PHOTO TOUR SOUTH : UNDISCOVERED

FEBRUARY 4 – 19, 2019

with photo pro David H. Wells, a South India expert with 60+ trips logged in over two decades of travel to the subcontinent.

OPTIONAL NORTH INDIA EXTENSIONS FEBRUARY 1-5 AGRA () or VARANASI (both via ) OVERVIEW

February 4, 2019, Monday Depart home OVERNIGHT IN: February 5, Tuesday Arrive , India | Transfer to hotel in Mahabalipuram Mahabalipuram February 6, Wednesday Full day shooting in and around Mahabalipuram Mahabalipuram February 7, Thursday Fly from Chennai to Bangalore | Explore KR Market Bangalore February 8, Friday Full day in Bangalore including family dinner Bangalore February 9, Saturday Travel to Belur and Halebid, explore Hoysala sites Hassan February 10, Sunday Shravanabelagola | Continue to Palace (night) Mysore February 11, Monday Full day in and around Mysore Mysore February 12, Tuesday Transfer to Thalassery | Visit villages en route Thalassery February 13, Wednesday Theyyam Festival and local seaside markets Thalassery February 14, Thursday Transfer to highlands to visit the Tea Estates Tea Highlands February 15, Friday Full day shooting tea estate and local village Tea Highlands February 16, Saturday Transfer to Cochin | PM shooting around Cochin Cochin February 17, Sunday Photo walk in Alleppy | Backwaters cruise Cochin February 18, Monday Cochin | Flights Home February 19, Tuesday Arrive home

MAP SELECT HIGHLIGHTS

• Discover lesser-known yet incredible Southern India with a true expert, award-winning photographer David H. Wells, who has logged over 60 trips in two decades of travel to the subcontinent. • Explore a region of diverse landscapes, languages, and cultures (crossing three states––, Tamil Nadu, Kerala––from the Bay of Bengal to the Arabian Sea). • Ease into South India’s more relaxed culture at beachside Mahabalipuram, site of a UNESCO-protected Shore Temple that we photograph at sunrise. • Discover Bangalore from a local’s perspective, including the KR Market (one of the largest flower markets in Asia), a night shoot at Brigade Rood, and a special home-cooked meal at David’s mother-in-law’s house (yes, his wife is from Bangalore, and a photographer no less!). • Visit and photograph the cultural icons of South India that Indians pilgrimage to, such as the temples of the Hoysala dynasty at Belur and Halebid, known for their exquisite architecture and detailed carvings, and the Jain pilgrimage site of Shravanabelagola, including its 57-ft tall monolithic Gommateshwara Bahubali statue. • Experience and photograph a spectacular, rarely-visited and very special Theyyam festival. • In Mysore, enjoy a special-access visit to a silk factory we can photograph, and see its incredible palace both by day for a tour but also one special evening from outside, when it is lit with thousands of lights; • Enjoy multiple visits to villages and markets, both in cities and the countryside • Photograph the preparation and intricate make-up for a Kathakali dance we’ll see in Kerala. • Spend two nights enjoying—and capturing—the tranquility of the highlands on a tea estate. • Enjoy an afternoon cruise in the Backwaters, after exploring Kochi, capital of Kerala.

MAIN ITINERARY

FEBRUARY 4, 2019, MONDAY Depart Home If flying to India from a continent away, today will likely be your departure date.

FEBRUARY 5, TUESDAY Arrive Chennai, India | Mahabalipuram Arrive Chennai and transfer about an hour south to our hotel in Mahabalipuram. Rest and enjoy the remainder of the day after your long-haul flights. Overnight in Mahabalipuram at the Ideal Beach Resort

FEBRUARY 6, WEDNESDAY MAHABALIPURAM Begin the day with a sunrise shoot and visit to the Shore Temple, an 8th-century Hindu temple designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Return to the hotel for a late breakfast and short break before exploring various markets and historical sites in this relaxed, seaside city. Overnight in Mahabalipuram at the Ideal Beach Resort (B, L, D)

FEBRUARY 7, THURSDAY Mahabalipuram | Chennai | BANGALORE Following an early breakfast, we’ll make our way to the Chennai airport for a short flight to Bangalore—the technology capital of southern India and home to over 12 million people—arriving around midday. After lunch, we’ll explore the KR market—Bangalore’s largest and one of the largest flower markets in Asia—with thousands of vendors selling myriad goods. Check-in to our hotel in the evening and enjoy dinner together. Overnight in Bangalore at The Park Hotel (B, L, D)

FEBRUARY 8, FRIDAY BANGALORE Today we will spend the full day exploring the capital of Karnataka, including Tipu Sultan’s summer palace, Lal Bagh Botanic Gardens or Cubbon Park, and various street settings including the spectacle that is Commercial Street. We’ll head back out for an evening shoot at Brigade Road, Bangalore’s biggest and busiest commercial centers, before a special dinner with an Indian family at our photographer David’s mother-in-law’s home. Overnight in Bangalore at The Park Hotel (B, L, D)

FEBRUARY 9, SATURDAY Bangalore | BELUR and HALEBID | Hassan After an early breakfast, we’ll begin our drive west towards the spectacular 12th-century Hoysala dynasty sites of Belur and Halebid, arriving after lunch en route. Renowned for their intricate carvings, both of these sites were former capitals of the Hoysala, and are believed to be the finest remaining works of master architect Jakkanna Acharaya. We’ll spend the afternoon shooting and exploring these sites on a guided visit before checking-in to our hotel in nearby Hassan. Overnight in Hassan at the Hoysala Village Resort (B, L, D)

FEBRUARY 10, SUNDAY Hassan | SHRAVANABELAGOLA | MYSORE PALACE Following breakfast, we’ll complete our exploration of the major archaeological sites in the region with a visit to the Jain pilgrimage site of Shravanabelagola. We’ll spend a short while photographing the village en route to the site, enjoying views over the surrounding countryside as we slowly ascend to see the 57-ft tall, monolithic statue of the Jain god Bahubali, built in the 10th-century. Following time at the top, we’ll descend and re-board our transport, arriving in the early evening to Mysore. Our arrival in Mysore is timed to allow us to photograph the spectacular weekly lighting of Mysore Palace in the evening, which we will view on arrival before continuing to the hotel for check-in. Overnight in Mysore at the Royal Orchid Metropole (B, L, D)

FEBRUARY 11, MONDAY MYSORE Today we will spend the day in Mysore, the third-largest city in Karnataka and capital of the for 600 years. We’ll begin with a guided tour of Mysore Palace (photographed from the exterior the previous evening), followed by a visit to the Chammundi Devi Temple in the nearby foothills. In the afternoon, we’ll explore a local market and enjoy a special visit to a silk factory we’ll have the opportunity to photograph. Overnight in Mysore at the Royal Orchid Metropole (B, L, D)

FEBRUARY 12, TUESDAY Mysore | THALASSERY Following a relaxed morning, we’ll depart Mysore and head southwest to the coastal town of Thalassery, making stops along the way at small villages or festivals where possible. Our destination is a fabulous traditional home located on a hill above the shores of the Arabian Sea; a base from which we can visit and photograph the stunning Theyyam festivals. Overnight in Thalassery at Ayesha Manzil (B, L, D)

FEBRUARY 13, WEDNESDAY Thalassery | THEYYAM FESTIVAL Today’s main focus will be the photographing of a local Theyyam festival. These events—rather small but spectacular— take place in small villages all over the region, with varying amounts of participants. We’ll spend our morning photographing the preparations (makeup and costumes) as well as the dancing and religious events that comprise the festivals. It is a remarkable spectacle of color and movement! After the Theyyam festival, we’ll plan to have lunch with a local family, possibly finding a different local festival or stopping to visit a nearby fish market before or after. In the evening, we’ll return to our traditional home and enjoy a delicious, home-cooked meal by our hosts. Overnight in Thalassery at Ayesha Manzil (B, L, D)

FEBRUARY 14, THURSDAY Thalassery | Valparai | SINNA DORAI TEA ESTATE Experience a vast change of scenery today as we head back inland and up to the highlands of the southern tea estates in Valparai. As we did en route to Thalassery, we’ll make stops at local villages and/or gatherings when possible. We plan to arrive to the tranquil, cool highlands in the early evening, preparing for a day of photographing or relaxing tomorrow. Overnight in Valparai at the Sinna Dorai Tea Estate (B, L, D)

FEBRUARY 15, FRIDAY Valparai: SINNA DORAI TEA ESTATE Leaving the hustle and bustle of the lowlands behind us, this is a chance to relax and enjoy the tranquility of the area, if you wish. Recharge batteries (literally and figuratively), work on photos, or meet with David to answer questions. We’ll also have the option to explore the tea fields, visit the production area, and photograph life in the local village. Overnight in Valparai at the Sinna Dorai Tea Estate (B, L, D)

FEBRUARY 16, SATURDAY Valparai | COCHIN (KOCHI) Following breakfast, we’ll board our transport and head for our final destination and Kerala’s capital, Cochin (or Kochi). Upon our early afternoon arrival, we’ll have a guided tour of Fort Cochin—not only a fort but an entire area of the city— including the Jewish quarter and Dutch Palace. Depending on timing, we will either stay through sunset to photograph the famous Chinese nets in the dying light, or check-in to our hotel and return in the early evening to do so. David’s wife’s photography should be on exhibit at the Kochi Biennale while we’re here, which we hope to stop in to see. Overnight in Cochin at the Waterfront Granary (B, L, D)

FEBRUARY 17, SUNDAY Cochin | Alleppy | BACKWATERS Our final full day will begin with a short drive to Alleppy, where we’ll walk through the historic district of the town before boarding a houseboat around midday. We’ll spend the afternoon aboard the houseboat making our way north, photographing the tranquil Backwaters, finishing in the late afternoon and making our way back up to Cochin. This evening we’ll have an opportunity to photograph the intricate makeup process for Kathakali dance, possibly seeing a performance, time permitting, before our Farewell Dinner. Overnight in Cochin at the Waterfront Granary (B, L, D)

FEBRUARY 18, MONDAY Flights Home Transfer to the airport for flights back home. (B)

OPTIONAL PRE-TRIP EXTENSIONS IN NORTH INDIA

In case you’re up for some additional exploration in India, we’ve put together the following optional extensions:

OPTION 1 Featuring the TAJ MAHAL in AGRA, plus a visit to DELHI FEBRUARY 1, FRIDAY Depart Home FEBRUARY 2, SATURDAY Arrive Delhi Transfer from the airport on arrival, enjoying rest of day at leisure. Overnight Park Hotel in Delhi. FEBRUARY 3, SUNDAY DELHI | Agra Explore Old Delhi over the morning, including a rickshaw ride through the colorful markets of Chandni Chowk and a walk in the spice market. In the afternoon, drive to Agra via the expressway. Overnight at the Crystal Sarovar hotel in Agra (TAJ VIEW ROOM). FEBRUARY 4, MONDAY AGRA Enjoy an unforgettable sunrise visit to the incomparable Taj Mahal, returning later to the hotel for breakfast and the remainder of the morning at leisure. After lunch, visit Agra Fort, one of the best-kept Mughal forts in India, as well as the Roman Catholic Cemetery. Photograph the Taj at sunset from across the river. Overnight at the Crystal Sarovar hotel in Agra (TAJ VIEW ROOM). FEBRUARY 5, TUESDAY Agra | Delhi | Chennai | Mahabalipuram Drive back to Delhi in time for an afternoon flight to Chennai, where the main itinerary begins.

OPTION 2 Featuring VARANASI, plus a visit to DELHI FEBRUARY 1, FRIDAY Depart Home FEBRUARY 2, SATURDAY Arrive Delhi Transfer from the airport on arrival, enjoying rest of day at leisure. Overnight Park Hotel in Delhi. FEBRUARY 3, SUNDAY DELHI | VARANASI Explore Old Delhi over the morning, including a rickshaw ride through the colorful markets of Chandni Chowk and a walk in the spice market. Also see & photograph the Presidential Palace. In the afternoon, fly to Varanasi. Overnight at the Rivatas by Ideal hotel in Varanasi. FEBRUARY 4, MONDAY VARANASI Enjoy an unforgettable sunrise boat ride on the sacred river Ganges, later returning to the hotel for breakfast. Later in the day, walk through the winding streets of the town, a perfect opportunity to capture unique moments as the streets are bustling with local activities. Return to the riverside by sunset to witness and photograph the evening prayer ceremony (Aarti) on the Ganges. Overnight at the Rivatas by Ideal hotel in Varanasi. FEBRUARY 5, TUESDAY Varanasi | Chennai | Mahabalipuram Fly mid-morning direct from Varanasi to Chennai, where the main itinerary begins.

LEADER BIOS

PHOTO PRO & INSTRUCTOR | Award-winning photographer David H. Wells is a true South India expert, with over sixty trips to the subcontinent over the last two decades. A visual storyteller and photo-educator based in Providence, RI, he specializes in intercultural communications and the use of light and shadow to enhance visual narratives in both still and moving imagery. He has been exploring India, especially the South, for a quarter of a century on magazine assignments, grant funded projects, during two Fulbright fellowships and when visiting his family. David’s wife and entire network of in-laws are from South India, making the South his second home. His work has been in over fifty exhibitions and he has taught workshops at the International Center for Photography in NYC and at the Maine Media Workshops. David was featured in Photo District News as one of “The Best Workshop Instructors.”

with his wife & family in South India

TOUR DIRECTOR & SECOND PHOTOGRAPHER | Temu Nana has spent the last decade working various positions in high-end travel while simultaneously honing his skills as a professional photographer, primarily in fine art prints, sports, and advertising images. The son of an international airline pilot and with roots in both North America and Asia, he has led luxury tours and photographic journeys in over 30 countries and traveled to many more, on all seven continents. His time in India—both leading/scouting trips and personal travel—have left him in awe of the colorful, friendly, bustling, chaotic rhythm of life; as varied as it is enticing. Temu’s fascination with the incredible tapestry of Indian culture was only heightened when he looked through his viewfinder and saw almost endless opportunities for photography. Often mysterious, sometimes daunting, and always rewarding, India is unlike any other destination, particularly for photographers. With David H. Wells as instructor, Temu is very much looking forward to sharing some of what made him fall in love with India so many years ago!

ACCOMMODATIONS

RATES & INCLUSIONS

TRIP COST (MAIN TRIP) If booked by September 30, 2018 $5,985 per person, double occupancy* | Single Supplement: $840 Rate after September 30, 2018: $6,485 per person, double occupancy* | same single supplement *Rates require a minimum of 10 participants (max # of participants is 12). Small group supplements: With 8 or 9 participants add $300 to above rates. With 6 or 7 participants, add an extra $300 (minimum # of participants is 6).1 PROGRAM INCLUSIONS: • All sightseeing, tours and activities as described in the itinerary • Stays at carefully selected hotels, as per the itinerary • Photography instruction by award-winning photo pro David Wells, a South India expert • All meals as noted in the itinerary • Baggage handling and airport transfers on arrival and departure • Gratuities to all guides, drivers, porters, and wait staff for group meals • Open Sky’s Temu Nana as your personal host and tour leader • Excellent English-speaking guides throughout • Comfortable, air-conditioned transport for all land travel – plus bottled water provided onboard • The internal flight between Chennai and Bangalore • A detailed and useful Destination and Travel Information Packet to assist with pre-departure planning • Final documents sent in print together with a personalized travel notebook (or alternate gift for past travelers)

NOT INCLUDED: • International airfare. • Tourist entry visas (US citizens can obtain on arrival), reciprocity fees, passport fees, and photos if required. • Medical, accident, baggage, or cancellation insurance. • Personal items and other expenses not specifically mentioned in the program inclusions. • Alcoholic beverages

TRIP EXTENSIONS Option featuring the TAJ MAHAL in AGRA, plus DELHI $490 per person, double occupancy* | Single Supplement: $180 Option featuring VARANASI, plus DELHI $550 per person, double occupancy* | Single Supplement: $210

These extensions have been designed to run with only a minimum of two participating travelers so that their viability doesn’t depend on buy-in from the rest of the group. To keep rates low, fewer meals have been included than on the main trip, and David or Temu will not plan to escort you (unless we have at least 6 travelers on one), therefore tipping is not pre-included. Aside from that, inclusions are as expected for each, as per the descriptions outlined in this document, with stays at lovely hotels. To recap:

Included for both: 3 nights of hotels as per the itineraries, daily breakfast, transport in comfortable vehicles with A/C, water bottles in vehicles, English-speaking guides for sightseeing, and entrance fees to sites listed in the itineraries.

Not included: the internal flights within India (in addition to standard list mentioned for main trip). As of May 2018, these are quoting at $177 p/p for Delhi-Chennai on the first option OR $240 p/p for Delhi-Varanasi & Varanasi-Chennai on the second option. Note: The above options have been designed to flow into the main tour as pre-trip extensions, but if you would like to combine them both, this may be possible as either a longer pre-trip or pre & a post-trip together. We can look into on a case-by-case basis.

1 This means with 8 or 9 participants the early rate would be $6,285. With 6 or 7 participants it would be $6,585. Before September 30. TO BOOK You can either email us at [email protected], call us at +1.212.441.0024, or simply fill out an online Registration Form at http://bit.ly/southindia19reg. Bookings are confirmed via payment of a $900 per person deposit.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Responsibility: Open Sky Expeditions acts only as an agent for the independent suppliers that provide hotel accommodations, transportation, sightseeing, activities, and other services connected with this tour. Said services are subject to the terms and conditions of the respective provider. Open Sky Expeditions and its employees, agents, representatives, and assignees accept no liability whatsoever for any injury, damage, loss, accident, delay, or any other occurrence that might result from the negligence, defect, error or default of any company or person in the performance of said services. Responsibility is not accepted for losses, injury, damages, cancellations, or expenses of any kind due to sickness, weather, strikes, hostilities, wars, terrorist acts, acts of nature, local laws, or other situations of force majeure. All services and accommodations are subject to the laws and regulations of the country in which they are provided. Open Sky Expeditions is not responsible for any baggage or personal effects of any individual participating in any of the tours and activities arranged by Open Sky Expeditions. All travelers are responsible for purchasing their respective insurance policy(ies) to cover expenses and handle emergencies associated with the loss of luggage, personal effects and any other insurable losses associated with their trip. Payment Schedule: A deposit of $900 per person is required to reserve a space on this trip, payable via credit card, check or bank transfer. Final payment is due 60 days before departure. Credit cards are generally not accepted for final payment, unless travelers would like to cover associated transaction fees at a 3% surcharge. Cancellation Policy: All cancellations of confirmed reservations are subject to a $250 per person administrative fee. Additionally, travelers are subject to any cancellation fees assessed by the purveyors of services, including airlines and hotels used in the itinerary. Cancellations received 61-90 days of departure will be assessed a penalty of 25% of the total program cost per person. Cancellations received within 46-60 days will be penalized 50% of the program cost. Cancellations received within 31-45 days will be penalized 75% of the program cost. Cancellations received within 30 days of departure will be assessed a penalty of 100% of the total program cost. All requests for cancellations must be made in writing. These cancellation policies apply in every instance and no exceptions will be made. Refunds: Leaving a trip in progress for any reason whatsoever will not result in a refund. No refunds will be made for any part of this program in which you choose to not participate, including but not limited to hotels stays, air or land transportation, meals, tours or other sightseeing arrangements. Insurance: Travelers with Open Sky Expeditions must carry overseas medical insurance that includes emergency medical evacuation coverage. We strongly recommend purchase of a comprehensive policy that also includes trip cancellation insurance covering illness or accident both prior and during the program as well as coverage for baggage loss or delay. Details on all of these insurance options will be sent to you with your pre-departure information materials. Please take extra care reading the section on insurance and as well as all third party insurance materials. Itinerary: The itinerary, accommodations, and arrangements are subject to change or modification at the discretion of Open Sky Expeditions. Every reasonable effort will be made to operate the program as planned, but changes may still occur after the final itinerary is sent to you. By booking a reservation with Open Sky Expeditions, travelers understand that amenities, types of transport, routes, schedules, and itineraries may change without prior notice due to circumstances or events in the location due to, but not limited to, mechanical breakdowns, flight cancellations, illness, strikes, weather, political disputes, border crossing problems and other unforeseen factors. Rates: Open Sky Expeditions will do everything possible to preserve the prices listed in the original marketing materials you receive. However, between the dates these prices are published and the trip’s actual departure date, unforeseen and exceptional cost increases may occur due to currency fluctuations, taxes, airfare and transport cost increases, or others that may force Open Sky Expeditions to assess a surcharge. If that unusual occurrence were to take place, the assessed surcharge will reflect only the specific cost increase. If the increase were to exceed 10% of the original cost of the tour, you may cancel within 10 days of receiving said notification and obtain a full refund.

South India Photography Tour | Version 1.2

344 GROVE STREET, SUITE 18 Tour Code: IND1902P JERSEY CITY, NJ 07302 Updated: May 31, 2018 (& 8/2 minor, 8/11 supplements clarification, 9/13) WWW.OPENSKYEXPEDITIONS.COM PDF content © 2018 Open Sky Expeditions