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Soak in the Mewar Festival & Heritage of Udaipur

experience RAJASTHAN

Mehfil of Mewar & Udaipur

Of the innumerable festivals that mark the onset of the Spring season in Rajasthan, none is more colourful than the Mewar & Gangaur festivals.   What can be a more befitting place for this festival than, the 'City of Lakes' - Udaipur, known as the crown jewel of Rajasthan. Surrounded by the ridges of the Aravalli Hills, Udaipur is a magical mosaic and a place of confluence of Heritage, Culture, Festivals, Nature and Architecture. The Aura of the Mewar & Gangaur festivals welcoming the harvest season  immerses the whole city in colours and vibrancy. It has a  sense of legacy that’s associated with it.  The rich Indian Heritage of Udaipur - in the form of its Palaces, Havelis and temples dating back to centuries, challenges any photographer to do justice to its exquisiteness and grandeur, in their frames. This March, Come join me as we, soak in the flavours, sounds and moods of Mewar and  frame the historical heritage and natural treasures  of Udaipur! Experience Rajasthan. Experience INDIA!

Of the innumerable festivals that mark the onset of the Spring season in Rajasthan, none is more colourful than the Mewar & Gangaur festivals.   What can be a more befitting place for this festival than, the 'City of Lakes' - Udaipur, known as the crown jewel of Rajasthan. Surrounded by the ridges of the Aravalli Hills, Udaipur is a magical mosaic and a place of confluence of Heritage, Culture, Festivals, Nature and Architecture.

The Aura of the Mewar & Gangaur festivals welcoming the harvest season  immerses the whole city in colours and vibrancy. It has a  sense of legacy that’s associated with it.  The rich Indian Heritage of Udaipur - in the form of its Palaces, Havelis and temples dating back to centuries, challenges any photographer to do justice to its exquisiteness and grandeur, in their frames.

This March, Come join me as wesoak in the flavours, sounds and moods of Mewar and  frame the historical heritage and natural treasures  of Udaipur!

Experience Rajasthan. Experience INDIA!

 

TRIP TITBITS
TRIP TITBITS

Dates       :  To be Announced

Duration  : 

Cost         :   34,700/- INR (on twin-share basis)     

         

Genres      : 

Availability : 14 Seats

FESTIVAL
CULTURE
STREET
HERITAGE

Know Your HOP

Kumbakonam (our journey starts here) is a historic city in southern Tamil Nadu, known for its rich cultural heritage and spiritual significance. Often called the 'Temple Town,' it is home to over 100 temples. The city is deeply rooted in Tamil traditions, with vibrant festivals like Mahamagham drawing pilgrims from around the world. Famous for its classical arts, Kumbakonam is also known for its traditional cuisine, especially the "Kumbakonam degree" coffee, and contributions to Tamil literature and music, offering a unique glimpse into Tamil Nadu’s cultural fabric.

 

Thanjavur, the "Rice Bowl of Tamil Nadu," is a city steeped in history, culture, and art. Once the capital of the Chola Empire, it is home to the iconic Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcasing the architectural brilliance of the Cholas. The city is also famous for its traditional Tanjore paintings, classical music, and Bharatanatyam dance, continuing to be a hub of Tamil tradition and history.

 

Darasuram, near Kumbakonam, is renowned for its exquisite Airavatesvara Temple, a 12th-century UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple’s intricate carvings and grandeur reflect the zenith of Chola architecture. The town is also famous for its traditional silk weaving, producing intricate sarees.

 

Gangaikonda Cholapuram is home to the grand Brihadeeswarar Temple, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. This architectural marvel, with its impressive sculptures and towering gopurams, symbolizes Chola grandeur. The region is also known for its vibrant Kalamkari art, a traditional Indian painting technique practiced around Gangaikonda Cholapuram.

 

Swamimalai is renowned for its traditional bronze casting technique, particularly in creating bronze idols and sculptures for temples. Dating back to the Chola period, this ancient craft has earned international acclaim, with many pieces regarded as masterpieces of South Indian craftsmanship. The art continues to thrive, preserving centuries-old traditions and cultural heritage.

 

Experience Tamilnadu. Experience INDIA.

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GEOMETRY OF JAIPUR

– A Gate. A Palace. A Fort. A Mahal. A Haveli. A Stepwell. An Observatory. A Temple. A Garden. A Jharokha. A Market. A Skyline.

Step into Jaipur, the Pink City, where every corner whispers the language of geometry. From the imposing Amer Fort, with its sweeping courtyards and ramparts, to the delicate arches and ornate balconies of City Palace and Hawa Mahal, symmetry and proportion shape every frame. Descend the precise stair patterns of Panna Meena ka Kund, gaze at the celestial instruments of Jantar Mantar observatory, or wander the meticulously planned grid streets and bustling bazaars — the city’s blueprint itself becomes art. Be it a temple, garden, gates, or havelis, repeating motifs, jaalis, and terraces reflect a harmony between mathematics and aesthetics. And as you climb to Nahargarh Fort or other hill viewpoints, the city unfolds below like a carefully drawn diagram, pink-hued under the golden sun — a photographer’s paradise where architecture, light, and life converge in perfect rhythm.

A Gate – Jaipur’s seven grand gates (Ajmeri, Sanganeri, Chandpol, etc.) follow perfect Mughal-Rajput symmetry, balancing scale, proportion, and visual rhythm.

A PalaceCity Palace showcases geometric harmony, where courtyards, facades, and galleries align in meticulous symmetry.

A Fort Amer Fort blends topography and design with precise terraced alignment, creating a fortified geometry that flows with the hill’s contours.

A Mahal – Hawa Mahal, the Palace of Winds, showcases intricate geometric patterns in its 953 small windows (jharokhas), designed to create airflow while forming a mesmerizing symmetrical facade.

A Haveli – Courtyards, jaalis, arches, and frescoed walls in havelis like Samode Haveli display mathematical precision in repeating patterns and spatial layout.

A Stepwell – Panna Meena ka Kund is a staircase of symmetry and repetition, where every step and landing follows precise angles.

An Observatory – Jantar Mantar is a stone laboratory of astronomical geometry, where angles, arcs, and shadows measure celestial movement.

A Temple – Birla Mandir demonstrates perfectly balanced domes and columns, reflecting geometric order in sacred architecture.

A Garden – Charbagh-style gardens like Sisodia Rani ka Bagh are laid out on quadrants and axis-based geometry, symbolizing paradise in measured proportions.

A Jharokha – The jaalis and latticework in City Palace follow repeating geometric motifs, combining ventilation with visual rhythm.

A Market – Old bazaars like Johari Bazaar are laid out in a grid system, an early example of urban geometry.

A Skyline Viewpoint – From Nahargarh Fort, Jaipur’s planned streets, squares, and terraces reveal the city’s overall geometric blueprint.

Experience slice of Rajasthan. Experience INDIA.

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experience TAMIL NADU

July 10-12, 2026 [2N/3D]

Roar of the Oars

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Aranmula Snake Boat Race. Pulikali Tiger Dance.
experience KERALA

August 28-31, 2026 [3N/4D] 

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1. Thanjavur Brihadeeswara Temple – Iconic masterpiece temple in Thanjavur, a marvel of Chola architecture.

 

2. Gangaikonda Cholapuram Brihadeesvara Temple – Magnificent 11th century Chola Temple

 

3. Darasuram’s Airavatesvara Temple – 12th-century temple that reflects the zenith of Chola architectural brilliance.

 

4. Bronze Statue Making at Swamimalai – Intricate traditional techniques in creating large bronze statues.

 

5. Tanjore Paintings – Making of intricate and vibrant Tanjore paintings at an artist’s workshop

 

6. Silk Weaving at Darasuram – Weaving exquisite patterns and designs on silk sarees.

 

7. Thirupanandal Kalamkari Art & Veena Making – Kalamkari art and creators of classical musical instrument, the Veena.

 

8. Stay in a Heritage Resort –120-year-old heritage resort, offering a truly unique and immersive experience.

9. Time permitting, we visit a few traditional homes, and palaces.

Day 1: 4th July 2025 [Kumbakonam – Darasuram – Gangaikonda Cholapuram]: Arrive in Kumbakonam by train early in the morning. After check-in, rest and breakfast at the 120-year-old Indeco Swamimalai Resort we’ll head to the Darasuram Airavateswara Temple, where you’ll be in awe of its stunning architecture. Then, make a stop to witness the art of silk saree weaving near Darasuram.After lunch, we’ll head to Gangaikonda Cholapuram, to witness the grandeur of this remarkable temple. Experiment and capture the life and essence of the architecture in front of you. We’ll also, visit Thirupanandal to learn about the tradition of Kalamkari art, a craft practiced by local artisans. Return to the resort, and dinner at a local place nearby. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 2: 5th July 2025 – [Kumbakonam - Thanjavur]: After breakfast, we’ll drive to Thanjavur (Tanjore), where we'll spend the day exploring the city's rich heritage. Our first stop will be the iconic Brihadeeswara Temple, a magnificent living Chola temple. Capture its grandeur or create an artwork inspired by it. Next, visit local workshops to see the making of Tanjore Paintings and see the craftsmanship behind the making of the classical Veena, a musical instrument. If time permits, we’ll explore the Tanjore Maratha Palace. After a hot Kumbakonam Coffee, return to Kumbakonam resort, and dinner at a local place nearby.Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 3: 6th July 2025 – [Surrounding Kumbakonam]: After breakfast, explore local sights before heading to Swamimalai, a small town renowned for its traditional bronze casting techniques. Witness the fascinating lost-wax casting process and capture images or short videos of the intricate craft. See the fascinating process and learn about its history. Afterward, return to the resort to collect your luggage, lunch outside and head to Kumbakonam Railway Station to catch your evening trains around 6 PM train to Bangalore or your city of origin. Your heritage journey concludes with a farewell, taking home memories, sights, flavors and images of Tamil Nadu’s vibrant culture. Meals included: Breakfast

Sip in style

Glasses

Keen Travellers: Explore the rich heritage, vibrant culture, and diverse landscapes of Tamil Nadu. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or a curious wanderer, come experience the unique charm of this beautiful state.

 

Enthusiastic Photographers: Want to dabble your hands with some heritage, culture, art, people, portraits, and street photography? This is the perfect opportunity to hone your skills, build a portfolio, or simply capture the essence of Tamil Nadu through your lens.

 

Open to anyone who wants to explore: Whether you're a non-photographer or simply want to join the journey to experience the local life and culture, everyone is welcome to participate in this immersive travel experience.

Sip in style

Glasses

This program immerses you in Tamil Nadu’s rich heritage and Dravidian architectural styles, offering incredible opportunities for travelers to experience and photographers to hone their skills across various genres.

Experience ancient local art forms practiced for centuries, still alive in small village communities around the temples. With expert photography guidance and storytelling from a local guide, you’ll deepen your understanding of these sacred spaces and cultural traditions.

Genre of Photography: Heritage, Architecture, Art & Culture.

On this trip, you will witness and frame a vibrant blend of heritage, ancient temples, Indian art forms, and culture. This trip will help you to adapt your techniques, push your creativity, and enhance your versatility as a traveler and photographer.

What to Expect:

  • Pre-trip online photography session

  • On-the-spot guidance: Compositions, technical settings, and techniques

  • Image feedback on the ground and group showcase

  • Insights into heritage and art from a local guide

Your Takeaways

  • Refine Your Skills: Capture a variety of genres over 4 days, while experimenting with new techniques.

  • Experience & Frame the Region Like Never Before: Perfect your compositions and create powerful images that tell compelling stories.

  • Build Connections: Network with fellow photographers, share insights, and create lasting creative friendships.

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HEMA NARAYANAN 

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