Rajasthan - full itinerary

Rajasthan, India's Land of Kings, provides a treasure trove of visual delights. In Jaipur, the Pink City, the Hawa Mahal and Amber Fort provide stunning architectural subjects, while bustling bazaars offer vibrant photographic opportunities. Jodhpur, the Blue City, is dominated by the imposing Mehrangarh Fort, offering panoramic views of the blue-washed old town below. 

Jaisalmer, rising from the Thar Desert, is a photographer's dream with its golden sandstone architecture. The intricate facades of havelis and the majestic Jaisalmer Fort, especially during sunrise and sunset, create breathtaking compositions. The surrounding sand dunes offer classic desert landscapes and opportunities for capturing nomadic life and camel caravans.

In contrast, Ranakpur provides a serene setting with its exquisitely carved Jain temples. The play of light and shadow on the intricate marble pillars and domes offers endless possibilities for detail and abstract shots. Udaipur, the City of Lakes, presents a romantic backdrop with its shimmering lakes, palatial architecture, and ornate ghats.

Throughout Rajasthan, we can capture the region's rich cultural heritage through portraits of locals in traditional attire, colourful festivals, and ancient crafts. From the opulent palaces to remote villages, the diverse landscapes, vibrant colours, and rich traditions make it a captivating destination to experience the majesty of India's royal state.

Day 1:
Arrive Jaipur
We will arrange for you to be picked up from the airport. Nathan runs the optional pre-tour technical and aesthetic workshop from around 2-5pm for those new to travel photography or who feel they would benefit from a refresher course (please confirm your interest). There will be a pre-tour meet ‘n’ greet with Nathan at the hotel starting at around 6pm.

Day 2:
Jaipur
We start this morning with a visit to a bustling wholesale flower and vegetable market. For those seeking to capture the essence of local life, Jaipur's vibrant wholesale markets offer a kaleidoscope of colours and textures. From the fragrant blooms at the flower market to the fresh produce at the vegetable bazaar, these bustling hubs are perfect for street photography and detail shots that showcase the city's agricultural bounty.

After breakfast we visit The City Palace complex, with its blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture, provides endless compositions of ornate doorways, courtyards, and royal chambers.

In the afternoon, we explore the main streets of the pink-walled city of Jaipur including a main gates and the pottery quarter. We finish the day with dinner at the Palace of the Winds the Hawa Mahal; with its intricate honeycomb-like facade, presents a stunning subject for architectural photography, especially during the golden hours of sunset.

Day 3:
Jaipur
Very early in the morning, we depart the hotel in time to set up tripods on the lake steps to see the sun rise over Jah Mahal. Afterwards, we head to the awesome Amber Fort, capturing the early morning light - the reflections in the lake below are often breathtaking.

Unfortunately the stepwell, is currently off limits but we will visit the spectacular Shri Jagat Shiromani Ji Temple, where we hire models to collect water and hope we might find holy men to meditate. We then go into the fort where, amongst other things, we see many elephants carrying people up the steep entrance.

In the afternoon we set off on another city photo walk, weaving a passage through the back streets and narrow alleyways where we will see all walks of life from bangle makers to stone carvers, rewarding your efforts at the end with the best lassis in town. Then at sunset, we will set ourselves up at a great vantage point near one of the main city gates.

Day 4:
Jaipur — Jodphur
This morning, we have another early start as we catch the 6am train to Jodhpur. We will ask the hotel to pack a breakfast that we can take with us and there will also be people selling tea and snacks on the train.

Upon arrival in Jodhpur, we check into our Haveli hotel and then take a walk inside the fabulous walled city with its bustling market and narrow cobbled streets. The bustling Sardar Market and Clock Tower area are excellent spots to capture Jodhpur's vibrant energy, with colorful textiles and spices on display. We then have an arrangement to photograph an amazing Step Well with a few models.

At sunset we make our way to Jaswant Thada, a marble memorial, that offers serene compositions with its delicate carvings and reflective pond, and foreground interest to Mehrangarh Fort, perched atop a hill, dominating the skyline and provides stunning opportunities for dramatic shots.

Dinner will be on the rooftop of a wonderful Haveli located a stone’s throw from the famous Merangarh Fort.

Day 5:
Jodhpur — Jaisalmer
This morning, we drive to Jaisalmer, allowing time as always to stop en route if we see something that catches our eye.

After checking into our boutique Haveli hotel we walk the streets of the “Golden City”. Jaisalmer, the Golden City, offers photographers a mesmerising array of subjects set against its unique landscape. The crown jewel, Jaisalmer Fort, is a living fortress that seems to rise organically from the surrounding terrain. Its golden sandstone walls, intricate carvings, and winding streets provide endless opportunities for architectural and street photography, especially during the warm light of sunrise and sunset when the entire citadel glows.

The colourful markets around Manak Chowk burst with photogenic displays of textiles, spices, and handicrafts, offering vibrant subjects for detail and street photography.

We can capture portraits of Rajasthani people in their vibrant traditional attire, adding a human element to the city's golden backdrop both in the back streets the walk includes many households that Nathan has befriended over the years. In some cases the people are very poor but are also very colourful and welcoming. We are guaranteed to get some magnificent shots. As the sunsets on the “Golden City” we are surrounded by muscians, gypsies and holi men that Nathan has known for a long time and make for endless photo opportunities.

Day 6:
Jaisalmer — Thar Desert
Before breakfast, we visit Gadsisar Lake for some great sunrise pictures where again we arrange for a model to collect water from the decorative pavilions isolated on the lake. Gadsisar Lake presents a tranquil scene especially at dawn when the temples and shrines on its banks are reflected in still waters.

After breakfast, we have time to just meander around the streets and markets of Jaisalmer. The old city's havelis, ornate mansions of wealthy merchants, showcase exquisite sandstone craftsmanship. 

The Fort, is a fully inhabited fort with cafés, textile (and other) shops and people’s homes. This is a truly unique experience with never-ending photo opportunities of market stalls, havelis, camels, street food and much more.

After lunch we head out into the desert, via a charming desert village. Colourfully attired Rajasthani villagers, offer authentic glimpses into desert life. Traditional mud houses in remote villages, adorned with intricate designs, present interesting architectural subjects contrasting with the arid landscape.

We then check into the Desert Safari Camp.

At around 4pm we drive through the desert to a small village where the locals will play amazing music on unusual instruments while real Sufi ladies dance for you. You will be made very welcome and they will show you around their homes. Sufi musicians and dancers in Rajasthan embody the region's spiritual heritage. Their performances, often held at dargahs (shrines), feature hypnotic qawwali singing and the swirling movements of whirling dervishes. These mystical displays, set against the backdrop of the local architecture, provide captivating opportunities to capture the intersection of spirituality, music, and movement in evocative imagery.

As the sun sets and handful of musicians and dancers join us in the sand dunes for a private shoot. We then head back to the camp for more music and dance and a buffet dinner.

Tonight, we sleep in luxury tents or desert cottages.

Day 7:
Thar Desert — Jodhpur
We have a very early start this morning as we take camel carts to a wonderful remote location deep in the Thar Desert. The nomadic camel herders, known as Raikas, have a rich history spanning centuries. They have long been integral to Rajasthan's cultural fabric, expertly navigating the harsh desert landscape. Their traditional lifestyle, colorful attire, and deep connection with their camels offer compelling subjects for photographers..It may be a bit chilly, but the herdsmen will get a wood fire going and make us some wonderful hot tea. As the sun rises we start our photo shoot and take some unique shots of the camels on virgin sand.

Breakfast will be back at the camp after which head back to Jodhpur.

After arriving in Jodhpur we explore more of the fascinating blue streets before setting up tripods at a select vantage point over the famous blue city at blue hour. The maze-like streets of the old city, with their iconic blue-painted houses, create a unique urban landscape for street photography. Narrow alleyways, ornate doorways, and scenes of daily life offer intimate glimpses into local culture. From its imposing walls to panoramic views of the blue-washed old city below, the fort is captivating at any time, but particularly during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset.

Day 8:
Jodhpur — Ranakpur
After breakfast, we travel to the village of Bishnoi where we will spend some time in a local home. We then visit a traditional pottery and get a private demo of local pots being made. From here we drive on to Ranakpur, walk through the town and spend the latter part of the afternoon in small local homesteads where the local population wear the biggest, brightest red headscarves we have seen in India. The nomadic Rabari pastoralists are known for their distinctive appearance, particularly the men's flamboyant red turbans. These intricately wrapped headpieces symbolise honor and identity. Their traditional lifestyle, colourful attire, and weathered faces against the vibrant backdrop offer photographers striking subjects that embody the spirit of Rajasthan's ancient cultures.

We spend the night in a new hotel in Ranakpur

Day 9:
Ranakpur

After breakfast we head just beyond Ghanerao, primarily to visit a small minority tribes people but driving in open top jeeps allows us shot landscapes, people and possibly even wildlife as we pass down narrow lanes and occasionally go off road. The surrounding countryside is home to various wild animals including leopards, sloth bears, and numerous bird species. The diverse flora and fauna, combined with the rolling Aravalli Hills, provide a perfect setting for landscape and wildlife shots that showcase the region's natural beauty alongside its architectural marvels.

This afternoon, we visit the Ranakpur Jain temple. The crown jewel is the Chaturmukha Dharana Vihara, a 15th-century temple dedicated to Adinatha. Its intricate architecture, featuring 1,444 uniquely carved marble pillars, provides endless opportunities for detail shots and architectural photography. 

The exterior offers equally compelling subjects, with its domes, shikhars (spires), and sculptured turrets set against the backdrop of lush green hills. Early morning and late afternoon light bathe the white marble in warm hues, creating magical wide-angle shots. The surrounding forest adds a layer of natural beauty to complement the man-made wonders.

Late afternoon we head off in search of photographic opportunities in the local farmlands, ending up with some sunset shots of a traditional sheep herder family we have got to know well.

We spend the night again at our new hotel in Ranakpur.

Day 10:
Ranakpur — Udaipur
Traveling from Ranakpur to Udaipur along the country roads is a pretty drive and we have many opportunities to make impromptu stops at water-wheels and small villages.

After checking into our lakeside hotel in Udaipur, we meet up for a quick street stroll and catch the sunset on Lake Pichola as it casts its reflections on the Taj Lake Hotel and the City Palace. Udaipur, the "City of Lakes," offers wonderful opportunities to showcase its regal heritage and natural beauty.

For unique perspectives, the ornate Jagdish Temple is a visual masterpiece. Its intricate carvings, towering shikhara, and constant flow of colourful devotees offer rich visual narratives. From wide-angle shots capturing its grandeur to close-ups of detailed sculptures, photographers can encapsulate the spiritual essence and architectural beauty of Udaipur in compelling images.

The iconic Lake Palace provides stunning sunrise and sunset shots with its white marble façade reflecting in the shimmering waters. The City Palace complex, with its intricate architecture and panoramic views, is another must-visit location.

The ghats and old city streets present endless possibilities for street photography, capturing the daily life of locals against a backdrop of colorful buildings and ancient temples. Early morning ceremonies at lakeside temples provide a spiritually rich atmosphere for authentic moments.

In the evening we enjoy dinner in a restaurant with stunning views of the lake.

Day 11:
Udaipur
In the early morning, we visit some vibrant wholesale markets, where you can experience hustle and bustle on a grand scale. The wholesale vegetable markets burst with vibrant colours and bustling activity. At dawn, farmers arrive with fresh produce, creating a paradise of vivid greens, reds, and oranges. The markets showcase local varieties and seasonal bounty, while interactions between vendors and buyers offer candid moments of daily life, perfect for atmospheric and portrait photography.

After breakfast, we head back out for some final classic street photography, and In the afternoon you have the option of post production classes in Lightroom or a visit to the city palace. In the evening we arrange a sunset boat trip around the famous lake.

Day 12:
Udaipur — Delhi
After a final breakfast in our waterfront hotel, we visit a rural village of Eklingji, where we see all kinds of unusual characters as we walk through the streets. We finish at a large ghat where most of the village women come to wash their clothes.

In the afternoon we drive to the airport and fly back to Delhi. We hope you will have had an enjoyable and memorable experience, and look forward to seeing you again on another photographic adventure!

For those who have booked the optional extension to Agra:

Day 13:
Delhi — Agra

After breakfast, we head off on a four-hour drive to Agra. In the afternoon we visit the Red Fort and end up taking sunset shots of the Taj Mahal from the otherside of the Yamuna River.

Day 14:
Agra — Delhi
Arguably one of the most beautiful buildings in the world, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and one of the seven wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal is on our agenda this morning. We will do our best to be first through the gate and show you all the best angles before our last angle taking advantage of early morning reflections from a boat just sunrise side of the Yamuna River.

Later we travel back to Delhi arriving at around 15.30 (3:30pm). You may fly out in the late afternoon or evening or perhaps stay an additional night and depart the next day.