Aravalli Hills Expedition

The Aravalli Expedition takes us to what is thought to be the oldest mountain range in the world. Cutting across the state of Rajasthan from northeast to southwest, the Aravalli Range separates the arid expanse of the Great Thar Desert, from the western Ganges plain. Some of Rajasthan’s oldest towns, including Pushkar, Udaipur, and Bundi, lie dotted along the foot of these ancient, eroded mountains, together with spectacular palaces and forts that testify to the region’s long history of foreign invasions.

Though Rajasthan is known as the “Desert State” of India, its hills include lush areas of forest that are home to numerous species of birds and mammals and where, although rare, sightings of leopards and tigers are not uncommon.

In the wake of the monsoon, which first reaches them in late June, the Aravalli bloom with exotic plants and flowers; tangled stretches of forest fold around the villages that nestle higher up in the valleys, while in the mornings, low-lying clouds often envelop the hilltops. In times gone by, the rulers of this princely state built palaces and pavilions on the highest crests of the Aravalli to savour the cooling effects of the monsoon, and immerse themselves in the mist.

The Aravalli Expedition takes place in late July/early August. Travelling at this time of the year, presents its own photographic challenges and opportunities. Light conditions can vary rapidly, making the landscape a constantly changing subject, and opportunities for environmental portraiture abound as nomadic tribes move across the land with their flocks, in search of pastures.

During this Expedition, we also photograph some of the finest examples of Fort and Palace architecture in Rajasthan, including the two most important Mewar Forts of Chittorgarh, and Kumbalgarh, whose 36 kilometre-long ramparts enclose over 360 Jain and Hindu temples.

Towering above their respective towns, the Palaces of Udaipur, Bundi, and Kota are amongst the most majestic constructions in India and offer excellent photographic opportunities. What Col James Tod, the first British official to explore Rajasthan extensively, wrote in his Annals and Antiquities of Rajasthan in 1829 of the town of Bundi stands true today: “the coup d'oeil of the castellated palace of Bundi, from whichever side you approach it, is perhaps the most striking in India".

As is always the case on our Expeditions, emphasis is put on photographing people in their environment. The route we follow on the Aravalli Expedition offers access to a wide choice of subjects and includes a two-day long safari in the hills around the 16th century Castle Bijapur.

From the shores of Pushkar Lake, to the narrow, blue lanes of Bundi and the chaotic streets of Udaipur, through to the liana-strewn temples of Kumbalgarh and the mighty buildings of Chittorgarh Fort, this expedition is designed to sharpen your photographic skills across a dynamic range of urban, rural, and natural environments.

 

Dates: 15 - 28 August 2010
This Expedition begins and ends in Delhi, India. Dates refer to actual days on the ground (13 nights).
Expedition Leader: Dariusz Klemens
Participants: 6-8
Cost: £2600
Includes: Tuition. 13 nights accommodation, on twin-share basis, with breakfast daily. Transfers between Delhi and Rajasthan by train, first class, and by private, air-conditioned four-wheel drives in Rajasthan. Translator and local guides. All entrance fees.

 

Notes:

The group will meet in Delhi and move to Pushkar, Rajasthan on day 2 of the Expedition. We will then travel through Rajasthan for the following 10 days, before returning to Delhi.

Accommodation in Rajasthan is in heritage hotels, including two nights in a 16th century castle, and tents during safari. Transportation between Delhi and Rajasthan is by first class train, and by private car inside Rajasthan.

Travelling in our own four-wheel drive, air-conditioned vehicles through the hills will allow us to move in comfort and give us the flexibility needed to access areas outside the reach of commercial tourist routes.

Although we make every effort to ensure that we travel and sleep in comfort, participants should note that this Expedition involves walking on steep inclines and climbing steps, amongst other physical demands. We will spend many hours looking for images in and around the hills, on occasions in foggy and rainy conditions, making stamina and flexibility essential.

 

For a sample of images from the area, please visit our Aravalli Hills Expedition Gallery

For any further information please email us through our Contact page.