Discover India’s Wild Tiger Heart: A Photographic safari 2024

In the heart of the Indian subcontinent lies a realm of untamed beauty, where the majesty of nature and the wilderness unfold like a living, breathing work of art. Join us on an extraordinary photographic journey into the heart of India, where every frame tells a story, every click captures an adventure, and every shot reveals the enchanting wildlife that calls this land home.

This is not just a tour; it is a rendezvous with the wild, a quest for the extraordinary, and a visual symphony crafted by nature herself. “Discover India’s Wild Heart” is a photography expedition that mirrors the style and spirit of National Geographic, an iconic institution renowned for its evocative storytelling and breathtaking visuals.

Our lens will focus on Ranthambore National Park, a biodiversity hotspot where elusive tigers roam freely and where the jungle echoes with the calls of exotic birds. This is your opportunity to capture the magic of the wild, to witness the dance of predator and prey, and to document the unique flora and fauna that thrive in this pristine habitat.

Our guide, a seasoned photographer in the spirit of National Geographic explorers, will lead you through this spectacular wilderness, sharing insights, techniques, and storytelling prowess. With a style that reflects National Geographic’s commitment to truth, exploration, and conservation, we invite you to venture into the heart of the wild, your camera in hand and your heart open to the wonders of the natural world.

Prepare to become a visual storyteller, an adventurer, and a guardian of this extraordinary land. Your camera is your passport to this unparalleled journey. “Discover India’s Wild Heart” – where every frame is a testament to the power and beauty of the wild, and where you become part of a photographic legacy inspired by the National Geographic ethos.

Ranthambore National Park, located in the northwestern state of Rajasthan, India, is one of the country’s most renowned and picturesque wildlife sanctuaries. Spread over an area of approximately 392 square kilometers (151 square miles), it forms a part of the larger Ranthambore Tiger Reserve. Here is more detailed information about Ranthambore National Park:

1. Natural Beauty and Landscape:

  • Ranthambore is known for its stunning landscapes, which include lush forests, rugged terrain, rocky outcrops, and several lakes and rivers. The park’s unique combination of dense forests and open grasslands creates a diverse ecosystem that supports a wide variety of wildlife.

2. Wildlife Abundance:

  • The park is famous for its thriving population of Bengal tigers, and it has become one of the best places in India to observe and photograph these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. Other prominent species found in Ranthambore include leopards, sloth bears, striped hyenas, jackals, and various species of deer, such as sambar and spotted deer.
  • Ranthambore is also a haven for birdwatchers, with over 300 species of birds inhabiting the park, including peafowls, eagles, owls, and a multitude of migratory birds during the winter months.

3. Historical Significance:

  • The park is situated around the historic Ranthambore Fort, which dates back to the 10th century and served as a strategic fortress for many dynasties over the centuries. The fort adds an element of cultural richness to the park, with its ancient temples and architectural marvels.

4. Safari Experience:

  • Ranthambore offers a unique and thrilling safari experience with both jeep and canter (open-air vehicle) safaris. These safaris allow visitors to venture deep into the park’s core zones and provide excellent opportunities for wildlife photography.
  • The park is divided into multiple zones, each offering a distinct landscape and wildlife viewing experience.

5. Conservation Efforts:

  • Ranthambore National Park is a success story in tiger conservation. It was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1957 and later became a national park in 1980. Today, it is a critical part of the Project Tiger initiative, which aims to protect and conserve India’s tiger population.
  • Conservation efforts in Ranthambore have resulted in an increase in the tiger population and the overall health of the ecosystem.

6. Best Time to Visit:

  • The park is open to visitors from October to June, with the ideal time for tiger sightings being during the dry, hot months of April and May when the animals congregate near water sources.

7. Photography Opportunities:

  • Ranthambore is a paradise for wildlife photographers. Its diverse landscapes, abundant wildlife, and the sheer thrill of encountering tigers in the wild make it a favored destination for capturing the essence of India’s natural beauty.

Ranthambore National Park stands as a testament to the harmonious coexistence of wildlife and history, making it a must-visit destination for wildlife enthusiasts, nature lovers, and photographers seeking to capture the captivating stories of the wild.

Day 1

Arrival in Delhi

Your photography adventure begins with your arrival at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi. Welcome and group orientation. Evening exploration of Delhi’s vibrant markets and cultural hotspots, providing ample opportunities for capturing the city’s dynamic atmosphere. Overnight stay in Delhi.

Days 2 – 5 on Safari

Day 2: Delhi – Ranthambore (Train 7.10 – 11.33 hrs) – Afternoon Safari After breakfast, embark on a train journey to Ranthambore. Upon arrival in Ranthambore, check in to your accommodation. In the afternoon, your first safari awaits, providing opportunities to photograph the region’s unique wildlife and stunning landscapes. Overnight stay in Ranthambore.

Day 3: Ranthambore – Morning and Evening Safaris Early morning safari, capturing the beauty of the national park as the sun rises. Return to your accommodation for breakfast and relaxation. In the late afternoon, embark on another exhilarating safari to continue your wildlife and landscape photography. Overnight stay in Ranthambore.

Day 4: Ranthambore – Morning and Evening Safaris Begin the day with another sunrise safari, documenting the park’s captivating wildlife. After breakfast, take some time to review and edit your morning’s photos. In the late afternoon, set out on your fourth safari to explore and photograph the park’s diverse ecosystem. Overnight stay in Ranthambore.

Day 5: Ranthambore – Delhi (Train – 8.25 -13.50). Transfer to Airport. Departure After breakfast, embark on your final safari in Ranthambore. Return to the accommodation for a farewell meal and some time to discuss your memorable experiences. In the afternoon, you’ll journey back to Delhi by train. Upon your arrival in Delhi, you will be transferred to the airport for your departure, concluding this thrilling photography tour.

Where do we stay 

5 star resort

Photography Level

  • Beginners and advanced photographers
  • DSLR / mirrorless / drone support in some areas

Tour Include

  • 4 nights’ accommodation at listed hotels or similar on double sharing basis.

    All meals (not including alcohol).

    Train tickets in AC coach from Delhi – Ranthambore and Ranthambore – Delhi

    Private air-conditioned vehicle during the tour.

    English speaking Photography Guide.

    Local guide and translator.

    All activities and visits are specified in the itinerary.

    x4 Jeep (Shared safari – max 4 pax per jeep) safaris in Ranthambore National Park.

    Unlimited packaged drinking water. Assistance on arrival and departure transfers.

    All applicable current taxes and Government Service Tax.

Tour Exclude

  • International Airfares or connections to New Delhi.
  • Early check-in or late check-out.
  • Alcoholic beverages, snacks, and additional food.
  • Personal extras, such as drinks, laundry, telephone, etc
  • Tips & gratuities to Porters, Waiters, Drivers, and Guides.
  • Visa fees, Airport taxes, Camera/Video fees
  • Optional tours
  • Travel Insurance
  • Any other item not mentioned as included.

Cancellation and Refund Policy

We strongly recommend you to get a Trip Cancellation & Travel Insurance after booking your trip. If you cancel and the Workshop is otherwise filled, we will refund you the full amount you have paid towards the tuition, minus a $300 service charge. If you cancel and the Workshop does not fill, then you will be refunded according to the following schedule, based on the full fee of the Workshop:

Greater than 90 days from the start date of the Workshop:

full refund minus $300 service fee.

75 days or more :75% refund 60 days or more: 50% refund

Less than 60 days: no refund Refunds will be paid by the same method that the original payment was made.

 

What to bring

Gear:
– DSLR or mirrorless camera with tripod
– A wide angle lens. For example, Nikkor 14-24 or Canon 17-40. Best lens for use in wide-angle scenes or architecture photography
– A middle-zoom lens such as a 24-70 mm
– A telephoto zoom lens, such as a 100-400 mm

Wear:
– Waterproof and windproof jacket (light, will be around 20-35 C)
– Waterproof pants
– Warm down-jacket and thermal pants
– Casual clothes for dinners and lunches and photography workshops

Tour leaders – Andy Marty, Harsh Agarwal

Born in Australia, Andy moved to the United Arab Emirates in 2009 and now calls the cosmopolitan city of Dubai home.

Andy’s passion for photography started from an obsession with travel – providing a vehicle to inspire others to venture far and wide. Photography allows Andy to draw on a destination’s culture and represent it visually – whether that is the bazars of India, landscapes of Iceland, or the iconic New York City skyline.

Over the years, Andy’s photography has developed to include as many styles as possible – from cityscapes to wildlife and time-lapse to portraiture. This approach has allowed Andy to create content for international brands like Audi, Fairmont Group, One&Only, Visit Rwanda, and flydubai. Photography is all about visual story-telling and the opportunity to take people to some amazing destinations around the world via Andy’s lens. While many images these days are destined only for social media, Andy still firmly believes that the best place for a great photo is printed and hung on the wall. Andy takes pride in trying to capture images that will be well suited framed and enjoyed every day.

Andy is passionate about sharing knowledge of photography through workshops and photo tours. Andy currently guides private photography sessions, workshops for Nikon, and tours for Iceland Photo Tours, Daniel Kordan Photography, and PhotoPills.

Andy is a brand ambassador for Nikon Middle East and Manfrotto.

In a world where people are taking more photographs than ever before, Andy still loves the challenge of getting that perfect shot.

Talking particularly about India, Harsh has organized and lead photography tours in Leh and Ladakh, captured all hues of Lathmar Holi in Barsana, covered Kumbh Mela, trailed behind tigers during exclusive wildlife tours, cherished Pushkar Mela, clicked lost tribes of India and much more.

An enthusiastic Nikon user, he is doing photography since 2013 and is a keen contributor to Nat Geo. His dedicated work or should it be said his astoundingly captured images along with his interviews have been published many times in Asian Photography Magazine, newspapers including The Times of India, exhibitions, etc. Besides this, his work has also made it all the way to ICCR an international webinar inaugurated by the Hon’ble Prime Minister.

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