Our next South India photo journey is scheduled for February 9–24, 2027. Full trip details, including a new brochure and rates, will be posted soon. Sign up here to receive updates.
UNDISCOVERED
SOUTH INDIA
with optional North India trip extensions to Varanasi and Agra
New February 2027 Details Coming Soon
An immersive journey through South India’s living traditions.
In February 2027, journey deep into the cultural heart of South India on a photography-focused expedition guided by renowned photographer and South India expert David H. Wells, alongside Open Sky Expeditions’ Temu Nana. Crossing three distinct states, this carefully crafted itinerary reveals a remarkable range of landscapes, rituals, and daily life, from bustling flower markets and ancient temple complexes to misty tea estates, coastal villages, and tranquil backwaters.
Along the way, you’ll photograph sacred pilgrimage sites, witness the powerful Theyyam rituals of Kerala, explore wildlife-rich national parks on safari, and experience India from a deeply local perspective shaped by decades of on-the-ground knowledge. With time built in for spontaneous moments, village encounters, and patient observation, this journey offers a rare opportunity to engage with South India’s layered rhythms, traditions, and visual richness in a way few travelers ever do.
Bangalore 3 nights · Hassan 1 night · Mysore 2 nights · Coonoor 2 nights · Bandipur National Park 1 night · Kannur 2 nights · Cochin 2 nights · plus pre-trip extensions to North India, including Varanasi and Agra
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
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Discover Bangalore from a local’s perspective, including the KR Market, one of the largest flower markets in Asia, guided by David who has lived here part time.
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Photograph South India’s most important pilgrimage sites, including the exquisitely carved Hoysala temples at Halebid and the Jain site of Shravanabelagola.
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Witness and photograph the powerful Theyyam ritual, a deeply rooted ceremonial tradition of northern Kerala villages.
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Explore Mysore Palace by day, then return in the evening when the palace and grounds are illuminated with thousands of lights.
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Enjoy a peaceful morning photographing birdlife at the Rangnathittu Bird Sanctuary outside Mysore.
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Visit Bandipur National Park for a guided safari, with opportunities to photograph Royal Bengal Tigers and other wildlife.
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Spend time in local villages and markets, both urban and rural, with flexibility for spontaneous photographic moments.
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Unwind for two nights in the cool highlands, photographing tea estates and daily life amid rolling green hills.
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End the journey in Kerala with an afternoon cruise through the Backwaters after exploring historic Kochi.
WORDS FROM OUR TRAVELERS
“You guys are great - so organized and helpful...everyone at Open Sky made this a seamless journey. I had never used a tour company before...I think the level of detail and care allowed me to focus on photography and trust the rest would be handled. Loved it - would highly recommend you and would go anywhere with Temu.”
"Outstanding. A lifetime experience."
“Well done! Excellent team - David Temu Dennis - couldn't have asked for more - we dipped in to so many of the sights, sounds, and smells of India - I feel full (for now) Thank you!!”
"I'm interested in the overlay of spiritual traditions and indigenous cultures - I found so many of the expressions of faith deeply meaningful. many times I had to put my camera down and just experience what was happening. sometimes I can get caught up in getting the shot and missing being a part of something so much larger - India is a place of mystery and magic in my experience and this trip did not disappoint."
WATCH THE COMPREHENSIVE TRIP PRESENTATION WE GAVE IN 2024.
On this recording:
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Temu Nana and David Wells introduce themselves and the details of the trip.
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An in-depth look at the day-by-day itinerary for both the main trip and the extensions to Agra and Varanasi.
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Information about our hotel accommodations.
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Special notes about photography on the trip, including some of David and Temu's gear recommendations.
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A live Q&A Session at the end of the presentation.
BOOKING THIS TRIP
Have More Questions?
We're happy to assist! Please contact us at info@openskyexpeditions.com, or call us at 1.844.OPENSKY or +1.212.441.0024.
Trip Requirements
To participate on this trip, you will need to:
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Passport: Carry a passport valid for at least 6 months after the trip ends
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Travel Insurance: Have travel insurance that at least covers emergency medical evacuation. This can be obtained after booking the trip. CLICK HERE to view details on the options offered via our partners Travel Insured International and Wanderwell.