Aravalli Hills Expedition

 

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

Whilst Rajasthan is known as the ‘desert state’ of India, its hills – which rise to an altitude of 5653 feet (1723 meters), include lush areas of forest. In times gone by, the rulers of this princely state built palaces on the highest crests of the Aravalli Hills such as the Monsoon Palace at Udaipur and the Badal Mahal – or Palace in the Clouds – at Kumbalgarh Fort, to savour the cooling effects of the monsoon. During this Expedition, we photograph some of the finest examples of Fort and Palace architecture in Rajasthan including Kumbalgarh whose 36 kilometre-long ramparts enclose over 360 Jain and Hindu temples.

In the wake of the monsoon, which first reaches them in late June, the Aravalli Hills 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. 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.

As is always the case on our Expeditions, emphasis is put on photographing people in their environment. The route we follow on our journey across the Aravalli Range offers access to a wide range of subjects and includes a jeep safari in the remote hills surrounding Chittaurgarh, the site of the most important fort of the Rajput kingdom of Mewar. From the shores of Pushkar Lake, to the chaotic streets of Udaipur, through to the liana-strewn temples of Kumbalgarh and the mighty building of Chittaurgarh Fort, this Expedition is designed to sharpen your photographic skills across a dynamic range of urban, rural, and natural environments.

 

Dates: 17 - 30 August 2008
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: £2300
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 three nights in a 16th century castle. 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 Gallery.

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