Wild Photography Holidays - Photographic Adventure Travel: Magical Rajasthan & the Pushkar Camel Fair

Magical Rajasthan & the Pushkar Camel Fair

Highlights include…

• The Pushkar Camel Fair
• Jodhpur’s ‘Blue City’
• Jaipur’s ‘Pink City’
• Eagles of Mehrangarh Fort
• Superb street photography
• Historic palaces and temples
• Flower Markets and Bazaars
• Udaipur romantic ‘Venice of India’
• Aravelli Hills and Rankapur
• Classic train journey
• Old Delhi Railway Station

“… wanted to say a huge thank you to Martin & Geraldine for organising such an outstanding trip to Rajasthan, it was all we had hoped for and more. The hotels were out of this world very traditional and classy. All of the photo locations were spot on, we both learned so much and the memories will last a lifetime.”

David & Miranda, Rajasthan

General Summary

Rajasthan “Land of Great Kings” was the first state to fully embrace tourism in India. This is reflected in the sophistication of the state’s infra-structure for tourists. Our hotels is Rajasthan are all delightful quiet havens steeped in tradition, and they are very comfortable. Our tour begins and ends in Delhi and visits some very well researched locations in between. Arguably the men of Rajasthan wear the biggest turbans in India and the women the most beautifully coloured Saris.

This photographic tour has been designed carefully to minimise the long journeys that are often common in this vast state. We will travel executive class by train to Jaipur on Day two and take a flight from Udaipur back to Delhi on day fourteen.

One of the highlights of our photographic journey is the significant and celebrated Pushkar Camel Fair, one of the continent’s last great traditional melas. This is a spectacle on a truly epic scale and is the largest of its kind in the world. Vibrant, chaotic and visually impressive, the fair itself attracts a massive gathering of humankind and animals with fine opportunities for photographing these people and their rituals. Our visit is timed to coincide with the arrival of the camels, horses and cattle arriving on the sand dunes of the Thar Desert bordering this holiest of towns.

Prior to arriving in Pushkar we will visit Jaipur, the ‘pink city’. Following Pushkar we journey to Jodhpur the famous ‘blue city’ and Ranakpur, a lesser known location that is very rich in photographic opportunities. The landscape here is superb and the Marble Jain Temple is one of the finest in the whole of India. The sun rising over Kumbhalgarh Fort will also be a highlight of our stay here.

The final part of our journey finishes in the romantic and ethereal lake city of Udaipur which is often known as the Venice’ of India. Here in this quintessential Rajasthan location we will witness classic sunsets over Lake Pichola and enjoy exploring the town’s narrow winding streets jam packed with life and colour.

Our photographic journeys in incredible India are the result of the many years we have spent travelling and making pictures in this extraordinary and mystical land. We provide an opportunity for our guests to travel with professional photographers, interact with local people and to experience the wild and wonderful culture of India. Guests can expect to return home having had a great holiday with a diverse portfolio of images and a bunch of fabulous memories.

Brief Itinerary

For full details please download the trip description PDF

Day 1: Delhi

Arrive Delhi, transfer to our hotel which is well situated on the edge of the vibrant cultural area of ‘Old Delhi’ and is also close to the magnificent railway station.
Hotel Delhi (D)

Day 2-3: Jaipur

This morning we take the ‘Shatabdhi Express’ to Jaipur. Travelling comfortably in Executive Class we will be served breakfast en route. The train journey takes 4:35 hrs. Jaipur is commonly known as the ‘Pink City’, the colour of the stone used exclusively in the buildings. We will spend two nights based in our serene and authentic ‘Haveli’ hotel tucked away in the heart of the most scenic part of the city.
Hotel Jaipur (B,L,D)

Days 4-6: Pushkar Camel Fair

On the edge of the Thar Desert, the holy town of Pushkar is a visually attractive collection of white-washed temples sprawled around the pink-blue waters of the lake. Our visit is timed to coincide with the main animal trading of Camels, Horses and assorted livestock that kicks off the Mela. As the full moon approaches, scores of pilgrims and orange robed sadhus stream into town to bathe in the waters of Pushkar Lake. We stay for three nights in a peaceful and lovely hotel located right on the holy lake. The drive From Jaipur to Pushkar takes around 2:45 hrs.
Lake Hotel Pushkar (B,L,D)

Day 7-9: Jodhpur

This morning we will drive to Jodhpur, this journey takes around 4:15 hrs. The second largest city in Rajasthan, Jodhpur popularly known as the Blue City. The photographic opportunities are diverse. Many of the cities buildings, including the houses that are packed into the winding backstreets are vivid shades of blue with winding, glittering, medieval streets which never seem to lead where you expect them to and are populated by colourful friendly residents. We spend three nights in a well-appointed and authentic Haveli hotel with excellent views of the surrounding ‘Blue City’.
Haveli Hotel Jodphur (B,L,D)

Days: 10 & 11: Rankapur

Today we drive to Ranakpur, a journey that takes around 3:30 hours. The rural scenery as we get close to Ranakpur is gorgeous, the green forested Aravelli hills, lazy rivers and unspoilt local villages. We will spend two night in a beautiful hotel in the midst of greenery. Perhaps the most outstanding feature of Ranakpur is the remarkable Jain Temple hidden away in the Aravelli Hills. The construction of this incredible temple started back in the 15th century and is home to some of the most impressive marble carvings on earth.
Haveli Hotel Ranakpur (B,L,D)

Day: 12-13 Udaipur

This morning we drive to Udaipur, the final destination of our Rajasthan tour. The journey takes around 1.5 hrs. This magical city has a romantic setting unmatched in Rajasthan and possibly in all India. Other wordly palaces, temples, havelis and the lovely Lake Pichola. Lazy travel by boat is common in Udaipur which is often referred to as the ‘Venice of India. In the town we will be wandering and photographing in a maze of crooked, medieval streets, ancient bazaars and flower markets. We spend two nights in Udaipur.
Lakeside Hotel Udaipur (B,L,D)

Day 14: Flight to Delhi

Late morning after we transfer to Udaipur Airport for the flight to Delhi where WPH services finish.
(B)

Day 14: Organisational Considerations

The weight limit for the Udaipur-Delhi flight will be 20 kg. Guests may be getting a homeward flight or perhaps requiring an extra night in an airport hotel. This is not included in the price of the holiday but we can arrange this with our colleagues in Delhi. We will stay in the Premier Lemon Tree Delhi Airport and fly on the following day. If you plan to fly internationally on Day 14, we suggest booking flights from 17:30 onwards.

What’s Included

• All meals
• All hotels, 13 nights
• Indian guide English speaking
• Spacious AC transport
• Photography tutor/tuition
• English speaking tour guide/organiser
• All entrance fees
• Camera fees except for any video equipment
• Transfers from Delhi International Airport (Day 1)
• Train Delhi – Jaipur

What’s Not Included

• International flights
• Travel & medical Insurance
• Alcohol
• Food/drinks other than meals
• Tips for local staff
• Indian Visa

Special Note re Driving Times

The driving times given do not include any stops for photography or otherwise!

Complete Itinerary and Full Details

This page is only a brief summary. A complete itinerary and more details can be found in our trip description PDF
It is important that you read this full day-to-day description and further information for this holiday before making your booking.