We currently plan on using the following:

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Delhi - The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel - Best 5 Star Luxury Business Hotel & Convention Centre in Delhi | The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel

 

Ranthambhore - Ranthambhore Heritage Haveli - Ranthambhore Heritage Haveli – Experience the Wildlife & Heritage

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Agra - Grand Mercure Agra - Grand Mercure Agra - ALL

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Jaipur - Sarovar Premiere - Sarovar Premiere | Jaipur Hotels | Best Hotels in Jaipur

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Jodhpur - Amritata Manak Haveli - Manak Haveli - Hotel & Resort in Jodhpur

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Varanasi - The Amayaa - Hotel in Varanasi | The Amayaa | Hotel near the Varanasi Railway Station

March 12 - Depart USA/home country

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March 13 - ARRIVE DELHI - Upon arrival at New Delhi International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our airport representative and assisted with your transfer to the hotel.

The remainder of the day is free to relax after your journey.

Standard hotel check-in time is 14:00 hrs. Standard check-out time is 12:00 noon.

Welcome to Delhi, India’s vibrant capital, where centuries of history blend with the rhythm of modern life. Set along the Yamuna River, Delhi is a fascinating introduction to India, with Mughal monuments, colorful markets, colonial-era avenues, leafy neighborhoods, and a contemporary urban energy all living side by side.  Overnight in Delhi.  (D)

March 14 - DELHI - After breakfast, begin our guided photographic exploration of New Delhi.

Start with a drive through the grand ceremonial avenues of Lutyens’ Delhi, passing India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhavan, Parliament House, and Kartavya Path.  These broad boulevards and stately buildings reflect the architectural elegance of the British period and remain central to the city’s civic identity.  Continue to Humayun’s Tomb, one of Delhi’s finest Mughal monuments and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Built in the 16th century, this elegant garden tomb is often regarded as an architectural predecessor to the Taj Mahal.

After lunch, visit the Bahá’í Lotus Temple, one of Delhi’s most striking modern landmarks.  Designed in the form of a blooming lotus, the temple welcomes people of all faiths and offers a quiet space for reflection.

Later, continue to Qutub Minar, another UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important surviving monuments of the Delhi Sultanate.  Explore the surrounding complex of ancient mosques, carved stone structures, and historic ruins.

End the day at the National Crafts Museum, a wonderful introduction to India’s handmade traditions, textiles, folk art, tribal crafts, and rural design heritage.  Return to the hotel in the evening.  Overnight in Delhi.  (BLD)

March 15 - OLD DELHI

After breakfast, set out for an immersive photographic exploration of Old Delhi, the historic heart of the city. Travel by Delhi Metro to Chawri Bazaar and experience the city as locals do.  From there, continue by cycle rickshaw through the narrow, energetic lanes of Old Delhi.  Pass through Khari Baoli, Asia’s largest wholesale spice market, where sacks of spices, herbs, nuts, and dried fruits create a wonderfully colorful and aromatic atmosphere.  Continue to Jama Masjid, one of India’s largest mosques, before visiting Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib, an important Sikh shrine associated with Guru Tegh Bahadur.

Walk through the bustling bazaars of Kinari Bazaar and Dariba Kalan, known for wedding accessories, jewelry, silverware, and old Delhi charm.  Pass by Mirza Ghalib’s Haveli, once home to the legendary Urdu poet.  During the tour, enjoy local flavors at Paranthe Wali Gali, famous for its traditional stuffed Indian breads.

Later, visit Raj Ghat, the peaceful memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi.

In the late afternoon, continue to INA Market, one of Delhi’s popular local markets, known for fresh produce, spices, imported food items, and lively street scenes.

Return to the hotel and rest.  Overnight in Delhi.  (BLD)

March 16 - DELHI / AGRA: Drive 4 hours.

After breakfast, drive to Agra, the former capital of the Mughal Empire and home to some of India’s most celebrated architectural masterpieces.

Upon arrival, check in at your hotel.

After lunch, visit Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built primarily in red sandstone by Emperor Akbar.  Within its fortified walls are elegant palaces, audience halls, mosques, royal courtyards, and beautifully detailed Mughal architecture.  Certain sections of the fort also offer distant views of the Taj Mahal across the Yamuna River.

Later, continue to the world-famous Taj Mahal, one of the most admired monuments ever built.  Created by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal is celebrated for its symmetry, marble craftsmanship, and quiet emotional beauty.

Spend time exploring the monument and its gardens as the late afternoon light changes across the marble.  Also visit the Taj Museum, which displays architectural drawings, Mughal manuscripts, and artefacts connected with the monument’s history.  Overnight in Agra.  (BLD)

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March 17 - AGRA

After breakfast, enjoy a guided heritage walk through Kachhpura Village, located across the Yamuna River from the Taj Mahal.

This lesser-explored area offers a meaningful glimpse into local community life, with traditional homes, narrow lanes, village artwork, and hidden Mughal-era monuments.  During the walk, learn about local initiatives, crafts, and everyday life in this historic neighborhood.

The afternoon is free time.

In the evening, attend Mohabbat-e-Taj, a live stage performance inspired by the love story of Emperor Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal.  The show brings the story to life through music, dance, costumes, and theatrical staging.  After the show, proceed to Ekaa Villa for dinner.  Return to the hotel. Overnight in Agra.  (BLD)

March 18 - AGRA to Fatehpur Sikri to RANTHEMBORE Approx. 7 hours, depending on road conditions

After breakfast, depart for Ranthambore National Park. En route, stop at Fatehpur Sikri, the abandoned Mughal capital built by Emperor Akbar in the 16th century.  Explore the remarkably preserved royal complex, including Diwan-i-Aam, Panch Mahal, Jodha Bai’s Palace, Buland Darwaza, and the beautiful marble tomb of Sheikh Salim Chishti.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing through the countryside into Rajasthan.

Upon arrival in Ranthambore, check in at your resort.

Ranthambore National Park is one of India’s best-known tiger reserves, celebrated for its dramatic landscapes, forested valleys, ancient ruins, lakes, and rich wildlife.  Overnight in Ranthambore.  (BLD)

March 19 - RANTHAMBORE NATIONAL PARK

Today, enjoy morning and afternoon shared jeep safaris inside Ranthambore National Park.

The park is known for its tiger population and also offers opportunities to spot leopards, deer, crocodiles, sloth bears, monkeys, hyenas, and many species of birds.  Beyond the wildlife, Ranthambore’s landscape of lakes, rocky hills, forested valleys, and old ruins creates a powerful sense of place.

Between safaris, return to the resort and relax.  Overnight in Ranthambore.  (BLD)

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March 20 - RANTHAMBHORE NATIONAL PARK

Enjoy another day of wildlife exploration with morning and afternoon shared jeep safaris. Every safari in Ranthambore feels different.  The landscape changes with the light, and each drive offers a fresh chance to observe animal behavior, birdlife, forest scenery, and the quiet drama of the park.

Return to the resort after each safari.  Overnight in Ranthambore.  (BLD)

March 21 - RANTHAMBORE TO JAIPUR by Road Approx. 4 hours

After breakfast, drive to Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan and famously known as the Pink City.

Founded by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in the 18th century, Jaipur is admired for its planned streets, royal palaces, colourful bazaars, and strong Rajput identity.

Upon arrival, check in at your hotel.

In the afternoon, visit Jantar Mantar, the fascinating astronomical observatory built by Maharaja Jai Singh II.  Its large stone instruments were once used to study celestial movements and measure time with remarkable precision.  Followed by Amber Fort, set on a hill overlooking the surrounding countryside. Ascend the fort by jeep and explore its impressive gateways, courtyards, royal halls, and decorated palaces, including the Sheesh Mahal, known for its intricate mirror work.  Amber Fort is one of Rajasthan’s finest examples of Rajput architecture, combining beauty, scale, and strong defensive design.  In the evening, enjoy dinner at 1135 AD, located at Amber Fort.  Return to the hotel in the evening.  Overnight in Jaipur.  (BLD)

March 22 - JAIPUR Holi Celebrations

This morning, celebrate Holi, one of India’s most joyful and colorful festivals.
Holi marks the arrival of spring and symbolizes friendship, renewal, happiness, and the triumph of good over evil. Enjoy a festive celebration with colors, music, dance, sweets, snacks, and local delicacies in a lively yet thoughtfully arranged setting.
The remainder of the day is free for relaxation or exploration on your own.

Afternoon, visit the City Palace, a beautiful royal complex blending Mughal and Rajasthani architectural styles. Explore its courtyards, museums, textiles, costumes, royal collections, and artefacts connected with Jaipur’s royal family. Stop for photographs at Hawa Mahal, the Palace of Winds, recognized for its honeycomb façade and rows of small windows.

Overnight in Jaipur.  (BLD)

March 23 - JAIPUR TO JODHPUR by Road Approx. 6 to 6.5 hours

After breakfast, drive to Jodhpur and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

Upon arrival, check in at your hotel.  Overnight in Jodhpur.  (BLD)

March 24 - JODHPUR

After breakfast, set out on a jeep excursion to the Bishnoi villages outside Jodhpur.
The Bishnoi community is deeply respected for its commitment to nature conservation, wildlife protection, and sustainable living.  During the excursion, visit traditional homes, observe rural life, and meet local artisans engaged in pottery, weaving, and handicrafts.
Return to Jodhpur and continue with a city tour.

Visit Mehrangarh Fort, one of the most spectacular forts in India, dramatically positioned on a rocky hill above the old city.  Explore its palaces, museum collections, courtyards, carved balconies, and sweeping views over Jodhpur’s blue houses.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

Later, visit Jaswant Thada, an elegant white marble memorial built in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II.  Set beside a small lake and landscaped gardens, it offers a peaceful atmosphere and beautiful views.

In the evening, explore Jodhpur’s local markets, known for textiles, handicrafts, spices, leather items, silver jewelry, and classic Jodhpuri fashion.

Tonight, enjoy a rooftop dinner overlooking Mehrangarh Fort.  Overnight in Jodhpur.  (BLD)

March 25 - JODHPUR TO DELHI FLIGHT
Flight details to be reconfirmed closer to travel date.
Current placeholder: 6E-2034 | Departure: 12:30 hrs. | Arrival: 13:45 hrs.

After breakfast, transfer to Jodhpur airport for your flight to Delhi.
Upon arrival in Delhi, proceed for lunch at a local restaurant before transferring to the hotel.  The remainder of the day is free for leisure, relaxation, or personal activities.  Overnight in Delhi.  (BLD)

March 26 - DELHI TO VARANASI FLIGHT
Flight details to be reconfirmed closer to travel date.
Current placeholder: 6E-2334 | Departure: 11:00 hrs. | Arrival: 12:30 hrs.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Varanasi.

Varanasi, situated along the sacred River Ganges, is considered one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities and remains one of India’s most important spiritual destinations.

Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy lunch.

In the evening, experience Varanasi from the river aboard an exclusive Maharaja-style boat decorated with flowers and accompanied by live instrumental music. Cruise along the ghats of the Ganges, observing temples, rituals, and the deeply spiritual atmosphere of the city.

Later, witness the famous Ganga Aarti, a beautiful evening ceremony of lamps, chanting, music, and prayer performed along the riverfront.  Return to the hotel after the ceremony.  Overnight in Varanasi. (BLD)

March 27 - VARANASI

Early this morning, enjoy a sunrise boat ride on the River Ganges.  As the city awakens, watch pilgrims gather along the ghats for prayers, bathing rituals, and morning ceremonies.  The early hours offer one of the most atmospheric and moving experiences in Varanasi.

After the boat ride, take a guided walk through the narrow lanes of the old city and visit the revered Kashi Vishwanath Temple area, often referred to as the Golden Temple.
Return to the hotel for breakfast and time to relax.

Later, proceed to Sarnath, one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites in the world.  This is where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment.  Visit the archaeological ruins, monasteries, stupas, and the Sarnath Museum, which houses an important collection of Buddhist sculptures and artefacts.  After the visit, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant or hotel in Sarnath.

Return to Varanasi.  Overnight in Varanasi.  (BLD)

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March 28 - VARANASI TO DELHI FLIGHT

After breakfast, visit Alaipura, a traditional weaving neighborhood known for Banarasi silk brocades and handloom craftsmanship. Walk through the lanes and observe artisans creating intricate silk fabrics using techniques passed down through generations.  If time permits, enjoy an informal interaction with a local scholar or professor from Banaras Hindu University for deeper insight into Indian philosophy, spirituality, and cultural traditions.
Later, transfer to the airport for your flight to Delhi.  Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel.

This evening, enjoy our farewell dinner at a local restaurant.  Overnight Delhi.  (BLD)

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March 29 - Delhi/ Depart for home.  (Appropriate meal(s) before departure)

What To Take (These are only suggestions; they are NOT required!)

Our list of Recommended Gear for your Photo Tour

·        2 camera bodies—the same manufacturer that will fit all your lenses

·       Camera battery charger and cords

·       Memory - bring as much memory as possible

·       Card Reader for file transfer

·       External hard drives for back up (we recommend a minimum of a 1TB drive)

·       Black Rapid camera strap

·       Extra batteries 

·       Lenses - 16-400+mm that give you a wide range of focal length

·       Tripod and head

·       Flash—strobe with automatic TTL fill flash capabilities

·       Photo backpack

·       Lens cloth and cleaning fluid

·       Blower ball for dust

·       Circular polarizing filter

·       Grad ND filters

·       Rain sleeve for camera and lens

·       Cable or electronic shutter release

·       Laptop computer

·       International power adapter

·       Sensor cleaning supplies

 

 

GUESTS SHOULD PACK LIGHT.  YOU WILL BE EXPECTED TO CARRY, ROLL, SCHLEP, AND/OR OTHERWISE TRANSPORT YOUR OWN BAGS AT ALL TIMES AND IN ALL PLACES ON THIS TRIP.  PACKING LIGHT WILL MAKE YOUR TRIP MUCH MORE ENJOYABLE.

LAUNDRY SERVICES ARE ALWAYS AVAILABLE.  M&M RULE OF THUMB IS ONE BAG FOR CAMERA GEAR AND ONE 20-22"" ROLLER FOR YOUR CLOTHES AND TOILETRIES.  INVEST IN A TRAVEL TRIPOD - BENRO HAS MANY OPTIONS AVAILABLE.

MEDICAL DEVICES SUCH AS CPAP MACHINES ARE EXCLUDED FROM THIS RECOMMENDATION.  

 

Tour Difficulty = Moderate

Easy = less than 2 miles walking/day and little climbing; Moderate = up to 5 miles walking per day with some climbing; Strenuous = more than 5 miles/day of walking and several climbing/hills/rough terrain expected.  You should know your health and ability to carry your gear in hot, cold, humid, and dry conditions and be able to walk 5 miles or more per day and make climbs in elevation of up to 1000 feet in gain and be OK climbing many steps or steep terrain.

 

Cancellation Policy

Pursuant to Clause 2 under Enrollment: If you need to cancel within a stated refund period, M&M Photo Tours, Inc. may allow you to apply all monies paid to a future trip, within 12 months.  We must receive written notification (E-mail is accepted) of your cancellation and your desire to apply the funds to a future trip.

 

We strongly recommend that you purchase trip cancellation insurance as this policy is strongly adhered to. The purchase of travel insurance covering baggage, accident/life and trip cancellation is highly recommended.  M&M Photo Tours, Inc. reserves the right to cancel any trip/tour/group due to insufficient registration at any time.  In the event of such cancellation, those with reservations shall be notified as soon as possible and a full refund of trip payment will be given.  It is agreed by registering for any M&M Photo Tours, Inc. tour that M&M Photo Tours, Inc. assumes no responsibility for refund or additional expenses incurred in preparation for a trip.

 

Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance is highly recommended - we suggest www.insuremytrip.com

 

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Booking Terms & Conditions