nice group size for wandering through the narrow streets of India.
The minimum number of people required to run the tour is six.
| Group Size | Price |
|---|---|
| 8-12 People Nice group size with a maximum of 12 people |
$4995 USD |
| 6-7 people Small Group supplement applies |
$5495 USD |
| 4-Day Tour Extension Join us for an optional 4 extra days exploring Varanasi India after the tour (see below for details) |
$1895 |
Maximum group size: 12
Remaining Spots: This tour has been canceled due to Covid-19
Single Supplement Price:
- Prices quoted are for double occupancy. NOTE: You will be paired with someone of the same gender if you do not have a travel partner and request a roommate – if one is not available you will be charged the single supplement.
- Price for a single room is an additional $1095 USD
The price of the tour includes:
- Airport transfers (on tour dates as indicated, early or late pickups are extra).
- 12 nights accommodations including an airport hotel in Delhi on the last night for an easy departure.
- Meals – 10 breakfasts, 9 lunches, and 11 dinners (includes non-alcoholic beverages and tips).
- Private transportation in an air-conditioned van/bus – including the driver, fuel, and insurance.
- A professional photographer as your photo leader.
- Professional English-speaking guide, licensed for tourism.
- All activity fees as listed in the itinerary.
- Entrance fees to all sites visited.
- Photography tutoring and help as needed.
- Bottled water daily.
- Domestic airfare from Jodhpur back to Delhi.
The price DOES NOT include:
- Your international flight or other travel to India.
- Tips for your guide, driver, and tour leader.
- Lunch on your free days.
- Alcoholic beverages.
- Personal spending, souvenirs, etc.
- Optional activities like spa treatments or a hot air balloon ride in Pushkar.
Flights to India: We travel to India through Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, so book your flights to Delhi. We have arranged transportation to the hotel in Delhi for you when you arrive. We just need your flight arrival information to get you picked up at the airport.
Flights home from India: The tour ends and we depart from Delhi so make your travel arrangements accordingly. Airport transfer is included if you fly out on the last day of the tour.
Thanks again for a marvelous trip
Photo tours are a great way to experience "aha" moments.
My first experience with Darlene was on her photography workshop in Drumheller, where the positive guidance provided encouraged me to join the Morocco and India photo tours. Because Darlene’s tours have the itinerary completely arranged, you can concentrate on the techniques and information she shares. AHA!
Really loved the India tour. I was totally exhausted when I got home, which is what I like as it means I gave it my all.
FAQs
What is the physical fitness level needed for this tour?
There are many stairs and hills and some of our accommodations do not have elevators. If you are in good health and fitness level you will be fine. But this tour is NOT recommended for people with mobility issues (bad knees for example). You should be able to walk 3-5km (2-3 miles) per day and be able to climb three flights of stairs (carrying your own camera bag) without any issues.
What if I don’t have a roommate but don’t want to pay the extra for a single?
If you request to share a room and we cannot match you with a roommate you will be required to pay the single supplement fee. We do our best to pair everyone up but due to gender mismatches, we may not always have equal numbers of males or females. You can certainly ask a friend to join you and come along to share.
What skill level do I have to be in photography?
We encourage all skill levels to join us on this tour. It is not about what you know it’s about doing photography together, enjoying the adventure, and learning a few things along the way. Whatever your level you can get some tips from the tour leader. You don’t even have to be a photographer, but can come along and appreciate the relaxed pace of this tour.
What about the food in India?
A lot of people love Indian food and we try to eat at local places to try new things and enjoy it as part of the culture. But we also understand that this type of food is not for everybody.
If you do not like trying new things, you dislike curry and Indian food in general, or you cannot eat food with a lot of spices (not just hot/spicy but spices in general like pepper, cumin, coriander, etc.) – there may not be a lot of choices available for you in India.
We eat in local restaurants and sometimes in our hotel, and while they always try to accommodate a western palette, there are usually only very few options. For example, you may end up eating a lot of pasta, plain rice, and plain naan bread at every meal.
So if you are not willing or able to adapt to trying new things – we would suggest either you either accept this fact and bring along your own food supplements (such as meal protein shakes or power bars) to handle your nutritional needs, or this may not be the tour for you.
What if I want to buy some things like a carpet, textiles, silver, etc.?
This is first and foremost a photography tour and time for shopping has not been planned into our schedule.
If you wish to do those things in your free time that is up to you to organize and handle, our local guide can help you out as well with some tips. We will NOT be stopping as a group at tourist places where you can buy such things.
If you wish to do a lot of shopping, you may wish to extend your time in India after the tour concludes so you aren’t rushed.
Explore the country on this photo tour of India. Meet fellow photographers from around the world and make new friends.
Tour Extension
We hate to leave you wanting more so we have devised this tour extension, perfect for the more adventurous photographer.
In this post-tour add-on extension, you’ll spend a few extra days exploring Varanasi after the main photo tour ends.
Dates: TBD
Day 1 – Jodhpur > Varanasi (B,D)
Today is a travel day for people ending the tour or going on to Varanasi. If you’re joining us on the extension you’ll make your way to Varanasi via a connecting flight to arrive in the early evening.
You’ll be transported to the hotel where you can have dinner and rest for the evening before a busy day starts early tomorrow.
DAY 2 – Varanasi (B,D)
Get up early today for a pre-dawn photo shoot of some Sadhus and Aghori holy men on boats. Sadhus are the painted-face holy men of India you may have seen images of before.
We will have 1-2 Sadhus per boat so everyone will get a chance to photograph them. Your tour leader may have some lighting equipment that you can try out as well (everyone can have a go) so you can learn a bit about using flash.
We’ll photograph the Sadhus by one of the Ghats (seating on the steps or a platform looking at the Ganges) and make a stop across the river on a sandbar as well. This will be a spectacular morning and a likely highlight of the tour for many.
Back to the hotel for breakfast before an arranged photo shoot (just for our group) with Krusti Wrestlers at a private gym.
Free time for lunch and rest before an afternoon walk around Varanasi’s narrow lanes and markets for some street photography, unlike anything you’ve ever seen. Cows, sadhus, monks, ladies in colorful saris, water buffalo, and monkeys are all things you may see within just a block or two!
DAY 3 – Varanasi (B/L)
Today we will be going by boat to a fishing village in the early morning. Photograph the fisherman throwing nets at the river, then we’ll walk through the village where you’ll see faces of the many children that will be so overjoyed to see you. In fact, many will want their photo taken, or to get a selfie with you! It’s really quite an experience.
From there we continue to a coal mine by car where we will have a chance to make portraits and photograph the miners. We’ll then head back to the boat to get back to the hotel.
We’ll have lunch and rest up before a walk in the streets of the old town again. If time permits, you might want to get some of your images reviewed by the tour leader or get some processing tips during the free time.
DAY 4 – Varanasi > Delhi (B)
Today you’ll have one last morning in Varanasi before making your way back to Delhi.
Your hotel in the Delhi airport is included for an easy transfer for your late international flight home or on to another India destination should you choose to continue on your own.
Day 5 – Delhi > Home
As most international flights are after midnight, today is your travel day as you make your way home (or continue your journey to another stop in India).
Safe travels!
Group size: 3-7 people (need a minimum of 3 to run this extension)
Dates: TBD
Prices for 4-day extension:
- 3-7 people: $1895
- Single supplement price: $495
Includes:
- Domestic flights from Jodhpur > Varanasi and Varanasi > Delhi.
- 4 nights hotel accommodation as double occupancy (including an airport hotel in Delhi on the last night)
- Airport transfers and pickups
- Professional photography tour leader
- 3 breakfasts, 3 dinners.
- Professionally planned and arranged photography shoots which may include (schedule and time permitting) with Indian holy men (Sadhus), boat rides on the Ganges, photography of coal miners, visit a village, visit to a local market.
- Local transportation using boats, taxis, and tuk-tuks
Explore the country on this photo tour of India. Meet fellow photographers from around the world and make new friends.
I felt well looked after the whole trip
I felt well looked after the whole trip, that our safety and comfort were important to the tour leaders and the local tour providers. I felt well informed about what to expect both before and during the tour and any concerns were addressed. that allowed me to relax and enjoy the experiences
The Best Part of My Trip Was the Homestay!
I kept telling my friends I was not really sure I wanted to do the homestay but the best part of my trip WAS the homestay. I'm truly happy that you talked me into it because I actually saw the life of the people.
Quadding the Sahara Desert was a highlight of my vacation
Quadding in the sand dunes of the Moroccan Sahara desert was a highlight of my vacation and spending the afternoon listening to our guide of Chefchaouen was a once in a lifetime event.
Our Photo Tours & Workshops
Click here for our complete list of photo tours of Central America, Africa, Asia, and South America, and if you’d like more hands-on, photography education, you’ll love one of our workshops, held in Western Canada, Eastern Canada, Mexico and soon Asia.