Rajasthan: The Desert State
Cultural Immersion Tour
( with photography)
2025 DATES AVAILABLE - BOOKING OPEN
(ENQUIRE ABOUT ITINERARY and PRICING)
(Photo) The Haunted Ruins of Bhangarh Fort
Taking the rocky Makrana's off-the-beaten track, zigzagging through the rangrez community and the house of the buzurg, to come to the imposing fort of Madho Singh.
Why the backbirds shriek at a set hour?
Why the cows moo in unison?
Why the ghoomar pole drops every night?
Why should we exit before dusk?
The experience begins after you have left the place.
11 Days - Including
- The Taj Mahal
- Pushkar Camel Fair*
- Enquire about Sariska Tiger Reserve
*Pushkar Fair on October Tour only
14 Days - Includes Delhi - Historic Capital City
REGIONS TO VISIT
STATES
Rajasthan | Uttar Pradesh | Delhi
MEANS
Road Travel
REASONS TO VISIT
Photography | Food | Folk Music | Dance | Arts & Crafts | Blue Pottery | Gems Stones | Spirituality | Folklore | Story-sharing | Friendships
The Pilgrimage:
On foot, they travel miles, for a dip in the Galta.
To worship the Sun God.
To carry the holy water back to their village.
To bless and be blessed.
The holy man came from the East side of the Ganga and made Galta his home. His penance will end when he meets his God from another life.
Advantage of this tour:
- travel with a photographer who is born in the Shekhawati region of Rajasthan, speaks vernacular; is familiar with the local traditions, people, music, culture, dance, art and crafts.
- take opportunity to soak in the culture, the rituals, the folklore, the people and the food.
- learn about the traditions, customs, habits and ways.
- return home enriched.
- build a portfolio of photos and stories.
- make new friends
ORIGIN
Rajasthan
KNOW THE PLACE
Extensive Experience
(Photo below) Rajputana's Wall Murals | Hidden Alleys
Opportunity to photograph the desert state, starting with Jaipur, the fabled pink city of flamboyant Rajasthan, a potpourri of colours and fairytale splendour. Hidden under the embroidery of the warriors' tales and palaces is the city's fabric woven with intimate folk chronicles. As we photograph, I guide you through the lesser known gullies into a world of legendary charm, into the lore of the courtiers and courtesans. I tell you about the secret lives of the nobles, their role in the transition from the Moghul to the British empire, and the significance of the havelis and temples that we walk past. This photographic tour explores the hidden gems found off-the-beaten-road as I take you through the alleys known only to a born-and-bred Rajasthani who has been brought up listening to the folklore. Join me for a memorable experience that will leave you feeling like a part of the scene that unfolded at one time in the Rajputana.
Sapna Dhandh-Sharma is a travel documentary photographer from London. Hailing from Rajasthan, Sapna, through decades of documentary photography experience, teaches photography and hosts travel photography tours. She has accumulated folkloric knowledge of the state and beyond, through various journeys and travels and association with the elders of the family and community who were involved in the traditional art of oral storytelling.