India Photo Safari w/William Yu

specialNovember 10 -21, 2015
This exciting photo safari is a photography feast of unique cultural events/festivities and places in India. First, we’re traveling to Varanasi – the “Oldest Living City in the World”. Mark Twain once wrote, “Varanasi is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together.” It’s the holiest of all Hindu holy cities in India. Moreover, we are in Varanasi to photograph the largest festival in India – Diwali (or Deepavali). It’s known as the festival of lights, signaling the start of the Hindu New Year and is celebrated across the country with fervor. Second, We will photograph ancient forts/castles(Taj Mahal is one of them), local markets, bazaars and factories in Agra, Jaipur and Mandawa; ride elephants; Lastly, we will photograph the Pushkar camel fair, the annual fair where villagers around the region spend days traveling across the desert to Pushkar, trading camels and livestock for cash. This activity packed safari highlights the most unique and exotic festivals/events/places in India, come and join this once a lifetime photographic and travel experience!

William Yu

William is California based travel photographer, photography instructor and the owner of William Yu Photo Workshops. Several times a year, he leads small group of photographers to journey through some of the most unique and beautiful places in the world, capturing culture and natural beauties through the lenses. If you’d like to learn, practice photography and experience the cultures in the most beautiful locations around the world, this is your portal. He is also photography course instructor at The Perfect Picture School of Photography(www.ppsop.com). William’s photos have been published in Photography Magazines in USA, China and Europe. His travel photography clients include Amazon.com, Ubisoft, Accenture, Google, Ogilvy One Worldwide, Microsoft, American Airlines, Earnest & Young, MTV Networks, Bloomberg Finance, etc. You can view William’s work at williamyuphotography.com. His facebook page at www.facebook.com/williamyuphotoworkshops

Photos from William Yu’s last India photo safari in Kerala: Kerala Photo Essay

“I have worked with William Yu on many occasions and let me state emphatically that he is one of the best workshop instructors ever and one heck of a talented photographer too! You will enjoy your time with William and learn far more than perhaps you ever imagined in the workshops he offers!”
Bryan F Peterson, Co-Founder/Photographer/Author The Perfect Picture School of Photography

ITINERARY

Day 01, Tuesday, 10th Nov 2015, Arrive Delhi
Arrival. Namaste! We are warmly welcomed the traditional Indian way with hands clapped together at the airport and transferred to our hotel.
Overnight: Sheraton Hotel in Delhi (1 Night)

Day 02, Wednesday, 11th Nov 2015, Delhi- Varanasi by flight
We take a short flight to the holy city of Varanasi, one of the oldest living cities in the world. On arrival we are transferred to our hotel. In the afternoon we have an introductory meeting and a one-to-one chat with our Tour Director about photography followed by an evening photo shoot.

After the photo shoot, we are transferred to The Gateway Hotel where we are served a special “Satvik” (Vegetarian) dinner at the hotel Welcome Dinner and Diwali festival.
Overnight: WelcomHeritage Jukaso Ganges Hotel in Varanasi (3 Nights) (Breakfast, Dinner)

Alternative Hotel: Suryaverdi Haveli
There is a supplement of $ 275 per person twin share (for the 3 nights) at Suryaverdi Haveli
***$ 490.00 for single supplement

Day 03, Thursday, 12th Nov 2015, Varanasi
In the early morning we take a sunrise cruise on the River Ganges for a photo shoot and a most serene experience. One of the cardinal principles of Hinduism is the belief in the holiness of the Ganges. Every morning scores of pilgrims and priests fill the riverbanks bathing in the holy waters and performing various other rituals. This unique experience literally transports you to another world.

We return back to hotel for breakfast. Later we start our exploration of old Varanasi, visiting the Bharat Mata Temple, which houses a huge marble relief map of India; the Durga Temple and the Tulsi Manas Mandirbeside the Banaras Hindu University. We walk through the old town and rest of the day at river for photo shoot.

Evening we get to the banks of the Ganges to witness the devotional ceremony of Aarti after sunset performed by devout Hindus. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 04, Friday, 13th Nov 2015, Varanasi
We will rise again before dawn to head out onto the Ganges in time for daybreak: there are just too many visual opportunities waiting out there to be lying in bed! The Ganges, the boatmen, the worshippers, the bathers, the chanting, the sadhus etc

With sunrise on the Ganges safely in the bag, we head back to shore and travel to our appointment with the Kushti wrestlers. “Kushti” is traditional Indian wrestling — and as we’ll see it’s not just a sport but a 3,000-year-old way of life, an attitude and a rigorous discipline. It’s also incredibly photogenic, and where we’re going is not to a simple open Dangal but to an Akhara (Kind of Gym), where we’ve organized behind-the-scenes access to get really close to the wrestlers and the wrestling action.

We come back to hotel for breakfast. After breakfast we explore Sarnath, the site of Lord Buddha’s first sermon after attaining enlightenment. The Ancient Buddhist Site of Sarnath contains Chaukhandi Stupa, a lofty brick structure crowned with an octagonal tower and the remains of several stupas, monasteries and Ashokan column are built from the 3rd century B.C. to 12th century A.D.in brick and stone.

Next, we visit Badi Bazaar, where we get a rare and authentic shooting opportunity: the Muslim weavers of Varanasi, where they make the famous Benarasi silk sarees.

We’ll spend time with this community as they weave their intricate brocades and patterns using fine silk and gold-wrapped yarn. Again, superb opportunities for photography: a mix of window and simple artificial light softened by textured walls, plus great subject material as the weavers work their looms. And there’s a fascinating and complex back-story that puts the entire 800-year-old weaving tradition under threat: power-looms are displacing hand-looms, wages are low and skilled artisans are leaving to become rickshaw-pullers and street vendors.

We’ll head back to streets and Ghats of Varanasi for more opportunistic shooting — no shortage of that here! Then, as sunset approaches, we’ll take a second crack at the Ganga Aarti ceremonies, from a different vantage-point. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 05, Saturday, 14th Nov 2015, Varanasi- Agra by flight # AI 406, Dep: 12:20 Hrs, Arrival: 13:15 Hrs
(Flight operates only on Monday, Wednesday & Saturday)

Morning boat ride at Ganges for photo shoot. Later return back to hotel for breakfast and post breakfast we are transferred to airport for our flight to Agra. On arrival in Agra we are transferred to our hotel. In the afternoon we shoot Agra Fort. This powerful fortress of red sandstone encompasses, within its 2.5-km-long enclosure walls, the imperial city of the Mughal rulers. It comprises many fairy-tale palaces, such as the Jahangir Palace and the Khas Mahal, built by Shah Jahan; audience halls, such as the Diwan-i-Khas; and two very beautiful mosques.

In the evening we visit to some of the local factories famous for inlay work on marbles and witness the complex art inlaying precious and semiprecious stones on the world famous Marbles for the mines of Makrana. Overnight: ITC Mughal Hotel in Agra (1 Night) (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 06, Sunday, 15th Nov 2015, Agra- Fatehpur Sikri- Jaipur (Drive: 245 Km/ 6 Hours)
At sunrise (Approx Sunrise time: 06:39 Hrs) we visit & shoot one of the most well-known wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal*. An immense mausoleum of white marble, built in Agra between 1631 and 1648 by order of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife, the Taj Mahal is the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world’s heritage. Situated on the right bank of the Yamuna in a vast Mogul garden, this funerary monument combines elements and styles of Persian, Central Asian and Islamic architecture. After enjoying a sunrise photo shoot of Taj, we return back to our hotel for breakfast.

After breakfast we check out from hotel and drive to Jaipur, the rose pink capital of Rajasthan. On arrival we check in our hotel. In the evening we take a rickshaw ride to photo shoot and enjoy the cultural experience in the bazaars of Jaipur. Jaipur is noted for its craftsmen, skilled in brass inlay, lacquer work and stone setting.
Overnight: ITC Rajputana Hotel in Jaipur (2 Nights) (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 07, Monday, 16th Nov 2015, Jaipur
After an early breakfast leave for Amber Fort, en-route stop at Palaces of Winds for a Photo Shoot. There after continue to Amber fort. A royal experience awaits us as we take an elephant ride uphill to the intriguing Amber Palace, a distinguished example of 17th Century Rajput architecture. After the tour and enjoying a panoramic view, we return to Jaipur to visit the old astronomical observatory built by the founder of the city, Jai Singh. Next we visit the majestic Palace, which houses a rare collection of Indian art.

Most of the buildings in the old city are made of pink sandstone and one of the most beautiful is Hawa Mahal, Palace of Winds, where the ladies of the royal harem used to watch the city from behind the intricately carved facade.

In the afternoon we visit Elefantastic and enjoy feeding, washing, painting the elephants and riding. Tour starts at 12:30 Hrs.
• Arrival at farm at 12:30 Hrs
• Welcome drinks such as tea, coffee and cold water.
• First meeting and introduction with the elephants!
• Each guest will be taught the basics of elephant language which will be very helpful to communicate with the elephants during your stay with us.
• Elephant feeding will last an hour or so. Visitors will learn the elephants eating habits and favorite foods.
• After feeding the elephants, enjoy lunch with the family (home cooked food, only vegetarian).
• After the lunch, we proceed to the farm and where we enjoy a Bare back ride on elephant. which will also be training for you how to ride on elephants and how to make balance and what the commands are to deal with elephants.
• After the ride we will try traditional elephant face painting.
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 08, Tuesday, 17th Nov 2015, Jaipur- Nawalgarh -Mandawa (180 Km/ 4-5 Hours)
In the morning after breakfast we drive to Nawalgarh, founded in the 18th Century by Nawal Singh, it has some of the finest frescos in the Shekhawati region. A huge fort with colourful bazaar and numerous havelis with elaborate architecture make it an interesting destination. On arrival we shoot prominent havelis of Nawalgarh like Anandilal Poddar Haveli, Aath Haveli, Hodh Raj Patodia Haveli.

Later we take lunch at Roop Niwas Kothi. After lunch we drive to Mandawa, one of the finest of the small towns in the Shekhawati region. On arrival we check in at our heritage haveli. Later we shoot and explore Mandawa’s famous “The Open Air Art Gallery of Rajasthan“, visiting havelis, where the walls have been decorated with beautiful frescos depicting different aspects of the life in Rajasthan.
Overnight: Castle Mandawa Hotel in Mandawa (1 Night) (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 09, Wednesday, 18th Nov 2015, Mandawa- Pushkar (Drive: 280 Km/ 6 Hours)
In the morning after breakfast we drive to Fatehpur Shekhawati, famous for grand havelis with frescos, which is a specialty of the Shekhawati region. We shoot havelis of Fatehpur Shekhawati.

From here we drive to Pushkar. Pushkar is a small little bewitching touristic town in the state of Rajasthan like a beautiful mirage on the edge of the desert, with temples, bathing Ghats, onion domes and chalk colored buildings clustering around its holy lake , which is said to have appeared when Brahma dropped a lotus flower. It’s an important pilgrimage centre and you’ll see plenty of Sadhus (Spiritual men), as well as countless chilled-out travelers experimenting variously with spirituality, Bhang and the facial hair. Pushkar boasts temples, though few are as ancient as you might expect at such an important pilgrimage site, since many were desecrated by Aurangzeb and subsequently rebuilt.

On arrival in Pushkar we check in at our tented resort. Later we take a city tour of Pushkar – Pushkar boasts temples, though few are as ancient as you might expect at such an important pilgrimage site, since many were deserted by Aurangzeb and subsequently rebuilt. The most famous is the Brahma Temple, said to be one of the few temples in the world dedicated to this deity. It’s marked by red spire, and over the entrance gateway is the Hans, or goose symbol, of Brahma, who is said to have personally chosen Pushkar as its site.
Overnight: Lohana Tented Resort (3 Nights) (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 10, Thursday, 19th Nov 2015, Pushkar
Morning photo shoot and breakfast at resort.

Rest of the day is free to enjoy Pushkar camel fair. The annual fair in Pushkar is serious business for villagers who spend days travelling across the desert to Pushkar hoping to turn camels into much needed cash. The Pushkar Lake is holy to the Hindus and religious ceremonies are performed simultaneously as camels are being traded. The night at the fairground takes on a Carnival atmosphere. The ferries wheel attracts line-ups of giggling Rajput women in their richly coloured saris and sparkling bangles that stretch from wrist to shoulder. Roadside vendors sell pots, pans, bangles, saris, belts and other various items.

Late afternoon we enjoy a sunset photo shoot at Pushkar. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner at resort)

Day 11, Friday, 20th Nov 2015, Pushkar
Morning & afternoon photo shoot and rest of the day free to enjoy Pushkar camel fair. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner at resort)

Day 12, Saturday, 21st Nov 2015, Pushkar- Jaipur (Drive: 140 Km/ 3 ½ Hours) & Jaipur- Delhi by flight # 9W 2624, Departure: 16:45 Hrs, Arrival: 17:40 Hrs
In the morning after breakfast we check out from resort and drive to Bagru near Jaipur which is famous for its block printing, textiles and garments. Most of the block printing units use natural colors. We visit one of the centers where a workshop is conducted where we learn the traditional techniques of block printing using natural colors. Superb opportunities for photography.

After workshop we drive to Jaipur airport to catch our flight to Delhi. On arrival in Delhi we are transferred to hotel near airport for wash & change till 21:30 Hrs. We enjoy our farewell dinner at hotel. After a memorable journey through incredible India, we are transferred to the airport for our departure home or to our next exciting destination. (Breakfast, Lunch at Workshop at Bagru, Dinner)

CALL NOW to BOOK 415-331-3791

Cost per person: $4345.00, based on twin share
Single supplement: $1150.00
Additional: $400.00 internal airfare

Includes:
• Accommodation on twin share basis in the mentioned hotels for 11 Nights. (Single supplement: US$1150)
• Meals as per the itinerary (11 breakfast, 04 lunches & 11 dinners)
• Transfers and sightseeing as per the itinerary by air-conditioned Vehicle.
• Road tax, Toll charges, parking fees and driver’s overnight wages.
• Entrances to the monuments of visit as per the itinerary
• Sunrise boat ride on the Ganges on Day 03 & Day 04
• Boat ride during Aarti ceremony on Day 03 & Day 04
• Rickshaw ride in Varanasi & Jaipur
• Services of an English speaking accompanying escort throughout the tour for the sight seeing as per the itinerary.
• All presently applicable taxes including service tax on package @ 3.09%

Does NOT include:
• International airfare, visa fees, airport tax or any kind of insurance cover.
• Domestic airfare (Varanasi – Agra and Jaipur-Delhi): Estimated at 400.00 per person – subject to change
• Items of personal nature like drinks, laundry, telephone calls, tips, etc.
• Any other meals than those mentioned in the itinerary.
• Liability for change in itinerary due to reasons beyond our control like change in schedule / cancellation of flights / trains / political disturbances, natural phenomenon etc.
• Any other item not specifically mentioned above as ‘INCLUDED’

NOTE: Varanasi Hotel is Currently Waitlisted–Alternative Hotel is: Suryaverdi Haveli
There is a supplement of $ 275 per person twin share (for the 3 nights)
***$ 490.00 for single supplement

CALL NOW to BOOK 415-331-3791