Colourful India - September 2012

India, 4 Nights

The journey will provide stunning photographic opportunities, particularly under the guidance of Jon Nicholson who is at the helm throughout. Jon has travelled India extensively, capturing its character and spirituality in his professional capacity. He will seek out the best photo opportunities, provide technical tips and composition advice and critique your images after each day's exploration.

Jon has been a photographer for over 25 years and is well known for his behind-the-scenes work with many of the UK's top sporting personalities and teams, including Lewis Hamilton and the McLaren Mercedes team during the 2008 Formula One World Championship. His non-sporting work includes shoots for many of the world's major magazines such The National Geographic, Sunday Times Magazine and Condé Nast Traveller. He works with many of the UN agencies including UNICEF and UNFPA to record topical issues throughout many parts of the world. What makes Jon's photography stand out is the exclusive access he is granted; his area of expertise is to follow his subject intently, whether an individual or situation, and document the whole story.

This photographic journey is based at the holy city of Varanasi on the banks of the sacred Ganges.  Here you will see a melting pot of cultures as pilgrims gather on the shores of the river.  We will spend several days in and around the city to really get under the spiritual skin of the city and capture its essence photographically.  After Varanasi, we have a variety of extensions available so that you can put your new found photographic skills to the test.

Photographic Tour Highlights of Varanasi
• The bathing ghats of the Ganges
• The labyrinthine alleyways of the old town of Kashi
• The people of Varanasi, from rickshaw pullers to holymen

Saturday 29th  September 2012 - Varanasi
Arrive to Varanasi and drive to Taj Nadesar Palace, our base for four nights from which to explore this holy city and surrounding areas.  Varanasi is one of the oldest living cities of the world, a devout city whose name derives from the goddess Nadesari. Her shrine stands in front of the hotel, set in lush gardens and colourful fields of mangoes and jasmine. Later in the afternoon, take a leisurely walk down the ghats on the banks of the Ganges.

Sunday 30th September - Tuesday 2nd October  2012 - Varanasi
Our special access to some of Varanasi's hidden secrets over the next three days will allow us to authentically capture the life, colour and culture of this holy city. Jon has spent many months in Varanasi and over the next few days will use his experience to help you capture Indian  life and the traditions that surround the sacred River Ganges. As the sun rises, you will see people gathering on the shores of the river to pray to the rising sun. Wander the old quarter characterised by its narrow lanes, bustling markets and colourful temples and observe the centuries-old religious bathing and cremation rituals in one of the Ghangha ghats, where we will observe pilgrims entering the Ganges to cleanse themselves of their sins. Many of these ghats - nearly one hundred in total - are associated with myth and legend, according to which the Dashashwamedh, the largest and most spectacular of the Varanasi ghats, was created by the Hindu deity Brahma to welcome Shiva.

There is more to Varanasi than the river and with Jon's contacts, you may find yourself capturing the people of life inside an ashram or watching a traditional wrestling match.

There will be free time to explore the city at your own pace, capturing life along the river and in the narrow alleyways and Jon will be on hand to continuously guide and enhance your photographic journey.

Wednesday 3rd October - Depart Varanasi
From Varanasi you can return to Delhi and continue on a journey through Rajasthan. Alternatively fly to Khajuraho, characterized by its erotic carvings at the 10th century temple. From here, you can board the board the Shatabdi Express to Agra and its most famous landmark, the Taj Mahal before continuing to Ranthambore where you may be fortunate to see the elusive tiger.

Alternatively you may like to extend your journey in India to encompass Jaipur, Udaipur or the Himalayas, an opportunity to put your new photographic prowess to the test.

Pricing
Cost per person from £2,195 (excludes international flights). For international flights from London to India, please contact your Abercrombie & Kent consultant for latest prices and offers. Single room supplement from £685.