Itinerary
Day 1: New Delhi, India
Arrive in New Delhi, where you are met at the airport and transferred to the Taj Mahal Hotel. One of the most distinguished addresses in the city's diplomatic district, this landmark luxury hotel provides a comfortable respite after your travels. The evening is at leisure with dinner on your own—try one of the hotel's fine restaurants, or inquire with the concierge for nearby suggestions.
Day 2: Photographing Delhi Old & New
India’s thriving capital offers a captivating introduction to the country and its cultures, in vivid counterpoint to the wild places that lie ahead. There are two distinct sections of the city—ancient, bustling Old Delhi, and neatly designed New Delhi, founded in 1911 by the British at the height of their empire. A half-day tour, timed to avoid the heat of midday, offers countless photography opportunities as we explore centuries of Old Delhi's complex, multi-layered history. A rickshaw ride provides a fitting overview, while a guided walk through the narrow lanes and bustling Chandni Chowk Market offers a close-up encounter with everyday commerce in the old city.
We tour the architectural treasure of Jama Masjid, India's largest mosque and the magnum opus of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. Completed in 1656 by more than 5,000 laborers, the grand edifice features alternating vertical strips of red sandstone and white marble, with a vast inner courtyard that can hold 25,000 people. We also visit Bangla Sahib, one of the country's most revered Sikh temples. The complex is associated with Guru Har Krishan and includes the main temple, a school, a sacred water tank and a large community kitchen that generously prepares over 10,000 free meals each day, known as langar, all cooked by volunteers using donated ingredients from Sikh farmers. This evening, join our Expedition Leader for a welcome dinner and orientation to all the photography adventures that lie ahead.
Day 3: Jaipur—Jhalana Leopard Safari
Depart Delhi this morning to transfer by road to Jaipur, Rajasthan’s "Pink City" of sandstone. The fabled capital, inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2020, is surrounded on all sides by rugged hills, crowned with forts and enclosed by embattled walls, all of which will make enticing photography subjects during our stay.
Arriving at the Jai Mahal Palace Hotel, enjoy lunch and time to rest or relax before an afternoon safari in Jhalana Leopard Reserve. This conservation-focused park within the city's bounds was once a hunting grounds for the royal families of Jaipur. India's first leopard reserve, it was opened to the public for wildlife viewing in 2016. In addition to 30 resident leopards, the park is also home to striped hyena, Indian civet, jungle cats, desert fox jackal, porcupine, mongoose, monitor lizard, Sambar deer, spotted deer (chital), blue bull (nilgai) and prolific birdlife. Spot wildlife and survey the Aravali Hills from Shikar Audi, a former hunting lodge for the maharajahs in the middle of the reserve, which is topped with animal-spotting platform. We spend the night in Jaipur.
Day 4: Jaipur—City Tour / Ranthambore National Park
With its flamboyant display of Rajasthani architecture, Jaipur is a visual delight, offering endless photography opportunities. We survey it on a morning open rickshaw tour, beginning when the air is cooler and the streets less crowded. Jaipur's sprawling bazaars draw locals arriving in their own rickshaws and camel-drawn carts, shopping for a dazzling array of goods, from carpets and camel leather bags to precious stones and textiles. Bags of spices perfume the air, and huge metal pots simmer with pungent curries. Our tour includes a visit to the striking red and pink sandstone Hawa Mahal—the Palace of the Winds—featuring a grand, intricate facade. Govind Dev Ji temple, at the heart of the city palace complex, is another highlight. Devoted to Lord Krishna, the Hindu temple is one of the most important religious and cultural sites in the daily lives of the locals. We take a short walk through the palace garden to reach the busy farmers market and flower market where turbaned traders sell sacks of roses and marigolds. Stopping at a famous tea shop, we enjoy a taste of Jaipur's famous cardamom tea. Our city tour concludes at the majestic entrance to the Albert Hall Museum, built during the British Raj in the 1870s to welcome the Prince of Wales.
Leaving Jaipur, continue by road to Ranthambore National Park. On arrival, we check in to luxurious 5-star hotel inspired by the region's colonial past. Spend the next five nights surrounded by tranquil gardens, forest and grasslands that are the domain of the Bengal tiger, staying in utmost comfort with excellent proximity to the park. Once the hunting grounds of the Maharajas of Jaipur, today Ranthambore National Park is one of India's top conservation success stories. With tiger numbers steadily on the rise, it offers India’s best opportunity to observe and photograph them in the wild, especially at this dry time of year when vegetation is sparse and tigers more readily visible. The park sits between the rugged Aravali and Vindhya hills, a broad swath of jungle scrub bordered by steep, rocky ridges and highland plateaus dotted with lakes. More than 300 different plant species grow here, though the environs are largely dry deciduous forest—and that means it's easier to spot tigers and other wildlife, in contrast to places where the understory is lusher. This afternoon, we make our first foray into the park. Covering 150 square miles, Ranthambore is one of India’s largest nature reserves, and certainly among its most famous, given its reputation for excellent tiger viewing prospects. While tigers are always elusive, the odds of seeing them are high in Ranthambore, especially at the time of year we visit.
Days 5–9: Tiger & Wildlife Photography in Ranthambore National Park
Our daily safari drives take place early in the morning and late afternoon, when temperatures are relatively cooler, wildlife is more active and light conditions are better for photography. We head out in 4x4 vehicles before sunrise each morning, eager for the day's discoveries. In contrast to an African safari where wildlife is often on display before us, India's animals take more effort to find. Tigers typically take shelter under the cover of trees and bushes, hiding from their prey and seeking relief from the heat. Because their stripes provide excellent camouflage, we have to work hard to locate them. But our Expedition Leader, park guides and drivers are seasoned pros, and we follow their lead, listening for sounds and watching for signs that may reveal a tiger's location: rustling grass, deer racing away from its presence, monkeys sounding alarm calls, birds circling overhead. While tigers are our main focus, other wildlife is also plentiful in the park. Sightings may include spotted deer, nilgai, jackal, jungle cat, sloth bear, sambar, chinkara gazelle, wild boar, langur monkeys and rhesus macaques. Ranthambore is also home to a notable leopard population, although they tend to stay in higher, more inaccessible areas and are not frequently visible. Birds flourish here, too, with more than 300 species in the reserve. Keep an eye out for crested serpent eagles, paradise flycatchers, painted storks, peacocks and many more.
In the middle of the day, return to the comfort of our 5-star hotel for lunch and to relax, visit the award-winning spa, or cool off in the swimming pool. We'll also visit the Ranthambore School of Art, and Dhonk, a local handicraft training institute. An option for guests who wish, in lieu of a wildlife drive, is a visit to Ranthambore Fort, which lies within the park bounds. Standing atop a 700-foot-tall hill, this UNESCO World Heritage Site was built in the 10th century and eventually captured by the Delhi Sultanate in the 13th century, then changing hands among various warring kings, sultans and emperors over subsequent centuries. Affording a spectacular panoramic view over the vastness of the park, the fort is a worthy site for photographers.
Day 10: Agra—Agra Fort & Taj Mahal at Sunset
This morning a private van picks us up at our hotel for the drive to Agra, which attained fame as the capital of the Mughal empire during the 16th and 17th centuries. It flourished under a series of emperors who attracted artisans from Persia and central Asia, and the city is still famous for its handicrafts such as inlay work on marble, woven carpets, jewelry, zari and embroidery. Yet it is Agra's architectural monuments that draw the greatest renown. After checking in to our hotel, we'll tour the magnificent Agra Fort this afternoon. The fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was the locus of Mughal power until the imperial capital was moved to Delhi in 1637. Photograph its maze of courtyards, mosques and luxurious private chambers that capture the wealth and prestige of the empire during its heyday.
We then head to the Taj Mahal to photograph this celebrated monument to love in the golden light of sunset. Begun in 1631 by Emperor Shah Jahan as a memorial to his beloved wife, the Taj Mahal manifests the apex of Mughal art in its exquisite design details and elaborate gardens. Standing regally on the banks of the River Yamuna, the Taj Mahal took 22 years to complete with the labor of 20,000 men and a thousand elephants. It is considered one of the seven wonders of the modern world.
Day 11: Taj Mahal Sunrise Photo Shoot / Delhi / Depart
Rise in the dark this morning to photograph the Taj Mahal in the ethereal light of dawn, followed by a guided sightseeing tour of the monument and grounds. To experience the sunrise at the Taj Mahal is magical, when the translucent white marble glows rosy-pink in the morning rays and photography conditions are usually superb (weather permitting). An icon to romance, the Taj Mahal has captivated the imaginations of travelers and writers since its completion in 1653. After breakfast we drive back to Delhi, where a private overnight room has been reserved. Later tonight, transfer to Delhi’s international airport for overnight flights home. As our India photo safari comes to a close, we share the observation of Keith Bellows, Vice President of the National Geographic Society, who said, “I had been seeing the world in black & white and, when brought face-to-face with India, experienced everything re-rendered in brilliant technicolor."
Arrive in New Delhi, where you are met at the airport and transferred to the Taj Mahal Hotel. One of the most distinguished addresses in the city's diplomatic district, this landmark luxury hotel provides a comfortable respite after your travels. The evening is at leisure with dinner on your own—try one of the hotel's fine restaurants, or inquire with the concierge for nearby suggestions.
Day 2: Photographing Delhi Old & New
India’s thriving capital offers a captivating introduction to the country and its cultures, in vivid counterpoint to the wild places that lie ahead. There are two distinct sections of the city—ancient, bustling Old Delhi, and neatly designed New Delhi, founded in 1911 by the British at the height of their empire. A half-day tour, timed to avoid the heat of midday, offers countless photography opportunities as we explore centuries of Old Delhi's complex, multi-layered history. A rickshaw ride provides a fitting overview, while a guided walk through the narrow lanes and bustling Chandni Chowk Market offers a close-up encounter with everyday commerce in the old city.
We tour the architectural treasure of Jama Masjid, India's largest mosque and the magnum opus of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. Completed in 1656 by more than 5,000 laborers, the grand edifice features alternating vertical strips of red sandstone and white marble, with a vast inner courtyard that can hold 25,000 people. We also visit Bangla Sahib, one of the country's most revered Sikh temples. The complex is associated with Guru Har Krishan and includes the main temple, a school, a sacred water tank and a large community kitchen that generously prepares over 10,000 free meals each day, known as langar, all cooked by volunteers using donated ingredients from Sikh farmers. This evening, join our Expedition Leader for a welcome dinner and orientation to all the photography adventures that lie ahead.
Day 3: Jaipur—Jhalana Leopard Safari
Depart Delhi this morning to transfer by road to Jaipur, Rajasthan’s "Pink City" of sandstone. The fabled capital, inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2020, is surrounded on all sides by rugged hills, crowned with forts and enclosed by embattled walls, all of which will make enticing photography subjects during our stay.
Arriving at the Jai Mahal Palace Hotel, enjoy lunch and time to rest or relax before an afternoon safari in Jhalana Leopard Reserve. This conservation-focused park within the city's bounds was once a hunting grounds for the royal families of Jaipur. India's first leopard reserve, it was opened to the public for wildlife viewing in 2016. In addition to 30 resident leopards, the park is also home to striped hyena, Indian civet, jungle cats, desert fox jackal, porcupine, mongoose, monitor lizard, Sambar deer, spotted deer (chital), blue bull (nilgai) and prolific birdlife. Spot wildlife and survey the Aravali Hills from Shikar Audi, a former hunting lodge for the maharajahs in the middle of the reserve, which is topped with animal-spotting platform. We spend the night in Jaipur.Day 4: Jaipur—City Tour / Ranthambore National Park
With its flamboyant display of Rajasthani architecture, Jaipur is a visual delight, offering endless photography opportunities. We survey it on a morning open rickshaw tour, beginning when the air is cooler and the streets less crowded. Jaipur's sprawling bazaars draw locals arriving in their own rickshaws and camel-drawn carts, shopping for a dazzling array of goods, from carpets and camel leather bags to precious stones and textiles. Bags of spices perfume the air, and huge metal pots simmer with pungent curries. Our tour includes a visit to the striking red and pink sandstone Hawa Mahal—the Palace of the Winds—featuring a grand, intricate facade. Govind Dev Ji temple, at the heart of the city palace complex, is another highlight. Devoted to Lord Krishna, the Hindu temple is one of the most important religious and cultural sites in the daily lives of the locals. We take a short walk through the palace garden to reach the busy farmers market and flower market where turbaned traders sell sacks of roses and marigolds. Stopping at a famous tea shop, we enjoy a taste of Jaipur's famous cardamom tea. Our city tour concludes at the majestic entrance to the Albert Hall Museum, built during the British Raj in the 1870s to welcome the Prince of Wales.
Leaving Jaipur, continue by road to Ranthambore National Park. On arrival, we check in to luxurious 5-star hotel inspired by the region's colonial past. Spend the next five nights surrounded by tranquil gardens, forest and grasslands that are the domain of the Bengal tiger, staying in utmost comfort with excellent proximity to the park. Once the hunting grounds of the Maharajas of Jaipur, today Ranthambore National Park is one of India's top conservation success stories. With tiger numbers steadily on the rise, it offers India’s best opportunity to observe and photograph them in the wild, especially at this dry time of year when vegetation is sparse and tigers more readily visible. The park sits between the rugged Aravali and Vindhya hills, a broad swath of jungle scrub bordered by steep, rocky ridges and highland plateaus dotted with lakes. More than 300 different plant species grow here, though the environs are largely dry deciduous forest—and that means it's easier to spot tigers and other wildlife, in contrast to places where the understory is lusher. This afternoon, we make our first foray into the park. Covering 150 square miles, Ranthambore is one of India’s largest nature reserves, and certainly among its most famous, given its reputation for excellent tiger viewing prospects. While tigers are always elusive, the odds of seeing them are high in Ranthambore, especially at the time of year we visit.
Days 5–9: Tiger & Wildlife Photography in Ranthambore National Park
Our daily safari drives take place early in the morning and late afternoon, when temperatures are relatively cooler, wildlife is more active and light conditions are better for photography. We head out in 4x4 vehicles before sunrise each morning, eager for the day's discoveries. In contrast to an African safari where wildlife is often on display before us, India's animals take more effort to find. Tigers typically take shelter under the cover of trees and bushes, hiding from their prey and seeking relief from the heat. Because their stripes provide excellent camouflage, we have to work hard to locate them. But our Expedition Leader, park guides and drivers are seasoned pros, and we follow their lead, listening for sounds and watching for signs that may reveal a tiger's location: rustling grass, deer racing away from its presence, monkeys sounding alarm calls, birds circling overhead. While tigers are our main focus, other wildlife is also plentiful in the park. Sightings may include spotted deer, nilgai, jackal, jungle cat, sloth bear, sambar, chinkara gazelle, wild boar, langur monkeys and rhesus macaques. Ranthambore is also home to a notable leopard population, although they tend to stay in higher, more inaccessible areas and are not frequently visible. Birds flourish here, too, with more than 300 species in the reserve. Keep an eye out for crested serpent eagles, paradise flycatchers, painted storks, peacocks and many more.
In the middle of the day, return to the comfort of our 5-star hotel for lunch and to relax, visit the award-winning spa, or cool off in the swimming pool. We'll also visit the Ranthambore School of Art, and Dhonk, a local handicraft training institute. An option for guests who wish, in lieu of a wildlife drive, is a visit to Ranthambore Fort, which lies within the park bounds. Standing atop a 700-foot-tall hill, this UNESCO World Heritage Site was built in the 10th century and eventually captured by the Delhi Sultanate in the 13th century, then changing hands among various warring kings, sultans and emperors over subsequent centuries. Affording a spectacular panoramic view over the vastness of the park, the fort is a worthy site for photographers.
Day 10: Agra—Agra Fort & Taj Mahal at Sunset
This morning a private van picks us up at our hotel for the drive to Agra, which attained fame as the capital of the Mughal empire during the 16th and 17th centuries. It flourished under a series of emperors who attracted artisans from Persia and central Asia, and the city is still famous for its handicrafts such as inlay work on marble, woven carpets, jewelry, zari and embroidery. Yet it is Agra's architectural monuments that draw the greatest renown. After checking in to our hotel, we'll tour the magnificent Agra Fort this afternoon. The fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was the locus of Mughal power until the imperial capital was moved to Delhi in 1637. Photograph its maze of courtyards, mosques and luxurious private chambers that capture the wealth and prestige of the empire during its heyday.
We then head to the Taj Mahal to photograph this celebrated monument to love in the golden light of sunset. Begun in 1631 by Emperor Shah Jahan as a memorial to his beloved wife, the Taj Mahal manifests the apex of Mughal art in its exquisite design details and elaborate gardens. Standing regally on the banks of the River Yamuna, the Taj Mahal took 22 years to complete with the labor of 20,000 men and a thousand elephants. It is considered one of the seven wonders of the modern world.
Day 11: Taj Mahal Sunrise Photo Shoot / Delhi / Depart
Rise in the dark this morning to photograph the Taj Mahal in the ethereal light of dawn, followed by a guided sightseeing tour of the monument and grounds. To experience the sunrise at the Taj Mahal is magical, when the translucent white marble glows rosy-pink in the morning rays and photography conditions are usually superb (weather permitting). An icon to romance, the Taj Mahal has captivated the imaginations of travelers and writers since its completion in 1653. After breakfast we drive back to Delhi, where a private overnight room has been reserved. Later tonight, transfer to Delhi’s international airport for overnight flights home. As our India photo safari comes to a close, we share the observation of Keith Bellows, Vice President of the National Geographic Society, who said, “I had been seeing the world in black & white and, when brought face-to-face with India, experienced everything re-rendered in brilliant technicolor."
Physical Rating: Easy to Moderate
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