Photograph Pushkar Camel Fair and Kolayat Mela

Rajasthan has to the be one of the most atmospheric states of India and this unique travel photography tour visits many of the undisputed highlights, as well as a number of less well known, but incredibly evocative places. We first ran this trip a few years ago, and it was such a great success that we have only made a few changes – mainly finishing in the lakeside city of Udaipur.

This adventurous photography expedition is timed for the Kartik Poornima full moon, and one of the great religious fairs of India - the Pushkar Mela, also known as the Pushkar Camel Fair. This ancient festival sees pilgrims flocking to holy Lake Pushkar for ritual bathing, and a vast livestock market where thousands of camels are traded. We also visit the little known Kolayat Mela near Bikaner, a religious gathering that attracts pilgrims and Indian sadhus from all over the region.

This varied itinerary sees us stay in many historic properties that conjure up memories of when Rajasthan was ruled by Maharajas. It will also include extensive photography support from professional travel photographer, Steve Davey, countless photo opportunities and the company of fellow photography enthusiasts.

Our journey starts in the capital of Delhi, before we head to the so-called pink city of Jaipur, which is famed for its ornate palace and the massive Amber Fort on a rugged hillside outside of town.

From here we head deeper into the desert, to the holy town of Pushkar, where will be able to witness camels and pilgrims at the iconic Pushkar Mela. There is a vast fairground here too, with a bewildering array of sideshows and attractions.

We have timed our visit to see the maximum number of camels which should be spread across the desert as far as the eye can see.

Although there are vast and fascinating cities all over India, you see the real life of the country in the smaller towns and villages. After Pushkar we head to the traditional Rajasthani Shekhawati region, where we can explore many of the ornate murals that can still be found on the walls of merchant's houses, known as havelis.

From Shekhawati, we drive to the desert town of Bikaner and yet another stunning fort. We will also visit the Camel Research Centre, before heading to the Gajner Palace, on the outskirts of town. This former hunting palace for the Maharaja of Bikaner sits on a lake and is a perfect base to explore the vibrantly religious Kolayat Mela.

This ancient religious gathering is also known at the Kapil Muni mela and attracts a large number of sages or Indian Sadhus. You may even encounter someone performing a standing penance: staying on their feet for twelve years! When we visited a couple of years ago we were the only tourists at this festival, and although that may well have changed slightly, it is certainly well off the beaten track, and chance to witness a religious festival that is relatively unchanged by the outside world.

Our next stop is the fabled city of Jaisalmer in the Thar Desert, with one of the only living forts in the World. The second oldest fort in India, dating back to 1156, the Golden Fort has seen countless battles over the years – sometimes ending in women and children committing Jauhar or ritual suicide whilst the menfolk rode out to certain death on the battlefield.

In Jaisalmer we will have a special meal in the desert, organised by the son of an old friend of mine, with traditional musicians and dancers and some elaborately decorated camels to photograph.

Our penultimate stop is the stunning city of Jodhpur, with what has to be the most spectacular forts in Rajasthan towering above an atmospheric blue town – a neighbourhood where all of the dwellings are painted blue. We will head to a favourite rooftop where we will be able to photograph the fort at sunset, and then at night.

Make sure that you batteries are well charged for our departure from Jodhpur: we will be starting by visiting the Bishnoi tribe, who venerate all living creatures – especially demoiselle cranes and blackbuck deer who both live in a nearby sanctuary. Then we will call at the intricate Jain Temples at Ranakpur – hopefully in time for a simple temple meal.

The afternoon will see us walk a small fraction of the 36 kilometre walls of the Kumbhalgarh Fort (second only to the Great Wall of China) before continuing on to the lakeside city of Udaipur: a long, but spectacular day!

Udaipur will be more relaxed. This lakeside town is a beautiful end to this trip, and we will be able to explore the ornate lakeside palace, take a boat trip on the lake itself and walk some of the atmospheric backstreets before this adventurous tour ends.

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Why I think this tour is unmissable

I have been running photography tours for almost 20 years, and have been working with Intrepid Travel for a similar time. In fact the very first photography tour I ever ran for them was to the Pushkar Camel fair in 2006.

On that tour I first worked with the same Intrepid Leader that will be leading this trip: the incomparable Chetan. Between us, Chetan and myself are massively experienced at creating photo-opportunities as we travel through Rajasthan and finding interesting things for everyone to photograph. In the past this has included brick works, water wheels and even gatecrashing the odd wedding!

Rajasthan is one of the most colourful and fascinating states of India, with a rich cultural history. Once ruled by a series of independent Rajput Kingdoms, each ruled by a Maharajah, and centred on an immense Fort or Palace, or in some cases both. Many of these Forts and Palaces can still be seen and are an atmospheric reminder of times gone by.

On this trip, we don't just visit palaces and forts, we will also explore many small and more tucked away locations. This might be a series of ancient Jain temples at Ranakpur, historic painted buildings in the Shekhawati Region or bustling markets and backstreets.

There are wildlife opportunities on this trip too. We will seek out rare Blackbuck and Demoiselle Cranes – both held as sacred by the Bishnoi People near Jodhpur.

On this trip we stay at a range of heritage and eclectic properties, including havelis (merchants' homes), former stately homes and a Maharajah's palatial Hunting Lodge. In these places, your room will be a fascinating part of the whole experience.

Our trip is timed to coincide with two incredible festivals. The Pushkar Camel Fair sees pilgrims and camel traders flock to the desert town of Pushkar, with it's holy lake – one of the most revered locations in Hinduism. There are a number of Indian Sadhus, or holy men who live in ashrams next to the lake, and as you walk through the the desert that surrounds the town, you will see nomadic encampments and camels stretched as far as you can see, under the rising or setting sun.

The Kolayat Mela is less well known and barely sees any tourists compared to Pushkar. Far more traditional it also attracts bathing pilgrims, a fairground and a number of Indian Sadhus who will give out blessings in return for a small donation.

What characterises my approach to travel and photography is a drive to experience as much as possible and to engage with people that we meet with empathy and humour. I will encourage you to do the same – and to photograph your own photographic vision of Rajasthan – rather than pushing you into endless canned photo-opportunities using paid models. The aim is that you will develop your own photographic style and will learn to approach subjects for yourself – which will help you on future travels.

My approach to travel will also ensure that you have a fantastic time whilst travelling too. You will immerse yourself into the culture of Rajasthan and learn a considerable amount about its traditions and history, sample the varied food and also enjoy a lot of laughs in the company of like-minded people; whilst coming home with more great pictures than you ever thought possible.

I hope that you decide to join me on this adventure.

Steve Davey

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Photography opportunities

There are a number of incredible things that you will be able to experience and photograph on this trip. We have created the itinerary to give you as many real, and organic things to photograph as we can fit into our time away. We are also able to include pretty much anything that you find interesting as we pass. This might be visiting a brickworks, photographing people working in a field or even watching people make jaggery from sugar cane.

Some of the photographic opportunities you will enjoy on this trip include:

Chandni Chowk, Delhi - Bustling market in the Old Town
Amber Fort & Palace, Jaipur - Stunning hillside fort and ornate Palace
City Palace and Hawa Mahal, Jaipur - Iconic Palace of Winds
Jantar Mantar, Jaipur - Historic stone astronomical observatory
Evening Aarti Prayers, Pushkar - Prayers and fire by Pushkar Lake
Camels in the desert, Pushkar - Sea of camels at sunrise and sunset
Traditional Fairground, Pushkar - Fairground rides and traders
Sadhus at Pushkar Lake - Portraits of Indian holy men
Camel Traders - Portraits of Camel traders in their desert camps
Marwar Horses, Nawalgarh - Stable of local thoroughbred horses
Painted Havelis, Shekhawati - Historic painted buildings
Rural life and people - Portraits of people in Shekhawati
Jungarh Fort - Incredible fort in the centre of Bikaner
Camel herd - Returning camels at Camel research centre
Gajner Palace - Former Maharajah's hunting Palace by lake.
Pilgrims at the Kolayat Mela - Portraits at traditional festival
Sadhus at ashrams, Kolayat Mela - Portraits of holy men
Bhang drinkers - Blessing intoxicant drink for religious rituals
Sunset view of Fort, Jaisalmer - Sunset view of the fort
Jaisalmer Ramparts -Explore the walls and alleys of the fort
Jaisalmer Havelis - Ornate traditional houses in the old town
Dancers, Musicians & Camels - Sunset meal in the desert dunes
Camels at Gadisar Lake - Photographing decorated camels at sunrise
Sadi Bazar, Jodhpur - Traditional market and clocktower
Sunrise view of Fort, Jodhpur - Unique view over the town and fort
Mehrangarh Fort - Explore the soaring fort towering over the town
Jaswant Thada, Jodhpur - Exquisite funeral cenotaph
Blue Town, Jodhpur - Traditional blue painted streets of Jodhpur
Mehrangarh Fort by night - Photograph fort at dusk from a rooftop
Bishnoi Villagers - Portraits of traditional tribal peoples
Demoiselle Cranes & Blackbuck - Migratory birds and rare deer
Ranakpur Temples - Ornately carved Jain Temples
Kumbhalgarh fortifications - Stunning fort walls
City Palace, Udaipur - Beautiful Palace overlooking lake
Lake Pichola - View from hotel and boat trip on the lake
Atmospheric backstreets - life in the hidden alleyways of Udaipur

Rajasthan Photography tour - Full Itinerary

The full itinerary of our unique travel photography tour to Rajasthan in India, and the incredible Pushkar Camel Fair and Kolayat Mela, with land arrangements and comprehensive travel industry ATOL protection by Intrepid Travel; led by professional photographer, Steve Davey.

Namaste! Welcome to India!
Arrive at Indira Gandhi International Airport and transfer to your hotel. Standard Check in time at the hotel 14:00 Hours

Situated in a strategic position on the west bank of the Yamuna River, between the Himalayas and the Aravalli Hills, Delhi is the gateway to the rich alluvial soils of the Ganges plain and has, according to Indian folklore, been occupied since 2500 BC.

The original city, Indraprastha was the first of nine. Shahjahanabad or Old Delhi, the 7th city, was built when the Mughal Emperor moved his capital back to Delhi from Agra in 1638.

Planned out in blocks with wide roads, residential areas and bazaars, Chandni Chowk, now thought to be Asia’s busiest street, was the main artery. Literally translated as ‘Silver Street’ this bustling market area of Old Delhi is good for hunting down new and antique gold and silver jewellery from craftsmen whose forefathers served the emperor. At the 1911 Delhi Durbar, King George V announced that the capital of India was to move from Calcutta to Delhi. Inaugurated in 1931, the ambitious work of British architects Sir Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker, New Delhi is an audacious statement of Imperial British control over India.

We don't spend much time in Delhi, or have any organised sightseeing, in order to maximise the time we actually get to spend in Rajasthan, but if you wish to arrive early and look around, Intrepid Travel can organise extra nights accommodation for you in advance of the trip.

In evening we will have our welcome meeting and then venture out for welcome dinner at local restaurant. Overnight stay at hotel.

Arrival transfer:
Included on Group flight basis only
Accommodation: Jaypee Siddharth Hotel or similar
Meals included: Dinner

Morning post breakfast, check out and we drive to city of Jaipur in Rajasthan.

Popularly known as the Pink City, Jaipur (City of Victory) is the state capital and largest city of Rajasthan. It was founded by Sawai Jai Singh II in 1727 and was planned according to Indian ‘Vastu Shastra’ principles. The city was divided into 9 blocks representing the ancient Hindu map of the universe; 2 blocks housed the state buildings and palaces, the other 7 allotted to various public buildings. A fortification wall was built around the city with 7 gates for entry. Originally, the buildings were painted in a variety of colours but in 1853 when Prince Albert visited, the old city was painted pink, a traditional colour of welcome. It has remained pink ever since.

Upon arrival visit to the Amber Fort & Panna Meena Kund Stepwell. Set on a hilltop overlooking Maota Lake, the fort is an authentic example of Rajput architecture and the Sheesh Mahal (Hall of Mirrors) is one of its more spectacular buildings. Post visit head to hotel for our overnight stay.

Special information: Our travel time today will be approximately 5 hours
Included activities:
• Jaipur – Amber Fort
• Jaipur – Panna Meena Stepwell
Accommodation: Narain Niwas or similar
Meals included: Breakfast

This morning we head out to visit the sights of Jaipur City Palace, which was constructed by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, reflecting a fusion of Mughal and Rajput architecture. The City Palace complex is spread over a large area occupying one seventh of the old city of Jaipur. It has a sequence of gardens, buildings and courtyards, temple and museum to give it a grand view that reflects its historical importance and magnificent royal grace.

Later we visit Hawa Mahal, also known as “Palace of Winds”, which was built in 1799 as an extension to the Royal City Palace. It allows the royal ladies who at the time strictly observed 'purdah', to be able to watch any processions and activities on the street without being seen by the public. We also visit the Jantar Mantar, an observatory with a collection of astronomical instruments built in order to measure time.

After our morning sightseeing, we depart Jaipur and drive to Pushkar. Upon arrival we will head out to explore the Pushkar fair, and hopefully view the evening aarti prayers down by the side of the lake. Please be aware that Pushkar is considered so holy that the entire town is both dry and pure vegetarian.

Special information:
Our travel time today will be approximately 3 hours
Included activities:
• Jaipur – City Palace
• Jaipur – Hawa Mahal
• Jaipur – Jantar Mantar
Accommodation: Gulaab Niwas Palace or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast

Today we will head out early and spend a full day exploring the Pushkar Mela. Pushkar Fair is the largest camel fair in India and brings almost 50,000 animals together in the town, including thousands of camels that give the festival its popular name of the Pushkar Camel Fair.

The Pushkar Mela is an annual festival celebrated around the full moon night of Kartik (based on Hindu calendar). Kartik Purnima is an auspicious day in the entire country. It is believed that if someone takes a holy bath on the day of the full moon then that person receives special blessings.

There are some organised events put on by the tourist board, along the lines of turban-tying and tourist tug of war, but these are generally a dead loss for photography, and organised just for tourists. The best shots happen in the camel encampments on the desert, where the nomadic camel herders camp and also in the sprawling funfair, where you can even see old fashioned Wheels of Death to amuse the pilgrims. There also some ashrams of sadhus, including some of the fearsome naga or naked sadhus, which make for incredible portraits.

The mela lasts for over a week. The maximum density of camels happens at the beginning of the fair, with the bathing happening during the full moon in the holy lake. Pushkar Lake is considered so holy that photography is forbidden by the lake and of the pilgrims bathing, which makes photographing the pilgrimage side of the fair all but impossible. It is also impossibly crowded at the full moon – which is why we are planning on attending the beginning of the mela, to photograph the most camels, and will be heading to the Kolayat Mela to witness the religious bathing.

Included activities:
• Pushkar - Full day exploring the Pushkar Mela
Accommodation: Gulaab Niwas Palace or similar
Meals included: Breakfast

Morning we will have more free to spend more time at the Pushkar mela. Later after lunch we will head deeper into the princely state of Rajasthan to Nawalgarh, leaving the mela behind for a more relaxed village vibe.

This region is known as Shekhawati, and it is noted for the many historic painting on the walls of merchant houses and even temples. Here we can catch glimpses of life in the most colourful of India’s regions – sari-clad women carrying terracotta pots of water, bangles tinkling as they walk. If the sun’s still up, we can take a walkaround the village, meet the locals and interact with them.

We are staying at a traditional palace hotel, which retains the charm and atmosphere of the days when the Maharajahs ruled Rajasthan. This property also has a large stable of the local Marwar horses, which are brought in to their stables at the end of every day.

Special information:
Our travel time today will be approximately 5 hours
Accommodation: Roop Niwas Kothi or similar
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner

Today we will enjoy a day of exploring the amazing Shekhawati region which is often referred to as largest open art gallery of Rajasthan. The old frescos could be seen throughout the town in buildings and local houses. We will visit the local markets (bazaar) and see the colourful town, exploring the famous ornate havelis, frescos and learn about the history this small town has to offer. We will walk through the narrow lanes, visit a local temple, take a farm walk and even try Mehndi, a local Indian Tattoo.

Included activities:• Nawalgarh – Haveli visit and Walking Tour
Accommodation: Roop Niwas Kothi or similar
Meals included: Breakfast & dinner

Today we travel deeper into the Thar Desert to the fortified town of Bikaner. Bikaner was an important staging post on some of the great caravan routes and thus houses a multitude of bazaars along with an impressive fort and palace. We continue to Junagarh Fort and explore this 20th century old fort.

We will also visit the Camel Breeding Farm (ICAR-National Research Centre on Camel), established by the Central government. Explore the on-site museum to learn about the developmental and research aspects of Camels in the desert ecosystem. The camels are returned to the centre en masse at the end of the day, which is a spectacular sight.

After the Camel Breeding Farm we will head out to our hotel, which lies on the road to the Kolayat Mela. This is the GajnerPalace, which is a former hunting lodge for the maharajas of Bikaner. It sits on a lake in the middle of a wildlife area, surrounded by ancient trees.

Special information: Our travel time today will be approximately 6 hours
The Camel Breeding Farm is open for visitors 1400 Hours to 1800 Hours
Included activities:
• Bikaner – Junagarh Fort
• Bikaner – Camel Breeding Farm
Accommodation: Gajner Palace or similar
Meals included: Breakfast

A full day to visit Kolayat mela and explore the festivities. Leave your hotel early in the morning and visit the Ghats to see the different types of rituals performed by the devotees. The 51 Ghats surrounded by the Kolayat Lake is similar to the Ghats of Varanasi and this is one of the biggest fairs of this region.

There is a belief if this festival that a great Sage Kapil Muni once performed meditation in order to achieve salvation from mankind. So, this makes it an important sight for the locals, and they perform prayers and rituals at the Ghats. In the evening, the Ghats are lit by earthen lamps and there is an evening Aarti ceremony.

Photography is likely not to be possible of the bathing, but there will be plenty of things to see and photograph around the lake shore and in the narrow streets of the town. This will include the ashrams of sadhus, or Indian holy men that are attracted to the festival. One characteristic of this festival is the religious drinking of Bhang, a marijuana-based drink that pilgrims bless and then drink in vast amounts as a part of their worship.

Included activities:
• Kolayat Mela - full day exploration
Accommodation: Gajner Palace or similar
Meals included: Breakfast

Today, there is the chance of another morning visit to Kolayat mela to further explore the festival, before departing for the long but atmospheric drive to Jaisalmer. Watch as it rears its head in the arid, flat desert like a scene from 'One Thousand and One Nights'. Explore the snaking alleyways of Jaisalmer which are filled with markets and intricately carved houses. Upon arrival, venture out for the leader led orientation walk around the old town and down to the Gadisar Lake.

Special information:
Our travel time today will be approximately 6 hours
Included activities:
• Jaisalmer – Orientation Walk
• Jaisalmer – Gadisar Lake
Accommodation: Hotel Rupal Residency or similar
Meals included: Breakfast

This morning visit the Jaisalmer Fort. Within the fort itself is a maze of houses, temples, shops and restaurants, not to mention some 3,000 permanent residents. Track down some dazzling Rajasthani fabrics, marvel at the spectacular facades of the Patwa ki Haveli and Salim Singh-ki-Haveli. Or you may wish to simply wander the labyrinthine paths and soak up the atmosphere.

In the afternoon we will drive into the dunes for a desert experience to a picturesque location where you can spend time taking photographing at sunset. I have arranged a special dinner in the desert with the son of an old friend of mine, who used to run camel safaris in the Thar Desert. We will have a decorated camel to photograph at sunset and some local musicians and dancers as we eat a local meal under the stars. After our desert experience, we will return to our hotel for the night.

Included activities:
• Jaisalmer – Jaisalmer Fort
• Jaisalmer – Haveli Visit
• Jasialmer – Desert Meal and entertainment
Accommodation: Nachna Haveli or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner

This morning you will have the chance to get up for sunrise and photograph a couple of decorated camels at the lake in front of Jaisalmer Fort, and maybe have one last walk around the fort before breakfast. After this, we will drive across the desert to discover Rajasthan's second-largest city, the frenetic Jodhpur. Jodhpur abounds in antique shops and, according to many a traveler, has the best lassi in India. It's also where the famous Jodhpur riding trousers originated. We will explore the Sadar Bazar and the clock tower in the city. The local markets are here famous for its colourful jootis (footwear), turbans and handicrafts.

Upon arrival check in at hotel and evening venture out for leader led walking tour of city.

Special information:
Our travel time today will be approximately 6 hours
Included activities:
• Jodhpur – Orientation Walk
Accommodation: The Mandore or similar
Meals included: Breakfast

Our day in Jodhpur to explore the so-called blue city starts with visit the colossal Mehrangarh Fort, which sits atop a sheer rocky ridge in the middle of town. We’ll explore the looming fortress and the series of palaces within it which narrate a saga of hard sandstone yielding to the chisels of many skilled sculptors. The Jodhpur Museum located within the fort is known for its exceptional collection of palanquins, howdahs (decorated riding seats for camels and elephants) and other interesting artefacts.

Later we will visit the Jaswant Thada: a royal cenotaph built in the memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. This white marble memorial is adorned with exquisite carvings and intricate detail. Built like a temple, the Thada is a testament of the skill of the Jodhpuri sculptors. In the afternoon and evening we will explore the town further, including finding a rooftop in order to be able to photograph the Mehrangarh Fort at night.

Included activities:
• Jodhpur – Mehrangarh Fort
• Jodhpur – Jaswant Thada
Accommodation: The Mandore or similar
Meals included: Breakfast

Today is going to be a long day, but one that will be full of delights! We will start early and venture out for an excursion to a Bishnoi village which is famous for its local tribal people. We will meet and interact with the villagers and take a walk through the local streets. These community believes in revering nature, and here you will get a chance to see migratory birds like demoiselle cranes, blackbucks and chinkaras. Bishnoi men have a unique turban which classifies them different from the other nearby communities.

Next start our journey towards Udaipur. Enroute we stop at Ranakpur to visit the magnificent Jain temples. Nestled in the heart of the stunning Aravalli Hills, Ranakpur is one of the five holy Jain sites and a popular pilgrimage centre. Built in the 15th century, the temples are beautifully crafted and well preserved.

Post lunch we will pay a visit to the sprawling Kumbhalgarh fort. A gem of Rajput legacy in the royal state of Rajasthan, Kumbhalgarh is a fortress town that has the second-longest wall in the world, after the Great Wall of China. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Kumbhalgarh Fort lies within the Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary that was the erstwhile hunting grounds of the rulers of Mewar. The birthplace of the legendary Rajput ruler, Maharana Pratap, Kumbhalgarh was one of the most prominent fortresses of Mewar. Later we continue our drive to Udaipur. Upon arrival check in at hotel for our overnight stay.

Special information:
Our travel time today will be approximately 5 hours
Included activities:
• Jodhpur – Bishnoi Village
• Ranakpur – Jain Temple
• Kumbhalgarh – Kumbhalgarh Fort
Accommodation: Lake Pichola Hotel or similar
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch

This morning we venture out to visit City Palace perched on a hill by Lake Pichola, is an architectural marvel built in 1567. It consists of four major palaces and several smaller ones, connected by courtyards and corridors. Enter through the iconic Tripolia Gate to explore highlights like the Rai Angan, the oldest part of the palace, and the Mor Chowk, adorned with intricate peacock mosaics. Later enjoy a serene sunset cruise on Lake Pichola. Surrounded by hills, palaces, and temples, the lake is home to the magnificent island palaces of Jag Mandir and Jag Niwas, followed by farewell dinner at the Lakeside Restaurant.

Included activities:
• Udaipur – City Palace
• Udaipur – Boat ride at Lake Pichola
Accommodation: Lake Pichola Hotel or similar
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner

There are no other activities planned for the day. Standard Check out time at the hotel is 11:00 Hours. For those who wish to stay in Udaipur to further explore the city, we are happy to help in booking accommodation (subject to availability).

Departure Transfer:
• Included on Group flight basis
Meals included: Breakfast

Although we have set out an itinerary above, there are always a number of gaps and things that are organised on the ground. One of the things that we specialise on my trips is wringing the most photo-opportunities out of our time away. You will get to do everything on the itinerary, but as well as this there will be all sorts of things that we will include as we go.

In essence, this is the basis of all of our trips: it is not just the things that are listed on the itinerary that are the things that people remember, we are always seeking out things to stop for, engage with and photograph, and there are a number of times when we have built in time to be flexible. This might be calling in to a brickworks or an old fashioned water-mill as we drive past, or organising an impromptu (optional) morning start to find a viewpoint for sunrise.

When we have 'free time' on the itinerary, I will always be heading out to do something and you will, of course, be more than welcome to join me.

Rajasthan Photo tour | Reserve Your Place

Photographing in Rajasthan

Rajasthan is among the most colourful and entrancing states of India, and our visit takes us to some of the most incredible towns, cities and historic sites you will ever see. We will also visit one of the greatest and most iconic festivals of India: the Pushkar Mela which is famous for its vast camel market. We will also be visiting the Kolayat Mela – an entrancing, local festival near Bikaner.

You can see some of the things that we will cover and some of the photographic experiences that you will enjoy below.

Impressions of Rajasthan
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Contact information

Booking Conditions

By booking this trip, you are entering in to two different contracts of supply. All of the photography and tuition portions of
the trip are covered by the Better Travel Photography booking conditions. All of the travel elements of the trip, including
anything mentioned in the Intrepid Travel Trip Notes, are covered by the Intrepid Travel booking conditions. For the avoidance of doubt;
the presence of Steve Davey on any tour, is not covered by the Intrepid Travel booking conditions.

The Intrepid Travel standard booking conditions can be found on this link:
www.intrepidtravel.com/uk/booking-intrepid/booking-conditions

A summary of the main points relating to this trip is included below.

1). The tour price consists of an amount in Sterling. You will be billed in Sterling and the exact amount paid will be governed by your bank or credit card provider.

2). Deposits are non‑refundable; however, if you cancel your trip, your deposit will be held as a lifetime credit with Intrepid for use on any future Intrepid trips.

3). The price quoted is per person. Prices for our this trip is based on a twin share basis: that is on two people sharing a room. If you are travelling with a partner, or a friend, then this doesn't affect you, but if you are travelling on your own, you can ask to be paired up with another same-gender member of the group to share with.

4). Sharing a room, or paying the single supplement is compulsory on this trip. To keep the price as low as possible for everyone, we simply can't let anyone have a single room without paying for it. This means that we will have to manage the rooming lists carefully, so that this situation doesn't crop up. Unfortunately this means that the availability of places or the availability of the optional single supplement cannot be guaranteed.

5). Travel insurance is compulsory for these tours, and the Intrepid leader will check your documentation when you join the tour.

6). No tour will be confirmed until all of the payments are received.

7). International flights are not included in the cost. Please do not book flights until we confirm the tour is guaranteed. We can assist with booking flights from the UK.

8). The tour price will be variable depending on the numbers of people on the tour. The different prices will be published in the tour information box.

9). The final balance is due 70 days prior to departure.

10). Your trip becomes non‑refundable from this point. We recommend taking out travel insurance upon booking to cover you for cancellation.

11). Should we or Intrepid Travel cancel the tour for any reason after payments have been received, than 100% of your money will be refunded.

12). You will receive final documentation approximately two months prior to departure. This will include all essential information, such as the starting point address and time, confirmed accommodation, and emergency contact details.

Better Travel Photography Booking conditions

1). By booking this trip, you are entering into two separate contracts of supply. The travel portions of this trip, are set out in the Intrepid Trip notes and are covered by the Intrepid standard booking conditions. The photography and teaching aspects of the trip, and the presence of Steve Davey on the trip are subject to contract with stevedavey.com; t/a Better Travel Photography.

2). Whilst Steve Davey will make every effort to accompany every trip, under very unforeseen and exceptional circumstances, he reserves the right to replace himself with another photographer whom he deems suitable. Under these circumstances, no compensation will be payable; and as the photography portions of the tour are not covered by the Intrepid Travel booking conditions, the replacement of Steve Davey with a replacement photographer will not count as a major change to the itinerary, as covered in the Intrepid Travel booking conditions and therefore will not be accepted as grounds to cancel the trip.

3). Under further exceptional considerations it might not be possible to find a suitable replacement photographer for all, or part of the trip. Under these circumstances, a compensation of £30 per day will be payable, for every full day where no photographer is available to cover the trip; and the lack of a replacement photographer will not count as a major change to the itinerary, as covered in the Intrepid Travel booking conditions and therefore will not be accepted as grounds to cancel the trip.

4). The maximum number of people on the tour will be 12. The minimum number needed to run will be between six and eight. The exact number will be stated on the tour page. This will be notified as soon as possible. You are advised not to purchase a flight, or any any other travel arrangements before the trip is confirmed, although if you opt to have Intrepid book your flights for you, this can be done at the time of booking, and it can be paid for and ticketed with the final payment.

5). After consultation with regular travellers, we have taken the decision not to allow the use of smart glasses or any other covert methods of filming on any of our trips.

6). At their sole discretion, Steve Davey and Better Travel Photography reserve the right not to accept any booking for any reason.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my booking with Steve Davey?
Your booking involves two contracts of supply: all of the travel portions of the trip are contracted with Intrepid Travel, and are covered by their booking conditions. All of the photography and tuition aspects of the trip, and the presence of Steve Davey or a suitable alternative photographer on the trip, is covered by the Better Travel Photography terms and conditions. More information on the booking conditions link above.

Do I have to pay a deposit?
There is a non-returnable deposit that is payable when you make your booking. The balance of the trip cost is payable within 60 days of the departure date.

Are the departures guaranteed?
We will need a minimum number of people for the tour to go ahead. This will be stated on the tour page. The tour will be confirmed no later than 56 days before departure, and you are advised not to book flights before this. If the tour subsequently doesn't go ahead then your deposit will be refunded in full. If you choose to book a flight through Intrepid Travel, then we will try to reserve flights that can be paid for at the same time as the rest of the trip. This means that you can save a flight at a better price, but not commit to it until you know that the trip will go ahead.

Should I contact Intrepid Travel to discuss these tours?
In the initial stages contact Steve Davey, who has designed, and will be leading the tour. He will be able to answer your questions about the tours, what they include, and discuss whether they will be suitable for you. Intrepid Travel are sub-contracted to provide the land arrangements, and handle the bookings. Do bear in mind that the bookings are handled by the Intrepid Tailor Made department in London, and these trips don't appear on the Intrepid Travel website.

How do I contact Steve Davey?
Steve is based in the UK, but is a working professional photographer and often overseas. The easiest way to get hold of him in the initial stages is to use the contact form link on this page. This will allow Steve to agree a time to speak personally, depending on your time zone!

Should I pay Steve Davey for the tour?
All payments will be handled by Intrepid Travel, giving you the peace of mind of booking with a large international travel operator. Intrepid are a member of various industry bonding schemes, including ABTA and ATOL. If you choose to get Intrepid to book your flight, then your entire trip may be covered by ATOL, and you will then receive a full ATOL certificate for the trip.

How do I make a booking with Intrepid Travel?
Once you are happy that this tour is for you, the fill in the online booking form, which we will then send to the Intrepid Travel to finalise the booking. They will then contact you for the deposit and subsequent payment.

What do I need to join the tour?
You are responsible for organising your own flights and any visas necessary. You have the responsibility to join the tour at the time and place stated. When you join the tour you will have to show proof of insurance. Obviously, you can choose to book your flights through Intrepid Travel, which will give you more security if your flight is delayed for any reason.

What if I am a single traveller?
The price of this trip is based on a compulsory twin share basis: that is on two people sharing a room. If you are travelling with a partner, or a friend, then this doesn't affect you, but if you are travelling on your own, you will be paired up with another same-gender member of the group to share with if there is someone available.

On this trip, sharing a room, or paying the single supplement is compulsory. This means that we will have to manage the rooming lists carefully, so that this situation doesn't crop up. Unfortunately this means that the availability of places or the availability of the optional single supplement cannot be guaranteed. When making a booking, there is the option to state whether you are only looking for a roomshare place, or whether you would prefer one, but would be prepared to pay the single supplement if no roomshare is available.

What sort of people go on your tours?
The ages who have booked on our trips have ranged from around mind 20s to 60+! Generally the vast majority have been solo travellers and a fairly even split of men and women. Predictably the more adventurous tours tend to have a lower average age, but what tends to characterise Intrepid travellers of any age is their vitality, spirit and willingness to get involved in all of the group activities.

Although we always have a number of very talented photographers on our trips – many who have travelled with us a number of times – Steve works hard to avoid the sort of 'camera-bore' atmosphere that characterises many camera clubs. Steve sets an atmosphere where the people with more experience aim to help, and not criticise those with less experience. The aim is about helping each other, and having the best time for all. It is about experiencing the country you are travelling in and engaging with the people you meet, far more than who has the best camera! Any picture reviews are always constructive and positive, and will be encouraging and aimed and helping people to improve their skills.

Do I need an expensive camera to come on one of your tours?
You don't need to have an expensive camera, and dozens of lenses, but you will get more out of the tour if you have a camera that allows you more control over the exposure, shutter-speed and aperture, and also a range of lenses, or a zoom lens.

Having said that we often get non-photographing partners who will just use a SmartPhone, and they will often get very inspired to think more about composition and portraits and many of the non-technical aspects of photography.

Do I need to be an expert photographer to come on one of your tours?
Decidedly not. Whatever your level of knowledge about photography, Steve will be able to help you to improve, and to come away with more shots that you are proud of.

On these trips, you can have as much, or as little photography tuition as you like. Some people have loads of questions and want to develop certain skills: others just like travelling on a tour that offers good company and loads of photo-opportunities. We will organise a number of opportunities to show off your pictures at the end of the day, and although this is encouraged, it is oif course totally optional.

Has Steve Davey run tours before?
Steve ran photography tours for Intrepid Travel in 2006 and 2007. He has been organising and leading his own exclusive range of photography tours since 2009, and in the process has visited destinations as far afield as diverse as Jordan, Burma and the Arctic! During this time, he has learned a lot about both organising and running tours, and also about teaching people with a range of different skills. You can see some of the testimonials from Steve's previous tours on the about our tours link.

Is Steve Davey a working professional travel photographer?
Steve Davey is a working travel photographer and writer. He regularly travels around the world, shooting for various publishers and magazines. He is the author and photographer of Unforgettable Places to See Before You Die, and Unforgettable Islands to Escape To Before You Die. Between them these books have been translated into well over 40 language editions.

Why does this matter?
Anyone who travels with a camera will come away with a few good shots. Shove these on a website and they might look good. A professional travel photographer will be used to short shoots and unpredictable conditions. They will be able to give you tips on coming back with great pictures when you have a couple of days in a location, the weather is bad and there is scaffolding everywhere! If they aren't a working travel photographer then do you really want a studio or wedding photographer, or even a journalist with a camera to be teaching you about travel photography?

Are these tours hard work?
These tours are designed for photography, which means that there will be some optional and non-optional early morning starts. We will also try to fit a lot into the average day! However, Steve is mindful that this is also a holiday for you and so he tries to balance these with personal time, where you have the option to take pictures or just relax.

We also work hard to make sure that everyone has a good time on our trips, and aim for a lot of laughter, good food and of course a few drinks at the end of the day.

Are there lots of early starts?
Any keen photographer will know that the light is better in the early morning and Steve has arranged these tours to take in as many sunrises as possible. Sometimes these will be integral to the trip, other times they will be optional.

Will I be able to photograph everything in good light?
Any tour like this is a balance between how much you see, and the light that you see it in. A tour that shows you everything in the golden sunrise and sunset hours would have to last for weeks! There will be somethings that we see in the middle of the day, and some things that we have to stop and see as part of a longer journey. The tours have been arranged though so that all of the most important places will be visited in the early morning or late afternoon.

Will I get much free time?
There will be the potential for free time throughout the tour, which you can use for relaxing, exploring, shopping or even photographing! However, Steve is virtually always up to something, and you will be welcome to join him.

What is an Intrepid trip like?
Intrepid run small group adventures. This means that you have less of an impact on the places that you travel through. It also means that we get to stay in smaller, more intimate accommodation. Intrepid have a policy to stay in locally owned accommodation wherever possible, so that local communities benefit. For more information about Intrepid Travel and their style of travel click here.

How are your tours different from standard Intrepid trips?
As they are a completely separate product, Steve is able to take all of the best bits from different Intrepid styles and add to them to create a product which is totally unique. This gives you a range of accommodation, where appropriate, as well as our own transport for much of the tour, to allow us the freedom and flexibility to stop when we need to take pictures.

Some of the main differences with Intrepid trips are:
a). Tour specifically designed for photo opportunities and to be in the right place at the right time as much as possible.
b). Presence of Steve Davey on the tour, and the opportunity to learn about photography.
c). We tend to include more options and use more private transport than the standard Intrepid trip, as this allows us more access to photo-opportunities, and the ability to carry more gear.
d). We also tend to use a higher standard of accommodation, prioritise heritage and better located properties and also have more people opting for a Single Supplement.
e). Ability to speak to Steve about equipment and other matters before the start of the tour.
f). Opportunity to join an (optional) Whats App group with Steve and other members of the tour before departure to discuss equipment, and also arrange to meet up with any of the members of the group before the tour starts if you arrive early!

Will my photography improve on one of your tours?
If you come on the tour with an open mind, take part actively, listen to Steve and work at what he suggests then he is confident that your photography will greatly improve!

Can I shoot film?
Most people now seem to shoot digital, and these tours are predominantly set up for the digital photographer. Shooting digital will allow you to instantly review your work, and develop your skills as you go. However, there is no reason why you can't shoot film, and most of the techniques are the same as with digital photography. With his many years of experience of shooting film, Steve can help you to get the best results.

What equipment should I bring?
In part this depends on whether you are travelling just for one of my photo tours, or whether it is a part of a larger trip. I always take a lot of equipment to make sure that I have spare gear in case of loss, theft or damage. A tripod and a flash will certainly be useful on most trips, but Steve will make recommendations well in advance as to the equipment that will be useful on whichever trip you are booked on.

If you have a small laptop or tablet, then it will be of use for post and RAW processing as well as archiving – if you can be bothered to carry it! You will probably get better results from the trip and learn more if you are familiar with the basic controls on the camera, rather than trying to use a new camera that you have just picked up at Duty Free! Probably the best bet is to contact Steve to discuss if you have any queries!

What about tipping?
As a point of principle, Steve does not accept any tips for leading tours – other than the odd drink. However, we will have a local Intrepid tour leader and possibly a driver for some of the time. Steve recommends that these people should be tipped if you are happy with the services that you have received. I am happy to advise a good amount for any tips.

We tend to run a tipping kitty on the trips, which allows us to tip for hotel porters and local guides as we go without needing to always find change.

Do you have any testimonials?
There are some testimonials from some of the photo tours that Steve has led previously on the About our tours page.

I have a question that isn't answered here, how can I contact Steve?
Click here and fill out the contact form, and Steve will get back to you as soon as possible.

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