Rajasthan India 2023

RAJASTHAN, INDIA – PUSHKAR Camel Fair 

Landscapes, CULTURE & PEOPLE Photography 

November 18-28, 2023

10-DAY WORKSHOP – $3295

MEET AND GREET ON November 17, AT 7PM at HOLIDAY INN, Jaipur 

PUSHKAR CAMEL FAIR, the ‘PINK CITY’ of Jaipur and the ‘BLUE CITY’ of Jodhpur 

Rajasthan is the largest district and arguably the crown jewel of India – the ultimate photographer’s paradise of color and people.  Bryan has traveled countless times to Rajasthan, and he keeps going back because there are always new and compelling images to capture.  Rajasthan has so much to offer, and students will leave this workshop with not only fantastic images of the people, the color, and the landscape of this fascinating district of India, but also a greater understanding of the culture of this beautiful country and her people.

Considered by many to be the greatest visual spectacle of “color and camels” in all of India, the Pushkar Camel Fair is a must-see for anyone who has India on their radar or on their bucket list.  In addition to spending three days and three nights in Pushkar, we will also spend a few days in the “Pink City” of Jaipur and in the “Blue City” of Jodhpur on this indulgent 10-Day photography workshop.  

November 17-21:  Jaipur

After our Meet and Greet in the evening on November 17, we will begin our workshop on the morning of November 18 in the bustling, modern city of Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan.  Jaipur holds the distinction of being the first planned city of India and is renowned globally for its colored gemstones. Legend says that the Maharaja Ram Singh of Jaipur painted the entire city pink, the symbolic color of hospitality, to welcome the Prince of Wales in 1876.  

We will spend our three full days in Jaipur capturing the marvelous spectacle of the colors of the city, set against the backdrop of ancient forts and sacred temples.  Jaipur will elevate your senses with the allure and charm of its ancient history and all the activity of a modern city.  People, bazaars, traditional craft-making – photographic opportunities around every corner!

Hotel (4 Nights, November 17-21):
Holiday Inn Jaipur City Center
Commercial Plot No 1
Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
302 001
https://www.ihg.com/holidayinn/hotels/us/en/jaipur/jaicc/hoteldetail

November 21-24:  Pushkar

On the morning of November 21, after breakfast we will check out of our accommodations and make the 2½ hour drive to Pushkar in a private car.  

According to legend, Lord Brahma, believed to be the creator of the universe, dropped a lotus to the ground leading to the immediate creation of a lake, which he named after the Pushkar flower.  The city of Pushkar is home to the only temple dedicated to Lord Brahma and is considered by Hindus to be the ultimate pilgrimage that must be undertaken to attain salvation.  

The small village of Pushkar is also home to the famous Pushkar Camel Fair, held annually during the full moon each November and scheduled for November 20-28, 2023.  The fair is a spectacle that represents the culture of the town and the tribal people of the desert, and attracts farmers, traders, and pilgrims from far and wide who gather for several days of horse dealing, livestock trading, camel racing, food, music, and dance.  The scene is good-natured, but chaotic and absolutely unforgettable.  Without a doubt, you will find an abundance of compelling images every day.  

Hotel (3 Nights, November 21-24):
Hotel Vamdev Fort
Gurudwara, Vamdev Road
Choti Basti
Pushkar, Ajmer
https://www.hotelvamdevfort.com

November 24-28: 

On the morning of November 24, after breakfast we will again head out in a private car for the 4½ hour drive to the beautiful city of Jodhpur.

The magnificent Meherangarh Fort towers above the picturesque blue-hued homes of Jodhpur’s old town and is one of Rajasthan’s most arresting and photo-worthy sights.  Jodhpur is home to many forts, temples and local markets with colorful spices and colorful people and we will do our best to photograph them all while we are in this unique and very memorable city.  

On the morning of November 28, after one last morning photo walk, we will have a final farewell lunch together and then we will head to the Jodhpur airport in a private car.  

Students are free to make arrangements for their own travel back to Delhi or on to your next destination in the afternoon or evening of November 28.  

Hotel (4 nights, November 24-28):
Radisson Park Plaza Jodhpur
Jhalamand House
Airport Road
Jodhpur, India

https://www.radissonhotels.com/en-us/hotels/park-plaza-jodhpur

NOTE(s):  

• The workshop fees include all ground transportation and photography instruction during the workshop.  
• Students are responsible for booking and paying for their accommodations at the listed hotels in Jaipur, Pushkar and Jodhpur.  
• Students are responsible for their own travel to Jaipur before the workshop starts, and from Jodhpur after the workshop ends.  
• Students are free to book return travel or travel to their next destination as early as the afternoon or evening of November 28.  
• Check the latest guidance for vaccinations required to travel abroad:

https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/index.html

The Holiday Inn Jaipur City Center in Jaipur, Rajasthan is where we will gather for the Meet and Greet on November 17 at 7 PM.

To sign up for this workshop, click on the link above to make a deposit and secure a place in the workshop. To get additional information or ask to be on the waitlist, send an email to Lisa Phillips at [email protected].