At a Glance:
A photography and textile tour of Varanasi, Lucknow, Mumbai, Agra, and Jaipur is a great way to explore the diverse cultural heritage of India through the lens of photography and the art of textiles. In Varanasi, you can capture the vibrant energy of the city through its ancient temples, colorful markets, and spiritual rituals. Lucknow offers a unique opportunity to photograph exquisite textiles, intricate embroidery, and Mughal-era architecture. Mumbai, the bustling metropolis, offers an array of photographic opportunities, from the colorful street markets to the stunning architecture of the colonial era buildings. Agra is famous for the iconic Taj Mahal and other Mughal-era monuments, as well as for the intricate textiles and handcrafted leather goods. In Jaipur, the Pink City, you can explore the colorful markets and bazaars and capture the stunning palaces and forts that reflect the city's rich history and culture. This tour offers a unique opportunity to photograph and learn about India's diverse textile traditions, while also capturing the beauty and vibrancy of these iconic destinations through the art of photography.
Artists Profile:
The act of looking and experiencing is key for an artist, and it is something that has preoccupied London based Scotsman Jonathan Dredge since drawing plants and flowers as a wee boy, and this continues to be a key strand in Dredge’s work. The attempt to capture the essence and atmosphere of what is experienced is the basis to his personal print-making and photography.
Together with textile artist Ross Belton, they founded the creative collaboration ModernEccentrics. With a background that encompasses the creative arts and design, they combine their ‘digital’ experience with the natural and handmade. Looking at the urban environment they examine our relationship with the nature that surrounds us. Identity, personal history and experience informs their concerns, as does a desire to reuse and repurpose.
During lockdown they collaborated with natural dyeing expert Jenny Dean that led to the creation of a Nomadic Dye Garden at the Florence Trust - a natural dye garden facility where moderneccentrics have run classes for artists and the local community. They have been delivering popular and successful textile and natural colour workshops for over five years.
Jonny has written for various publications and the moderneccentrics journal, which looks at the art world, exhibitions and their adventures in the creative world, and his work has been exhibited both in the UK and internationally.
Highlight of the Tour:
• Photography walk of Mumbai, Varanasi & Jaipur
• Ride on Mumbai’s local train to capture everyday life
• Sightseeing tour of Mumbai, Jaipur, Varanasi, Agra & Lucknow
• Block printing workshop in Mumbai
• Participate in Ganga Aarti ceremony
• Explore the famous ghats and temples of Varanasi
• Enjoy the delicious food of India
• See the weaving process of famous Banarasi Saree
• Boat cruise at the Ganges in Varanasi
• Participate in Chickan embroidery workshop in Lucknow
• Visit to SEWA [Self-Employed Women’s Association]
• Learn the technique of Zari embroidery
• Sunrise visit to the wonder of the world – Taj Mahal
• Heritage walk of Agra and Lucknow
• Visit magnificent Abhaneri Stepwells.
• Visit to Handmade paper factory & Blue pottery factory
• Participate in Block printing workshop
• Learn the photography techniques with UK Based expert Photographer and artist Jonnathan Dredge
• Air-conditioned exclusive vehicle
• Accompanying guide throughout the tour
• Photography expert guide at all the destinations
• Accommodation in boutique and 4* hotels.
Photography and Textile Holiday to North India
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Day 1: 10 NOV’24 [SUN] DEPART UK
Depart from UK.
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Day 2: 11 NOV’24 [MON] ARRIVE MUMBAI
Upon your arrival in Mumbai airport, you will be assisted by your Aahilya Holiday’s Travel personnel who will transfer you to the hotel for check in.
Dinner & Overnight stay is at your hotel.
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Day 3: 12 NOV’24 [TUE] MUMBAI
Breakfast is at your hotel.
Day starts with a photography walking tour of Mumbai. You get to photograph the biggest newspaper distribution network, colourful fruits,vegetable and flower markets.
Later, visit the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Ankit Sanas, Dhobi Ghat, Lalbaug Spice Market, Chor Bazaar, Jamali Masjid, Queen's Necklace - Marine Drive, and Satyam flowers.
Dinner & Overnight stay is at your hotel.
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Day 4: 13 NOV’24 [WED] MUMBAI
Breakfast is at your hotel.
After breakfast orientation tour of Mumbai visiting Marine Drive, Hanging Gardens, Flora Fountain, Crawford market. Lunch will be at local restaurant on direct payment basis.
Later participate in Block printing workshop.
Dinner & Overnight stay is at your hotel.
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Day 5: 14 NOV’24 [THU] MUMBAI – VARANASI
After breakfast drive to Mumbai and board your flight to Varanasi. On arrival transfer to your hotel.
Later in the evening participate in Ganga Aarti Ceremony.
Dinner & Overnight stay is at your hotel.
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Day 6: 15 NOV’24 [FRI] VARANASI
Sunrise boat ride at the Ganges and explore different ghats around the ghats.
Later photo walks in the old Varanasi and visit Khashi Vishwanath temple and Wrestling ghats.
Rest of the day is at leisure to enjoy independent activities
Dinner & Overnight stay is at your hotel.
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Day 7: 16 NOV’24 [SAT] VARANASI
Breakfast is at your hotel.
After breakfast proceed to badi Bazaar (Lalla Pura) which is specialist area for the silk weaving works and brocading centre. We will learn the weaving techniques from the master weavers.
Dinner & Overnight stay is at your hotel.
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Day 8: 17 NOV’24 [SUN] VARANASI - LUCKNOW
After breakfast, train to Lucknow at 1250 hrs.
On arrival at Lucknow station, you will be met by Aahilya Representative who will assist and transfer you to your hotel.In the afternoon Heritage walk of Chowk along with shopping experience.
Dinner & Overnight stay is at your hotel.
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Day 9: 18 NOV’24 [MON] LUCKNOW
Breakfast is at your hotel.
Half day sightseeing tour of Lucknow visiting AsifiImambara, Rumi Darwaza, Husainabad complex and ShahnajafImmambara.
Afternoon visit SEWA and meet the women artisans working there.
Dinner & Overnight stay is at your hotel.
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Day 10: 19 NOV’24 [TUE] LUCNOW
Breakfast is at your hotel.
After breakfast, visit Lucknow Residency and Dilkusha Palace and Gardens.Later, visit a Chikan& Zardozi workshop to understand this art form.
Dinner & Overnight stay is at your hotel.
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Day 11: 20 NOV’24 [WED] LUCKNOW - AGRA
After breakfast drive to Agra [330 kms: 6 Hrs]. On arrival transfer to your hotel
Day is at leisure to enjoy independent activities.
Dinner & Overnight stay is at your hotel.
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Day 12: 21 NOV’24 [THU] AGRA
Sunrise visit to Taj Mahal.
Return hotel for breakfast and later visit Agra Fort and heritage walk of Agra City.
Dinner & Overnight stay is at your hotel.
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Day 13: 22 NOV’24 [FRI] AGRA - JAIPUR
Early breakfast at your hotel and later drive to Jaipur en-route visiting Abhaneri Step wells.
Arrive Jaipur and check-in at your hotel. Dinner will be arranged at your hotel.
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Day 14: 23 NOV’24 [SAT] JAIPUR
Breakfast is at your hotel.
After breakfast start your day visit inner city, bazaars, and architectural wonders of Jaipur.
Dinner will be arranged at a roof top restaurant.
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Day 15: 24 NOV’24 [SUN] JAIPUR
Breakfast is at your hotel.
After breakfast drive to Sanganer and start the tour with walking tour of Sanganer.
Later participate in block printing workshop followed by visit to handmade paper factory and blue pottery factory
Dinner & Overnight stay is at your hotel.
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Day 16: 25 NOV’24 [MON] JAIPUR – DELHI
Breakfast at your hotel.
After breakfast drive to Delhi [255 Kms: 6 Hrs].
Dinner & Overnight at your hotel
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Day 17: 26 NOV’24 [TUE] DEPART DELHI
Breakfast at your hotel.
At an appropriate time you will be transferred to airport to board your flight back home.
Tour Cost
| Jonathan Dredge | TEXTILE & PHOTOGRAPHY HOLIDAY OF INDIA |
|---|---|
| DATE OF TRAVEL | 10 – 26 NOV 2024 |
| Based on stay in a twin share Room | GBP 2390 per person |
| Based on stay in a Single Private Room | GBP 3190 per single |
*International flights are not included in the above cost.
