Mystical India
February 6 - February 18, 2027
"My husband and I just returned from our third PhotoFly trip, this time to India. This trip exceeded my expectations. It hit all the high points for us and was very well organized, with a little room for spontaneity and surprises. Both the PhotoFly guide and the local guide in India did an outstanding job!" - Sabine, India '25
Discover the many faces of India on a journey that blends grand history, vibrant culture, sacred traditions, and unforgettable wildlife encounters. From the bustling streets and Mughal landmarks of New Delhi to the spiritual rituals along the Ganges in Varanasi, this itinerary reveals the rich contrasts that define the country. Wander through the romantic lakefront palaces of Udaipur, experience the royal heritage and colorful bazaars of Jaipur, and stand before the timeless beauty of the Taj Mahal in Agra.
Along the way, venture into the untamed landscapes of Ranthambore National Park, where ancient ruins and dense jungle create the perfect setting to search for Bengal tigers, leopards, deer, and an array of birdlife. Each destination offers its own unique rhythm - from serene sunrise boat rides on the Ganges to opulent palaces, bustling spice markets, and thrilling wildlife safaris. Together, these experiences create an immersive introduction to India’s extraordinary diversity, where every day brings a new story, color, and discovery.
Email us at joinus@photoflytravel.com for the daily itinerary!
India
With a history over 5,000 years old and the very first civilization in the world, “The Indus Valley Civilization”, India is truly an ancient cultural and geological wonder. It is the seventh-largest country by area and the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people. Ancient monuments and century’s old traditions set the backdrop for the world’s largest democracy. Separated from mainland Asia by the mighty Himalayas, the Indian subcontinent is surrounded by three large bodies of water: the Bay of Bengal in the east, the Arabian Sea in the west, and the Indian Ocean to the south. Without a doubt, India is arguably the most diverse country in the world on many levels!
Delhi (2 Nights)
India’s capital and political hub is an ancient city that has something for everyone. Settled seven times over the centuries, this city has grown in a way that reflects its past, while retaining its cosmopolitan flavor. Delhi is India’s showcase, be it architecture, religion, shopping, culture – everything is available here waiting to be discovered.
* Explore Old Delhi: To get around quick in the narrow alleys, enjoy a 
rickshaw ride through the heart of Old Delhi. Expect to safely pass through the tangled lanes in the area of Chandni Chowk full of spice merchants, street vendors, centuries-old shops, and food stalls. Along the way, other landmarks include the massive mosque Jama Masjid and legendary spice market of Khari Baoli.
* Experience New Delhi: Highlights include the India Gate, built in memory of Indian soldiers killed during the First World War; Rashtrapati Bhawan, built in the early 20th century and today the official residence of the President of India; Parliament House, a unique circular building with huge colonnades; Humayun's Tomb, the first Mughal garden tomb with its four grand gateways, octagonal base-plan, soaring niche-shaped arches, lofty double domes, and symmetrical garden with its central canal; and the 230 foot high Qutub Minar minaret, which looms majestically across the wide plains of Delhi.
Varanasi (2 Nights)
Also known as Benaras, Varanasi is the oldest living city in the world and has been the ultimate Hindu pilgrimage spot for thousands of years. These few lines by Mark Twain say it all: “Benaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together.”
* Assi ghat (riverbank steps): Behind the riverside ghat (steps) 
hide narrow and puzzled alleys excellent for cultural photography. Real Varanasi lives inside these alleys and truly looks stands in the best ways. Beautiful people, temples and shrines, monasteries, cultural and religious diversity, the major old markets, and plenty of cows and bulls are all found here.
* Manikarnika ghat: One of the holiest sites among the sacred river fronts alongside the river Ganga. It is believed that a dead human's soul finds salvation (moksha), when cremated here. Thus, scores of the elderly across the whole country seek to walk up to its edges, and spend their last days absorbing the charisma of the area which makes even death painless and insignificant to be pondered upon. This unique cremation ground will help us understand why people want to spend their last days in Varanasi.
* Sarnath, Birthplace of Buddhism: Considered the center of the Buddhist world, it was here that Buddha himself preached his very first sermon. Nearby is Dharmarajika Stupa, said to contain the bodily relics of the Buddha along with an outstanding museum next door well worth a visit.
* On the Ganges: A delight for our photo lovers, this hour long morning boat ride will be an outstanding way to see the pilgrims standing in deep-waist water to worship the rising sun. The early morning light is particularly inspiring and all the color and clamor of pilgrims bathing and performing puja unfolds before us.
Agra, Jaipur, & Udaipur (5 Nights)
Located on the banks of the River Yamuna, the city of Agra is synonymous with the Taj Mahal - one of the Seven Wonders of the World, renowned for its beauty and historical significance.
* Taj Mahal: View and photograph this masterpiece of marble and the greatest monument depicting love of all time during the golden hour of sunrise! Completed in 1652, skilled craftsmen from Persia, Turkey, France and Italy and some 20,000 laborers worked for 17 years to build the most famous edifice in the world.
Jaipur
The pink jewel of Rajasthan, Jaipur's old walled section is known as the Pink City due to its light red paint (a lucky color in Hindu culture). Jaipur is one of India’s newer cities, founded in 1727, and was
the creation of Jai Singh II, the Maharaja of the Kuchwaha Rajputs, who decided when the Mogul power was on the decline to move from his outmoded hillside fortress at Amber to establish a new capital on the plains further south.
* Pink Markets & Bazzars: Bapu and Johri Bazaar are not just great places to shop but make for a great tour on foot to see the daily lives of locals. The pink rustic buildings on both sides are a constant reminder of this city's colorful nature.
* Amber Fort: This ancient palace which doubled as a fort was at the former epicenter of Rajasthan during the 15th and 16th centuries. Now a UNESCO World Heritage site, the palace lies amidst the hills overlooking 
Maota Lake. It's no doubt the finest example of Indo-Islamic architecture in the region.
* Galtaji Temple (Monkey Temple): This beautiful temple crammed in a crevice between two mountains is not only a favorite place of "worship" for the local macaque monkeys, but a sought after pilgrimage site for Hindu's all over India. Amazing photo ops here with monkeys bathing and playing in the temple pools and pilgrims dressed in vibrant Hindu colors joyously savoring the spiritual waters themselves after the long journey.
Udaipur
Founded in 1568 as the capital of the old Mewar state; Udaipur was the only Rajput stronghold to uphold its Hindu allegiance in the face of Muslim invasion. From the late 16th century, peace brought about an era of renaissance in the arts and encouraged the building of beautiful palaces around the lake which culminated in the City Palace, one of the largest palace complexes in the world! Undoubtedly the most romantic city in Rajasthan, and perhaps the country!
* City Palace: Standing on the crest of a ridge overlooking Lake Pichola, the largest palace in Rajasthan was built over various historic periods yet still preserves the harmony of a unified design. Massive octagonal towers surmounted by cupolas serve as the flagship symbols of this great feat of human architecture. Inside we'll find a labyrinth of courtyards richly decorated with inlaid mirror-work, galleries covered with frescos, ornate temples, and roof gardens affording a picture perfect panorama below!
* Jagdish Temple : In the heart of old town, this place of Hindu worship was built in the mid-17th century and has a remarkable bronze statue of Garuda, the mythical bird, facing his revered master Lord Vishnu. 
The narrow streets of the bazaar surrounding the temple mark the perfect place to continue on for fantastic cultural photos!
* Lake Pichola: Relax on a boat ride through the steel blue waters of the magnificent, albeit artificially created lake of the 14th century. Great images to be taken of the white phantom Jag Nivas Palace, built in 1746 as the summer residence of the rulers, reflecting off the calm waters.
Ranthambore National Park
(3 Nights)
This region of India is by far most famous for Ranthambore National Park, one of the few places left in the world where tigers roam free! Aside from being one of the biggest and most renowned national parks in the country, the region originally gained notoriety as the former hunting grounds for the Maharajas (kings) of Jaipur. Spread over an area of 245 sq miles, this is the the best location in India to see the majestic Bengal tigers in their natural habitat. Viewings are never guaranteed though the excitement and adventure of driving through the wilds of the park are a thrill in its own right.
* In Search of Wildlife: Our time here will be spent on safari, exploring the park to witness and photograph the beautiful animals that call this place home. In a safari-style vehicle, our naturalist guides will navigate the vast network of driving tracks and paths to seek out some of the best animal viewing. The main attraction here is the Bengal tiger but there are plenty of other species: leopards, sloth bears, striped hyenas, multiple deer species, multiple cat species, monkeys, macaques, and hundreds of bird species.
Price: $3,649.00
Single Supplement: $795.00 *LIMITED Single Supplements Available
Email us at joinus@photoflytravel.com for the daily itinerary!
*For our solo travelers, we will pair you up with someone of the same sex unless single occupancy is requested.
Cancellation Policy & Refunds
There is a $300 administrative fee for all cancellations. Cancellations made 120 days (October 9, 2026) or more prior to trip departure date are fully refundable except for the $300 fee. Cancellations less than 120 days (October 10, 2026) prior to the trip departure date will receive no refund of the full amount due. No refunds on unused portions of the tour. After airline tickets are issued, airline cancellations are per the airline’s policy and are usually non-refundable and changeable with a fee plus new ticket price.
* Final and full payment is due by the due date noted on your invoice and in the email sent to you upon confirmation of your deposit. If cancellation request is made after the cancellation deadline per policy above, full payment for said trip above is due regardless and immediately.
Roommate Pairing Policy: Please be advised that PhotoFly endeavors, but does not guarantee, to secure a suitable roommate for travelers electing to share accommodations. In the event a match cannot be arranged no less than forty-five (45) days prior to the scheduled departure date, the traveler shall be required to convert to a single occupancy room and shall be responsible for the associated single supplement fee. Should a roommate become available after said date, PhotoFly will facilitate the pairing and issue a refund for the previously paid single supplement.
Optional Activity Cancellation Policy: Travelers wishing to cancel any optional activity(s) have until the day before Day 1 on the official itinerary to receive a refund. Please note that this is subject to approval by the provider and PhotoFly will act in good faith to recoup the money. From Day 1 on, cancellations for personal reasons (changed mind, potential bad weather, etc.) are not entitled to any refunds and PhotoFly will directly ask the provider for money back.
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* Air conditioned, luxury coach throughout 
